Kenku (pronounced: /kɛŋˈkuː/ keng-KOO)

Kenku are a crow-like race with dark feathers and sharp minds. Their reputation in the Autumn Court society is nothing short of villainous, and they are regularly cast as the antagonists of any given situation. It’s hard to say whether the corvums are distrusted because they behave the way they do, or if they behave the way they do because they are distrusted.

Culture

For Personal Gain

It is widely believed that kenku only look out for themselves. Sometimes this presents as flexible morals, and at other times it simply means they follow a personal code instead of subscribing to general law. Either way, kenku are a crafty race and they tend to get what they want, one way or another. Kenku are typically found in positions with a modicum of power, such as advisors or minor officials. The stigma they face usually prevents them from attaining too prominent a position in the Autumn Court, but kenku are adept at working behind the scenes, spreading their influence subtly and to great effect.

Too Smart

Kenku are commonly accepted, sometimes begrudgingly, to be among the smartest of fey. Keen observers, they trade in information the way others trade goods. They are hungry for knowledge and leverage it to further their goals whenever possible. Their undeniable skill in matters of logistics and planning make them valuable to councils and powerful individuals alike.

Dreams of Flight

Above all else, kenku wish to regain their ability to fly. Every kenku is born with a desire to take to the air, and those who learn spellcasting do so in hope of mastering spells that will allow them to fly. Rumors of magic items such as flying carpets, brooms capable of flight, and similar objects provoke a great desire for the kenku to acquire the items for themselves.
Despite their lack of wings, kenku love dwelling in towers and other tall structures. Their light weight and size allow them to dwell in rickety structures that would collapse beneath a human or an orc.

Hopeless Plagiarists

Although unable to speak in their own voices, kenku can perfectly mimic any sound they hear, from a half­ling’s voice to the noise of rocks clattering down a hillside. However, kenku cannot create new sounds and can communicate only by using sounds they have heard. Most kenku use a combination of overheard phrases and sound effects to convey their ideas and thoughts.

Names

Given that kenku can duplicate any sound, their names are drawn from a staggering variety of noises and phrases. Kenku names tend to break down into three categories that make no distinction between male and female names.
Kenku thugs, warriors, and toughs adopt noises made by weapons, such as the clang of a mace against armor or the sound made by a breaking bone. Non-kenku refer to the kenku by describing this noise. Examples of this type of name include Smasher, Clanger, Slicer, and Basher.
Kenku thieves, con artists, and burglars adopt animal noises, typically those common in urban settings. In this manner, kenku can call out to each other while those who overhear them mistake them for common animals. Non-kenku use names that refer to the sound made or the animal a kenku mimics, such as Rat Scratch, Whistler, Mouser, and Growler.
Kenku craftmen and merchant adopt noises made as part of their craft. A sailor duplicates the sound of a fluttering sail, while a smith mimics the clanging of a hammer on metal. Non-kenku describe these folk by their trade sounds, such as Sail Snap, Hammerer, and Cutter.

History

An Ancient Curse

The kenku once served a mysterious archfey. But When the war the war of the three nation started, they betrayed their master. They stole his power, and gave it to the predator, helping the general Hap'Robin during the war.
Unfortunately for the kenku, they were caught red-handed, and even if the plan worked, the archfey, in its dying breath, cursed them. First, the kenu's beloved wings withered and fell away from their bodies, leaving them bound to the earth. Second, to ensure that the kenku could never divulge any secrets, their master took away their voices.
Since then, the kenu are part of the newly created Autumn Court.

General Information

Scientific name
/
Geographic Distribution
Feywild
Languages
Common

Physiologie

Average Lifespan
65 years
Size
Medium
Average Height
1.5 m
Average Weight
34 kg

Others