Aaracokra

Aarakocra are the feathered denizens of the skies. They are most populous in Onamata, the Gate Isles, and the Two Kaers. Originally from the Elemental Plane of Air, they populated the floating islands before spreading their wings and exploring the rest of distant Galoria. According to their traditional myths and legends, the Onamatan aarakocra were originally interplanar voyagers-- the Legendary Great Eagles rode in from the Plane of Air in massive celestial canoes and ships, guided by their navigators and chieftains who guided their kin by following the stars. The floating islands, buoyed by the magic of the Elemental Chaos, became their home. When they built their cities and ventured forth to the great landmasses beyond, they met with the land-walkers and entered an alliance.
Galoria as a whole would be a whole different world without the cultural influence of the aarakocra. They are the pioneers of aeronautical transport and are the reason air trade… and sky crime… have flourished. Their noble image as voyagers and sky-captains has been tainted somewhat in recent years because of a recent spike in piracy.
Although aaracokra barely live to be over 30 and are outlived by the majority of other races, they embrace this and enjoy their years to the fullest. Aaracokran culture says the reason their lives are so short is because their patron god, the Sky-Father, misses them so much when they are apart from him in the Material Plane. An aaracokra sees old age as not the end of a life, but rather the end of a long voyage. Death is seen as a return to their beloved Sky-Father in the Plane of Air, bringing home stories of their adventures in the Material Plane to share with him.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Aarakocra appear as bipedal bird-folk with beaks, wings, talons and feathers. Their bodies are covered in soft plumage in a variety of colours, which vary between individuals along with, beak shapes, talon shapes and so on. The most notable feature of aarakocra are their large feathered wings, strong enough to carry them freely in the air. Their talons are sharp enough to slash flesh.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Aaracokra have short, single names featuring clicks or trills. Typically, a name has two to four syllables with the sounds acting as connectors.
Male Names: Ari, Wiki, Niko
Female Names: Meri, Aonui, Kiri

Lifespan

Mature at 3 years, max age 30 years.

Average Height

1.6 - 2m

Aaracokra Impressions

When seen positively: A free-thinking and adventurous race who live lives to their fullest. No day is a slow day for the birdfolk!
When seen negatively: Either isolated, bird-brained idiots who are impressed by everything outside their tiny island, or violent and ruthless pirates who cannot be trusted with goods.