Kenku

Haunted by an ancient crime that robbed them of their wings, the flightless kenku wander the world as vagabonds and burglars who live at the edge of human society. Kenku suffer from a sinister reputation that is not wholly unearned, but they can prove to be valuable allies.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Although they evolved from avians, kenku had no wings or capacity for flight. This is due to their former master finding out of their greed. Instead, they had arms in place of wings and bird-like talons for hands and feet. They retained bird-like features, however, with black and beady eyes and a long dark-hued beak. Head and torso were covered with soft feathers, a dark russet-brown color, while their scrawny limbs were bare and scaled like a bird's. They most resembled ravens.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Most kenkus tend to prefer fruits and seeds, but they are ultimately omnivores and can eat anything if it is demanded of them.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They are found most often in temperate plains and in cities. They seem to be most common in central Nesia such as the Phantom Lands of Warsu and Valulo.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Most Kenkus have an understanding of language but are unable to produce their own verbal language. This has left many kenku with one of two options: mimicry or silence. That's what it appears to be at least from an outsider's perspective. Kenku flocks have their own non-verbal language that has developed over the years and been passed down from generation, with various regional differences. Most Kenkus actually are proficient in sign language, allowing them to communicate without verbal restriction. It is theorized that sign language came from thieves' cant but kenku sign language seems to be more realistically it was a society's reaction to a desperate need.

Civilization and Culture

History

Kenku and Aarakocra come from the same line, known as aearee. They parted paths early on in their history. The two avian races appeared to originate in the hills of ancient Paida before they migrated to central Nesia during the time of the Great immigration. The tale goes that Nyhena used to care for the kenku, knowing how creative and intelligent they were but one kenku, stole the goddess' hand mirror. Nyhena purged the land and cursed the thieves and liars until she finally found her hand mirror. The kenku responsible had no ill intention but instead was caught by its greed and love for shiny valuables. Nyhena from that day cursed the kenku bloodline, separating them from their aarakocra siblings. Kenkus were punished for their greed. The legend says that kenkus lost their voice for Nyhena claimed they only told lies and removed their flight in order for them to feel the loss she had gone through. 
Due to this tale of the origin, many kenkus have been outcasted by societies. It has been a slow climb but many kenku still worship Nyhena and strive to earn her forgiveness. Kenku flocks have been found throughout Nesia, but seem to gather mostly in the Phantom Lands where they find less judgement from outsiders.

Origin/Ancestry

Aearee

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

5 ft

Average Weight

75 lb