Aarakocra

Ability Scores: Choose one of:

(a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1
(b) Choose any +1; choose any other +1; choose any other +1

Size: Medium Speed: 30 ft., fly equal to your walking speed Flight. Because of your wings, you have a flying speed equal to your walking speed. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing medium or heavy armor. Talons. You have talons that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. Wind Caller. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the gust of wind spell with this trait, without requiring a material component. Once you cast the spell with this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have of 2nd level or higher. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for when you cast gust of wind with this trait (choose when you select this race).

Basic Information

Anatomy

From below, aarakocra look much like large birds. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing upright, aarakocra might reach 5 feet tall, and they have long, narrow legs that taper to sharp talons. Feathers cover their bodies. Their plumage typically denotes membership in a tribe. Males are brightly colored, with feathers of red, orange, or yellow. Females have more subdued colors, usually brown or gray. Their heads complete the avian appearance, being something like a parrot or eagle with distinct tribal variations

Additional Information

Social Structure

Aarakocra live in small tribes of about 11–30 members. Each tribe has a hunting territory of about 10,000 square miles with colorful banners and pennants marking the boundaries. Each tribe lives in a communal nest made of woven vines with a soft lining of dried grass. The eldest male serves as the tribe's leader. In tribes of more than 20 members, the second oldest male serves as the shaman, leading simple religious ceremonies involving the whistling of melodic hymns at sunset on the first day of a new month. Males spend most of their waking hours hunting for food and occasionally for treasure, such as gems and other shiny objects. Females spend eight months of the year incubating their eggs, passing the time by fabricating javelins and other tools from wood and stone. While resting on their backs, aarakocra females can use all four hands at the same time to weave boundary pennants, javelins sheaths, and other useful objects from vines and feathers.

Facial characteristics

Their faces combine the features of both parrots and eagles.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Aarakocra are native to the costal cliffs of Aedreth.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Aarakocra names resemble the sounds birds make, and as such they're hard to pronounce to those unable to speak their tongue. The names tend to be relatively short, harsh sounding, and often toward the side of screeching sounds. Arrk, Crillac, Ellark, Ikka, Khekkaa, Ourc, Qluiek, Rhehk, Yicig, Zu

Major Language Groups and Dialects

You can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Auran.

Common Dress Code

They dress in clothing made of woven vines and vibrant feathers from exotic birds. they are experts in the craft of featherwork and the most sought after items are the Roc feather breastplates.

Common Taboos

Aarakocra are extremely claustrophobic and will not willingly enter a cave, building, or other enclosed area.

History

The arakocra were believed to have been created by the titan Quetzalcoatl.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Aarakocra have little to do with other species, including neighboring aarakocra tribes, and leave their home territory only in extreme circumstances. They rarely encounter humans except for an occasional foray into a rural community to snatch a stray farm animal; this is not an intentionally malicious act, as aarakocra are unable to distinguish between domestic and wild animals. A human venturing into aarakocra territory may be able to convince one to serve as a guide or a scout in exchange for a shiny jewel or coin.

Lifespan

Aarakocra reach maturity by age 3. Aarakocra don't usually live longer than 30 years

Average Height

Aarakocra are about 5 feet tall.

Average Weight

They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They have gray-black beaks and black eyes. Plumage color varies, but males generally have red, orange, and yellow coloration, while females tend towards brown and gray.

Related Ethnicities