Aarakocra

Hailing from the balmy island known as Aerium, the Aarakocra make their dwellings atop high mountains or in the canopies of forests. In appearance, they resemble humanoid birds, sporting both arms and wings from the upper torso. They tend to reach a height of about 5 feet, and their frames are covered with feathers. Male plumage tends toward brighter colors, such as reds and golds, whereas female plumage is typically more subdued, exhibiting shades of browns and grays. Aarakocra have bird-shaped heads, often appearing like the head of an eagle, a hawk, or a parrot, complete with sharp beaks. According to aarakocra legend, they were created by Juno, queen of the gods and wife of Jupiter.
Aarakocra have many behaviors in common with their avian cousins. 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. Like birds, aarakocra are highly social, and enjoy the companionship of others.
The aarakocra homeland of Aerium was conquered more than 1,400 years ago by the Kartagonian Desert Folk, and they were treated as slaves and fodder for the Kartagonian armies for decades. However, in AUC 783, the Roman Empire invaded Aerium at the end of the First Kartagonian War, and liberated the aarakocra from Kartagonian rule. Realizing that these winged people would make a great asset, the Romans offered their protection in exchange for Aerium becoming a vassal. The aarakocra agreed, and thereby joined the Roman Empire. Over the years, aarakocra joined the Roman Legions, willingly fighting in the Second and Third Kartagonian Wars against their former oppressors. During these conflicts, aarakocra distinguished themselves as brave and valuable assets to the army, especially as airborne scouts. Aerium was fully integrated into the Roman Empire after the Third Kartagonian War, and since then aarakocra have been full citizens of the Empire. They are well-liked by most Romans in the Empire due to their history of valuable service in the army.

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

Aarakocra reach maturity by age 3. Compared to humans, aarakocra have a shorter life span, averaging about 30 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Aarakocra love to fly and consequently live in high places. Their chief city on Aerium is The Eyrie, which is located on the three tallest peaks of the Volucris Mountains. There are no bridges among these peaks -- the aarakocra simply fly from district to district. For non-flying visitors (such as their fellow Roman humans and Grey Elves), the aarakocra have a small number of trained giant eagles that serve as mounts, transporting up to three land-bound beings from one district of the city to the other at a time.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Aarakocra used to live in tribal units, led by an Elder who was assisted by a Shaman (a priest of Juno, generally). However, they have become fully Romanized, and now have a Republican form of government. Aarakocra settlements, like all Roman settlements, are ruled by an elected Assembly, made up of individuals of Plebian rank. One aarakocra Patrician serves as the Prefect of each settlement. Aerium is now a public (core) province of the Empire, and is governed by a proconsul -- usually a human Senator.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Nearly all aarakocra live on the island of Aerium in the Sundered Sea. The rest live in Roman towns and cities throughout Latium, Pynarum, and Collandra, or are attached in scouting centuries to a Roman Legion.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Aarakocra have no special perception abilities.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

As with much of their speech, aarakocra names include clicks, trills, and whistles that cannot easily be pronounced by humanoid vocal cords. Most names have several syllables with the sounds acting as connectors. When interacting with other races, aarakocra may use nicknames gained from people they meet or shortened forms of their full names. An aarakocra of either gender will have nicknames like: Aera, Aial, Aur, Deekek, Errk, Heehk, Ikki, Kleeck, Oorr, Ouss, Quaf, Quierk, Salleek, Urreek, or Zeed.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Aarakocra can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Latin.

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

4'8" to 5'2"

Average Weight

80 to 100 lbs