Aarakocra (Air-o-cock-ra)
Sequestered in high mountains atop tall trees, the aarakocra, sometimes called birdfolk, evoke fear and wonder. Many aarakocra aren’t even native to the Material Plane. They hail from a world beyond — from the boundless vistas of the Elemental Plane of Air. They are immigrants, refugees, scouts, and explorers, their outposts functioning as footholds in a world both strange and alien.
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. Nowhere are the aarakocra more comfortable than in the sky. They can spend hours in the air, and some go as long as days, locking their wings in place and letting the thermals hold them aloft. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying away.
Genetics and Reproduction
Aarakocra lay eggs, which take eight months to hatch. They are incubated by females and need to be fertilized by a male.
Growth Rate & Stages
Aarakockra are considered to be mature at 10 years of age and normally live to about 50 years of age. They are considered elderly at age 35.
Ecology and Habitats
Aarakockra usually hate being confined and like to live in areas with easy access to the sky.
Behaviour
The resemblance of aarakocra to birds isn’t limited to physical features. Aarakocra display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away any tiny passengers they might have picked up. When they design to descend from the sky, they often do so near pools where they can catch fish and bathe themselves. Many aarakocra punctuate their speech with chirps, sounds they use to convey emphasis and to shade meaning, much as a human might through facial expressions and gestures. An aarakocra might become frustrated with people who fail to pick up on the nuances; an aarakocra’s threat might be taken as a jest and vice versa.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
An Aarakockra's average intelligence is 9-10 on average. They normally only learn to read if they are part of an organization like Klihk'ka Hahk.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Click here for an aaracockra name generator: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/dnd-aarakocra-names.php
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