Aarakocra

**Aarakocra** were a race of avian humanoids, sometimes also called **birdfolk**. They have also been called **sky hunters** and, disparagingly, **featherheads**. Standing at an average of 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall, aarakocra have an average wingspan of 20 feet (6.1 meters). Their powerful legs ended in sharp talons, rather than toes as with most humanoids. Their bones were hollow to allow for flight, making them fragile.

Aarakocra heads resembled something between a parrot and an eagle, with gray-black beaks and black eyes. Their plumage varied, but men generally had red, orange, and yellow coloration and women tended to have darker colors such as gray, brown, or black.

## Society

Most aarakocra were peaceful creatures who enjoyed solitude, although the men were often brash and short-tempered. Aarakocra were also known to be shameless flirts. Aarakocra also have bird-like mannerisms, tending their feathers frequently and often landing near water they can use to bathe.

Aarakocra are most comfortable in the skies, and will often spend hours or days floating on thermal air currents. In the Elemental Plane of Air, from which their race originates, they can spend months without ever touching the ground. Aarakocra typically suffer from claustrophobia and do not like being in enclosed spaces for any length of time. They will not willingly enter a cave or underground structure, and are never seen in the Underdark.

Aarakocra settlements are few and far between -- the ones that exist are high in mountain peaks. In fact, there are only four major settlements in Faerun: one in the Storm Horns, one in the Cloven Mountains, one in the Mistcliffs, and finally one in the Star Mounts of the High Forest. A handful of other small settlements exist, largely scattered across the continent. They have no concept of political borders, having little interest in interacting with other races -- other than to pity those that are unable to fly. They particularly have a distaste for dwarves and drow elves who live underground.

Aarakocra have no sense of personal property or possession, living an unburdened and nomadic existence. They believe in using what they need and leaving leftovers for others. This sometimes leads to them being known as thieves, as they will casually take food from farms. They have little desire for or use for material wealth, other than to decorate their homes with shiny objects. They will, however, act as scouts or guides in exchange for jewels or coin.

### Religion

Aarakocra often worship Aerdrie Faenya, though those living in the Northlands of Faerun can often be seen worshiping Syranita who appears to them as a giant white bird. Sometimes they additionally worship Akadi, Remnis, and Stromnaus. Occasionally, an aarakocra may worship Krocaa or Chikurra instead.

## Player

### Adventurer Ideas

Aarakocra adventurers are rare, but they may be motivated by interest in protecting themselves or their people -- or seeking some kind of revenge. Adventuring aarakocra are typically considered "insane" by others of their race and are outcasts from their society, except for clerics who are tolerated.

### Racial Traits

**Ability Score Increase:** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

**Age:** Aarakocra reach maturity by age 3. Compared to humans, aarakocra don’t usually live longer than 30 years.

**Alignment:** Most aarakocra are good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.

**Size:** Aarakocra are about 5 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

**Speed:** Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

**Flight:** You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

**Talons:** You are proficient with your unarmed strikes, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.

**Languages:** You can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Auran.

## Real World

Aarakocra are derived from *Dungeons & Dragons*. For canon information, please visit:

* The Forgotten Realms Wiki
* Dungeons & Dragons Lore Wiki
* D&D 5th Edition