Kenku

A bird-like people whose wings have been stripped away by the gods for their blasphemous beliefs. Kenku are descendents of Aarakocra who have come to the conclusion that the gods are not "gods" at all, but merely spirits who have bullied their way into claiming dominion over the universe. It is the belief of the Kenku that it is thus possible to achieve a status greater than the gods, and perhaps supplant the gods altogether. The Kenku are known worldwide for their keen intellect, prowess for magic, and provocative philosophies. They control Corvuscopia, a colony in Wagakeya's Great Forest and northern marshes. Corvuscopia is considered by many to be the intellectual center of Wagakeya, if not the world.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The homeland of the Kenku is ruled by two Aarakocran monarchies, collectively referred to as the Hoatzinry. The Kenku colony of Corvuscopia is a meritocracy that is ruled by the intellectual elite. Only those who pass the most rigorous of exams and have contributed great amounts of knowledge to Kenku society can be allowed membership into the Murder, the ruling body in the colony.

Average technological level

The Kenku are reasonably technologically advanced, but particularly advanced in magic.

Common Myths and Legends

The Kenku believe that all spirits are equal. The gods, to them, are merely spirits that have bullied and gamed their way to the top of the pecking order. According to the Kenku, any being is capable of attaining the powers of the supposed "gods," and indeed some believe that it is possible to triumph over them. These beliefs drive the relentless intellectual pursuits of the Kenku.

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.