Aarakocra

Basic Information

Anatomy

Best described as a humanoid bird, Aarakocra have a similar structure to humans, though there are a few notable differences. The first is that Aarakocra have additional joints slightly beneath their shoulders that connect their wings to their body. The second notable difference is that the hearts, lungs, and esophagi of Aarakocra are slightly larger than those of humans. The final difference is that Aarakocra have a beak instead of teeth and a portion of their stomach, known as the gizzard, is used to crush food.

Genetics and Reproduction

Aarakocra reproduce sexually, laying eggs 1-2 week after fertilization. It takes these eggs anywhere from 3-6 months to hatch, dependent on the species.

Growth Rate & Stages

Aarakocra grow exceptionally quickly, reaching maturity after only about 3 years. Aarakocra usually don't live longer than 30 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Originally from the Plane of Air, Aarakocra tend to favor higher places for their homes. They live mostly in treetops and near the peaks of mountains. Different species are adapted better to different climates, but most Aarakocra prefer less extreme environments.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivorous. Due to their lack of teeth, Aarakocra must tear or cut larger pieces of food to be able to eat it. Additionally, they prefer softer foods that do not require as much effort to consume.

Aarakocra tend to hunt alone, although some species will hunt together. They often fly above their prey, swooping down to strike at it when they can before retreating to the safety of the sky. Once they have killed their prey, an Aarakocra will usually carry it to somewhere the Aarakocra knows is safe to eat.

Biological Cycle

Some Aarakocra will undergo a Molting, usually taking place around 15 years old. This Molting takes about 1 week and results in the Aarakocra losing and regrowing its feathers, often in a new pattern. During a Molting an Aarakocra will usually spend time reflecting on its life and it is not uncommon for a recently molted Aarakocra to act very differently.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Aarakocra are fairly solitary creatures, but will often join together in small tribes. When in a tribe, the eldest of the members will act as the leader and they will be advised and assisted by a shaman or cleric. A typical tribe will consist of anywhere from 10-20 Aarakocra who will all share a large nest.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Although it is often considered tasteless, some creatures use Aarakocra feathers in clothing, jewelry, and decorations.

Facial characteristics

The facial features of Aarakocra are very dependent on species, but they all share some features. All Aarakocra have large beaks where the nose and mouth of a human would be. Their eyes are fairly large and can be either circular or ovular. Aarakocra do not have protrusions for their ears, instead having holes in the sides of their head that are hidden by feathers and allow them to hear.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Aarakocra are located primarily in the two major mountain ranges of Kameria: The Epec Mountains and the Demon Spires. They can also be found in some areas of Sekal and Arad, although they are less common.

Average Intelligence

Aarakocra are fairly intelligent, although it is not uncommon for them to know less about things in the material plane than your average human.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

All Aarakocra have great sight, and certain species have even better sight, hearing, and smell.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Most Aarakocra find thick and vibrant feathers to be more beautiful. Certain species will find more or less colorful feathers beautiful.

Gender Ideals

Aarakocra do not have many gender roles within their tribes, but it is more common for females to be clerics and shamans while males are more likely to become warriors and hunters.

Average Technological Level

Aarakocra are fairly advanced, but they are not exceptionally inclined towards technology. Most Aarakocra tribes would appear almost primitive, relying more on magic than machines. Despite this, Aarakocra have contributed to the development of some advanced technologies, including prototypes of leather wings and early designs of elemental-powered engines.

A favored weapon of the Aarakocra is what they call "feather knives." Feather knives are small throwing daggers that are designed to be easily hidden in the feathers and wings of Aarakocra.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

All Aarakocra speak Auran. They also, however, speak their own dialect of Auran known as Aarakocran.

Common Etiquette Rules

It is common among Aarakocra to pay respects to any creature that provides you with something. Whether you are given a gift or are purchasing something from a merchant, it is polite among Aarakocra to thank the other person and, in some situations, offer them something in return. It is also considered proper among Aarakocra to pray to their god(s) or supernatural forces before eating, hunting, or leaving a location.

Common Dress Code

Aarakocra do not have strict ideas regarding dress, although it is considered polite to cover yourself when interacting with other creatures. Aarakocra tend to wear light clothing that is either very loose-fitting or is designed to sit very tightly against their body. They are also very fond of wearing small pieces of jewelry on their wrists and around their neck.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

One of the favored customs of Aarakocra are sky dances. Sky dances are exactly what they sound like, dances that the Aarakocra perform while flying. Aarakocra usually perform sky dances during festivals, to worship their gods, and to perform rituals. Recently, however, some Aarakocra have started to choreograph larger dances to be performed for entertainment.

Common Taboos

The worst taboo among Aarakocra, even worse than murder, is the imprisonment of another Aarakocra. It is even worse to take an Aarakocra's wings from it unwillingly.

Common Myths and Legends

The Birth of Aarakocra

The most prolific legend told among Aarakocra is that of the creation of Aarakocra. It is said that in days before time the Queen of the Sky, the goddess Lufta, created a realm of pure sky, the Plane of Air. Lufta spent her time carefully crafting her world exactly as she desired it. When she was done she became its ruler, but she quickly became aware that she had nothing to rule over except the sky. Lufta swiftly set to work again, creating creatures to inhabit her world. At first, she took pieces of clouds and swirling gusts of wind to create elemental of pure air. These creatures satisfied her for a short time, but Lufta was acutely aware of their lack of a mind. To solve this, she tried to make a second creature. She took the silver linings of a cloud and the words that are whispered upon the wind to create a being of powerful magic and ancient secrets. She called this creature a djinn, and it entertained her for another while. She could talk to the djinn and enjoyed their company, but felt that they were lacking something. Power. The elementals were strong, the djinn even more so, but they were still nothing compared to her. So Lufta began working on her third creature. She took the whirling torrents, roaring thunder, and vicious lighting of a storm to make a being of chaotic power. This was her most powerful creation and she was pleased. The tempest that she had created was to powerful for her to control, however, and it began to ravage her world. To stop this creature, she had to make a new creature, but she had very few resources left. Lufta took gentle gusts of wind, warm updrafts, and the piercing chill of cold air to create her wardens. She used her limited resources carefully and created three guardians of the sky. These were the first Aarakocra, the ancestors of all others in the world.

Scientific Name

Avem Sapiens

Origin/Ancestry

Eagle/Hawk, Owl, Raven, Vulture. Magic has created Parrot, Pigeon, and Songbird varieties as well.

Lifespan

30

Average Height

4'10"-5'3"

Average Weight

80-100 lbs

Average Physique

Aarakocra are very nimble and slight. Although they can be quite strong, they are almost always very lean and don't often appear muscular.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The coloring of Aarakocra varies wildly from species to species, ranging from simple blacks and whites to complex patterns of various colors.

Aarakocra

Ability Score Increase +2 Dex, +1 Wis

Size Medium

Speed 25 ft.

---

Flight. You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.
Talons. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 + your Strength modifier slashing damage on a hit.

Alternate Features
Arial Guardian. Some aarakocra spend time strengthening their wings so that they can fly while wearing armor. your flying speed is reduced to 30 feet. You can use your flying speed while wearing medium or heavy armor. If you are wearing heavy armor, your flying speed is reduced to 20. (alters Flight)
Bladewing. Whenever you fly at least 15 feet before ending your movement within 5 feet of a creature, you can use your reaction to deal 1d6 slashing damage to that creature. (replaces Talons)
Eagle Eye. You can see up to 1 mile away with no difficulty. You are able to discern even fine details as though looking at something no more than 100 feet away from you. (replaces Talons)
Flightless. Your base movement speed is 35 feet. You gain one feat of your choice. (alters Speed, replaces Flight)
Magic of the Sky. Some aarakocra undergo a ritual that gives them control over the wind, at the cost of their wings. You learn the gust cantrip. Additionally, you can cast the feather fall spell a number of times per day equal to your Wisdom modifier. At 3rd level, you can cast warding wind once per day. At 5th level you can cast fly once per day. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells. (replaces Flight)
Owls Sight. You have darkvision with a range of 60 feet. (replaces Talons)
Raptor Talons. Your base walking speed is reduced to 20 feet and your flying speed is reduced to 40 feet. Whenever you hit a creature with your talons, you deal 2d4 + your Strength modifier slashing damage instead. (alters Speed, Flight, and Talons)
Silent Flight. Your flight is completely silent and you have advantage on any Dexterity (Stealth) checks you make while flying. (replaces Talons)

Languages. Common, Aarakocran, and Auran