Aarakocra

'If you're in aarakocra land, remember to look up. It's a good rule when you're anywhere, in case a dragon pops up, but especially in aarakocra land, in case one pops down from above. They're mostly friendly, but a friendly fella dropping from the sky and asking if you're lost isn't good for your heart.' - Aelen Walker, merchant

The aarakocra are a species native to the peaks of the many mountain ranges of Ratha, resembling large birds with a pair of arms. They are unique among the 'civilized' races for having the gift of flight, meaning they often live in high areas, whether in their native mountain ranges or atop high buildings within cities. Most aarakocra live in small city-states away from most other civilizations, and are thus fairly rarely seen in the wider world, but they are seen as explorers, merchants, and adventurers. They are notably short-lived, the eldest barely reaching 30 years, which makes many other races reluctant to form relationships with individuals they almost know they'll outlive.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

The aarakocra generally live at high altitudes, where they can easily soar on thermal currents high above the rest of the world. They are highly tolerant to both cold and heat, but dislike excessive damp.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Aarakocra are omnivorous, preferring fruits, seeds, nuts, and small mammals, with some coastal sub-species also extensively feeding on fish.

Biological Cycle

Aarakocra can fly around 6 months after hatching, and are considered adults at age 3. They breed quickly, to compensate for their short lifespans, and usually lay eggs in clutches of 4-6.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Aarakocra have bird-like faces, with proportionally large eyes a large, beak which occupies the majority of their face.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Aarakocra are named after hatching, given a single name in Aarakocran. They mostly lack surnames, but may identify themsleves bsaed on their native tribe/settlement.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Aarakocra mostly speak Aarakocran, a language which is hard to speak for other species due to the unique anatomy of the aarakocra, notable for it's almost musical nature. They speak most other languages with a prominent accent, and often click during speech due to their beak.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Aarakocra tribes are largely based around elaborate mountain-cities, many of which have been continually inhabited for millennia. Most will live their whole lives within these cities, with only hunters and traders regularly leaving. Young aarakocra are encouraged to wander if they wish, and many end up migrating to another city during their adolescence, where they often remain until death.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Aarakocra are on good terms with most other species, though have had a number of conflicts with the dwarves in the past over trying to both live on the Domhanar Mountains.

Genetic Descendants

• Kenku

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

5ft

Average Weight

Incredibly light, due to them having hollow bones

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Aarakocra plumage comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, largely dependent on the individual's native environment. They may be one colour or many, and may have simple patterns or highly complex.