Aarakocra

**Aarakocra** (pronounced: /ærɑːˈkoʊkrɑː/ *æ-ra-KO-kra*  listen or: /ɑːrɑːˈkoʊkrɑː/ *a-rah-KO-krah*; pl: **aarakocra** or: **aarakocras**), are a race of avian humanoids. Originally scholars from Syrania, two factions of aarakocra have emerged on Eberron: the elemental warriors of Adar who have allied with the Kalashtar, and the reclusive, murderous razor-beaked pirates who guard the mysterious Tempest Isle in the Lhazaar Principalities.

## Aarakocra Societies

Though a handful of aarakocra can be found scattered around Khorvaire, particularly in the towers of Sharn, they remain a rare and exotic creature to much of the world. There are three societies of aarakocra in the world: the aarakocra of the Adar Mountains, of the Tempest Isle, and of Syrania.

### Adaran Aarakocra

Residing in the highest reaches of the Adaran mountains, these aarakocra live alongside the monastic kalashtar communities. Unlike their kalashtar allies, the aarakocra do not follow the path of light. Instead they revere the elemental spirits of nature and draw power from the Lammanian wild zones of Adar. Through these wild zones they discovered the art of bending elemental forces to their will and they strive to seek enlightenment through attunement to nature. Armed with these powers, they assist the kalashtar in repelling the Riedrans that dare trespass upon the mountain passes of Adar, raining elemental fury down upon the intruders.

The aarakocra believe that through physical action the struggle against the Riedrans can be won, and that the other Adarans must prepare for the coming war, though the kalashtar insist that their battle must be fought philosophically. Regardless, the aarakocra are usually seen leading the charge against the Riedran intruders.

There is a belief among the aarakocra that they are not the only ones of their kind to reside on Sarlona, that others exist under the thumb of the Riedrans. Some leave to find these lost kin, only to never return. Because of this, there is an unspoken fear amongst the aarakocra that pushing into Riedra will bring doom upon their race and the rest of Adar. So for the time being, their wings are clipped. Recently, however, rumors circulate that the Adaran Aarakocra may have discovered a fragment of the Spear of Siberys. If true, they may be planning to use the legendary artifact against their enemies in Riedra.

An Adaran aarakocra can be recognized for their colorful feathers. This plumage isn’t natural however, but rather a practice a young aarakocra undertakes when they come of age. The aarakocra chooses an element to attune to and they then dye their feathers a color that matches their element. Often the aarakocra then chooses to travel the world in search of Lammanian manifest zones that coincide with their chosen elements. Making pilgrimages to these locations and meditating in them in order to be better attuned to their chosen elements.

### Tempest Isle Aaarakocra

The aarakocra of Tempest Isle in the Lhazaar Principalities are a plague to the merchant ships that dare sail near the perpetually storming isle. Infamous for their hyper aggression and brutality, they are universally feared by those traveling in the central Lhazaar. This aggression is reflected in their appearance, which bears razor sharp talons and a serrated beak perfect for ripping through the flesh of unwary sailors.

It is unknown why they attack and plunder any ships they come across, though many believe that it is because of whatever mysterious force creates the endless storms on the island. Many speculate that this force could be a bound fiend from the age of demons, one who claims dominion over wind and storms or perhaps it could be the inspiration behind The Devourer itself. Others say that it is the work of a storm giant that has taken residence on the island and is trying to build up its power and take control of the Principalities. Another popular theory among sailors is that the aarakocra are seeking to build their own principality and that they are attacking ships to mark their place in the principalities. Whatever the reason, it is common knowledge that sailing past Tempest Isle could spell one’s doom.

The aarakocra rarely leave the island. Though some sailors attest to the fact that they saw one in some other place in the Lhazaar. Could this be sailors telling tall tales? Or is there something sinister afoot? Could the aarakocra be more covert and cunning than we have initially been led to believe and they have some stake in manipulating Lhazaar politics behind the scenes?

### Syranian Aarakocra

Proud scholars of the azure sky, the owl-like Syranian aarakocra devote themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Most often they can be seen tending to or studying at one of Syrania’s many libraries, or perhaps perusing the immeasurable market looking for trinkets from other planes to add to their collections.

Like the angels of Syrania the aarakocra devote themselves to subjects in which to study. These subjects can be as broad as ‘magic’ to as narrow as the average degree a blade of grass bends on a moderately windy day. Though unlike the angels they are open to expand their horizons to other practices as well. Despite the disparity of specificity in these subjects the aarakocra do not look down on any sort of knowledge. In their eyes all knowledge is of equal worth and every bit helps us unravel the mysteries of the world in which we inhabit. So no matter how dark, vile, or evil a bit of knowledge is, it bears little concern to the aarakocra scholar.

The aarakocra often travel between the planes looking for knowledge and evidence related to their research. Sometimes these aarakocra enter the libraries of Eberron, searching for written records that could lend credence to their theories. Though it should be noted that the aarakocra do not care what repositories of knowledge they do or do not have permission to enter, and can often try to enter places that they normally shouldn’t be in. Rumor has it that there is a Syranian Aarakocra currently teaching at the Library of Korranberg.

## Magebred Aarakocra: The Dragonhawk Battalion

The dragonhawk is the symbol of Aundair. In the final decade of the Last War, Queen Aurala and her consort Sasik d’Vadalis established Project Dragonhawk, a cooperative venture between the Arcane Congress and House Vadalis. This program blended cutting-edge transmutation magic with Vadalis magebreeding, permanently transforming a group of volunteers into aarakocra—avian humanoids with the features of dragonhawks. While Project Dragonhawk was ultimately successful, its expensive and difficult program couldn’t be replicated on a large scale. Nonetheless, the dragonhawks were lauded as symbols of Aundair and of its arcane might. Instead of serving in a single unit, most were spread among existing forces, serving both as flying scouts and celebrated mascots.

As a member of the Dragonhawk Battalion, you’re recognized and likely admired throughout Aundair. If you choose the soldier background, you served with distinction and your rank is still respected among fellow soldiers. If you’re a folk hero, you may have had trouble adhering to military discipline, but the people consider you a hero of Aundair. Or perhaps you went into the entertainment business after the war, performing feats of aerial acrobatics. Are you still recognized as a living symbol of Aundair? Or did you let your nation down? Perhaps you became a criminal, or were otherwise a grave disappointment; in this case, you might replace any background feature with the pirate’s Bad Reputation.