Grey Kenku

Grey Kenku are different from the classic Kenku which are known to be crow-like and have black feathers. In fact, regular Kenku came from Grey Kenku, with the differences between the two being that Grey Kenku feathers graduate between white and grey, and also on occasion include bits of brown(although there are some who are and were known to have colourful pigment and on occasion even have black feathers). The second major difference is that Grey Kenku aren't limited to not being able to speak like regular Kenku are and also still possess the ability to fly, unlike regular Kenku.

History

Grey Kenku were a race that evolved from the Aarakocra - the birdfolk. Grey Kenku lived in the birdfolk societies and the although the two races were similar Grey Kenku had were different in a few ways. Where's Aarakocra were 5ft at their shortest, Grey Kenku were 5ft at their highest. Grey Kenku, unlike the eagle or parrot-like Aarakocra, mainly resembled owls, chickens and geese.
During the last Irenop's Comet, Around 3 quarters of all Grey Kenku had their feathers turn black and many gained the facial characteristics of a crow. Many of these kenku turned more callous with temptation for darker activities, most commonly stealing. The most important distinction though was the change in their speech - they were not able to speak and were only able to mimic sounds they heard. At first, many were killed for their crimes, decreasing the population by a large margin, but as time passed, a fair portion came back into society rejoining the rest, even though many still had tendencies for stealing.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Grey Kenku are short, humanoid creatures, with bird-like features - a beak, feathers covering their body, talons - they also possess arms. They most often resemble owls, geese and chickens, although they can resemble all manner of birds, including the eagle, although people might begin speculating if you're an Aarakocra or not. They are most commonly white or grey, on occasion with bits of brown or other tone mixed in. Grey Kenku also possess wings, usually the same colour as the rest of their feathers. The wings are often small, certainly not as big as Aarakocra wings, even at times being too small and weak to not be able to let the Grey Kenku fly.

Growth Rate & Stages

Grey kenku grow in a similar manner to humans. They reach adulthood by the age of 12, that is at least physically, and on average die at the age of 60.

Ecology and Habitats

Grey Kenku enjoy living in higher locations the most, being much more protected there, not having to worry about falling due to their wings either. They also prefer forests and overgrown mountains the most. Grey Kenku, unlike Aarakocra also are fine with living in colder climates, which they do indeed do.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Many Grey Kenku live in Acirema. A small margin of Grey Kenku live in Trinity City, amongst the Aarakocra that also live there. Many Grey Kenku tribes also exist across the continent, where they live in isolated civilization, often neighboring Aarakocra civilizations.

Playable Race Mechanics

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Grey Kenku reach maturity by age 12. Their lifespans are similar to that of a human's, meaning they on average live to 60 years.

Alignment

Most Grey Kenku are good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.

Size

Grey Kenku vary from 3 to 5 feet tall. They have small, lightweight bodies, meant for flying. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 30 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing heavy armor.

Scholarly Kenku

Grey Kenku are intelligent and wise. As a culture they put focus on teaching their young about the world. That's why you gain proficiency in either History, Religion or Nature.

Deafening Squawk

Although Grey Kenku might seem quiet and timid, their beaks can release a loud and shocking sound that can stun enemies. As an action, you can target one creature 10ft of you. That creature makes a Constitution saving throw against your DC (calculated as 8+proficiency mod+wisdom mod/constitution mod (your choice)). On a failure, the creature is stunned until the end of your next turn. On a success, the creature resists the effect and is not stunned. You regain this ability after completing a rest.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, and Auran.

Overview

Origin/Ancestry

Birdfolk

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

3.5ft

Appearance

by allynabean

Grey Kenku Rogue