Aarakocra (race)

The bird-like people of the Hoatzinry, with a single independent colony in Wagakeya known as the Corvuscopia. Aarakocra culture is currently in crisis, as more and more "pure" Aarakocra turn into blasphemous Kenku. To counteract the philosophical revolution taking over their neighbors, many Aarakocra have hardened their religious beliefs.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Aarakocra resemble anthropomorphic birds of a variety of real-world species, with talons for hands and feet.

"Pure" Aarakocra

Aarakocra naturally possess a sizeable pair of wings sprouting from their backs.

Kenku

The Kenku resemble anthropomorphic birds who lack wings. Their talons don't make for as good of weapons as those of the "pure" Aarakocra. While like any other Aarakocra a Kenku could technically resemble any real-world bird, the forms of most have become those of crows (Corvus).

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Aarakocra are native to the Hoatzinry. The Kenku dominate the Aarakocran colony of Corvuscopia in Wagakeya, but "pure" Aarakocra are otherwise uncommon on the continent.

Average Intelligence

Kenku in particular tend to be very intelligent.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names tend to be onomatopoeic in nature.

Major Organizations

The Hoatzinry, Corvuscopia (colony)

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The native language of the Aarakocra is Auran. They also speak Common.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Aarakocran society comprises of two monarchies, which together are known as the Hoatzinry.

Historical Figures

Lord Cacophony is an influential modern day philosopher and mage who has been particularly vocal about the Kenku belief that the gods can and should be overthrown. His speeches and events have been making waves throughout Wagakeya.
Cackle is the current High Councilman on the Murder, and is widely known for being the scholar who deciphered how to turn Antimagic Field, Control Weather, Time Stop, and True Polymorph into arcane spells.
There are many other important Kenku figures in recent history, as the people are largely responsible for bringing high level arcane magic into the modern era.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The "pure" Aarakocra generally get along with the other races well. However, they are on pretty shaky ground with the Kenku, who are viewed by the Hoatzinry as a plague that will one day destroy Aarakocran society. Aarakocra born on Wagakeya tend to be a touch more tolerant of the Kenku than native Aarakocra in their homeland.
Due to their provocative views and cursed nature, the Kenku on the other hand are viewed with at least mild suspicion by the other races. They can interact with other peoples, but Kenkus require a little more time to build trust with other people than other races do.

Conservation Status

While the population of Aarakocra in general is doing quite well, the population of "pure" Aarakocra is dwindling as more and more turn into Kenku.

Related Ethnicities

• Aarakocra (ethnicity)
• Kenku