Kenku
Kenku are flower-jawed anthropoid tetrapods from the forest moon Cara-tyr. Four jaw segments and four eyes arranged radially around the head make them somewhat unique among sophonts. With two syrinxes and a larynx gracing their tracheae, the kenku are the best vocal mimics in the known universe. Their dark plumage, low-light vision, and sensitive internal ears are well-adapted for their nocturnal lifestyle, and their four zygodactyl limbs enable high mobility in their arboreal habitat.
Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Kenku are vertical bipedal tetrapods, with a pair of manipulatory forelimbs at the top of the torso and a pair of hindlimbs at the bottom of the torso used for terrestrial locomotion. Kenku have an internal skeleton composed of collagen and cartilage, with support filaments of carbon fibre. Their vascular oxygen carrier is coboglobin, a cobalt-based protein that turns amber when oxidized.Perception & Sensory Capabilities
Visual
Kenku visual sense is moderately strong, though more adapted to low-light vision. They see with four slit-pupil focal eyes spaced evenly around the head, which are able to pick up motion, definite shape, spatial orientation, and color.
Olfactory
Kenku olfactory sense is actually rather weak, facilitated by an array of chemosensory tendrils positioned around the base of the mouth.
Auditory
Kenku hearing is their strongest sense, facilitated by four internal ears: one set behind each eye. They are able to detect a spectrum of sound from low frequencies into ultrasound.
Tactile
The kenku tactile sense is very strong. Their entire epidermis is sensitive to tactile input, though the effect is most intense in the manipulative structures at the ends of the upper limbs and their facial whiskers.
Ecology
Geographic Origin & Distribution
Hailing from the temperate garden moon Cara-tyr in the Alchiba system, the kenku achieved spaceflight soon after first contact with humans and have spread across the cosmos alongside them and their allies. Kenku are one of the more common spacefaring sophont species in known space, and can be found just about anywhere, though their numbers are concentrated in core space near their system of origin.Habitat & Survival Factors
The optimal survival range in a variety of factors for an unequipped kenku 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.Civilization & Culture
The Cara-ki culture of the kenku is actually a patchwork of influences from the diverse civilizations of known space. Their instinctual penchant for mimicry has led them to adopt and assimilate bits of other cultures into their own in much the same way that the Klex assimilate technologies.Major Organizations
Major Language Groups & Dialects
Culture & Heritage
Common Traditions
Common Taboos
Scientific Name
Corvanthropus sapiens (Caragenids)
Average Height
1.1 m
Average Weight
32 kg (1G)
Tolerances
Interspecies Relations
Hyperlanes Info
Physical Traits
Mimicry
You can mimic sounds you have heard, including voices. You gain proficiency and advantage in the Deception skill.Natural Weapons
Your talons act as natural weapons, adding 1d4 piercing and slashing damage to your unarmed attacks.Darkvision
You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You cannot discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.Cultural Traits
Suggested culture: Cara-kiCHA increases by 1
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