Kenku are avian humanoids, about 5 feet tall and weighing around 75 pounds. They mostly resemble humanoid ravens but have arms instead of wings, so they cannot fly. They are quick and agile, and while coward by nature, they fight rather viciously.
Kenku usually live in small groups, whereupon those who reach adulthood tend to leave forever, finding their own place in the world. They are self-centered and secretive and they can also mimic other voices with astounding precision.
Kenku usually get named based on what kind of a personality they have or what their profession is. Knowing their name only paints good enough of a picture to know what to expect. Names such as Frogger, Owl Rustle, and Dog Growl are good examples.
Kenku Names
As proficient voice mimics, Kenku can impersonate other creatures, animals, and even nature sounds. It is a common thing to name them after the sounds they do, often resulting in fairly interesting names. When asked who they are, a Kenku may introduce himself with clicking sounds and thus be known as Clicker, while the enemies might mock him by calling him “Dolphin Noise”.
- Rabbit Scream
- Hammer Clank
- Prodder
- Clanger
- Dog Wiggle
- Burner
- Steel Clank
- Lute String
- Book Slam
- Leather Flick
Bee Buzzer
Having impersonated bees and their buzzing on multiple occasions, mostly to save her own skin, it was only natural to get such a name.
- Grain Trash
- Hide Smack
- Rustler
- Knocker
- Snake Slither
Giggler
He loves to impersonate different types of laughs, especially during his stage performances. One would argue the act is mostly based on the fact that his laughs actually make the viewers laugh as well.
- Chisel Carve
- Hoe Scrape
- Tweeter
- Parrot Squawk
- Snaker
- Piercer
- Mimer
- Jackal Call
- Drummer
Spitter
He can’t speak properly, resulting in spitting whenever he talks. Whatever the true reason for such speech might be, his name is more than justified.
- Exploder
- Smasher
- Pigeoner
- Owl Call
- Falcon Swoop
- Grain Mill
- Braker
Fox Yelp
Ever since he got into trouble for the first time in his life, his fox-like scream, a yelp actually, didn’t go unnoticed by any means. At first, he was mocked for it but now it’s simply his name.
- Chimer
- Duck Rustle
- Paint Stroke
- Kettle Bubble
- Sifter
- Plunger
- Mouse Rustle
Alligator Roar
Became famous when she and three of her Kenku friends managed to rob an armed caravan going through the swamps. You can guess how it was done.
- Bell Drop
- Carver
- Cobbler
- Roarer
- Dog Yelp
- Crate Smash
Sheep Baa
For some reason she doesn’t laugh normally, depending on what a normal laugh is. Sounding more like a happy sheep, to the astoundment and laughter of others, good friends call her Sheepy or Baa.
- Hatchet Drop
- Stomper
- Fryer
- Parrot Call
- Badger Run
Kenku are cunning and stealthy creatures who prefer the safety of distance. They have a natural affinity for wealth and power which, along with the fact they leave their homes, makes them well suited for an adventuring life. If you want to play a somewhat unorthodox character, with plenty of roleplaying options, play a Kenku.
Did you enjoy this guide? Please, tell us some of your favorite names in the comments and share your own methods of coming up with a Kenku name.
