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A kenku is a bird-like, flightless, humanoid creature in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game.
Ecology[]
Environment[]
Typical physical characteristics[]
Despite their birdlike appearance, kenkus lack wings, instead having human like arms, with talons in place of feet. Kenkus are covered in russet-brown feathers and have black beaks, but have a relatively humanoid build. Though more agile than humans, they tend to be physically weaker as well. They have small black beady eyes and are quite light for their size due to their hollow bones. They average five feet in height and weigh roughly 75 pounds (32 kilos).
Kenkus commonly wear brown robes held in place by a sashes of the same color. Kenkus often conceal weapons beneath these robes.
Alignment[]
Kenkus tend to be neutral evil.
Society[]
Kenkus typically work as gangs in large cities, where they gather riches through theft and robbery. They are not particularly strong, and therefore tend to use cunning rather than force.
Most kenkus worship the demon prince Pazuzu, though Quorlinn is worshipped by those not so disposed toward evil. Kenku clerics usually venerate Vecna.
Creative origins[]
Kenkus have their basis in Japanese Mythology as karasu tengus, where they are powerful and wise crow spirits adept at craftsmanship and masters of the art of Japanese swordplay, or kenjutsu.
References[]
- Cagle, Eric. "Ecology of the Kenku." Dragon #329 (Paizo Publishing, 2005).
- Cook, David, et al. Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (TSR, 1989).
- Stewart, Doug, ed. Monstrous Manual (TSR, 1994).
- Turnbull, Don, ed. Fiend Folio (TSR, 1981).