Aarakocra (Snow)

## Snow Aarakocra

The **snow aarakocra** is a subrace of the anthropomorphic avian race, the aarakocra. They are specialised for cold environments and particularly high altitudes, spending much of their time in flight or roosted at the highest peaks of snow-capped mountains, and as such are adapted to bear the low temperatures and decreased oxygen availability such habitats present.

## Origin

The original aarakocra, the common ancestor between the subraces, was initially created by Avo, in the image of Tilo's beloved birds, as a gift. Over time, this subrace diverged from the main ancestor, seeking a way to be closer to the sky in the higher altitudes and northern areas.

## Physicality

### Anatomy and Physiology

Snow aarakocra do not diverge too dramatically from their cousins, sharing the same anthropomorphic bird appearance; slender, lightweight bodies; and the hollow, strutted bone structure. Where they do differ is in their size: snow aarakocra are the largest of the aarakocra subraces, aiding their heat retention, standing as tall as 6'6" and weighing between 100 and 120lbs. Their weight is fortified by evenly packed feathers in shades of white and grey, with an outer pennaceous layer and an inner layer of down feathers, with air pockets to trap heat for insulation. Additionally, they have a higher red blood cell count to increase oxygen absorption into the blood to account for the low oxygen availability at these high altitudes. They otherwise share the same closed circulatory system and flow-through respiratory system as other aarakocra. Their reproductive systems and behaviours remain the same, exhibiting similar sexual dimorphism, breeding and roosting habits, and lifespans.

### Attributes and Abilities

Due to their proclivity for extended flight and requirement for balance and sharp reflexes, aarakocra tend to be markedly dextrous, and their introspective natures pair perfectly with the wisdom-garnering culture they exist in. However, a culture of vigilance and worship does not render them harmless - the tapered limbs bear sharp talons, capable of striking akin to a dagger.

## Distribution

Snow aarakocra are seldom found amongst humanoid civilisations, moreso than the other aarakocra subraces, preferring their reclusive mountaintop outposts. Within Illandor, the established snow aarakocra outposts can be found in the mountains of Vilnhost, and the Moonkissed Mountains of Estrella Tseluna.

## Culture

### Language

The native language of the aarakocra bears the same name, and strongly resembles various predatory bird calls and caws. Alongside Aarakocra, many aarakocra learn Auran, the primordial language of air, in worship of their creator Avo. Auran is based upon the sounds of air and wind, and proves difficult to accurately speak without the necessary vocal and lingual adaptations. Thankfully, being children of Avo, the aarakocra do meet such requirements. Many aarakocra learn to speak Common out of necessity, as the ability to communicate with humanoid society avoids the risk of conflict due to poor communication where territory disputes may arise.

### Society and Customs

Much of the aarakocran culture revolves around the sky and being airborne. Their settlements are built in open spaces at high altitudes, favouring mountain outcrops or upper tree canopies. They revere Avo as their creator and Tilo as their inspiration, and hold great reverence for the air and sky. There is a race-wide pity for those who cannot fly, and an interesting phenomenon of an ingrained racial claustrophobia and fear of confinement. Many aarakocra tend towards open isolationism to combat this. There is a noted emphasis on defense and combat in aarakocran culture, their roles as ‘defenders of the skies’ taken entirely seriously.