PAGE 1: THE CORVUNS – A UNIQUE ABHUMAN SPECIES
The Corvus Republic is dominated by the enigmatic abhuman species known as "Corvuns" or Homo-Corvus in High Gothic. These beings represent a remarkable synthesis of human and avian traits, an adaptation that allowed them to thrive in the harsh, mountainous environment of their homeworld, Corvunia. Adult Corvuns stand between 1.8 and 2.2 meters tall, their cranial feathers contributing to their height. Their frames are lean yet robust, designed to balance terrestrial mobility with the demands of flight.
Corvun anatomy features a lightweight but durable skeletal structure, an elegant hybrid of mammalian and avian biology. Their keratinous beak replaces the human mouth and nose, serving as a versatile tool for manipulation, vocalization, and consumption of their primarily carnivorous diet. Feathers cover their entire bodies, ranging in shades of black, dark blue, and gray, providing both insulation and camouflage. A defining feature is their wingspan, which varies by sex: males average between 15 and 18 feet, while females span 12 to 15 feet.
Cultural adaptations reflect their physiology and environment. Corvun architecture prioritizes flight, with buildings designed to be accessed through large, open windows rather than doors. This practice minimizes threats from terrestrial predators while embracing their aerial lifestyle. The Corvuns’ culture places a strong emphasis on freedom, love, and pleasure. However, these hedonistic tendencies are tempered by strict regulations to avoid falling prey to the influence of the Chaos God Slaanesh. Drugs and addiction are particularly taboo, with addicts exiled from their tightly knit flocks.
During the Age of Strife, the Corvuns reverted to pre-industrial technology, employing crossbows and aerial hunting tactics to survive. Their natural aptitude for stealth and terrain mastery made them formidable in combat, even in this period of regression. As obligate carnivores, their diet centers on meat and fish, further anchoring their apex predator status within Corvunia's ecosystem.
----------------------------------------
PAGE 2: THE CORVUS SYSTEM AND CORVUNIA
The Corvus System, nestled in the Mors Sector, is a region lost to the Imperium of Man following the Corvun Revolutionary War. The system's central star, a yellow dwarf called "Ravo" by the Corvuns, illuminates its namesake planet, Corvunia, which orbits in the habitable Goldilocks zone. Corvunia’s planetary ring, composed of rock, ice, and dust, adds to its striking beauty.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Slightly larger than Terra, Corvunia measures 9,907.5 miles in diameter. Its primary landmass, the supercontinent Corvalis, is dominated by rugged mountain ranges and sparse vegetation at higher altitudes. Corvunia’s appeal as a “mountain explorer’s dream” earned it the designation of a pleasure world in Imperial records, a sentiment famously expressed by the now-deceased planetary governor Alexanderious.
Corvunia’s unique ecosystem includes species adapted to high altitudes. Herbivores like mountain deer and wild goats are common, while the Corbaes—giant avian creatures reminiscent of the prehistoric Quetzalcoatlus—are a culinary delicacy. Grox, the Imperium's ubiquitous livestock species, also thrive here, contributing to the planet's agricultural economy. While the Corvuns themselves dominate the ecological and cultural landscape, they avoid the highest peaks, such as Mt. Skyspire (25,900 feet) and Twilight Crest (20,900 feet).
----------------------------------------
PAGE 3: CORVUN CUISINE – A CELEBRATION OF CARNIVOROUS CREATIVITY
Corvun culinary traditions are as unique as their species, drawing inspiration from lost cultures such as ancient Japanese, French, Greek, and American cuisines. As obligate carnivores, their dishes are almost exclusively meat-based, with even their “bread” crafted from Grox bacon, used for stacking or wrapping other ingredients.
The Corvuns are particularly renowned for their innovative use of flavors, exemplified by condiments like Corvun Garum. This potent sauce is made by fermenting the blood of Corbaes, lending a rich, umami flavor to their meals. Signature dishes include the Grox Gyro, an all-meat sushi, charred Roc breast, and the infamous Blood Soufflé.
A prized ingredient in Corvun desserts is Oworise, a labor-intensive spice derived from the crystallized sugars in prey animals’ blood, likely Grox. The paste-like substance is integral to delicacies like Blood Soufflé but commands exorbitant prices due to its production difficulty. A single pound of Oworise could cost an Imperial governor half their annual tithe obligations.