Aarakocra
Aarakocra, also known as "Guardians of the Sky", were a humanoid race of avian creatures that inhabited the high cliffs and winds of Naneth. Quite a rare sight on Naneth, Aarakocra are found only in a select few spots, such as the mountains of Meridian and Chult.
Description
Aarakocra resembled large human-like birds, standing upon two feet, with large wings protruding from their back. On average an Aarakocra stood about 5'0" - 5'5", and weighed at most, around 100lbs. They possessed hollow bones, allowing them to be quite weightless. Because of these features, Aarakocra were extremely well suited to flight, often preferring to fly everywhere they went, instead of dulling their talons upon the ground. Luckily, Aarakocra also possessed arms and hands, separate from their wingspan. Each hand had 4 fingers, and ended in sharp talon like nails. On their feet, Aarakocra sported three large talons, perfects for carrying items, or catching fish in mid flight. All Aarakocra also had beaks, like a parrot or eagle. These beaks allowed them to enjoy diets of fruits and fish, and little else. Aarakocra could not chew their food, and preferred to swallow it whole if possible. Perhaps an Aarakocra's greatest feature, their feathers, came in many shades and colours, depending on where they lived and their family heritage. Though males tended to have more colourful plumage, and females often displayed shades of brown or gray. The lifespan of an Aarakocra was the shortest of any other high race on Naneth, with most individuals living only to 30-40 years of age. Aarakocra reached maturity by age 3, where they would finally become fully grown, and strong enough to take to the skies.Society
In Naneth, Aarakocra lived among the highest peaks and cliffs. They did not take well to colder temperatures, and preferred to stay in the southern regions of the world, such as Meridian and Chult. The most famous tribe of Aarakocra hailed from the Mistcliffs in Chult, at the monastery of Kir-Sabal. Most Aarakocra, such as the inhabitants of Kir-Sabal, lived peaceful lives, almost monk-like existences, preferring to tend to their own troubles, and away from the issues of the wider world. Others, such as the Aarakocra of the Sunrise Jungle and Brightspire Mountains, while still staying private from most matters, do no follow a peaceful lifestyle. They believe themselves the Guardians of the Sky, and jealously protect the right to fly among Naneth's skies. Though they are not known as dangerous folk, they do not take well to outsiders, and often shun the non-Aarakocra among them.History
Aarakocra were created as one of the thousands of beasts given life by Eldath and Silvanus, during the Age of Creation. From the northeastern portion of Naneth, Aarakocra spread out into the southern regions, fleeing from the colder temperatures of the north. They began to inhabit regions that would later be known as Meridian and Chult. At this point, Aarakocra would have been known only as animals by this point, not eon the same level as other intelligent races, like the Eldar or Humans. Throughout the Age of Fire, Aarakocra did not have a hand in the events that transpired in the north. They stayed clear of the War of Fire, as the tyranny of Tiamat did not have an effect on them, as they lived far to the south. When the Age of Mists began, Aarakocra escaped the mists by rising above the heavy, toxic gas. For centuries they stayed upon the highest peaks, staying safe from the death below. As the Age of Renewal began, the Aarakocra finally appeared to the wider world as an intelligent race. Eventually, they became members of the higher races, in area like Meridian and Chult. Still, the Aarakocra prefer to be left to their own devices, away from major civilizations, within the safety of their own tribes.
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