Corvo

Introduction

Corvo are sometimes called 'Nightcrawlers', as their name roughly translates to such in the old Icherranian tongue they were first named in. Though they originate in the hills of Caena, the advent of the Dunash across Icheron and the domination of the Unbreathing Horde has forced them entirely astray of their original homes, clinging to old Covens and roots burrowed deep within Atharen's soil.

The Corvo, who all belong to a faction known as the Brotherhood of Scaeva, are a collective of men and women chosen by Brazim, securing information, culling threats and serving the whims and will of whichever merchant, Lord or King offers them coin. Though the Corvo offer Brazim information through their duties, it is largely believed that they are more a product of his vanity than practicality, a simple desire to leave his imprint upon the world.

Like most Blights, Corvo are rare in the world, perhaps the rarest save for the Wohlricht. If they were common, it would be impossible to know. They are secretive, and most of their changes are subtle enough to be imperceptible to those other than the most vigilant of eyes, or experts in the field of Blights. Some may speculate that a particularly handsome man in their village, known for bedding loosely, may be a Nightcrawler; the same may be said of a courtesan of legendary beauty and grace, a woman privy to the ears of great Lords and Ladies. These speculations are scant proven, and the trademark of any proper Nightcrawler - in the face of great speculation - is to disappear.

Changes

The first tell to determine whether someone is a Corvo or not is, of course, the fact that they're exceedingly good-looking. Many of them were born this way, and many weren't; legends exist of starving wretches and malignant lepers becoming renowned beauties overnight, all thanks to this Blight. Even a naturally attractive person changes some once Brazim has blessed them with his favor. Their skin becomes clearer and more vibrant, their body naturally chiseled to their liking. The imperfections common to all mortals are lost on them, who may choose to surrender their scars, their extra weight, their drooping chin, slacking jaw or the stature they always found to be the one thing that held them back. Their skin almost appears warmer, their features more pleasant and inviting, their smile mystifying. A Corvo's scent is perhaps their most drawing feature: it radiates warmth and draws arousal from others, channeling their innate hunger with a fragrance that compels lust and the absence of caution.

The second most prominent change is that a Corvo begins to desire constant, or at least frequent, stimulation. They become more lustful, and more easily addicted to substances that excite the mind and the senses. Corvo are surprisingly cognizant and aware while under the effects of heavy drugs or while completely intoxicated, and they even appear to be more focused in many cases. For this reason, many Nightcrawlers are addicted to drugs, and they have little reason not to be; the normal drawbacks that mundane men and women face do not affect them, only the craving.

It is said that like their creator, whose domain is Ambition, the Nightcrawlers are never completely fulfilled. They always want more, seek more, juggling lovers, adventures, titles and lifestyles without relent, seeking thrills that only temporarily gratify their wanton longings. Joy and contentedness appear for a moment, but quickly disappear, and though the effects may linger for a time all eventually corrects itself to an uncertain state of being, with no ambition ever too great.

Corvo live for a long time. As will be explained later, one of the abilities they gain through this Blight allows them to siphon others' health, which not only helps them to recover from wounds but can also expand their lifespan. Human Corvae tend to live for roughly two hundred years, while Elves can live for over five centuries with this Blight. They tend to appear young and vibrant for most of this duration, and never appear to age beyond their mid forties, which they may not hit until near the end of their first century of life.

Creation

It is said that a Corvo slumbers, dreams of the realm of Amurlain, and simply awakens a Nightcrawler the next dawn. Though this is true, it is not the entire story. While they sleep, another Nightcrawler is directed to take them from their bed, injecting a poison into them that prevents them from waking for many hours. When their eyes do finally flicker open, they will be surrounded with the confines of a grand puzzle; the entrance to the local Coven, which they will be tasked with solving using their wits. The Corvo has until they die of dehydration to solve the complicated puzzle laid out for them, which is often a series of rooms of variable tasks that all weave together. When all tasks are complete, a door at the end of the 'path' will open. Beyond it will be the person who brought the new Corvo to be tested, and to complete their initiation they will have sex with the one who acquired them.

Once inside of the Coven stronghold, they will be informed of what they are, and the things that have changed. They will be introduced to their new, more appealing face, being offered a mirror to peer into. Then, they will be told of the Brotherhood and its activities, the importance of their Order upon the outside world, and the fact that Brazim chose them to serve as his agent. A Corvo is then introduced to the aspects that separate them from others; their natural abilities, which they will be instructed in over time. These skills then develop over the coming months and sometimes years, until they are honed through time. All Corvo are given an emblem that allows for them to enter any stronghold globally, inserting it into a small hole in the walls outside and twisting it, which will incite the often gilded doors to open.

Abilities

Shroud

The first tool of the Corvae, the Shroud, is their blood. Corvo acquire the ability to camouflage with their surroundings, and can hide in plain sight. This is done by biting down on their lips or fingers hard enough so that they bleed, before swallowing the ichor. The blood will then transmute their skin as it is swallowed, adapting it to their surroundings where it will continue to camouflage them for as long as desired. Making a Nightcrawler heavily bleed will immediately cause their camouflage to disperse, as they appear to require a sufficient amount of blood within their system to keep this ability active.

Shaper

The second tool of the Corvae, the Shaper, is their dominant arm, of which there may only be one. A Corvo's dominant arm can be changed at-will into a weapon, its color shifting grey-black with glowing red, arcane symbols and lines running across its length. Their shoulder will become similar to a pauldron, and their fingers will shift into claws with dagger-like edges beginning at their knuckles and extending several inches past their nails. This arm becomes exceedingly strong, leagues more powerful than it would otherwise be. It is estimated that their strength in this arm multiplies by around five times, while their arm becomes heavily resistant to damage, able to withstand bladed weapons and even Warhammers without fracturing internally, or being diced off. It appears that the arm is, in fact, indestructible, though it is not entirely invulnerable and can be damaged enough to go out of commission.

Shaper's 'claw' is exceptionally sharp, capable of slicing through steel and rending through flesh without any resistance. These claws are a Corvo's typical tool of assassination, and clearly, self-defense.

Siphon

The third tool of the Corvae, the Siphon, is their 'recreational organ'. Work in progress.

Beguiler

The fourth tool of the Corvae, the Beguiler, is their eyes. By making direct eye contact with another, a Corvo is able to compel them to abide by their desires. After the eyes of the Corvo and target meet, they will proceed to either ask or demand something of them. This can be anything, though the most effective desires are those already brimming, held back by caution, suspicion or fear. If a Corvo asks someone to bed them who may already find them attractive, Beguiler is certain to work. The same goes for, perhaps, convincing a lover of theirs to give them coin who may be concerned of them, or convincing someone not to hurt them if they already have doubts or reservations. It is far more difficult to, for example, convince someone to gift the Corvo the deed to their home, or to end their own life, or anything that may be far outside of the bounds of their desires or personality. Still, Beguiler is highly effective, and though its compulsion is strong it is not felt as some external force, but rather presented as the individual succumbing to their own desires.

Limitations

Work in progress.

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