Homebrew Curse-Breaker Kenku Species Details
The map we found showed the entrance to the Priest King’s treasure cache right in the middle of the ruined section of the city. We approached our destination without issue, but as we arrived at the burned-out building, a sudden cacophony erupted around us. Birds squawked, cats hissed, and dogs growled. Lidda hustled us back to the city’s safer avenues. Only when we were back within the area patrolled by the guard did she explain that the noises indicated that the wingless folk had claimed that area, and that to trespass would be to court death.
Haunted by an ancient crime that robbed them of their wings, the Kenku wander the world as vagabonds and burglars who live at the edge of human society. Kenku suffer from a sinister reputation that is not wholly unearned, but they can prove to be valuable allies.
Though a Curse-Breaker Kenku may never truly escape the dark history or reputation of their people, they have broken the chains that bound them to the earth.
An Ancient Curse Lifted!
The Kenku once served a mysterious, powerful entity on another plane of existence. Some believe they were minions of Grazz’t, while others say that they were scouts and explorers for the Wind Dukes of Aaqa. Whatever the truth, according to legend, the Kenku betrayed their master. Unable to resist the lure of a beautiful sparkling treasure, the Kenku plotted to steal the item and escape to the Material Plane.
Unfortunately for the Kenku, their master discovered their plan before they could enact it. Enraged, the entity imposed three dreadful curses upon them. First, the Kenku's beloved wings withered and fell away from their bodies, leaving them bound to the earth. Second, because their ingenuity and skill had turned toward scheming against their patron, the spark of creativity was torn from their souls. Finally, to ensure that the Kenku could never divulge any secrets, their master took away their voices. Once the entity was satisfied that they had been sufficiently punished, the Kenku were set loose on the Material Plane.
Since then, the Kenku have wandered the world. They settle in places that accept them, usually bleak cities that have fallen on hard times and are overrun with crime.
A Curse-Breaker Kenku is one of a kind, spoken of only in legend, as they have broken the chains of their ancestral curse through unknown means. A Kenku that has been freed from the curse regains it’s wings and it’s ability to speak. They feel as though a fog has been lifted from their minds as they regain the sense of creativity and independent thought that has been deprived of them their entire life. To be Curse-Broken is the dream of all Kenku, for it is to be at peace.
Kenku Names
Given that kenku can duplicate any sound, their names are drawn from a staggering variety of noises and phrases. Kenku names tend to break down into three categories that make no distinction between male and female names.
Kenku thugs, warriors, and toughs adopt noises made by weapons, such as the clang of a mace against armor or the sound made by a breaking bone. Non-kenku refer to the kenku by describing this noise. Examples of this type of name include Smasher, Clanger, Slicer, and Basher.
Kenku thieves, con artists, and burglars adopt animal noises, typically those common in urban settings. In this manner, kenku can call out to each other while those who overhear them mistake them for common animals. Non-kenku use names that refer to the sound made or the animal a kenku mimics, such as Rat Scratch, Whistler, Mouser, and Growler.
Some kenku turn their back on crime to pursue legitimate trades. These kenku adopt noises made as part of their craft. A sailor duplicates the sound of a fluttering sail, while a smith mimics the clanging of a hammer on metal. Non-kenku describe these folk by their trade sounds, such as Sail Snap, Hammerer, and Cutter.
As a Curse-Breaker Kenku with a new found ability to speak, you may also decide to take on a more traditional name to celebrate your freedom.
Curse-Breaker Kenku Traits
Your Curse-Breaker Kenku character has the following racial traits.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age
Kenku have shorter lifespans than humans. They reach maturity at about 12 years old and can live to 60.
Alignment
Imbued with a sense of freedom that they’ve never known, a Curse-Breaker Kenku is likely to follow their own whims and pursue their own desires as a first priority. They are generally chaotic neutral in outlook.
Size
Kenku are around 5 feet tall and weigh between 90 and 120 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Flight
You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.
Kenku Training
You are proficient in your choice of two of the following skills: Acrobatics, Deception, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand.
Languages
You can read and write Common and Auran