Aarakocra

The Aarakocra

The aarakocra are a race of bird-like humanoids. They are most common in the lands of Quantalus, believed to be their ancestral homelands, yet many are known to reside in the areas around the Scorching Highlands. Though most live semi-nomadic lives, many choose to live in settlements.

Sequestered in high mountains atop tall trees, the aarakocra, sometimes called birdfolk, evoke fear and wonder. 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.

Nowhere are the aarakocra more comfortable than in the sky. They can spend hours in the air, and some go as long as days, locking their wings in place and letting the thermals hold them aloft. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying away.

Once airborne, an aarakocra leaves the sky with reluctance. Most aarakocra are semi-nomadic, travelliing the skies for weeks or months at a time before returning to their their homes, or nests.

Culture

They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away any tiny passengers they might have picked up. Aarakocra enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples and less interest in spending time on the ground.

History of the Aarakocra in Asdar

From before the Demonic Age, the Leonin and Aarakocra peoples lived in the lands of Quantalus, ever warring. The Leonin held the sands while the Aarakocra took to the cliffs and mountain sides. Only with the arrival of the Demonic Lords did their centuries long conflict end as each race retreated before the fiends. In time a partnership and alliance would form where each would shelter and aid the other. As the Demonic Age came to a close, the Leonin and Aarakocra banded together to drive the last of the fiends from their lands and would live amicably since.

Life-Span

Longevity: 60 years

Childhood: -5
Adolescence: 5-10
Maturity: 10-40
Old Age: 40-60

Physical Characteristics

Feather colour: all bird ranges.

Aarakocra typically resemble a certain type of bird.

Common Faiths

Common Names

Typically, a name has two to four 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.

Aarakocra names: Aera, Aial, Aur, Deekek, Errk, Heehk, Ikki, Kleeck, Oorr, Ouss, Quaf, Quierk, Salleek, Urreek, or Zeed.