Kenku can only speak in mimicry, but it has been stated that they can still communicate via methods like telepathy from the Mystic and Warlock classes. So a Kenku with telepathy can communicate their thoughts to others.
Can Kenku remember phrases?
Depends on how long they can live. Mimicry feature says that they can mimic anything they’ve heard (or seen in the case of handwriting) and no limit on how long ago it was is given.
Can Kenku speak Auran?
Most kenku use a combination of overheard phrases and sound effects to convey their ideas and thoughts. The phrase highlighted above further shows that while a Kenku can read and write Common/Auran, they can only communicate with others via Mimicry, and that mimicry is limited (no passing notes in class!)
Can Kenku have original thoughts?
Yes they have thoughts. Just like mute people. In my mind, Kenku, much like the with autism “cold blooded” Lizardfolk, require taking their Volo’s entries as no more than inspiration rather than a factual (or even reasonable) set of descriptors and limitations.
Can Kenku look like other birds?
Although kenku look like crows, they are not related to them. They do share some similarities with crows thou, such as black and beady eyes and a long dark-hued beak. Their head and torso are covered with soft feathers, a dark shiny black colour, while their scrawny limbs are bare and scaled like those of other birds.
Do Kenku tails?
Kenku are bipedal, humanoid birds standing about five feet tall and weigh roughly 75 pounds. Despite their birdlike appearance, kenkus lack wings, instead having human like arms, with talons in place of feet. They have a vestigial tail of longer feathers although its scrawny arms and legs remain bare.
Can a kenku speak in their own voice?
Their master took away their voices. Although unable to speak in their own voices, kenku can perfectly mimic any sound they hear…kenku cannot create new sounds and can communicate only by using sounds they have heard. Most kenku use a combination of overheard phrases and sound effects to convey their ideas and thoughts.
What do you need to know about the kenku?
They are defined more by their Dexterity increase than their Wisdom increase, and the Kenku is a go-to race for stealthy characters. Thematically, the Kenku is a fantastically unique race with some interesting quirks. They are spectular imitators, but lack creativity.
What can a Smart master do with kenku?
A smart master could sit down with their kenku minions and read off a bunch of sounds, allowing kenku to speech almost naturally. Kenku could then perfectly mimic this teaching session, spreading the original master’s voice throughout the population.
Can You roleplay a kenku at the table?
On page 111 of Volos, there are further directions for roleplaying a Kenku that describe how you this can be done at the table. The curse given to them by their Master has negated their ability for fluent speech. Their ability to mimic allows them to communicate, but not fluently.
