Aarakocra
The Descendants of the Plane of Air
The Wardens of the Sky and the Ambassadors of the Air. The Aarakocra are one of the outlander species. They supposedly came from beyond the realm at an undetermined time during the Age of Pre-History. Thanks to their flight, they spread across Kesia, finding nests in the untouched regions of the world. They dominate the mountaintops and take control of the sky as a place where they can stay for days even weeks on end, only needing to land to lay eggs or grab what they hunt. Outpacing and outflying all but Dragons and flying monsters, they are sometimes called the rulers of the air and not much has been able to contest that reign.
Basic Information
Anatomy
When looked at from a distance, it's not uncommon for people to mistake Aarakocra for large birds. From below, they look little like humanoids but that quickly changes when they move up close. Their legs taper out to talons, much like the birds they share a resemblance to and their heads can vary between different types of birds such as parrots, eagles, and the like. From their back sprout two large wings.
Growth Rate & Stages
Aarakocra spend a very short time in infancy and childhood, physically maturing at 3 years of age. The majority of them don't live past 30 years but they have the ability to live up to 60.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Aarakocra prefer to be in lands where there are mountains as they hate being on the ground for too long. As a result, they mainly stay close to the mountains of Flokia and Torzhokia, avoiding competition with anyone else who tries to fly in their space. Sometimes, they may inhabit the ground in Torzhokia but considering how Torzhokians perceive them, they prefer to not deal with them.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Aarakocra have a natural to Common just like the other races but they also speak Auran, a language unique to people and things from the Elemental Plane of Air. Aarakocra, the language only they can master, is a dialect of Auran... which in turn is a dialect of Primordial.
History
The Aarakocra came about the same time as the rest of the species of Kesia did. They're one of the few species that wasn't crafted by a god or even hailed from Kesia. Their affinity for air and their wings are supposedly attributed to the Air Elemental Plane but not much is known about the Air Plane to confirm or deny that. As of the Age of Strife, not many mages have been able to do a thorough study on the Aarakocra origins. What is known is that they stuck to the highlands of Haejon, Flokia, and Torzhokia. Each influenced the area in their own ways.
The Koryoese Aarakocra were amazing rangers and served as an influence on the Koryoese archers who would become feared for their accuracy and quickness. They even served in those units during the early glory days of Haejon. However, more and more Aarakocra were lost as Haejon lost its strength. When the Lich King rose and devastated the mountains of Haejon, the Aarakocra nest was destroyed and most of the Aarakocra were killed. No one knows what happens to the survivor as they stayed in the Spellplague lands just as the Minotaurs did.
The Angshire Aarakocra mostly keep themselves. They prefer to keep watch over their nest at the peak of the highest Flokian mountain. They do head down to hunt monsters that could be getting too close to their nest or even trade with the Dwarves. During the years of conflict between the forces of the Dragons and the forces of the Dwarves and Giants, the Aarakocra mainly stayed out of it. However, when dragons got close to their nest, they joined the ground forces and tried to cast the Dragons out of the skies. It was a hard fight and there were many losses on the Aarakocra side as didn't have the local protection of the mountains. When the conflict with dragons ceased, the Aarakocra took time to heal, keeping a grudge against the Dragons of the East. Currently, they just serve as Wardens of the Sky in Flokia.
Rusanic Aarakocra are the most disliked amongst the three types of Aarakocra. However, these also have the strangest history around them. Excavations and studies have found Aarakocra bones around Neo-Tyk cities. However, all signs point to there being no flesh. As in, not worn away by time. That someone stripped the flesh off the Aarakocra and ate them or used them. Strangely enough, there's no reason for Aarakocra bones to exist there since they prefer the mountains. That and other observations have led to the Tykriel Theory. Supposedly, an ancient race known as the Tykriel might've hunted the Aarakocra and other species in the area. It would explain the lack of people in the east and a large number of bones and the abundance of ruins. Whatever the case, the Aarakocra have always been seen as outsiders as they keep to themselves. Recently, the Aarakocra have been dealing with disappearances and blame Torzhokia for it. As a result, the Rusanic Aarakocra have declared on the people of Torzhokia, raiding and attacking the countryside and towns. Some have tried to stay out of the conflict but with more and more Aarakocra being treated harshly, the entire species might find itself on one side, fighting for the safety of their people.
Common Myths and Legends
- The Flight of the Aarakocra: A myth that tells of the Aarakocra leaving the Air Elemental Plane.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Aarakocra are one of the few races whose origins lie outside of the Material Plane. They're a fascination to scholars who want to know more about the realms outside of the Material Planes and those who wish to learn about the ancient myths that may hint to the creation of Kesia as a whole.
The Dwarves love the Aarakocra in Flokia because their natural aptitude as rangers allow them to hunt monsters with ease. They entrust them along with the other surface Flokian races to keep the monster population culled and even trade with the Aarakocra.
However, Torzhokian Aarakocra aren't well-liked due to their habit to raid the countryside and even cities if they build up enough manpower. Aarakocra hosts are a thing to be feared especially for people who don't have airships since not many can compete with the flying speed of the Aarakocra. In general, Torzhokia as a whole is at war with the Aarakocra and as of the late centuries of the Age of Strife, it doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. Aarakocra reach maturity by age 3. Compared to humans, aarakocra don’t usually live longer than 60 years.
Alignment. Most aarakocra are good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.
Size. Aarakocra are about 5 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
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 slashing damage on a hit.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Auran.
Comments
Author's Notes
This Aarakocra Article is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. The statblocks and some of the information were inferred or taken from The Elemental Evil Player’s CompanionTM.