Kenku

Kenku have a predilection for thievery, and are often quite dextrous. Their keen eyes are good at spotting potential victims, and their ability to bluff others with their mimicked voices is well-known. Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1. Age. Kenku have shorter lifespans than humans. They reach maturity at about 12 years old and can live to 60. Alignment. Largely concerned with their own survival and continuing to exist, many kenku are neutral. However, as a race largely consisting of criminals and thieves, many tend to a Chaotic alignment, regardless of individual methods. Size. Your size is Medium. Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Ambusher. You have advantage on attack rolls against any creature you have surprised. Mimicry. You can mimic any sounds you have heard, including voices. This talent extends to handwriting. A creature that hears your sounds can tell they are imitations with a successful Wisdom (Insight) check, and a creature that sees your forgery can tell it is a forgery with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check. The DCs of these checks are each equal to 8 + your Charisma modifier + your proficiency bonus. Voice of Deceit. You have proficiency in the Deception skill. Languages. You understand Common and Auran, but can only speak through your Mimicry trait. Table: Kenku Random Height and Weight Base Height Height Modifier Base Weight Weight Modifier 5′0″ + (1d6") 90 lb. + (1d20) lb.

Civilization and Culture

History

Before their fall from grace, the kenku served a master whose name has been lost to memory. They soared on wings he had given them, performing services silently in his name. However, they coveted his speech and stole the secret of language from his library, and took this newfound ability to beg and cajole for money. When their master found out they knew his wrath and he stripped them of their wings and cast them down so that they would forever beg in penance for their greed. With their short lifespan and mischievous lifestyles, kenku would often practice polygamy to not only expand their flocks, but also keep their species in wide spread expansion. Each male took about one to two wives, while females would dedicate themselves to one or at most (though very rarely,) two men.