Kenku

'Oh yes, we have a kenku is our class, Paddle. She's a lovely little thing, once we got past her communication issues. She's very clever, such an incredible memory, and the other children adore her. Even if most of the adoration does seem to come from laughing at her mimicry. She does sometimes mimic me, the little rascal. But yes, she's a lovely little thing. It's so unfair, the reputation they have.' - Keywenys, schoolteacher

The legends say that, a long time ago, a group of aarakocra angered Sef, their god, and he cursed them in return - he coated their feathers black, clipped their wings, and even took the gift of speech. These cursed aarakocra became the kenku. The kenku resemble crows, and lack their own language due to this curse. However, they are gifted in mimicry, being able to mimic any sounds they hear almost perfectly, which makes them skilled as spies and thieves. Many of them still unconsciously miss the ability to fly, and enjoy being in high places as much as they can.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Kenku are highly adaptable, living happily in most environments.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Kenku are omnivores, though many of them prefer highly energetic plant matter, such as seeds and nuts.

Biological Cycle

Kenku mature more slowly than their aarakocra brethern, reaching adulthood around 8 and living naturally to a maximum of around 60. They breed quite slowly, laying a single, blue egg which hatches after around 3 months.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Kenku have crow-like faces, with amber eyes and a very large, long beak.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Instead of a name, a kenku will have a favourite sound which they mimic to refer to themselves. Their friends from other species will refer to them by saying the name of this sound (e.g. Slice, Crumble, Fire)

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Kenku lack spoken language as part of their curse. However, they are able to write, and most are fluent in written Aarakocran and Common.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Kenku lack much culture, typically living in small family groups within large cities, where they typically fall in with unsavoury faction where their mimicry is useful, such as thieves' guilds. Some still live among their aarakocra cousins, where they often take roles as sages. Much like the crows they resemble, they have an affinity for shiny objects, especially coins and jewelry.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Kenku are often stereotyped as thieves and criminals by other races. Aarakocra typically distrust their cursed brethren, but some tribes will take pity and allow the kenku to live among them.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Aarakocra

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

5ft

Average Weight

Much lighter than humans, but heavier than aarakocra

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Kenku have entirely black feathers, with a few having lost feathers grow back as white.