Aarakocra

The aarakocra, also known as birdfolk, are avian humanoids who live in high, mountainous regions. They are strong fliers and capable warriors.

Aarakocra is pronounced /a-rə-kōk-rä/. "Aarakocra" is usually both singular and plural,although the plural "aarakocras" has also been used.

Aarakocra have also been called "sky hunters" and "feather heads".

Appearance

The Aarakocra are a humanoid bird-like race with a distinctive appearance. They have a lean, muscular build and stand around 5 to 7 feet tall. Their bodies are covered in feathers, with colors ranging from brown and gray to white and black.

The Aarakocra have large, powerful wings that extend from their back and allow them to fly at high altitudes. Their wingspan is typically twice their height and is adorned with colorful feathers that match the colors of their bodies. They also have sharp talons on their feet and hands, which are useful for hunting and grasping objects.

Their heads are similar to those of birds of prey, with sharp beaks that curve downwards and large, piercing eyes that can spot prey from miles away. They have small, pointed ears, and their necks are often adorned with feathers in bright colors.

The Aarakocra's appearance is well-suited to their natural habitat, which is often mountainous or high-altitude areas. Their feathers help keep them warm in colder climates, and their wings allow them to soar effortlessly through the air.

Overall, the Aarakocra are a visually striking and unique race, with a distinct blend of avian and humanoid features that set them apart from other creatures.

Personality

Aarakocra are most comfortable in the sky, and can spend hours or days gliding on thermals. Once airborne, they are reluctant to land on the ground.

Aarakocra prefer to live an unburdened, mobile existence, like that of the wind itself. They believe in only using what they need, and leaving any leftovers behind for others. Aarakocra have no concept of property; for example, they can be known to casually take food from farms. Aarakocra also have little interest in material wealth, but can take an interest in shiny objects, which they use to decorate their homes. For example, aarakocra may serve as scouts in their territory in exchange for jewels or coins.

Aarakocra generally have little interest in dealing with other races. They look down on ground-based races with pity. However, they are tolerant of elves, and have a distaste for dwarves (because they live underground, and because elves dislike them). They also dislike half-orcs and members of similar races.

Aarakocra have some bird-like mannerisms: they frequently tend their feathers, and when landing, they prefer to be near water they can use to bathe. Aarakocra are also known to ignore or forget vertical distances.

Aarakocra have a strong fear of confinement, and fear being grounded or trapped beneath the earth. Most will not willingly enter caves, buildings, or other enclosed spaces unless there is no other choice. Being within an enclosed area can even erode an aarakocra's combat prowess. Certain aarakocra may claim to have no fear of enclosed spaces, but once they enter them they become abnormally quiet; when faced with combat they may experience a breakdown, sinking into reckless violence, paralyzing terror, or blind panic.

Abilities and Traits

Aarakocra have lean, lightweight bodies, typically 80 to 100 pounds. Their skeletons are hollow and fragile. Their wings anchor in a bony chest plate that provides some slight natural protection.

Aarakocra are dexterous, especially in the air, where they are skilled fliers. However, aarakocra are unable to fly while wearing medium or heavy armor. They are also unable to fly when wielding a shield of any size larger than a small buckler. The aarakocra's walking speed is also slightly slower than that of humans.[5] Aarakocra have keen vision and are exceptionally perceptive.[4][1]

Aarakocra talons may unlock to become as functional as hands. They may wield weapons in their talons while in flight, but only those that are handheld or thrown, not weapons such as slings or bows.

Aarakocra avoid fighting on the ground, and are reluctant to engage in grappling combat, due to their fragile bones. In aerial combat, aarakocra favor attacks that involve diving at their foes, striking, and then flying away. These dive attacks impart greater force to their melee strikes. As aarakocra strike at the end of their dive, they emit a frightening shriek.

Most aarakocra favor javelins as their weapons, used both for stabbing and for throwing. Flying aarakocra warriors may wield one javelin in each of their talons during battle. Aarakocra typically hold their last javelin in reserve for stabbing attacks.

Some aarakocra tribes use flight lances. Aarakocra may also use their talons in combat. They can bite with their beaks, but only rarely do so, except when cornered.

Ecology

Life cycle

Aarakocra mating seasons occur once a year, during which male plumage is especially striking.

Aarakocra lay eggs, which take eight months to hatch. They are incubated by females.

Aarakocra are considered mature by three years of age. They typically do not live beyond 100 years.

Diet

Aarakocra are omnivorous, and are known to eat fish, livestock, fruits, and grains.

Environment

Aarakocra form insular communities, with few aarakocra living away from them. These aeries are frequently established atop high mountains in warm and temperate regions. Aarakocra colonies may also be found in the canopies of ancient forests and in cliffside settlements.

Culture

Society

Religion

Language

Aarakocra speak their own language, as well as Auran and Common. However, their voices are not well-suited for Common. Some aarakocra only speak Auran, or only Auran and Common.

Aarakocra speech is punctuated with chirps, which they use to add meaning to their words much as humans use facial expressions. However, this can lead to miscommunication when non-aarakocra fail to pick up on these cues.

The creation of Aarakocra

Avian formed the Aarakocra out of the air and gave them wings to fly. She taught them how to sing and dance, how to hunt and fish, and how to live in harmony with nature.

Avian loved the Aarakocra dearly, and she watched over them always. She gave them the gift of flight and the power to soar among the clouds. She showed them the beauty of the world and taught them to cherish it.

As the Aarakocra multiplied, they began to form their own societies and cultures. Some chose to live in the mountains, while others preferred the forests or the coasts. But wherever they went, they never forgot Avian, and the gifts she had given them.

And so, Avian watched over Aarakocra with pride and joy, knowing that they would always be a part of her and she a part of them.