Aerakocra
Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Aerakocra are vertical bipedal hexapods, with two sets of forelimbs (a set of manipulatory limbs in the front of the upper torso and a pair of large, feathered wings behind them) and a pair of hindlimbs used for terrestrial locomotion. The lower section of the spine transitions into a short, feathered tail, used for balance while on the ground and a rudder while in flight. Aerakocra have a spongy, lightweight internal skeleton composed of calcium phosphate and collagen, with support filaments of carbon fibre. Their vascular oxygen carrier is coboglobin, a cobalt-based protein that turns amber when oxidized. Aerakocra are mostly covered by a coat of keratinous feathers, colored in varying shades of red, orange, yellow, and white.Perception & Sensory Capabilities
Visual
Aerakocra have very keen sight, quite possibly the highest distance to detail ratio of any sighted sophont species. Their visual sense is provided by a pair of binocular tri-pupil focal eyes just above the beak, which are able to pick up motion, definite shape, spatial orientation, and a wide spectrum of color ranging from near-infrared well into the ultraviolet.
Olfactory
The aerakocra olfactory sense is moderately sensitive, with a large chemosensory chamber and nasal passageway to allow for significant air volume intake through a linked pair of spiracles in the upper beak.
Auditory
Aerakocra are also excellent auditory sensors thanks to a pair of dense, tapering pinnae towards the rear of the skull. These have an organ at their base composed of several nerve clusters that are activated separately by different stimuli, which allow the aerakocra to instinctively "hear" the difference between sonic and gravitic stimuli.
Tactile
Aerakocra are particularly sensitive to ambient airflow thanks to their feathers. Their entire epidermis is sensitive to tactile input, though the effect is most intense in the structures at the ends of the non-wing limbs.
Ecology
Geographic Origin & Distribution
The aerakocra achieved spaceflight only a few centuries before first contact with humans, though the height of their influence was more recent. Koliar was once the heart of a grand interstellar civilization, now a shadow of its former self thanks to generations of socioeconomic decline. The remnants of this culture are spread across the Cygnus Rift, concentrated around Koliar, though aerakocra are not nearly as common as humans or Klex.Habitat & Survival Factors
The optimal survival range in a variety of factors for an unequipped aerakocra is quite wide to begin with, but given the technology and/or resources to build said technology, these hardy sophonts can eke out a living almost anywhere in the cosmos given sufficient oxygen content and space to exercise their wings.Civilization & Culture
The core belief of the long-fallen High Aeryne culture is freedom, with many believing that freedom is the path to transcendence.Major Organizations
Major Language Groups & Dialects
Culture & Heritage
Common Traditions
Common Taboos
Tolerances
Interspecies Relations
Hyperlanes Info
Physical Traits
Flight
You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this ability, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor. You suffer no damage from falling so long as you are conscious, due to the wings and light frame of your species. When falling from a height of 30 feet or more, you may move horizontally as normal using your speed.Natural Weapons
Your talons and beak act as natural weapons, adding 1d4 piercing and slashing damage to your unarmed attacks.Enhanced Vision
You can see twice as far as most other species can, and have advantage on Perception skill rolls related to seeing details.Pilot’s Mind
You think in a more 3-dimensional way than many species, granting you advantage on all rolls for tool use with flying vehicles.Cultural Traits
Suggested culture: AeryneCHA increases by 1
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