CORVUS BLACK-WING
AerielsMortician and Death Ritualist
"Death is not the end, but it is a door that only opens once. I ensure those who pass through are ready.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Gardens of Final Rest, Caelum
- Civilization
- Aeriels
Appearance
• Physical: Thin and severe with feathers of deep black that mark his unusual profession. His eyes are a pale grey that seems to look through the living. He moves quietly, as if trying not to disturb the dead. • Clothing: Simple robes of unbleached linen, the traditional garb of his profession. He wears no decoration, claiming it would be inappropriate. • Distinguishing Marks: His wing feathers are permanently dyed black as a sign of his office. He smells faintly of the herbs used in preservation rituals.
Relationships
- Family - His family has been in this profession for generations. He has a wife who understands the demands of his work and children who want nothing to do with it.
- Allies - Religious leaders who respect his dedication. Grieving families who remember his kindness.
- Rivals - Modernists who want to change death rituals. Charlatans who exploit the bereaved.
Backstory
Corvus was born to a family of death ritualists and has spent his life preparing the dead for their final journey. He believes his work is sacred, ensuring that the deceased are treated with dignity and that their families can grieve properly. He's seen every kind of death and believes he's learned something about life from each one.
Daily Life
His days are unpredictable - death comes when it wills. He might spend hours preparing a body, comforting a family, or simply maintaining the Gardens. His evenings are for study, learning new techniques and maintaining his skills. He sleeps little, claiming the dead don't rest so neither should he.
Secret
Corvus has discovered that some of the bodies he prepares show signs of magical tampering - someone is experimenting with necromancy. He's been hiding the evidence, afraid of causing panic, while trying to find out who's responsible.
Story Hooks
- 1 Corvus needs help investigating the necromantic experiments he's discovered.
- 2 He's been asked to prepare the body of someone who died under mysterious circumstances and needs help finding the truth.
Narrative Value
Corvus provides access to the dead and information they might hold. His discovery of necromancy is a major plot hook. His perspective on mortality adds philosophical depth. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════