Master the Art of Mimicry with These Choices! Explore the best classes for Kenku, known for their mimicry and stealth.
These classes enhance a Kenku’s traits, providing diverse playstyles from cunning assassins to skilled artisans. Unleash your creativity with these top picks!
Best Classes for Kenku
5. Barbarian
Primary Ability Score – Strength
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity to a lesser extent
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Barbarian?
Kenku Barbarians should increase Strength by +2 and Constitution/Dexterity by +1 (depending on your chosen skills).
Kenku Recall is an easy way to almost guarantee certain ability checks, and for the Barbarian, that would often end up being an Athletics check for a grapple.
It also provides the Barbarian with two additional skills that can benefit from the Kenku Recall.
Note: If you really try, you might be able to play a Barbarian Face since the Kenku also has abilities like Mimicry and Expert Duplication to play into the theme.
Recommended Barbarian Primal Paths
- Ancestral Guardian
- Totem Warrior
4. Fighter
Primary Ability Score – Strength (STR-based), Dexterity (DEX-based)
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Intelligence (For Eldritch Knight)
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Fighter?
Kenku Fighters should increase Strength/Dexterity by +2 and Constitution by +1.
Fighters will also find great ways to use Kenku Recall. Strength-focused builds will use it for grappling, while Dexterity-focused builds will use it to serve as the party’s Scout.
In addition, the two extra skills offer out-of-combat flexibility to the Fighter, and Mimicry can serve as a great way to distract creatures as a Scout.
Recommended Fighter Martial Archetypes
- Battle Master
- Rune Knight
- Samurai
3. Paladin
Primary Ability Scores – Charisma and Strength
Secondary Ability Score – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Paladin?
Kenku Paladins should increase Charisma/Strength by +2 and Charisma/Constitution/Dexterity by +1.
Paladins will make use of Kenku Recall in a similar way to Fighters and Barbarians. Strength builds will use it for grappling, while others might use it for an Intimidation or Insight check.
The additional skills will help a Paladin spread their skills evenly, getting out of their standard Face-oriented skills and taking advantage of other vital skills like Perception or Stealth.
Note: Kenku Paladins can make for a durable Face or Scout, especially with Mimicry and Expert Duplication.
Recommended Paladin Sacred Oaths
- Conquest
- Redemption
- Vengeance
2. Rogue
Primary Ability Score – Dexterity
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Intelligence (For Arcane Tricksters)
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbows
Why the Rogue?
Kenku Rogues should increase Dexterity/Intelligence by +2 and Dexterity/Charisma by +1.
Rogues are Kenku’s most common martial class. They use Kenku Recall in combination with a wide variety of skills and gain two additional skills in the process.
The only issue Kenku Rogues have is that they might use the limited uses of Kenku Recall too quickly, as they have so many skills to use it with.
I don’t even have to mention how good Mimicry and Expert Duplication is as a Rogue.
Recommended Rogue Archetypes
- Arcane Trickster
- Scout
- Soulknife
1. Bard
Primary Ability Score – Charisma
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbow
Why the Bard?
Kenku Bards should increase Charisma by +2 and Constitution/Dexterity by +1.
You can think of Bards as the magical version of Rogues for Kenku, just stronger and with even more up their sleeve since they have access to many skills and spells.
Mimicry works perfectly as a Bard, even fitting its theme, and when you combine Kenku Recall and Expertise, your skills checks become unstoppable.
Recommended Bard Colleges
- Eloquence
- Lore
- Whispers (Thematically appropriate)
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the stealthy skills of the Rogue, the primal connection of the Barbarian, or the strategic versatility of the Fighter, each class offers unique ways to enhance your Kenku character’s abilities and role in your group.