Kenku

Once a people stripped of their voices and wings, the Kenku are a mischievous, thieving people deep set in their religion and trying to survive in a harsh world.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Although they evolved from avians, kenkus have no wings or capacity for flight. Instead, they have arms in place of wings and bird-like talons for hands and feet. They retained bird-like features, however, with black and beady eyes and a long dark-hued beak. Head and torso are covered with soft feathers, a dark russet-brown color or jet black, while their scrawny limbs are mostly bare and scaled like a bird's with some remaining plumage especially around the elbow and shoulder. They most resemble ravens. Kenkus tend to be slightly smaller than the average human, standing at around 5 feet (1.5 meters). Because they have partially hollow bones, they are lighter than most creatures their height, averaging only 75 pounds (34 kilograms). They are therefore not as strong, but they are more agile and dexterous.

Genetics and Reproduction

Kenkus lay eggs which take approximately two months (72 days) to hatch. They have a mating season in the spring, however it's not impossible to have a clutch of eggs outside of the spring months. Usually they lay a clutch of up to four eggs, however not all survive the gestation period. They're kept in handcrafted nests, and protected by the entire clan and raised by the mothers until adulthood at age ten.

Growth Rate & Stages

Kenku live for about sixty years, and thus they age far quicker than most species. After they hatch, Kenku are hatchlings until 5, upon which they are considered juvenile. At age 10 they become adults, fully grown and feathered. At age 50 they become Elders, respected and greyed members of the community. Hatchlings: When first born they're featherless and completely senseless. After the first two weeks they gain some senses, and when they first open their eyes after a month there is a large celebration. They are utterly defenseless beyond learning their mimicry capabilities, and often attempt to fly despite their natural inability. Hatchlings are considered the most important member of the clan, and are fiercely defended and raised by the Mothers - Any mature female who has successfully laid a clutch. After the months they gain down feathers, soft and meant to keep them warm, and start to enhance their motor abilities. Juveniles: The equivalent of the teen phase, Kenku become juveniles upon reaching the age of 5. They now possess the ability to think critically, speak, and dexterously explore the world around them. Juveniles are exceptionally mobile, and are a Mother's greatest headache. They're encouraged to start training in what catches their interest, such as partaking in hunts, apprenticing under traders, or attending stealth classes. Juveniles have lost all their down and are now varying shades of brown or black. Their eyes also now reflect their true eye color, which comes in a variety of shades. Males also begin to bulk up in comparison to their female counterparts, however they still remain wiry and small. Adults: Upon reaching the age of 10, Kenkus have a ceremony conducted by the Chieftain to symbolize their passage into adulthood. A rite is performed, where a fresh adult Kenku must go on a pilgrimage of sorts and return to the clan with a worthy treasure to prove they will aid the community. This can be anything from literal treasure, to a mighty prey or gift of knowledge. At this age they have reached their full height, ranging from 5' - 5'5 and weigh around 75 lbs. Elders: Having successfully lived nearly a full life, Kenku who reach the age of 50 have gone grey and have lost most of their feathers. Their bodies have become gangly, with slouched shoulders and extended necks. They begin to resemble a vulture more than raven. At this age their vision also begins to falter, and they often have lapses in sanity. Even still, these Kenku are deeply respected by the community, and are called upon for their wisdom.

Ecology and Habitats

Kenku thrive in most biomes, though their native land is the savannah plains of Mayora. They fair poorly in the cold snows, and refuse to live in extremely wet areas such as marshes or jungles. Kenku are rather clever however, and are able to adapt in time to their new surroundings.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Naturally omnivores, Kenku can eat anything from bugs to fish to fruits. They're a scavenger species for the most part, and are willing to go to great lengths if it means surviving another day. Their favorite type of food however is fish, and are excellent fishermen despite the hot land they are native of. Kenku are quite dexterous with their talons, and have crafted a variety of baskets, pots and storage devices to keep their food fresh centralized.

Biological Cycle

Kenku do not undergo much change with the seasons, and neither do they hibernate. However, migration was very common in Mayora prior to the Collapse. Many Kenku would travel to warmer lands during winter, and return in spring with treasures stolen from those lands.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Kenku have a very strict social structure based on family values. A gang, flock or settlement is considered a family in of itself. Lead by those who prove themselves worthiest (usually by a display of strength, cunning or wisdom), the rest of the flock is obedient to the leader. In large settlements they are referred to as a Chieftain, while gangs or flocks simply call them "Boss". Hatchlings are the most valuable members of the community, and are raised not only by the Mothers (any mature female who has successfully laid a clutch) but by the community itself. The structure goes as follows:

Chieftain/Boss

Hatchlings

Mothers

Elders

Thieves/Spies

Soldiers/Hunters

Juveniles

Facial characteristics

Large corvid beaks, alert avian eyes and head plumage.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Born in the savannah plains of Mayora, Kenku are now found all across Sumano, in ghettos or shadowy underbellies of cities. They are distrusted by most other races, and live in gangs together.

Average Intelligence

Kenku are not the most intelligent, though there are some shining examples on either end of the spectrum. They are easily fixated with something, especially if it is valuable or shiny.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Kenkus have near perfect vision, capable of picking details out miles away and discerning the finest details. They have an acute sense of hearing as well, and a perfect mimicry capability. They can recreate any noise they hear, from words in the voices of those who'd spoken, to animalistic roars.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The old ways of naming are lost to the Kenku, faded from memory and legend. Now, Kenku have two main naming traditions. Currently the more traditional one, mimicry names. As when the Kenku could not speak with their own voice but instead mimic something heard, most names were common objects or words. "Silver Beak" "Red Wing" "Dart River" would be examples of such. Last names were used to identify a group rather than individual, and a flock or gang would have the same last name (which also acted as their community name). These names were also often given by others, and would be simple in nature. The modern means of naming is less common but steadily growing as Kenku rediscover their identity and forge a new culture. These names are often musical, pleasing to hear, or easily chirruped. They have a heavy use of K's, C's and Q's. Last names are still used to identify a community, and those without last names are considered outcasts. Those without a community (not of their own doing) are referred to as "Kakari" which means "Lost One" in the language they have created. Large enough communities can have multiple last names, especially with new Kenku arriving.

Beauty Ideals

Well groomed feathers, large plumage and sharp beaks are considered highly attractive to Kenku. A fit body adorned with gold and jewels is especially attractive as that shows one is able to not only survive, but to thrive in the harsh world.

Gender Ideals

For the most part there isn't much of a difference between male and female Kenku. Both are allowed to hunt, steal, fight and lead; however the major difference comes with hatchlings. While the entire community is expected to help raise the young in the community, any mature female who has successfully laid a clutch of eggs is referred to as a "Mother". These mothers are in charge of all the hatchlings in a community, with a matriarch (most experienced) making final decisions. A Mother is held in great respect, and all females are expected to eventually become one. This can place a lot of pressure on those who do not aspire to have children, and occasionally forces a female Kenku to flee.

Courtship Ideals

Courting a Kenku is a dance of music, skill and affection. Kenku are communal beings however there is a degree of physical affection that is considered highly intimate, such as preening another. Proving oneself not only a valid but the superior mate is the key to a Kenku's heart. However this is not simply a matter of being strong or clever, but of knowing the heart of the one a Kenku seeks. As they mate for life, Kenku are very picky about whom they choose, however they do tend to choose quickly due to their short lifespans. Gifts, often of valuable trinkets, are valued as well.

Relationship Ideals

Kenku mate for life, and due to this, are very close with their mates. Knowing the heart of their love is the truest ideal, and Kenku will make all attempts at discovering it. Mates who work together as equals, are clearly in love, and sing songs to this fact are considered the 'ideal couple'.

Average Technological Level

Kenku are no scholars, magicians or inventors. Instead, any technology they posses is due to trading or stealing from others. They are allowed to share in Mayora's technology that has been invented by the Savannah Elves, however not to as great an amount.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Kenku (Forgotten) - Which still exists in some writings however only the best scholars would know how to translate it. Kenku (Collapse) - Which has been formed after the Kenku found their voices again. It is a growing language with heavy roots in centaur and elven. Sign Language - The most common language in Kenku aside from Common itself, was invented when their voices were taken away. Any sign language used across Sumano has roots in the Kenku. It is still taught to hatchlings, as well as in spy rings, assassin cults and thief guilds. Mimicry - The Kenku were given one gift from Quorlinn that Lotakino did not strip, the gift of recreation. Kenku can mimic any noise they hear with precision, however they do not always understand what they are saying.

Common Etiquette Rules

Kenku are not very polite, and instead like to all talk over one another or in unison. They only show silence to those they respect, such as their leaders, elders or the mothers. They move in groups, are rarely alone, and stick to themselves when in mixed company. Kenku enjoy playing pranks, swindling, or otherwise antagonizing others.

Common Dress Code

Kenku wear mostly neutral or dark colors to aid with their stealth. Given their homeland, few wear heavy clothing and instead favor flowing, thin materials that make it easy to move around. They also always have a suspicious amount of storage, hideaway pockets, and clever armoring.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Most of the Kenku's culture has been lost thanks to Lotakino, however some legends and tales remain. Kenku know of their creator, and their master, but the exact stories of them are hazy. Shattered obelisks, ruined murals and scattered writings are all they have left of their past.

History

Created by the god Quorlinn, one of trickery, disguises and theft, the Kenku were taught these skills by their god. Quorlinn however, was neglectful and instead taught the Kenku how to fend for themselves before leaving almost entirely. Still, the Kenku (who were born with wings and beautiful voices) crafted him a castle in Mayora and worshiped him. At this time they lived within Castle Quorlinn and sought means to impress him and win his favor. This meant stealing from all they encountered, which earned them much ire from the other species. Negotiations with the other major species of Mayora (Centaur, Savannah Elves and Gnoll) were difficult for some time, until they offered their skills as aid to the burgeoning country. Kenku proved themselves natural spies and were granted a seat on the Council in 1500 PC. Things would take a stark change however when another god, Lotakino, showed interest in the Kenku in 2500 PC. A serpentine being of shadows with four split eyes, Lotakino challenged Quorlinn for the power over the Kenku. Quorlinn refused at first, but Lotakino was more cruel than the Kenku god. Lotakino cursed the Kenku, stripping their wings, voices, and placing shackles on their minds. This proved he was more powerful than Quorlinn who was unable to reverse the change. Quorlinn fled in disgrace, and Lotakino set himself as the new god of the Kenku. As a result, the Kenku fell far from grace. Forcing the Kenku to be more aggressive in serving his goals, Lotakino would punish any Kenku who would dare disobey. In only a few decades the Kenku were made entirely subservient to Lotakino, and only the shadow god's power kept them on the Council. Much of their culture, history and old languages were lost in this era, which went on until 1TC. During this time the Kenku lost respect from most of the world, and were now known as nothing more than a thieving, untrustworthy race. Due to their short lifespans, it made it especially hard to keep hold of their past, which Lotakino actively destroyed. In 1TC, Lotakino and Quorlinn both were devoured by Sersyl. With Their new powers, Sersyl created massive change in Sumano to include returning the Kenku's voices and minds.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Interspecies relationships beyond political or economical are highly frowned upon. Kenku have an aggressive desire to keep to their own, and view genuine friendships with non-Kenku as sinful.

Scientific Name

Aves Corvidae Sentiens

Origin/Ancestry

Raven

Lifespan

Average Height

Average Weight

75 lbs

Average Physique

Thin, hollow-boned and sleek.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark brown to jet black