Aarakocra
Physical Traits
Anatomy and Morphology
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 cultural variations.Genetics and Aging
Aarakocra lay eggs in clusters of 2-3. Both parents brood these eggs by carrying them in their plumage. Aarakocra have a mating season in early spring, and brood their eggs over the summer. Aarakocra chicks reach early adulthood at 3 years old, during which they are unable to fly and entirely reliant on their parents and community. Their quick maturation rate is tied to their ability to fly needing to develop quickly to be self sufficient. An aarakocra reaches the end of their life around 30 years old.Habitat
As an avian species, aarakocra do not do well when confined and often seek out homes high up in mountains or trees. In an urban environment, aarakocra often have homes built on the rooftops of buildings with open access to the sky.Diet
Aarakocra are omnivores, but like to eat easily high energy foods. These include fruits, nuts, fish, and meat. Since they do not have teeth, aarakocra cut up their food and swalow it whole.Sapient Traits
History
The Aarakocra did not ogiginate on the World, but came from the Elemental plane of Air. For ages they have lived on the World and claimed its skies as their territories. The avians never realy got used to living in cities, and like most elemental beings have gravitated more toward the Wylderness. Many aarakocra Wyldefolk tribes have existed since the Golden Age.Manerisms
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 deign to descend from the sky, they often do so near pools where they can catch fish and bathe themselves.Speech
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.Ways of Thinking
Aarakocra are shortlived gusts of wind that blow hard and fasts. They have the following mental traits:- Pruned
- Perceptive
- Think and act quicly
Naming Conventions
Aarakocra use short, one syllable names that are quick and easy to pronounce.Beauty/Gender Ideals
The most important aspect of an aarakocra's beauty is their plumage, and is often used as an important signifier in courtships. Males have bright and colourful feathers, while females have more muted colourations. All feathers are well groomed and oiled so that they shimmer and reflect the light of the sun.Relationship Ideals
Aarakocra value monogamous relationships, where the partners stay together until death parts them. Communities are an important aspecs of aarakocra culture, as adults must often leave their homes to travel large distances, and they rely on the community to keep their nests safe while they are away.Ancestry Traits
Related Ethnicities
Comments