Why are Aarakocra banned?

Why Are Aarakocra Banned?

Aarakocra, a bird-like race from the world of Dungeons & Dragons, has been a topic of debate among players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) alike. With their unique ability to fly and their regal demeanor, it’s no wonder why many characters would want to play as Aarakocra. However, due to their ability to bypass certain game mechanics and gain an unfair advantage, Aarakocra have been banned from most Adventurer’s League (AL) games. In this article, we’ll explore why Aarakocra have been banned and what you can do to create balanced and fun characters.

Mechanical Issues with Aarakocra

One of the main reasons Aarakocra were banned is due to their ability to fly. Flight allows Aarakocra to avoid certain types of attacks and reach areas that other characters cannot, giving them a significant advantage. Additionally, their natural ability to fly means that they don’t need to spend precious resources on expensive equipment like wings or boosters. This makes Aarakocra a game-changer in combat situations, allowing them to be more effective and deadly without having to worry about range or mobility.

How Aarakocra Use Their Flight Ability

• Scouting: Aarakocra can use their flight ability to scout ahead and gather information before engaging in combat. This allows them to identify weak points in the enemy’s defenses and plan their attacks accordingly.
• Mobility: With the ability to fly, Aarakocra can quickly move around the battlefield, avoiding attacks and outmaneuvering enemies.
• Escape: If things become too intense, Aarakocra can use their flight ability to escape danger and regroup with their allies.

Other Unbalanced Abilities

In addition to their flight ability, Aarakocra also have access to other regal abilities that make them overpowered. These include:

• Talons: Aarakocra have natural talons that allow them to grapple and trip enemies, making them a formidable opponent in close combat.
• Regal Presence: Aarakocra have a regal presence that commands respect from other creatures. This allows them to use their charm and intimidation to influence the actions of enemies.
• Resistance to Cold: As a result of their desert dwelling, Aarakocra have a natural resistance to cold damage, making them more resilient in battle.

Why Aarakocra Are Unfairly Advantaged

By combining their flight ability with their regal presence and natural talents, Aarakocra become a dominant force on the battlefield. They can use their charm and intimidation to influence enemy actions, then use their flight ability to avoid taking damage. This makes it difficult for other characters to engage with them effectively, as they can simply use their flight ability to retreat and regroup.

Alternatives to Aarakocra

If you’re looking for a similar character build to Aarakocra, there are several alternatives you can explore:

• Fairy: Fairies are a similar bird-like race that have a strong connection to nature. While they don’t have flight ability, they have the ability to communicate with plants and animals, making them a formidable opponent in natural environments.
• Tiefling: Tieflings are a fiendish-inspired race that have a demonic heritage. While they don’t have flight ability, they have access to magical abilities and a natural charisma that makes them effective negotiators and leaders.
• Human or Half-Elf: These humanoids have access to a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, allowing you to create a unique and interesting character. While they may not have the flight ability of Aarakocra, they have a more balanced set of abilities that make them effective in a variety of situations.

Conclusion

Aarakocra are a powerful and appealing race, but their combination of flight ability and regal presence makes them overly powerful. By banning them from Adventurer’s League games, DMs and players can ensure that other characters have a fair shot at success. If you’re looking for a similar character build, there are several alternatives you can explore. By choosing a race that is more balanced, you can create a fun and engaging character that won’t disrupt the balance of the game.