The Corvus Republic is dominated by the enigmatic Xeno species known as "Corvuns" or Corvus Sapien 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. They used to be classified as Abhumans for their eerily similar body structure to that of the average Human. Though scientists re-classified them as a Xeno species in the Corvus Genus.
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. Their feathers are soft, unnaturally soft. An excerpt from an ancient text, a journal from a Scientist from the US. "They're feathers are softer than a noble's blankets, their body seemingly a blanket for one to snuggle and relax in. Their eyes always adoring yet horrifying, as if you are staring into an Apex Predator, one that is able to kill a human without weaponry. With their chirps soft and quiet and their caws loud and brash. With times of complete silence when hunting, with them emitting a trill just low enough to cause instinctual fear onto a human. Worst of all, they have the ability to mimic voices, and even speech. Being able to lure it's prey into a false sense of security, or to make it walk into an ambush..."
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 advanced in unprecedented levels just like ancient humanity. With the access of old United Systems tech. It gave them a boost with the tech tree from a zero sum, primitive, and medieval era, to that similar to the tech once seen in the Industrial revolution the stories of ancient humanity. Eventually forming the Republic as we know.
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The Corvus System, nestled in the Mors Sector, is a recently re-discovered by Rogue Traders after following an ancient papertrail from ancient US doccuments. 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.
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 military governor Alexander. Who was executed after the reclamation of Corvunia.
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).
Corvun culinary traditions are as unique as their species, eerily similar to the ancient Terran food 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.
