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pondwriting · 5 years

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On The Subject of Kenku

by Jarvis Ipan

5th of Olarune 1288 0900

I'm starting this journal to chronicle my latest research into the Kenku. This race of humanoid bipedal birds is the subject of many stereotypes almost all of which negative. I'll summarize my past studies here.

1. A strong desire to fly and for high places. Either due to evolution or (as stated by the common man) by an old god of the Kenku they have lost their ability to fly over the last 50 generations. Because of this the Kenku are most comfortable up high in towers or trees.

2. A love for shiny things. Most Kenku will "collect" any shiny bauble within reach. Mostly used for trade among themselves because of the next fact.

3. Complete lack of creativity and craft. Kenku do not have the ability to create or express themselves in anyway. All tools, food, clothes, and objects must come from trade or theft which unfortunately is very high among their race. Many Kenku become highwaymen in order to feed and clothe themselves. This lack of cognitive function doesn't stop at creating art and objects.

4. Inability to form words and sentences without external stimuli. Kenku are not able to form or create words. They communicate with a complex set of mimicry. Words are learned based on the individual experience of a Kenku. For example one may learn the word "Bird" from someone on the street and begin using that. Another Kenku may hear a bird chirping and will mimic the chirp to mean the same thing. Once I've witnessed a Kenku purchasing a sword from a blacksmith. He couldn't request a sword for he didn't have the word to express it but he was able to mimic the sound of a hammer hitting steel with shocking accuracy. The blacksmith was familiar with this particular tribe of Kenku and was able to continue the transaction.

5. Almost perfect memory and mimicry. Once a word or voice is learned the Kenku can perfectly mimic it. The accuracy of this impression can fool most ears. Words and sounds are rarely forgotten by the Kenku. Most can mimic sounds they learned as a hatching. While the Kenku cannot produce for themselves they can learn from others. They are very adept at taking orders and carrying out repetitive tasks. Let me offer this as an example. If you give a man a hoe and a field he'll instantly know that he can farm the land. A Kenku will never come to this conclusion. You must teach him the technique, the spacing of the plots, and to what depth to dig down into the earth. After this the Kenku will be able to perfectly mimic this action for the rest of his life. It has not been concluded as to if the Kenku know "why" it is doing this task. I hope to answer this question in my upcoming studies.

My goal for this experiment is to see if, given proper training and guidance, a Ken is able shrug off these stereotypes and create for his or her self. I've recently acquired a fertilized egg from one of the local groups in town. The Kenku mother seemed to have no problems parting with the egg and I was able to collect it for only a few gold coins. I'm sure to get some criticism and complaints for this action but I assure whoever reads this that I have only purest of intentions. I've grown fascinated with the culture of the Kenku and wish to assist them in finding a more meaningful existence. Currently I have the egg incubating under a create light spell. I can see some movement within so I believe the hatching will soon be with us. I'll be sure to update as soon as the first cracks in the shell emerge.

8th of Olarune 1288 1300

Egg dimensions

Weight: ~15 lbs.

Height: 20 in.

Diameter: 18 in.

The young hatchling is quite compacted in this shell. I can already see cracks running along the perimeter of the newborns cage. It seems we’ll have a new Kenku in the world any time now.

8th of Olarune 1288 2235

After much work on the part of the young hatchling he has finally broken through. A young boy 1 foot and weighing only 12 lbs. A tad small for their race but healthy which is all an old wizard can ask for. I must admit I was a bit… discouraged when I finally met the poor creature. I cradled him in my arms to keep him warm. Once his eyes opened I peered in deep and saw… nothing. Any empty vessel of a being showing no signs of life or consciousness. He just glared straight ahead unblinking. I was tempted to stop the experiment there but staring into those black eyes I saw something else. A kind of spark from deep within. Maybe it was the dilatation of pupils or the deep unblinking glare he gave me but I could sense he was absorbing everything. My speech and breath. The room and objects. The crackle of the hearth nearby. This young boy was taking in and trying his hardest to understand this new world around him.

I’ll try to stick with what parts of the Kenku culture I can. As such I won’t be bestowing a name on the young hatchling until he’s older. Kenku are unable to come up with names for their young. Most are given a name after their first birthday after they “learn” a skill or interest. Kenku will usually adopt a name from what others call them. I once meet a stonemason and his Kenku assistant Clang. Named so after the sound of chisel hitting stone. Once taught Clang could mold and fire bricks better than the stonemason himself.

I must say having a young companion here has brought warmth to this old tower. It’s not quite so lonely up here anymore.

28th of Olarune 1288 1030

Not even a month has gone by and the boy has already started with his first steps. I’ve read about the advanced growth the Kenku exhibit but I couldn’t imagine it being this quick. Just yesterday the young squire attempted to imitate the high pitch squeal of my teapot. I think it may be time to start some training exercises. Some things are harder to adapt to. He’s taken up roosting in my beard during naps and I’m still not quite used to chewing up his worms for breakfast….

12th of Dravago 1288 1800

It has been just over three months after the birth of the young squire and he’s now fully mobile. He tends to stay on top of the bookshelves and other high places. Why I had quite a fright when I went I went to make my midday tea. I opened the upper pantry to fetch the teapot and out tumbled the young hatchling. He landed square on his feet and pranced off like nothing was off. I do say I almost saw the great library in the sky. This one is quite nimble and surefooted to be sure.

He seems to have the first developments of speech. I talk to him quite frequently and I think he’s started to mimic my more common phrases. Mostly “Get down from there!” and “Tea time!” The youngling adores his times outside. The weather has been agreeable so we sometimes take walks around the garden. He’s always trying to scurry up any tall object he can find in the yard. He seems to be able to adequately observe the things around him. As I’m writing this the young boy is admiring the shooting stars and when there’s a cool breeze coming down the mountains he waits. Letting the cool air wrap around him. I do enjoy his company and admire his curiosity.

18th of Sypheros 1288 1300

Studies have had mixed results with the young hatchling. He now has a word for every object in the kitchen but can’t seem to form sentences that express what he wants. I fear I’ll need to teach him every word in the dictionary and every common sentence. Mathematics may be the death of us both.

20th of Vult 1288 1215

I say. This boy has gone completely mad. I left a ladder out while trying to reach a book from the upper shelf and the young squire seems to have claimed the rafters of the tower for his own. He refuses to come down and has stolen every shiny object that wasn’t nailed down. Of particular importance was my pocket watch. A family heirloom and dwarven made. I suppose I could move some more boards up there for the poor boy. It’s not his fault the desire to fly is so strong. I’ll be sure to move a bed roll up there for him.

8th of Olarune 1289 0900

What a year it has been. I’ve gained countless pages of research and insight into the Kenku. I can’t express my joy for this wealth of knowledge. Training time has quickly become the highlight of the day for both of us. I tried teaching the boy the structure of grammar but he just doesn’t grasp it. It seems that spark of creativity inside all of us accounts for much more than we give it credit. I’ve gone back to having him mimic common phrases for the time being. Mathematics may be a lost cause. He can correctly answer any math problem I throw his way but only if he’s seen it before. 2+2=4 but 2+3 is a mystery to the poor boy. I’ll teach him what I can and hope that one day he can begin making connections.

Art is also a struggle but from no fault of his own. I’m no artist myself so during painting time he draws the same stick man and shapes I’ve shown him. He’s started to decorate his space with these drawings as well. I was bringing him his morning tea when I noticed he had swiped the white paint and a brush. Stick men and stars littered the walls and ceiling of his nook. I let the boy have his fun and left the drawings alone. We sat in his loft and sipped tea when I brought up the fact that he didn’t have a name yet. He was partly leaning outside the window near his bed roll watching the clouds roll by. His black feathers rustling in the wind. When the wind would pick up he would mimic the sound of the breeze running through the trees. I’m not sure if that was him telling me something or if I was imaging it but that’s what stuck. He seemed to enjoy it and gave me a smile.

I think Breeze is a fine name. Happy birthday Breeze. You brighten my every day. (A few lines mark out this last sentence)

24th of Barrakas 1293 1500

Breeze’s vocabulary has grown to be quite robust. He can speak and write quite well. I think it’s time to move to more complex studies. I want to see how the boy does with magic and alchemy. My theory is with the advanced memory of the Kenku they would be quite adept at casting spells. Think of being able to cast any spell without first memorizing and preparing it first. A very powerful skill indeed.

1st of Zarantyr 1294 0930

Magic may have been a mistake for the poor boy. He made quite a critical error when trying to cast lightning. I instructed him to change the spell slightly in order to increase and decrease the power. I never showed him how to do this. My hope was after all this training he may have picked up some kind of self-motivation. I pushed the boy too far. The affect was a very strong lightning strike right on himself. It’s not all lost though. Breeze did successfully increase the power of the spell with no direction from myself. He’s in his loft healing from the minor burns. Other than some scotched feathers he seems fine. Another… unexpected outcome from this is his voice. After the strike his voice seems to have been pitched up and he’s talking much faster than he used to. Before he was, more or less, using my voice as his own. He adopted my way of speaking for his own needs. I don’t see this new development as a negative though. I see it as taking on a voice of his own. He’s not talking through me anymore. He’s talking for himself as an individual. It’s also quite humorous listening to him recall his adventures outside in such an… enthusiastic tone.

For now I’m going to halt all attempts at magic. Without the proper magical safe guards a spell can go wrong in an instant. It would take years to teach him every scenario for a spell going wrong. I don’t want to take that chance again.

8th of Olarune 1294 0900

Happy birthday Breeze. I think we’ll have your favorite meal tonight. Night crawler stew. You’re so large now you can barely fit in my lap. Of course that doesn’t stop you from trying to roost in my beard.

2nd of Barrakas 1294 1500

You talk about your adventures in the garden often. I hang at your every word as you tell me how you slayed dandelions that looked like dragons. I always know the plots and endings because they’re from the bed time stories I tell you. I cherish them all none the less.

8th of Olarune 1295 1800

Happy birthday Breeze. You tell me more and more about leaving the tower and seeing the world. I have to say selfishly I wish you never leave. This time with you has been a blessing and I don’t with it to end. I dread the day you finally leave.

11th of Zarantyr 1297 1500

I fear my time left with you is growing short. You talk of exploring the world every day and I have nothing left to teach you. 9 long years we’ve been together. You haven’t reached maturity yet but I know come spring I won’t be able to keep you here. These walls are your cage. You must go out and explore. I just hope one day you’ll come back to visit your old wizard father. It’s the best job I’ve ever had and the best of my 104 years. I’ll remember them fondly.

8th of Olarune 1297 0900

Happy birthday Breeze. When I came to bring you your morning tea I noticed you weren’t in your loft. I know you’ve gone to explore the world and have great adventures. I hope you find everything you ever wanted out there and ride the winds back to me one day. Since you’re not fully grown I was quite worried. I wish you had stayed just a couple more years but I saw your goodbye note. Two things I never taught you. Painted on the wall of your loft was a stick man with a large bushy beard and under that the three words I never had the courage to say…

I love you.

I’ll need to put this away before the ink smudges.

8th of Olarune 1297 0910

My pocket watch seems to have gone missing.

#d&d backstory #dnd backstory #dungeons and dragons #Breeze the Kenku #kenku

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pondwriting · 5 years

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Ahhhhhhhhh my minis are in :D

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pondwriting · 5 years

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Full disclosure, taking a short break from Darksiders writing. I HAD the next one shot written, then didn't like it anymore and scraped it before seeing if I could salvage anything.

So to give myself a break, I'm going to be writing about our most recent D&D campaigns. The first one I'll probably post anything about is focused on my boy here, Creed, and our kenku rogue, Breeze. I'm super excited to write about the both of them, so I hope you like hearing loads. Because there is loads to hear.

#pond scum #taking a break #but now it's on to shenanigans #D&D flavored shenanigans #Creed the Tiefling

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pondwriting · 5 years

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Thunder rolled across the skies in the Maker’s realm, echoing in the Valley of the Stonefather. It deafened the ears of a lone Rider, sent his horse into slight nervous jitters. That’s never a good sign, he sighed as he approached the stone arches to the small village. The red hot embers emitted from his horse’s mane and hooves blew in the stiff breeze, turning to the same shade of white as the hair that cascaded from under his tattered red hood. Pale eyes that emitted a blue glow scanned the path ahead, noting that the rain had just begun to fall.

The youngest Horsemen sat up taller in his saddle, trying to calm his nerves before Ruin sat a massive hoof inside of the small Maker village. The black coat of his mount matched the swirling clouds in the sky, standing out against the pale grey of the stones around them. The phantom horse snorted as they crossed the threshold, the sulfuric smell of his breath caught the wind.

“Ruin, we’re almost there. Don’t worry, you won’t have to be out in this rain long,” he patted the thick neck of the horse, earning himself another snort. The pair turned to the east as they descended into the main square, traveling away from the still hot forges of the Makers. Hoof beats were the only sound for what seemed like miles, echoing gently back to the Rider from the cold stone. As they left the village, they came upon a small hut farther from the buildings Makers would stay in.

“Told you it wouldn’t take that long,” War smiled to his horse, dismounting and watching as Ruin disappeared in a cloud of fire and brimstone. His massive gloved hand came to rest on the door, knocking gently.

“Go away!” was the quick reply he received. It seemed hurried, as if the young boy speaking from behind the wood barrier was out of breath. “We don’t want any guests!” It came from further into the small structure.

“Noxus, it’s me. Let me in,” War spoke calmly, knowing exactly what was going on inside. The Council had warned all of the Horsemen of the events between the boy and The White City, but only the youngest acted upon his urges to check on him. “Noxus, it’s raining. You could hurry.”

“Sorry,” the door swung open quickly, revealing a boy that barely reached the Red Rider’s knee. The mass of black hair around his pale face was matted and dirty, the once silver length of hair to the left now a dingy shade of grey. Irises as red as fire stared up at him, the little gold band separating the color from his pupils seemed to spin lazily as he stared up. “Guess you heard, huh?” a bashful smile played across his cracked lips, the gaps in his teeth seeming more pronounced.

“Are you alright?” the Rider picked up the child, moving into the small home and shutting the door. He saw the small scar under the boy’s left eye had been reopened, the blood long clotted but not wiped away. The way the little hands holding onto his tunic trembled gave away the boy’s fear, making the youngest of the Feared Four sigh.

“They still have my brother... What do you think they’re going to do to him?” Noxus laid his head under the Horseman’s chin, sniffling. “Do you think they’ll hurt him? Will they do worse than what they did to me?” His words became a whisper as he voiced his fears, a keening noise tearing itself from his bruised throat.

“I doubt that Noxi,” War sat himself on one of the few pieces of furniture in the house, stroking the boy’s hair gently. “Does your mother know you’re home yet?” He tried to coax the boy away from the subject of his twin, knowing it was causing the small form in his arm’s pain to think about.

“I don’t think so… She’s got a search party out looking for me still,” a yawn formed slowly on his lips, but he refused to let it out. “Hey War?”

“Yes Noxus?” the Red Rider chuckled softly as he heard the little yawn the child had been holding back. He moved toward one of the few rooms off of the main one, opening the door and closing it behind them.

“Can you stay here? At least until Mama gets back?” Noxus was placed on the small bed away from the door, covers tucked under his chin with care. “Not like I’m scared, but I don’t want Mama to worry about me being alone again.”

“Sure I can,” War sat himself beside the small bed, choosing the floor over one of the child-sized chairs sitting within the confines of the room. “Noxus.”

“Yeah Big Guy?” the boy looked over the edge of his bed, his childish giggles filling the room as he saw the Horseman among all of the small wooden toys.

“I promise you that we will get back at them for all of this,” the pale blue glow cast across Noxus’s battered face, lending another shadow to the wall. “They won’t go unpunished for what they’ve put you and your brother through.”

“I know,” he wrapped his pale arms around the thick neck in front of him, nuzzling the side of the Horseman’s head. “But War, please make sure we have Luxus back before you do anything. I don’t want him to get hurt worse.”

“It probably won’t be anytime soon, little one,” War leaned back, smiling up. “Don’t worry Noxus. When the time comes, you’ll be able to help us and keep your brother safe.” He watched as Noxus settled himself back under the blankets, smiling gently.

“Night War,” the boy yawned, closing his odd colored eyes as his head hit the pillow. He didn’t hear the reply from the Horseman, already being in sleep’s hold.

“Good night, my little nephew.”

#darksiders fanfic #darksiders oc #darksiders #war darksiders

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pondwriting · 5 years

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Out in the barrens, a lone Rider was fast approaching. His stead’s sickly color showed bright against the lush greens of the surrounding forest. The diseased green mist that permeated the horse’s body swirled in the natural mist of the region, causing flickers of it to be seen from a distance. The realm passed by in a blur, his eyes never leaving the stone city in the distance.

Why did she summon me all the way out here? We have been separated a while now, the hoof beats echoed back to him, almost drowning out his thoughts. He didn’t have long to think as they crossed the plains towards the city. She said she was the last house within the walls, he flicked his wrists, counting on his steed to get the message. The homes were close together, almost touching in some points. He stared at the last in the row, but gave up the gaze when another home further away caught him eye.

The windows were open, carrying a warm glow of candle light out into the cold night. The wooden door was spotted from the frequent rains of the region, but the wood looked well treated and like it could stand years of the precipitation. A soft cry was emitted from the silence of the home, catching the Horseman’s ear. Was that... a child? His mount stopped a short pace away from the door, pawing nervously at the softened earth as the Rider dismounted. She didn’t bring me here to… please tell me that wasn’t…

On quickened steps, he made his way to the door barely stopping to knock before throwing it wide open. Inside, his eyes fell on the young woman who had once shared his bed and the bundles in her arms. One looked like a mix of them both, blacked hair framing a pale face; a thin strip of silver running along the right side of his head showing his mother’s heritage. The other, nothing like them. A head of silver sat atop the child’s head, black standing dark against the light hue and skin.

The dark headed one was squalling, thrashing its tiny legs in protest as his mother walked around the room. His tantrum was ignored by the other, still sound asleep in its mother’s embrace. The first looked toward the newest resident in the room, and began to reach as far as his limbs would allow.

“Noxus seems to know who you are,” a tired voice carried its way to the Horseman’s ear, pulling his orange tinted eyes to the dark circles sitting an even darker shade against her purple eyes. “Do you mind taking him? He’s been crying for over an hour and I’m afraid he’ll wake up Luxus,” she tilted her head towards the still sleeping babe.

“When?” He reached out and took the child gently from her, holding him against his bare chest. The child’s protest slowed as he opened his eyes, the coloring in them carrying more of his father’s side than his mother’s. The bright red that swirled around the iris glowed in the candle light, almost overtaking the gold sitting next to the gold around his pupils. A light giggle caught the warm air of the room, and the tiny hands that had been swinging less than a minute before reached for Death’s elongated hair.

“They’re about a month old now, if that is what you’re referring to,” Alua plopped down unceremoniously, almost groaning in pleasure as the weight was taken from her feet. “And if you’re asking when I found out, it was the day you sent me from your bed.” She rocked her arms gently, trying her hardest to keep the younger of the twin’s asleep.

“And you decided to tell me now because?” He allowed his eldest son to take the strands in his hand, trying to keep the pride from his eyes as the young one pulled a little. “Why not tell me the day you found out?”

“I was trying to Death. You just spoke first,” she yawned, trying to cover it with the back of her unoccupied hand. “I decided that you at least needed a chance to meet these two before I changed my mind about it. It wouldn’t seem fair to try and keep you away from them.”

“Well, I thank you for the opportunity,” he sat beside her, shifting the boy in his arms so he could look him over better. “I really wish I could help you with them,” he stated after a look of confusion from the babe. “Soon there will be some… complications. I’d hate for anyone to know about the three of you and try to use you against me,” he took his son’s hand in his own, squeezing it gently. The squeal of delight finally bought a smile to his face, unhindered by the mask he would soon adorn.

“I won’t ask since I have a feeling you won’t share,” she watched a yawn pass from son to father, smiling fondly at the sight. “It’s well past their bedtimes, Death.”

“Try telling that to him,” he picked the child back up, holding him against his chest. “What are their names again? I’d like to try and remember them at least. Just for future reference, of course.” He glanced over towards the other boy, still fast asleep in his mother’s arms.

“The one you’re holding is Noxus. This little one,” she gestured lightly toward the small being using her arms as a pillow,” is Luxus. The have middle and a last name to share as well, just to help them blend in everywhere they may travel.”

“And those are?” another yawn hit his ear, his son’s breathing slowing down against his unarmored chest.

“Noxus Maximus Shaos and Luxus Aquila Shaos.”

“You have a terrible choice in names,” he teased lightly, taking his son’s form away from his chest to take another good look at his peaceful face. His eyes softened to a faint glow, allowing his son’s peacefully sleeping face to be unhindered by light. “Would you like help putting them in bed? I can stay just long enough to put them down with you, but then I have to go. The longer I stay, the more danger you three are put in,” he stood quietly, taking his time to make sure the tiny bundle in his arms stayed blissfully unaware.

“If you wish,” she stood much slower than he, letting the months of pregnancy and motherhood show without permission. “If not, I’m sure I can get them to sleep. I think someone will be upset in the morning when he notices you aren’t here,” she gestured towards Noxus’s sleeping face as he nuzzled his father’s arms, leading the way towards the bedroom.

“I hope I can make that up to him one day,” the Horseman’s worn boots scuffed the floor as he followed, knocking what little dirt was on the floor up. “I thank you Alua,” he laid the babe down in the crib next to his younger twin, squeezing his small fist one last time.

#darksiders #darksiders oc #darksiders fanfic #death darksiders

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