AN OBSERVATIONAL ESSAY ON HAESENI CROWS

[prophetisms 982]

 

 

 

A MAINLY OBSERVATION-BASED ESSAY OF ALL THE CROWS IN HAENSE.

Issued by the Crow Warden of the Royal Court.

c. 12th of Tov ag Yermey, 542 E.S.

 

 

 

ㅤThe crow has been a vital symbol of the dual kingdom for centuries, graceful and enigmatic. As the newly made Crow Warden, it is my duty to shine a light upon these birds. We must better shape our understanding of them, to further cement them in the preservation of our culture and conservation of our realm.

 

ㅤThis essay contains all discoveries made through extensive observation of crows in the regions, and review of past written records regarding crows in folklore and symbolism.

 

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❖ㅤTHE BLUE-THROATED CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE BLAUW-THROATED KAROS.

ㅤA unique specimen of crow for its blue feathers, spotted at the neck while the rest of its plumage is black with a blue sheen. It is also the only other species of crow with blue eyes in Haense. The rest have brown or black-like eyes. Blue-throated Crows also seem to value community more, congregating by the dozens even outside mating seasons. Sticking to groups of that size makes it easy to ward off predators, frequently mobbing larger birds and creatures foolish enough to get near their nests.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Gates of Muldav^[1] and its northern edges. 

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, inclined to eating grain, insects and remnants of compost if they’re closer to an urban area.

 

[1] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE CARRIER CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE CARRIER KAROS.

ㅤThe most common species of crow in Haense with unique behaviors. Unlike many crows, this species is incredibly sociable, showing no aversion to other species of birds, and friendliness with other species of crow and even people. If accepted, Carrier Crows will nest near other species or in the awnings of buildings and other high and hard to reach places of cities and towns. They also steal objects from people and places for their nests or to give to passersby, thus earning their namesake. These particular crows could be descendants of a different species or two that were domesticated to carry letters for diplomatic and emblematic purposes.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Karoswood^[1] and highly populated areas with people.

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, eating insects, fruits, and vegetables.

 

[1] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE CARRION CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE CARRION KAROS.

ㅤThe second most common species of crow within Haense, and the second most territorial crow, carrying an ancient legacy upon its back, unlike the rest. Carrion Crows have an undeniable connection to the bygone House Karovic,^[1] better known as House Carrion.^[1] Carrion Crows match the depiction of the old Karovic crest and its surviving cadet branches that bear the crow. Whether the family took its name from the bird is unknown, but Carrion Crows exhibit a boldness and resilience similar to their human counterparts. They have survived realm after realm with the likely conservation of Highlander tribes and nations. This could mark them as an invasive species as they are not from Aevos, however their presence in the realm does not pose any serious struggle for other crows and their survival, so it is a debatable label.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Gates of Muldav,^[2] the Karoswood,^[2] and the Verelund.^[2]

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, yet shows carnivorous tendencies. They eat carrion, insects, and seeds.

 

[1] The Ancient Bloodlines of the Crow. Lynch Ivanovich, 152 E.S.

[2] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE CROTHSTAD CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE CROTHSTAD KAROS.

ㅤArguably the most fearsome and territorial crow to nest in Haeseni land. The Crothstad Crow bears its name for being one of many creatures that live within the Crothstad Woodlands^[1] and displays the common traits of Crothstad’s fauna. It is an unflinching bird, showing no fear of humans or other animals, including different species of crow. Its fearless nature, paired with its need to protect its home, makes the crow dangerous for observation and domestication.

 

ㅤThe Crothstad Crow is the biggest of all Haeseni crows, twice their size and coming closer to the form of southern condors. Their beak is larger and thicker, likely to dig into bigger prey or even predators. They still maintain the classic black plumage and dark eyes of most crows, though.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Westerwald,^[1] most common in the Crothstad Woods.^[1]

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, possibly, but has only shown a carnivorous diet in observation. They eat carrion, insects, and eggs.

 

[1] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE GOLDEN-CAPED CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE ARANY-CAPED KAROS.

ㅤA special specimen of crow for its rare, golden plumage and shrouded history. No other crows exhibit colorful plumage except the Blue-throated Crow, so it is possible these two crows may share blood with other birds, albeit distant. Golden-caped Crows may have an older history, akin to Carrion Crows, as an unnoted scholar recorded the species once in the past. It is possible that people ferried Golden-caped Crows between realms and continents for astrological and cultural purposes since its only mention prior is in a paper about the Sigmundic Calendar and Haeseni Zodiac.^[1] This could make the Golden-caped Crow an invasive species as well, but their exclusivity to the southern Haeseni regions poses no concern for other crows yet.

 

ㅤIts body is almost uniform with black feathers, the exception being its yellow feathers from the crown of its head to its back. The iridescence of crow feathers gives a fully golden look to the Golden-Caped Crow. Its form is bigger than the Carrion Crow, yet slender. Its beak has a downward curve to it as well.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The southeastern parts of the Karoswood^[1] and the Vander Falls.^[2]

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, eating insects, berries, roots and grain.

 

[1] Sigmundic Calendar and Haeseni Zodiac. Author unnoted, year unnoted.

[2] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE JARDANIAN CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE JARDANIAN KAROS.

ㅤAnother species of crow with a distinctive appearance and playful behaviors. The Jardanian Crow gets its name from Haeseni mythology, after The Northern Wind, Jardani.^[1] These crows have a pattern of flying higher and longer in the sky than most crows, using the winds swooping down from the Kareninas^[1] and into the Aestmarch region to help them fly and glide. They may do this not only to assess sources of food better, but also to play with one another. Sometimes, they fly in groups of two to four crows at a time while the winds are strong, taking dives at one another. None of these abrupt movements ever cause a collision or fight in observation.

 

ㅤThe Jardanian Crow has a slightly alarming appearance for new witnesses, as they lack a lot of color compared to other crows. Their wings are black, while their bodies are gray, but their faces and feet are pink. It looks like the winds blew the color right off them, but this might be a past development in the birds that is no longer beneficial to them.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The edges of the Kareninas^[2] and the Aestmarch.

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, eating fruits, seeds, carrion, and smaller animals such as rodents.

 

[1] Haeseni Mythologie (Hanso-Raev Pantheon and Dulonian Folklore). Otto the Tarcharman, year unnoted.

[2] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE KARENINAN CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE KARENINAN KAROS.

ㅤThe most well-adapted species of crow to their respective region. The Kareninan Crow gets its name from its habitat and its resemblance to said habitat. Their feathers mimic the mountains, making it easier for them to blend in and conceal themselves from prey and predators alike. The most fascinating part about the Kareninan Crow is their additional eyelid beneath the primary two. It is the only crow to exhibit this trait, even if it is common among other animals such as horses and cats. This is ultimately useful for the crow, as it can protect their eyes from the weather of the mountains and snow glare.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Kareninas.^[1]

ㅤPRONE TO: Diet: An omnivorous diet with carnivorous tendencies, feeding mainly on carrion, eggs, nuts, and smaller animals; smaller birds and rodents.

 

[1] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE VANDER CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE VANDER KAROS.

ㅤA more courageous crow than most with distinct coloration. The Vander Crow gets its name from its exclusive sighting in the south of Haense, faring better in warmer climates than most crows. They are adept hunters in Vander’s waters, a skill many crows lack. Time and time again, in observation, they display their boldness and precision by scaling and swooping down the Vander Falls^[1] to catch some of their prey.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Vander Falls.^[1]

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, often eating fish, frogs, seeds and fruit.

 

[1] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE VIBBENSZIAN CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE VIBBENSZIAN KAROS.

ㅤThe only recorded crow in the Aestmarch thus far with reclusive behavior. Vibbenszian Crows are named after the Vibbenszi^[1] from Haeseni mythology, the Guardians of the Rivers who keep the waters clean. The Vibbenszian Crow commonly flies over rivers and picks their food from them, seen removing rubbish too if it is useful for nests or a meal. When they are not scouring the rivers or other small bodies of water, they take cover in the highest branches of trees in the region. This crow shows an aversion to people and most animals, the exception being prey.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Aestmarch.

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, inclined to eat fish, shellfish, carrion, and rubbish.

 

[1] Haeseni Mythologie (Hanso-Raev Pantheon and Dulonian Folklore). Otto the Tarcharman, year unnoted.

 

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❖ㅤTHE WHITE-WINGED CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE LICHTE-WINGED KAROS.

ㅤAnother crow well-adapted to their region while keeping very sociable behaviors. The White-winged Crow gets its namesake from their appearance, bearing white wings and a black body. They have a connection to the Kareninan Crow, sharing the same additional eyelid to protect their eyes in the mountains. Unlike their kin, however, the White-winged Crow is very playful with its own kind and humans. A highlight of this nature was observing the crows burying themselves in the snow, only to pop back up again and surprise others. They also dive into the snow beak first, reminiscent of foxes, and may use it to hunt. It is harder for them to find food in the region because of terrain, weather, and competing animals. Searching beneath the snow and piercing possible burrows would be for the species’ advantage.

ㅤNATIVE TO: The Kareninas.^[1]

ㅤPRONE TO: An omnivorous diet, akin to the Kareninan Crow. They eat carrion, eggs, nuts, and smaller animals if food is scarce.

 

[1] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE ALBINO CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE ALBINO KAROS.

ㅤAn albino crow, or a white crow, is an omen in itself. Their feathers are fully white, while their beaks and talons are pinkish. Its eyes are always light, sometimes a red or lavender-like color. Its appearance is reminiscent of other albino animals in Haense’s regions, such as the Tahala Stag.^[1] The presence of an albino crow signifies an oncoming change for its witness, be it some kind of growth of moral or unveiling spiritual ideals to the mortal mind. It is more common in literature and other arts than nature, thus treated as mythical.

 

ㅤThe most notable display of a white crow in Haense would be on the crest of Morovar, taking flight upon their standard.

 

[1] Haeseni Hunts. Richard Kortrevich, 535 E.S.

 

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❖ㅤTHE THREE-EYED CROW.ㅤ〣ㅤVE DRES-EYED KAROS.

ㅤThe Three-Eyed Crow is a sacred symbol within Haense for its cultural and historical significance. It is of divine origins, the earliest depiction of the crow being the sage-god Gorm.^[1] Using the Three-Eyed Crow in any literature invokes themes of divine wisdom and all-knowing nature, such as Gorm’s oversight on the brothers Kolvyk and Rovyk in their claims to the Almannir throne.^[2]

 

ㅤBeyond the stories of eld and new, the Three-Eyed Crow has a strong link to agriculture. It is possible this comes from Gorm’s intrinsic connection to the Karovic and being a mover of fields and mountains in his most famous story with the Half-Brother Twins.^[2] His connection to agriculture and its harvesting caused past peoples to invoke Gorm for bountiful and healthy harvests. In modern Haeseni culture, people still show some reverence to Gorm through their celebrations, such as Khovalafest.^[3]

 

[1] Haeseni Mythologie (Hanso-Raev Pantheon and Dulonian Folklore). Otto the Tarcharman, year unnoted.

[2] Kolvyk and Rovyk, the Half-Brother Twins (Waldenian Etiological Myth). Otto the Tarcharman, year unnoted.

[3] Haeseni Customs, Vol. 3: Haeseni Holidays. Amaya of Venzia et al, 503 E.S.

 

 

Firress Mahaut Marie van Leuven, the Crow Warden.

[DahStalker 3692]

Yvaine Conradine, cousin to Mahaut, is intrigued. She in all honestly thought there was only one type of crow. She is impressed now too once appreciating the quality of said publication as well. 

[GMRO 6186]

Ser Rickard Tosali-Ruthern screams and runs around Castle Morteskvan chasing birds trying to identify them with a copy of the book in hand.

[Frawlic 1602]

The Korvacz Lady did not know that her beloved friend knew this much about crows and would most definitely take her with for a go at bird watching!
 

Spoiler

Amazing post! I love Haeseni Crows!!!

 

[Cheese 8882]

Esfir begins her crow bingo cards! Surely she would fill it up in time...

[psychra_notte 618]

Alekszej peered about the Aestmarch on his usual stroll, keeping a keen eye out for any of these 'Vibbenszian Crows'. It seemed the Baron wished to tame one, for whatever reason.

[annabanana1014 2084]

Juliya of Reinmar would literally smile from one end to another as she ran to Marius, "LOOK HOW AMAZING THIS IS!"

@Dogged

[yopplwasupxxx 5946]

very cool and amazing +1