The DND Aarakocra 5e Race oftentimes referred to as the bird-folk or bird-men are the bringers of terror and wonder. They are bird-like creatures that hail from the world beyond. Most Aarakrocras live in an elemental plane of air. However, this is not always the case as they are sometimes compelled to the Material Plane to pursue their enemies and deal harshly with their foes.
Most Aarakrocras live in batches. They are known to form colonies. In these colonies, they socialize with one another and hunt for food together. The colony often is headed by the eldest of all and supported by the shaman.
Morphology
Aarakocras are hefty bird-like creatures. This means that in appearance, they look like birds with features such as wings, feathers, pointed beaks, claws, etc. These bird-like features of Aarakocra like in eagles are highly adapted for specific purposes. These bird-like features are highly defined when they are in flight as opposed to when they are on the ground. Mostly, they appear as humanoid creatures while walking on the ground.
The heights of these creatures may vary. The average Aarakrocra measures a total of 5ft when erect. As opposed to what we may consider as far from normalcy, the men are brightly adorned with red; yellow and orange feathers giving them a parrot-like brilliance. However, the females possess dull brown and gray colors making them look less attractive to the sight.
Flight
We will better visualize the Aarakocras as giant eagles. Though that is not exactly what they are. Nevertheless, they do possess similar flight characteristics. They are very good with flight and they have well-developed wings for it. They can fly for a considerably long period ranging from hours to surprisingly even days landing only to lay their eggs or take care of their young. This ability is an advantage when it comes to combat. They quickly maneuver themselves in split seconds as though the speed of light.
Avian Mannerism
Aarakocras have similar mannerisms to birds. Oftentimes they are seen tending their feathers, cleaning and getting rid of foreign bodies that have clung to them during flight.
They can also shade the meaning of their speech by punctuating their words and using signs like birds.
Combat
Generally, Aarakocras are peaceful creatures that love peace and solitude. But when their peace is disturbed they can be violent. Their combat tactics revolved around attacking opponents from above. The instrument for their warfare is mainly Javelin, darts, and daggers.
Aarakocra DND 5e Race Features
Source: Elemental Evil Player’s Compendium
Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity and Wisdom score increases by 2, and 1 respectively.
Age: Aarakocra reaches maturity at the age of 3. As compared to humans, Aarakocra doesn’t usually live longer than 30 years.
Alignment: Most Aarakocras is 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 chaos.
Size: Aarakocras are about 5 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds.
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. Your talons are natural weapons that you can use to accomplish these strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Auran.