Kraai, Ab-Gubru

/3: "Clan Gubru goals/purpose/intentions are sub-maximally/partially/poorly ^{(insult intended/mockery implied)} achieved in the shaping of the Kraai. Respectful decorum demonstrate, proper client dutiful. Administrators apt they are. Linguists renowned; (unforeseen: wonder/delight). Context established: flight atavism persistent/problematic/pernicious." — Šâhdoxt of Propriety & Judgement

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Hatchling names usually comment on physical or behavioral characteristic, birth circumstance, parental hopes, aspirations. Mature names generally follow Adjective followed by a Verb or Noun.
Those Kraai that enter service, earn honors, or approach what could be considered nearly Royal, were they Gubru, earn a prefix to their first name, rank by where it is sounded in the Gubru vocal apparatus, anterior to posterior.
Ta, Te, Ti, To, Tu. (Ta'Keen, To'Bright) Cha, Che, Chi, Cho, Chu. Ka, Ke, Ki, Ko, Ku. Ga, Ge, Gi, Go, Gu. (Ge'Fast)

Major Organizations

Biologically and psychologically adaptable, the Kraai serve throughout all niches of the Gubru Empire. They are skilled ship-masters, able administrators, intrepid explores. They are active in all religious organizations of the State.

Beauty Ideals

Dense glossy feathers. Beaks and talons polished and sharp. At court, depending on setting and fashion, patterning of beak and talon, and even coloration has been seen.

Gender Ideals

Males tend to be larger. Some sub-races tend to have colored markings on breast or wings. In those cases, females tend to be more brilliant. Males of novel sub-races sometimes have combs.

Courtship Ideals

Ability to provide for a family structure is valued. Independence is also valued, which has been contrary to the master breeding plan, but has been a persistent issue.

Relationship Ideals

Monogamous, lifelong. Dead mates usually not replaced, but exceptions have been known.

Average Technological Level

Consistent with Gubru.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Versatile linguist and renowned mimics. Skilled in Gubru preferred language of /3, and often present to translate into lesser tongues. Those Kraai in service would be expected to know other common languages they would encounter. If not, they would pick them up quickly.

Common Taboos

Flight Atavism: persistent issue of distraction/ fascination with flight. This can border on obsession. Successful Kraai channel the interest into useful pursuits (magic items to fly). Unsuccessful Kraai can go down dead-ends (making mechanical self-powered wings).
Kraai are at a disadvantage when fighting against avians, but at an advantage when fighting alongside them.

History

Shaped by the Gubru, from base Corvus, via extensive Aarakocra inserts. Flightless, however loss keenly felt psychologically. Loyal members of Clan Gubru, with Client status.

The Gubru species is a creation of David Brin from his Uplift series, as was the /3 language mentioned. Kenku is a creation of Wizards of the Coast.

Scientific Name

Kraai, ab-Gubru. Sometimes known as "Kenku".