The Grey Feather Files

## Detective Corvus Al-Shirin Al-Korum

"They say the city shines at night, shines like a jewel. True enough, at a glance; turns out all that light casts long shadows down these alcoves and backstreets though."

## Briefing:

Detective Corvus Al-Shirin Al-Korum. Mixed ethnic backgrounds; Kellid and Keleshite. City watch detective who’s been transferred half a dozen times, and Private Eye with some meager success. Seems too young to show signs of burnt-out. History of heroic action, though personnel files indicate his colleagues view him as having a cynical outlook. A heavy smoker and alcohol abuser with a short temper. After the tragedy of the 15th of Neth 4718 he was described as being fanatical to the point of recklessness and alienation of his peers. His zealous search for the truth behind his parents and fiancees deaths doubtlessly endures even now, but held back due to his station and responsibilities.

He is a leading suspect as the real identity of a known vigilante who operates in the wider city, codename: Grey Feather. The leading theory is that he developed this persona while struggling with grief at the loss of his fiance and parents as a coping mechanism and an unfettered version of himself. When he puts on that mask, he can delve deeper into the cynicism, brutality, and misanthropy that colleagues already report him expressing, and this lets his obsession guide him more so than his morality, hence the noticeable behavioral difference.
Detective Al-Shirin had a promising future in law enforcement; he helped solve half a dozen cases, exhibited great valor during an incident at the docks, plus he came from an established name. Corvus’ father, Korum ‘the Kellid’ was well known for his keen eye and relentless pursuit of justice, and the Detective took after his old man well it was said. Additionally, despite a previously rocky relationship, Corvus was working to patch up his relationship with his mother, Shirin al-Marah, a devout Sarenite, and influential merchant. It was through her that he met his fiancee, a Sarenite cleric by the name of Tala. The two were planning a Summer wedding.

Early morning Neth 15th Lieutenant Korum was discovered dead at the site of a skirmish between shady and criminal elements in the city in the puddles district. Initial evidence implicated the venerated guardsman had been part of an illegal racket, though the case was buried and never taken much further. Korum was irreversibly condemned without trial. Detective Corvus voiced his objections in an ‘emotional tirade’, but was interrupted by the shock-wave of the explosion that had gone off at the Ascendant Court - the tragedy at the Temple of the Shining Star. The Detective rushed across the city there but arrived late, all rescue attempts had ended at that point. His mother's body was eventually recovered, but his soon-to-be wife's body was never found.

It’s said that a bad enough can break a man, and to the detective’s credit he held it together for a good week and a half. He dedicated himself to the mission of uncovering the truth behind both incidents, and at first, it seemed to be inspiring to his fellow guard, but in time he grew ever more sleep-deprived, reckless, irrational, and even violent. He had a talk with his superior and was told to take some time off.

Corvus was reported to have taken to a hermit lifestyle in his inherited villa his mother left to him in the Ivy District, only emerging for supplies, mainly of the drug and alcohol variety. It is during this time it’s theorized he constructed his vigilante costume and identity, likely expending most of his remaining resources to do so.

## Movement:

The 6th of Calistril he returned to active work at the Foreign Quarter Precinct (FQP), likely due to a depletion of his savings and unpaid debts.

His first case of significance was given to him by Precinct Captain Alfonse Veriano - the Starstone Spire Case. By all regards, the detective's first encounter with the crime-scene seemed to offer him a list of possible leads, but progress on the case has been slow.

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Corvus was also spotted helping organize evacuation and rescue operations minutes after the Seventh Church Attack.

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## Psychological Profile:

Detective Corvus’ personnel file from before the incident of 15/11 indicate he was healthy and optimistic, well liked among his peers though he had few friends. His behavior changes drastically and understandably after the tragedy, though his conduct and comments go far beyond what can be attributed to grief.

It’s believed that the construction of the Grey Feather persona was a sort of coping mechanism, a way to claw his way out of his depressed state. The desperation shown in how many resources he sunk into the endeavor is evidence of that.

His behavioral change between his two personas could be explained as a major dissociation reaction; he himself is unable to do what is required, but his Grey Feather persona doesn’t have the same moral qualms. Grey Feather became his outlet for inner turmoil, obsession with hunting down the truth, and his frustration with any limitations his position with the guards held over him.

## Physical Description:

Standing at just beneath average height and with a gaunt, lightweight build, the detective easily blends into most Absalom crowds. Usual attire includes shirt, coat, and tie, though they show wear and tear, especially the coats. Minor facial scarring (left eyebrow, left cheekbone, chin), short brown hair usually parted in the middle, sunken hazel-colored eyes. Frequently seen wearing adhesive and/or gauze bandages, or other signs of physical altercations.

The Grey Feather costume is fittingly grey in color. Easily recognizable: a cloaked figure with an imposing beaked mask, armored lightly. Grey Feather is reported as being a quiet menace, intimidating its prey with eerie silence and surprising agility and strength.

## Known Associates/Enemies:

 Precinct Captain Alfone Veriano

Sargent Stone

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