Aarakocra
At home on mountain peaks or in the tallest of trees, the aarakocra, sometimes known as birdfolk, evoke wonder and awe. The largest of the avian species, aarakocra make an imposing sight, especially when their wings are fully extended.
Not hailing from any particular region or homeland, aarakocra can be found soaring across any region of the world where they can get a high vantage point. Mountains, cliffs, trees, and (much to the annoyance of others) roofs and tall buildings. The world is theirs to explore, hunt, and nest in - all they have to do is take flight.
Beak and Feather
Standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the larger species on the ground, aarakocra have mighty winged arms that end in taloned hands, allowing them to soar through the sky. Though their sense of smell and taste aren't nearly as developed as some land-based species, aarakocra make up for it with incredible vision. Feathers cover their bodies, with plumage varying based on sex. Males commonly have bright colors and bold patterns, and females often have subdued colors of browns or greys. Crests of feathers and elaborate tail coloration may occur, and vary based on parentage. Though their constant hunter's stare can often be read intensely, other species conversing with an aarakocra know they have their attention by the tilting of their heads.Home in the Skies
There is nowhere more comfortable to an aarakocra than the skies. Their wings can sustain hours, or even days of uninterrupted flight if the wind catches them right. It's with great reluctance they land on the ground for more than an hour. Eating, drinking, and sleeping are about the only things an aarakocra will willingly do when not in the air, and some have even been known to sleep while flying to avoid having to land at all. In battle, they are often nimble and dynamic fighters, swooping and diving to strike with their foot talons before turning and flying out of harm's way.Avian Mannerisms
Aarakocra display many of the same behaviors that ordinary birds do. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away, and taking any opportunity to bathe in water. Aarakocra punctuate their speech with chirps, whistles, and clicks, each of which convey meaning to them in the same way a facial expression in a mammal might. As most other species don't pick up on these subtleties in the speech, it can lead to frustration when meaning is lost. The idea of ownership confuses most aarakocra. After all, who owns the sky? Even after repeated explanations, they can still find the concept mystifying. As a result, an aarakocra who has had little interaction with other species might cause problems when they swoop down for a meal or shiny trinkets. Most aarakocra are deeply uncomfortable inside buildings or other enclosed spaces. The idea that a land species would willingly live in a small box with a roof is uncomfortable, the idea that they would claim it as only for them is simply baffling. You can use the aarakocra personality table to determine a personality quirk or to inspire a mannerism for your character.Aarakocra Names
As with much of their speech, aarakocra names include clicks, trills, and whistles. Other species may not understand them or be able to pronounce them, so many chose a nickname or "land name" for use by others. These nicknames are normally not gendered. Names: Aera, Aur, Errk, Ikki, Oorr, Quierk, Urreek, Zeed.Aarakocra Traits
Your aarakocra character has the following species traits: Ability Score Increase Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1. Age Aarakocra grow rapidly, reaching adulthood by age 4, and only live about 30 years on average. Alignment Most aarakocra are good, but rarely choose a side when it comes to law or chaos. Size Your size is medium. Speed Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Flight You have a flying speed of 40 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor. Talons Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. Predator Eyesight You gain advantage on any Perception skill check that involves vision. Wind Caller Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the gust of wind spell with this trait, without requiring a material component. Once you cast the spell with this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have of 2nd level or higher. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for it when you cast gust of wind with this trait (choose when you select this race). Language You speak Common and Aavak.Terrors of the Skies
In ages before the Law of Speech, the aarakocra freely feasted upon the small sapient species of the world. A Timus or Lagombi was easy game, as were Varnote, Galifio, and even Caprin. The aarakocra were one of the hardest species to bring to the Moot - it wasn't until a determined group of other predatory species climbed some of the highest peaks that any tribe of aarakocra was aware of the efforts to bring species together. From there, word traveled on wind and wing for months until a suitable representative would descend from the skies to speak with the others.Among the Walking
Though they typically prefer life in the wilds, above all the business of terrestrial species, some aarakocra find meaningful lives among communities of ground-dwellers. They make quick friends with other Aavak-speakers, whether they're other avian species, or the rare mammal or reptile who picks up the nuance of the language. Typically, aarakocra who live in grounded villages or cities try to find the tallest place they can to roost. Clocktowers, windmills, nearby cliffs or hills, tall trees, or wizard's towers are all likely nesting sites. They tend to see the entirety of the town as their range, flying about it freely and landing nearly anywhere to have a conversation or a drink. These aarakocra often find plenty of work as hunters, scouts, mapmakers, or couriers.
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