CORVAXES

Amassed in the shadows of the forests, hidden where some had forgotten, arrive the Corvax. They are the were-ravens, a shifting group that, while serving as spies for the were-world, is often overlooked as mere scavengers, messengers, and annoyances. Their ancestry traces back to Norse mythology, where they were allied with Odin. The Corvax play an essential role in gathering and spreading information, though they are often underestimated due to their chaotic and disorganized nature.

Animal Form:

The Corvax animal form is that of a raven (corvus corax). In this form, they are used as scouts, spies, and gossips. The raven form is essentially that of a common raven, though larger, more akin to the size of an eagle. Their natural affinity for flight and wanderlust enables the Corvax to report findings to one another and local authorities. Some Corvax even claim to be faster than the internet, though this is obviously an exaggeration. Their speed and intelligence make them ideal messengers, though their gossiping nature often makes them seem unreliable to others.

Human Form:

When in human form, Corvax are often described as "underfed punk rockers." They typically have black hair, eyes, and clothing, with their appearance reflecting their slightly disheveled and rebellious nature. Corvax are generally small, thin, and slightly washed out no matter the complexion, with sharp, angular features. Many have longer ring fingers compared to their middle fingers, a noticeable physical trait. Their appearance, while striking, often gives off an air of eccentricity, and they tend to stand out in a crowd due to their somewhat unusual features and fashion choices. Corvax often struggle to maintain a traditional social role, preferring to live in the shadows or work as freelancers, either within the supernatural world or among humans, where they act as spies, informants, or messengers. Their charisma and ability to mimic others also make them good at blending in or manipulating situations when necessary.

Bipedal Form:

The bipedal form of the Corvax is an awkward, half-avian creature, used only when necessary—usually to fight off enemies long enough to escape. This form is not commonly used, as Corvax prefer to rely on their flight and intelligence to avoid physical conflict.

Diet:

As Ravens:
As ravens, Corvax are omnivorous scavengers. They will eat a wide variety of foods, including small animals, insects, fruits, berries, seeds, and carrion. Their keen intelligence allows them to adapt to different environments, and they can find food in urban, rural, and wilderness settings. Additionally, they are often drawn to shiny objects but do not always consume them. A peculiar habit of the Corvax is their consumption of the eyeballs of the dead or fallen, which allows them to see the last memories of the deceased. This eerie behavior helps them gather valuable information, especially in matters of death or conflict.

In Human Form:
In their human form, Corvax have similar eating habits to most humans, though they are still somewhat eccentric in their food choices. They tend to have a fondness for unusual or exotic foods, often eating things that others would find off-putting, such as raw meats or strange combinations of food. They still enjoy scavenging in their human form and may indulge in things like street food, leftovers, or even trash, similar to their raven instincts. Additionally, they maintain a strong preference for foods that are visually appealing, such as brightly colored fruits, shiny candies, or foods that seem somehow "magical" or intriguing in nature.

Behavior and Traits:

Corvax are known for their inability to stay quiet, and they tend to gossip and spread information wherever they go. Their love for troublemaking and stealing shiny objects is a defining characteristic, though they resist the urge to hoard them whenever possible. While Corvax are capable of developing rage, it is rare for them to do so to the extent seen in other shifters. Their bipedal form is an awkward, half-avian creature, used only in emergencies to defend themselves long enough to escape. They have the best vision of all shifters and the ability to mimic speech in their bird form.

Reproduction:

Corvax can mate with humans, but they only produce new Corvax through ritualistic means. Any offspring born outside of these rituals are simply human. When a Corvax is impregnated, however, the offspring is born as an egg, and upon hatching, becomes a raven. This reproductive process further separates them from other shifters.

The Ritual Process:

Invocation of the Winds:
The ritual begins with the summoning of the wind, the spirit of flight, and the forces that bind the Corvax to their avian nature. The one performing the ritual (often an elder Corvax or a practitioner with knowledge of the magic) recites ancient incantations to call upon the raven spirit. The air becomes charged with energy, and the winds may begin to stir in response. At this stage, the ritual is attuned to the forces of the spirit world, and the physical environment begins to resonate with the upcoming transformation.
Blood and Offering:
The blood of the Corvax is poured into the earth or onto the raven feathers, acting as an offering to the natural world and a binding force. The blood connects the Corvax to the primal powers of life and death, and its essence strengthens the magic that will follow. The ritual leader ensures that the blood is absorbed into the earth, allowing the magical energies to circulate and prepare the space for the soul-binding that will take place.
Awakening the Raven Spirit:
As the blood seeps into the earth and the winds swirl, the ritual leader speaks the final incantations to call upon the spirit of the raven. At this moment, the egg placed at the center of the ritual circle begins to vibrate and crack. The energy of the raven spirit enters the egg, and a powerful surge of magic occurs. The egg hatches, revealing the spirit of the raven. The transformation of the individual begins as the spirit bonds with their soul, guiding them into the new Corvax form.
Binding the Spirit and Flesh:
The final part of the ritual involves the soul of the newly-formed Corvax fully merging with the physical form. The individual undergoes the transformation, shifting into their raven shape. This is both a spiritual and physical metamorphosis, as their human (or original) body reshapes into that of the Corvax. It is said that this moment is marked by a surge of power and a connection to the natural world—especially the winds, which symbolize the Corvax's newfound freedom.

Completion of the Ritual:

First Flight:
The newly-formed Corvax must take their first flight to solidify the transformation. This flight marks the moment when the individual is fully integrated into their new form and spirit. They are no longer the person they were before, but a new being—free, untethered, and connected to the natural forces of the world. This flight is crucial; without it, the transformation is considered incomplete.
Independence:
After the flight, the Corvax is now free to follow their own path. They are not bound to any pack, clan, or social structure—Corvax are solitary by nature, acting as independent scouts, messengers, and observers. While they may choose to interact with other supernatural beings, the Corvax is not tied to any hierarchy and remains a lone, roaming entity.

Consequences of Failure:

Should the ritual fail—whether due to interruption, improper execution, or an imbalance in the spiritual forces—the results can be disastrous. The transformation may not complete properly, leaving the would-be Corvax with a fractured soul or an incomplete physical form. These Corvax, often referred to as “lost,” may experience confusion, madness, or a disconnection from the world. They are unable to fully embrace their raven nature and may wander aimlessly or remain trapped between the worlds of humans and spirits.

Flaws:

Kleptomania: Corvax have a compulsive tendency to steal, particularly shiny and sparkly objects.
Silver Resistance: Silver does not harm Corvax, but gold burns them and causes aggravated damage.
Hollow-Boned: Corvax are fragile, with delicate features and hollow bones, making them physically weaker than many other shifters.
Eyeball Consumption: They consume the eyeballs of the dead to see their last memories, a practice that may seem disturbing to others but is essential for their role as informants.
Cages: A Corvax can be caged in a small gold cage, immobilized as a form of ultimate punishment.
Trust Issues: Because Corvax talk incessantly, many other shifters don’t trust or believe them. However, if a Corvax offers a warning and it is ignored, the consequences are on those who did not listen. They are harbingers of death for a reason.

Relationships with Other Species:

Corvax maintain a symbiotic relationship with other shifters, trading their services as spies and messengers for mutual benefit. They are feared and revered by vampires, offering supreme loyalty in exchange for either flight or the ability to see the last moments of the deceased. They have a healthy fear of cat and hyena shifters, though they share stronger bonds with wolves, foxes, and bears. Corvax have little trust for merfolk, as they struggle to spy on those they cannot observe directly.

Many Corvax are polyglots, owing to their extensive spy training. Older Corvax often know multiple languages, making them versatile in communication and intelligence gathering.

Magical Properties of Corvax Features

Feathers:
Corvax feathers are prized as potent magical ingredients, particularly in rituals that involve communication, divination, or transformation. These feathers hold inherent power tied to the Corvax’s connection to the wind and their ability to traverse the boundaries between worlds.

Windwhisper (Feather of Secrets): When a Corvax feather is used in a ritual, it can be bound to a person or location to gather secrets and whispers carried on the wind. The feather allows the user to overhear conversations or detect hidden information over great distances, as if the wind itself carries the knowledge. This magic can be used to eavesdrop on people or uncover truths that are carefully hidden. The more feathers used in the ritual, the broader the range of the information gathered, but the risk of attracting unwanted attention also grows.
Flight’s Grace (Feather of the Sky): A single Corvax feather can be used to enhance a spell of flight or levitation. When held, it grants the user the ability to glide gracefully through the air, with minimal effort, allowing them to move swiftly and quietly. It is often used by mages who need to escape quickly or perform stealth operations, as it provides both a physical and magical boost to flight abilities. The longer the feather is used, however, the greater the mental strain it can put on the user, causing fatigue and confusion if overused.

Eyes:
The eyes of a Corvax are highly coveted due to their ability to see beyond the physical world and into the realms of memory, death, and hidden knowledge. These eyes are powerful tools in divination, necromancy, and illusion magic.

Glimpse of the Past (Eye of the Fallen): A Corvax eye, when placed under a person’s eyelid or used in a divination ritual, allows the user to see into the past—either the past of a person, object, or location. This magical sight reveals hidden truths, lost memories, or forgotten events, unlocking secrets that were once buried. The longer the eye is used in the ritual, the deeper and more significant the truths revealed become. However, the user may also experience visions of the deceased or linger too long in the past, losing themselves in the flood of memories and potentially becoming haunted by them.
Death’s Gaze (Eye of the Harbinger): When a Corvax eye is used by a necromancer, it grants the ability to glimpse the final moments of any deceased person or creature. The eye can be placed on an altar or used as a focus during a necromantic ritual to communicate with spirits or see into the realm of the dead. It is also said to allow the user to "speak" to the dead, offering them a temporary return to the living world. However, prolonged use of the eye in this manner may cause the user to become obsessed with the dead or develop an unhealthy obsession with death itself.

Tongue:
The Corvax tongue holds a unique power tied to their ability to mimic and communicate. Their natural gift for language and mimicry translates into magical uses, allowing their tongues to weave spells related to speech, communication, and manipulation.

Silvered Words (Tongue of Persuasion): A Corvax tongue can be used in a ritual to bestow the speaker with an irresistible power of persuasion. When consumed, the tongue grants the user the ability to speak in a way that compels others to listen and obey. This power is especially useful in diplomacy, negotiation, or when trying to manipulate or deceive others. The longer the tongue is used in this capacity, the more the user may become addicted to the influence it provides, slowly losing their own free will and becoming more reliant on the power of words.
Mimic’s Deceit (Tongue of Illusion): A Corvax tongue can be used to cast illusions or alter the sounds of one's voice. When used, it allows the user to mimic not just human speech but also animal sounds, distant voices, or even magical incantations. This ability can be used to deceive others, create false impressions, or hide one’s true intentions. It is often used by spies or tricksters to fabricate lies or mislead enemies. However, overuse of the tongue in this manner can lead to the user losing their ability to speak genuinely, as the line between illusion and truth begins to blur.

Corvax Blood Properties:

Consumed by Vampires:
When consumed by a vampire, Corvax blood grants the vampire the ability to see into the last memories of a person they’ve killed, much like the Corvax themselves. This "memory viewing" effect lasts for a limited time, providing the vampire with vivid, fleeting visions of the victim's experiences or even allowing them to glimpse the circumstances leading up to the death. However, this blood also leaves the vampire feeling a bit "unnerved" or restless after consumption, as the memories are not always pleasant and may occasionally show unsettling or disturbing images. This side effect makes it a prized but dangerous substance for vampires, particularly those dealing with espionage or the aftermath of a death.

Used in Fey Magic:
When Corvax blood is used in fey magic, it enhances spells related to perception, memory, and transformation. It is particularly effective in rituals designed to amplify a fey's ability to see beyond normal sight, granting the practitioner visions into the spirit world or the ability to see into the future. It can also aid in transformation-based magic, helping fey shape-shift or alter their forms with greater precision. However, excessive use of Corvax blood in fey rituals can cause the practitioner to lose track of their true form, temporarily becoming more raven-like or disoriented in their magical transformation.

Used in Human Magic:
When used in human magic, Corvax blood is commonly employed in rituals for mental clarity, insight, or divination. The blood grants the user heightened awareness and focus, allowing them to decipher hidden messages, discern truths from lies, or make more informed decisions. It is also used in rituals meant to connect with the subconscious, enabling the practitioner to unlock hidden talents, memories, or forgotten knowledge. However, overuse of Corvax blood can cause paranoia or a deep obsession with uncovering every hidden truth, making the user overly suspicious or unstable.