Aurans

**Aurans**, or birdfolk, are a collection of feathered species that reside in secluded communities scattered through Ygdren.They live in high perches and villages called roosts, and are a notoriously proud and sequestered people, but will often go out into the world when they are young to satisfy their curiosities about other cultures.

## Description

No matter their breed, aurans are universally birdlike, possessing two winged forelimbs, and two long, narrow legs that taper to sharp talons. Feathers cover their bodies, with plumage typically denoting their tribe and place of origin. Males are often more brightly coloured, while females have more subdued colours Their heads complete the avian appearance, with sharp beaks and feathered faces, often decorated with jewellery and distinct tribal patterns.

The resemblance to birds isn’t just limited to physical features. Aurans display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary birds. They are fastidious about their plumage, frequently tending their feathers, cleaning and scratching away any insects or flecks of dirt they may have picked up. 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. Though capable of normal speech, this more subtle secondary language is a crucial part of auran communication, and can even carry a conversation single-handedly.

## Culture & Society

Preferring to remain close to the open sky, most aurans reside in high mountain roosts. They live in small tribes, each with their own hunting territory close to the tribal settlement. A typical roost consists of roofed nests in the style of yurts, often made from woven vines and branches. These are typically arranged in circular clusters, with connections between different nests creating a complex warren of passages. In some cases, roosts are far more vertical, as is the case with Kuetzala Modran, the only known predominantly urban auran city, which is a collection of multi-layered favelas on three massive pillars of stone jutting out from the ocean. Other major cities in Itzica or Tzinoc have similar structures in more mountainous parts of the territory.

Aurans typically enjoy peace and solitude, content to remain in their homelands without interference. However they are also deeply prideful and traditional, and anything that threatens either pride or tradition is met with harsh resistance. Treasure or glory rarely interests aurans, but threats to their people and way of life will rouse them to action.

## Subraces

### Aarakocra

Aarakocra are the predominant auran subrace, and come in many shapes and forms. Usually, their features are adapted to the habitat they live in. Aarakocra from the northern reaches of Maíandir have features akin to hawks, eagles, and falcons, while Aarakocra from Yuantica have more colourful features suited to their habitats in the jungles of the continent.

Aarakocra have slender and lightweight frames covered in plumage with distinct tribal variations. They have large powerful wings as their forelimbs, tipped with sharp talons that they are adept at using as weapons or to use other tools. The wings allow them to fly like a large bird, and they have a tendency to be more comfortable in the air than on the ground.

### Kenku

Kenku are a small subset of aurans that are often considered as a lower caste in society. Unlike the majority of aurans, they lack the ability to fly. Their features are typically akin to crows and ravens, with black plumage and stubby beaks. They are unable to learn language structure, and only communicate through mimicry, however this provides the advantage of being able to quickly and adeptly communicate in new languages.

Like Aarakocra, Kenku are small and slender, but are often stockier due to the fact that they are incapable of flight. Due to their position in society they are well adapted to staying hidden and out of sight, and are nimble and agile despite their inability to fly.

## Properties

### Aarakocra

* ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
* ***Size.*** Your size is Medium.
* ***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
* ***Flight.*** Because of your wings, you have a flying speed of 40 feet. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing medium or heavy armor.
* ***Talons.*** You have talons that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
* ***Wind Caller.***  Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the *gust of wind* spell with this trait, without requiring a material component. Once you cast the spell with this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have of 2nd level or higher. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for when you cast *gust of wind* with this trait.

### Kenku

* ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
* ***Size.*** Your size is Medium.
* ***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
* ***Expert Duplication.*** When you copy writing or craftwork produced by yourself or someone else, you have advantage on any ability checks you make to produce an exact duplicate.
* ***Kenku Recall.*** Thanks to your supernaturally good memory, you have proficiency in two skills of your choice. Moreover, when you make an ability check using any skill in which you have proficiency, you can give yourself advantage on the check before rolling the d20. You can give yourself advantage in this way a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
* ***Mimicry.*** You can accurately mimic sounds you have heard, including voices. A creature that hears the sounds you make can tell they are imitations only with a successful Wisdom (Insight) check against a DC of 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier.