The Wind Dukes of Aaqa are ancient beings of the Outer Planes with whom Princess Mwaxanaré has forged a warlock pact.
Role in the Adventure
The Wind Dukes appear only as part of Princess Mwaxanaré’s backstory and magical abilities. Against Asharra’s wishes, the seventeen-year-old princess—heir to the fallen kingdom of Omu—made a pact with these extraplanar entities to become a fledgling warlock. This pact grants her access to warlock abilities including mage hand, unseen servant, and telepathy, which she uses regularly (particularly to avoid physical labor).
Religious Significance
The Wind Dukes are also invoked during the Dance of the Seven Winds ritual. When aarakocra elder Asharra performs this 10-minute ceremony to grant magical flight to up to ten nonflying creatures, seven aarakocra must chant prayers to the Wind Dukes of Aaqa while Asharra dances. The ritual requires a black orchid and causes Asharra to temporarily lose her wings and flight ability for 3 days while the beneficiaries gain a 30-foot magical flying speed.
Nature
The Wind Dukes are described as “ancient beings of the Outer Planes,” suggesting they are powerful extraplanar entities, though no specific details about their nature, domain, or motivations are provided in the source material. Their connection to wind, flight, and the aarakocra’s rituals implies they are associated with elemental air.