Raban

Raban is a white raven, formerly the ally of Vale's King Alar and companion to his 'foster' daughter Shenandoah. After Alar was overthrown and abandoned his mate, Raban vanished from the Domain, and hasn't been seen since. He was created and RP'd by Naviira.

## Personality

* ***Sarcastic and Whimsical.*** Raban enjoys mocking his canine companions, speaking informally with most of them as if they were close friends. Raban however refrains from such behavior when amidst other ravens, often assuming a more formal and respectful attitude towards them. He finds wolves both fascinating and amusing, often poking fun of them and their ways.
* ***Loyal and Honorable.*** If Raben accepts you as a friend, expect to have a friend for life. This raven is a fierce yet painfully loyal companion to those who have earned his trust. Raban is also a bird of great honor and always strives to fulfill his vows even if it means putting his life at risk.
* ***Honest and Blunt.*** After watching his friend Alar tear apart his life and relationships with his deceitful and manipulative nature, Raban developed a distaste for deviousness. He prefers to be honest and blunt in contrast to his canine companion who tends to be deceitful and manipulative. Raban will do anything that Alar asks him to do, however he won't lie on his behalf simply to satisfy his amusements.
* ***Intelligent and Resourceful.*** Like most Ravens, Raban is incredibly intelligent. His intelligence can rival even the cleverest of wolves, including Alar. He is also an extremely adaptable bird who utilizes his creativity to help solve and prevent problems.
* ***Bold, Brave and Adventurous.*** This bird has little to no fear of the unknown. He is willing to throw himself into just about any situation, even if he knows it'll likely put his life in danger. Oftentimes it gets him into trouble. This is quite the contrast to his canine companion Alar, whom Raban claims to be a coward. It's not uncommon for him to be seen pestering eagles, wolves, foxes, hawks and bears.
* ***Charismatic.*** For a raven, Raban is quite charming. Other ravens tend to enjoy his company because of his compelling and pleasent personality. It's not difficult for this bird to find new and young ravens willing to join his flock for Alar's sake.
* ***Sharp and Nimble.*** Raban is quick on his feet, or rather, quick-winged. His graceful acrobatic skills allows him to get up close and personal with possible adversaries. He's also incredibly detail orientated.

## Pre-Group History

Raban grew up in the lands south of the domain where he was taught how to live and fend for himself by his parents. Upon becoming a Juvenile Raban left the nest, often drifting from flock to flock in search of adventure. One day however, he got into a scrap with another male that left him alone and on the verge of death one cold spring morning. This was however until a young wolf named Alar stumbled upon the helpless bird and nursed him back to health. Amazed by the wolf's determination to keep him alive and by his ability to do so, In exchange for his life, Raban vowed to follow the young Alar until the end of his days.

Raban helped Alar survive during his 8 months of isolation, and through the ordeal the two of them became inseparable. Even when Alar found his way back to his birth pack, Raban continued to follow him. Eventually the two of them found their way into the Brazeau pack where he helped Alar accomplish his duties. Alar soon convinced Raban to start a flock of his own that would be in service to him. Raban agreed and found many willing ravens to join his cause. Eventually Alar had an entire flock of ravens at his disposal.

Raban watched with concern as his friend Alar become more and more obsessed with his toxic and manipulative lifestyle. Despite this, Raban continued to help Alar accomplish his goals, though regurarly voiced his distain over his friend's actions. Raban had made a vow to follow him until the end, and no matter what path his friend decided to follow, he was going to continue to obey no matter the consequences.

Even after Alar's exile from the south, Raban accompanied him north where he continues to follow and serve Alar as his eyes, ears and voice in places where he is not, acting as if a medium of his will.

## Group History

Raban and Alar found their way north, to Vale, where Alar was welcomed into the pack by Renier. He was introduced to Shenandoah, the young princess, and Raban liked her a lot. Alar developed a scheme to get rid of Shenandoah's parents, so that Alar could take over as king regent, and Raban, towards the day of their plot unfolding, begged Alar to reconsider.

Alar challenged the bird's loyalty, and Raban stopped protesting. He went to Shenandoah and encouraged her to come out with him and play in the snowy night. While she was gone, Alar convinced Renier and Wren that she was gone...whatever lies he told worked, because Alar was able to take the throne.

Raban grieved for Shenandoah's loss, and tried to comfort her the best he could. He continued to support her, and to lead the ravens in doing Alar's bidding...until the rebels decided to make a stand. Alar fled, leaving his pregnant mate, Lilith, behind. Alar tracked Lilith down, and watched in horror as she was killed by Hidde. However, much to his astonishment, she delivered her pups as she died - four of them! Hidde took one (Claire) and left the rest by their dead mother to die.

Raban didn't want this. He flew off in search of help, and stumbled across the Lady of Aryn, Athena, and her son Raphael. He explained the situation, and begged Athena to take pity on the three pups, acknowledging their bloodline. Athena agreed, naming them Aivar, Daphne, and Miriam, and Raban thanked her profusely, before he took to the skies.

Raban's fate after saving the lives of Alar's children is unknown. He has not been spotted in the Domain since, not even at the side of Alar.

## Trivia

* Raban is *not* an albino raven, but a white raven, a population of which thrives on the west coast of Canada.
* While not officially a familiar (as the concept of familiars was not yet introduced into the group), Raban shared the same functions as a familiar, and has been labeled as such.

## Quotes

* “Ohhhhh, you must be the Princess? Apologies my lady, this one’s name is Raban. It’s an honour to officially meet your acquaintance. And my my, I must say you really are as beautiful as they say.” (Raban meeting Shenandoah, *Because I am the Princess!*)
* “You have to do something Lady Athena! I-I would take them in myself but I’m just a bird! I don’t know the first thing about raising wolf cubs! Please, wolf lady, I don’t know what else to do. T-they don’t deserve to die like this. I… I know there are risks, with who their father is and everything, but please don’t blame them for it. Please. If they stay here that monster might come back! He already took one pup and I just… I just can’t bear to see them suffer!” (from *My Brother's Keeper*)
* “Believe me, m’lady, when I say there’s nothing I won’t do to protect them. I’ll do what I can. Where I can… It’s the least I can do to begin to atone for all the sins I have committed. Should you ever find yourself in need of aid just look to the skies. Call for me and I will find you.” (from *My Brother's Keeper*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* Naviira's deviantART Gallery