The Cunning Corax
James Sean McEnroe (a.k.a. The Corax)
Background:
James McEnroe grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a city beset by crime and corruption. Raised by his mother, Ruth, after she divorced his verbally abusive father, James found solace in fantasy, gaming, and geek culture. Despite the hardships of his childhood, James had a strong moral compass and frequently stood up for others, even when it resulted in personal harm. His tendency to defend those who couldn't protect themselves shaped him into a natural hero, though he never expected to walk the path of a vigilante.
At the age of 19, James' life changed during an archaeological expedition to Ireland with his mother. During the dig, he discovered an ancient cairn containing the Crow's Talons—magical gauntlets tied to the Celtic goddess Morrigan. After a near-fatal accident at the site, James accepted a pact with the Crow Spirit to save his life. The pact bound him to the service of Morrigan as her Battle Crow, a warrior tasked with confronting darkness and bringing justice to those in need.
Upon donning the Crow’s Talons, James’ physical form was transformed. He grew taller, his body became muscular and athletic, and his senses were heightened, giving him bird-like perception abilities. These changes marked the beginning of his journey as The Corax, a vigilante determined to rid Halifax of its criminal underbelly.
As The Corax, James fights not only physical threats but also the supernatural, particularly after encountering Dove, a powerful Nephilim and cult leader who manipulates minds and emotions. His first month as The Corax was filled with trials, including saving women from human traffickers, battling the Fine Boyz gang, and eventually facing Dove in a climactic showdown. James discovered his ability to enter the Athaircis state, a heightened transformation where he and the Crow Spirit become one, amplifying his abilities beyond human limits. Despite the Crow Spirit's desire for vengeance, James chose mercy over killing Dove, solidifying his moral code and complex relationship with his powers.
Throughout his journey, James has continued to face the challenges that come with his dual identity. The experience of confronting Paul Preston, a twisted serial killer, has left a significant emotional impact on him. James has struggled with PTSD-like symptoms, including sleeplessness, flashbacks, and difficulty processing the horrors he witnessed. Despite this, he ultimately found solace and strength in the support of the Crow Spirit, who provided him with guidance on dealing with his emotional trauma. The experience has deepened his empathy for those who face the darkest aspects of humanity, and he is learning to navigate his own darkness as part of his role as a hero.
Personality James McEnroe is a deeply introspective, empathetic individual, whose experiences with bullying and adversity gave him a strong sense of justice. His early life shaped him into someone who naturally fights for those who cannot defend themselves, and this sense of duty continues to drive his actions as The Corax.
He possesses a hero complex, feeling an overwhelming need to prove his worth by saving others. This drives him to protect people at great personal risk, as though his life must be justified by his actions. Though kind-hearted and intelligent, James’ introverted nature hides a sharp and strategic mind, especially when it comes to combat.
As a vigilante, he uses a combination of cunning, resourcefulness, and creativity to outsmart his enemies, often employing guerrilla tactics and gadgets. His grim determination is balanced by a dark sense of humor, which he uses as a coping mechanism.
Despite his relentless pursuit of justice, James grapples with the moral implications of being a vigilante. The blurred line between vengeance and justice is a source of internal conflict, especially after his encounter with Dove. His choice to spare her life, despite the Crow Spirit’s urging to kill, illustrates his complex understanding of heroism—that it’s not just about punishing the wicked but making the right choices, even when it's hard.
James also confronts his limitations as a hero—physically, emotionally, and ethically. Despite the support from the Crow Spirit, he finds himself increasingly isolated and burdened by his dual life.
James McEnroe grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a city beset by crime and corruption. Raised by his mother, Ruth, after she divorced his verbally abusive father, James found solace in fantasy, gaming, and geek culture. Despite the hardships of his childhood, James had a strong moral compass and frequently stood up for others, even when it resulted in personal harm. His tendency to defend those who couldn't protect themselves shaped him into a natural hero, though he never expected to walk the path of a vigilante.
At the age of 19, James' life changed during an archaeological expedition to Ireland with his mother. During the dig, he discovered an ancient cairn containing the Crow's Talons—magical gauntlets tied to the Celtic goddess Morrigan. After a near-fatal accident at the site, James accepted a pact with the Crow Spirit to save his life. The pact bound him to the service of Morrigan as her Battle Crow, a warrior tasked with confronting darkness and bringing justice to those in need.
Upon donning the Crow’s Talons, James’ physical form was transformed. He grew taller, his body became muscular and athletic, and his senses were heightened, giving him bird-like perception abilities. These changes marked the beginning of his journey as The Corax, a vigilante determined to rid Halifax of its criminal underbelly.
As The Corax, James fights not only physical threats but also the supernatural, particularly after encountering Dove, a powerful Nephilim and cult leader who manipulates minds and emotions. His first month as The Corax was filled with trials, including saving women from human traffickers, battling the Fine Boyz gang, and eventually facing Dove in a climactic showdown. James discovered his ability to enter the Athaircis state, a heightened transformation where he and the Crow Spirit become one, amplifying his abilities beyond human limits. Despite the Crow Spirit's desire for vengeance, James chose mercy over killing Dove, solidifying his moral code and complex relationship with his powers.
Throughout his journey, James has continued to face the challenges that come with his dual identity. The experience of confronting Paul Preston, a twisted serial killer, has left a significant emotional impact on him. James has struggled with PTSD-like symptoms, including sleeplessness, flashbacks, and difficulty processing the horrors he witnessed. Despite this, he ultimately found solace and strength in the support of the Crow Spirit, who provided him with guidance on dealing with his emotional trauma. The experience has deepened his empathy for those who face the darkest aspects of humanity, and he is learning to navigate his own darkness as part of his role as a hero.
Personality James McEnroe is a deeply introspective, empathetic individual, whose experiences with bullying and adversity gave him a strong sense of justice. His early life shaped him into someone who naturally fights for those who cannot defend themselves, and this sense of duty continues to drive his actions as The Corax.
He possesses a hero complex, feeling an overwhelming need to prove his worth by saving others. This drives him to protect people at great personal risk, as though his life must be justified by his actions. Though kind-hearted and intelligent, James’ introverted nature hides a sharp and strategic mind, especially when it comes to combat.
As a vigilante, he uses a combination of cunning, resourcefulness, and creativity to outsmart his enemies, often employing guerrilla tactics and gadgets. His grim determination is balanced by a dark sense of humor, which he uses as a coping mechanism.
Despite his relentless pursuit of justice, James grapples with the moral implications of being a vigilante. The blurred line between vengeance and justice is a source of internal conflict, especially after his encounter with Dove. His choice to spare her life, despite the Crow Spirit’s urging to kill, illustrates his complex understanding of heroism—that it’s not just about punishing the wicked but making the right choices, even when it's hard.
James also confronts his limitations as a hero—physically, emotionally, and ethically. Despite the support from the Crow Spirit, he finds himself increasingly isolated and burdened by his dual life.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
James is in good health and is tougher than his unassuming frame would suggest. Years of standing up to bullies and enduring countless scrapes have instilled in him a remarkably high pain threshold, making him more resilient to physical hardship than most would expect. Though his natural build is tall and lean, these experiences have toughened him, allowing him to take hits and push through injuries that might incapacitate others.
Physically, James is average in raw strength but has notable speed and reaction time, which help him excel in agility-based activities like parkour and close combat. His quick reflexes have always been an asset, allowing him to respond swiftly to threats and navigate urban obstacles with finesse. However, his tall, skinny build has also earned him a fair share of teasing over the years. The nickname “Scarecrow Mcenroe” still lingers in his memory, a reminder of how his appearance set him apart in school.
Despite his dedication to training, James has struggled to gain muscle by conventional means, a frustration that occasionally impacts his self-esteem. His inability to bulk up easily has driven him to work harder to make the most of his natural frame, relying on agility, speed, and endurance in his vigilante work. This determination has given him a tenacious physicality that, while not conventionally powerful, allows him to outmaneuver stronger opponents and endure grueling physical demands.
Physically, James is average in raw strength but has notable speed and reaction time, which help him excel in agility-based activities like parkour and close combat. His quick reflexes have always been an asset, allowing him to respond swiftly to threats and navigate urban obstacles with finesse. However, his tall, skinny build has also earned him a fair share of teasing over the years. The nickname “Scarecrow Mcenroe” still lingers in his memory, a reminder of how his appearance set him apart in school.
Despite his dedication to training, James has struggled to gain muscle by conventional means, a frustration that occasionally impacts his self-esteem. His inability to bulk up easily has driven him to work harder to make the most of his natural frame, relying on agility, speed, and endurance in his vigilante work. This determination has given him a tenacious physicality that, while not conventionally powerful, allows him to outmaneuver stronger opponents and endure grueling physical demands.
Special abilities
Magical Talent
Since acquiring the Crow's Talons, James has uncovered a natural aptitude for magic, specifically in areas tied to crafting, potion brewing, ritual magic, and divination. Although his magical skills are still developing, he’s learned to harness these abilities effectively, creating useful tools and insights that aid him in his work as The Corax.
James’ crafting magic is his strongest talent, allowing him to imbue objects with minor enchantments or properties. This skill extends to crafting his own gear, enhancing his armor, and creating small charms or protective items. By using traditional materials and methods, James has developed a unique, DIY approach to magical crafting that complements his strategic mind and practical needs.
In potion brewing, James has learned to create potions and elixirs that grant temporary boosts or effects, such as heightened senses, healing, or enhanced stamina. These potions have become an invaluable part of his vigilante toolkit, providing him with critical advantages when he’s outnumbered or recovering from injuries. Although he is limited to relatively simple recipes, his potions add versatility to his skillset, giving him a tactical edge in situations where his natural abilities might fall short.
Through ritual magic and divination, James can access deeper insights and connect with mystical forces for guidance. These practices allow him to perform minor rituals for protection, clarity, or to seek hidden information. Divination, while not always precise, has proven to be particularly useful, as it provides glimpses into potential threats or hidden dangers. With the Crow Spirit’s guidance, he’s learned to perform these rituals to read signs, track enemies, or sense supernatural presences.
James’ magical talents, though modest in scope, greatly enhance his effectiveness as The Corax. These abilities have allowed him to tap into a new level of strategy and preparedness, making him a resourceful and unpredictable opponent who combines practical magic with his own ingenuity. Over time, he hopes to deepen his knowledge and refine these abilities, expanding his magical skill set to become an even more formidable protector of Halifax.
Physical Training: Realizing that his role as The Corax would require more than just willpower and strategy, James committed himself to rigorous physical training. He focuses on disciplines that enhance his agility, combat adaptability, and urban mobility, creating a fighting style that complements his lean build and quick reflexes. This commitment to physical mastery has turned him into a highly adaptable and unpredictable fighter, capable of handling a wide range of threats.
Martial Arts Training: James’ martial arts training is grounded in a unique blend of Savate, Boxing, Street Fighting, and Pro-Wrestling techniques. His Savate training provides him with powerful kicks and precise footwork, allowing him to keep opponents at bay while maintaining mobility. Boxing adds to his striking skills, giving him effective punches and counterattacks, while Street Fighting techniques ensure he can improvise, adapt, and handle close-quarters combat, even in unpredictable situations.
Over the years, James picked up elements of pro-wrestling through watching matches on TV, giving him a creative edge with grappling and throws that often catch his opponents off guard. This combination of styles allows him to flow seamlessly between strikes, grappling moves, and defensive maneuvers, enabling him to outmaneuver opponents through adaptability rather than raw power.
Parkour Training: James has dedicated himself to parkour as a means of traversing Halifax’s urban landscape with agility and speed. His parkour training allows him to move effortlessly through the city, scaling buildings, vaulting over obstacles, and performing acrobatic maneuvers with confidence. This skill set is crucial for evading pursuers, pursuing criminals through complex environments, and setting up strategic vantage points for ambushes or surveillance.
His parkour abilities also aid him in combat, enabling him to quickly reposition himself or evade attacks. This fluidity makes him difficult to pin down, letting him blend offensive strikes with evasive maneuvers, creating a style that is both elusive and relentless.
Through these combined disciplines, James has become a versatile and resourceful fighter, fully utilizing his natural agility and lean build to handle the physical demands of his life as The Corax.
Since acquiring the Crow's Talons, James has uncovered a natural aptitude for magic, specifically in areas tied to crafting, potion brewing, ritual magic, and divination. Although his magical skills are still developing, he’s learned to harness these abilities effectively, creating useful tools and insights that aid him in his work as The Corax.
James’ crafting magic is his strongest talent, allowing him to imbue objects with minor enchantments or properties. This skill extends to crafting his own gear, enhancing his armor, and creating small charms or protective items. By using traditional materials and methods, James has developed a unique, DIY approach to magical crafting that complements his strategic mind and practical needs.
In potion brewing, James has learned to create potions and elixirs that grant temporary boosts or effects, such as heightened senses, healing, or enhanced stamina. These potions have become an invaluable part of his vigilante toolkit, providing him with critical advantages when he’s outnumbered or recovering from injuries. Although he is limited to relatively simple recipes, his potions add versatility to his skillset, giving him a tactical edge in situations where his natural abilities might fall short.
Through ritual magic and divination, James can access deeper insights and connect with mystical forces for guidance. These practices allow him to perform minor rituals for protection, clarity, or to seek hidden information. Divination, while not always precise, has proven to be particularly useful, as it provides glimpses into potential threats or hidden dangers. With the Crow Spirit’s guidance, he’s learned to perform these rituals to read signs, track enemies, or sense supernatural presences.
James’ magical talents, though modest in scope, greatly enhance his effectiveness as The Corax. These abilities have allowed him to tap into a new level of strategy and preparedness, making him a resourceful and unpredictable opponent who combines practical magic with his own ingenuity. Over time, he hopes to deepen his knowledge and refine these abilities, expanding his magical skill set to become an even more formidable protector of Halifax.
Physical Training: Realizing that his role as The Corax would require more than just willpower and strategy, James committed himself to rigorous physical training. He focuses on disciplines that enhance his agility, combat adaptability, and urban mobility, creating a fighting style that complements his lean build and quick reflexes. This commitment to physical mastery has turned him into a highly adaptable and unpredictable fighter, capable of handling a wide range of threats.
Martial Arts Training: James’ martial arts training is grounded in a unique blend of Savate, Boxing, Street Fighting, and Pro-Wrestling techniques. His Savate training provides him with powerful kicks and precise footwork, allowing him to keep opponents at bay while maintaining mobility. Boxing adds to his striking skills, giving him effective punches and counterattacks, while Street Fighting techniques ensure he can improvise, adapt, and handle close-quarters combat, even in unpredictable situations.
Over the years, James picked up elements of pro-wrestling through watching matches on TV, giving him a creative edge with grappling and throws that often catch his opponents off guard. This combination of styles allows him to flow seamlessly between strikes, grappling moves, and defensive maneuvers, enabling him to outmaneuver opponents through adaptability rather than raw power.
Parkour Training: James has dedicated himself to parkour as a means of traversing Halifax’s urban landscape with agility and speed. His parkour training allows him to move effortlessly through the city, scaling buildings, vaulting over obstacles, and performing acrobatic maneuvers with confidence. This skill set is crucial for evading pursuers, pursuing criminals through complex environments, and setting up strategic vantage points for ambushes or surveillance.
His parkour abilities also aid him in combat, enabling him to quickly reposition himself or evade attacks. This fluidity makes him difficult to pin down, letting him blend offensive strikes with evasive maneuvers, creating a style that is both elusive and relentless.
Through these combined disciplines, James has become a versatile and resourceful fighter, fully utilizing his natural agility and lean build to handle the physical demands of his life as The Corax.
Apparel & Accessories
Mark Three Armor: James’ primary armor is the thrid itteration of a multi-layered suit he constructed himself, blending stealth, protection, and mobility to match his needs as The Corax. Built with layers of Kevlar and carbon fiber, with inserts in a creative serries of layers of Rubber, Titanium, Cermaic and Kevlar the armor provides excellent protection while remaining flexible for parkour and acrobatic movements. Designed in dark tones with midnight blue accents and faux feathers to mimic a crow’s appearance, it has also been furthe enchanted by magic offering higher degrees of protection against elemental damage and phsyical harm of all kinds.
Armored Cape:
True to his vigilante aesthetic, James wears a durable, multi-functional cape as part of his Corax persona. Designed with both style and practicality in mind, the cape is made from ballistic nylon, giving it a lightweight but rugged structure capable of withstanding abrasions and providing an additional layer of protection. The cape’s design is heavily influenced by classic vigilante styles, adding an imposing silhouette that enhances James' intimidating presence.
The cape features weighted edges, which allow it to billow in a controlled manner, enhancing his stealth by muffling movements and obscuring his form in low light. Its detachable design ensures James can remove it quickly if it becomes a hindrance in combat or during a chase. Additionally, the cape is lined with several hidden pockets, which James uses to store small gadgets, alchemical ingredients, or charms, allowing him to access them quickly without drawing from his utility belt.
James’ cape not only serves as a tactical asset but also reflects his love of the classic vigilante look, balancing functionality with style as he moves through the shadows as The Corax. Utility Belt: James’ utility belt holds a variety of DIY gadgets and tools, most of which are crafted by him or sourced from army surplus stores, pawnshops, or online outlets. His practical and resourceful nature shines through in his selection of tools: Smoke Bombs: Compact devices that release thick smoke, useful for creating cover and disorienting enemies during a quick escape or attack.
Flashbangs: Used to blind and stun opponents temporarily, giving James a tactical advantage in combat or escape situations.
Caltrops: Small, spiked devices designed to puncture tires, disable vehicles, or injure enemies pursuing on foot, slowing them down.
UV Paint: A specialized paint used to mark areas or leave signals invisible to the naked eye, visible only through UV light, which aids in tracking or covert messaging.
Blinding Powder: A DIY powder made to temporarily impair an enemy’s vision upon contact, ideal for gaining an upper hand in close quarters.
Choking Powder: A homemade powder that irritates the respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties in enemies and giving James a brief escape window.
Throwing Knives and Stars: A set of throwable blades that James wields with precision, effective for ranged attacks or incapacitating enemies from a distance.
Magical Potions, Oils, and Bombs: To compensate for the limited budget of a college student, James has mastered the art of creating magical potions, oils, and bombs, which serve as affordable, portable, and potent alternatives to the high-tech gadgets often used by wealthier vigilantes. These concoctions, carefully brewed and prepared, provide him with tactical advantages in the field, allowing him to handle a wide range of scenarios with minimal equipment. Compact and efficient, they integrate seamlessly into his utility belt, offering powerful effects without taking up significant space. Magical Charms and Devices: As his skill with magic grows, James has begun to incorporate a variety of magical charms and devices into his vigilante gear. Though crafting these items is more costly and time-consuming than his DIY gadgets, each one adds unique advantages that traditional tools can’t offer. These minor enchanted items are carefully chosen to complement his existing skills and enhance his field capabilities. Over time, he anticipates that magic may fully replace or augment much of his current gear, allowing him to rely more on mystical powers than conventional equipment.
Armored Cape:
True to his vigilante aesthetic, James wears a durable, multi-functional cape as part of his Corax persona. Designed with both style and practicality in mind, the cape is made from ballistic nylon, giving it a lightweight but rugged structure capable of withstanding abrasions and providing an additional layer of protection. The cape’s design is heavily influenced by classic vigilante styles, adding an imposing silhouette that enhances James' intimidating presence.
The cape features weighted edges, which allow it to billow in a controlled manner, enhancing his stealth by muffling movements and obscuring his form in low light. Its detachable design ensures James can remove it quickly if it becomes a hindrance in combat or during a chase. Additionally, the cape is lined with several hidden pockets, which James uses to store small gadgets, alchemical ingredients, or charms, allowing him to access them quickly without drawing from his utility belt.
James’ cape not only serves as a tactical asset but also reflects his love of the classic vigilante look, balancing functionality with style as he moves through the shadows as The Corax. Utility Belt: James’ utility belt holds a variety of DIY gadgets and tools, most of which are crafted by him or sourced from army surplus stores, pawnshops, or online outlets. His practical and resourceful nature shines through in his selection of tools: Smoke Bombs: Compact devices that release thick smoke, useful for creating cover and disorienting enemies during a quick escape or attack.
Flashbangs: Used to blind and stun opponents temporarily, giving James a tactical advantage in combat or escape situations.
Caltrops: Small, spiked devices designed to puncture tires, disable vehicles, or injure enemies pursuing on foot, slowing them down.
UV Paint: A specialized paint used to mark areas or leave signals invisible to the naked eye, visible only through UV light, which aids in tracking or covert messaging.
Blinding Powder: A DIY powder made to temporarily impair an enemy’s vision upon contact, ideal for gaining an upper hand in close quarters.
Choking Powder: A homemade powder that irritates the respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties in enemies and giving James a brief escape window.
Throwing Knives and Stars: A set of throwable blades that James wields with precision, effective for ranged attacks or incapacitating enemies from a distance.
Magical Potions, Oils, and Bombs: To compensate for the limited budget of a college student, James has mastered the art of creating magical potions, oils, and bombs, which serve as affordable, portable, and potent alternatives to the high-tech gadgets often used by wealthier vigilantes. These concoctions, carefully brewed and prepared, provide him with tactical advantages in the field, allowing him to handle a wide range of scenarios with minimal equipment. Compact and efficient, they integrate seamlessly into his utility belt, offering powerful effects without taking up significant space. Magical Charms and Devices: As his skill with magic grows, James has begun to incorporate a variety of magical charms and devices into his vigilante gear. Though crafting these items is more costly and time-consuming than his DIY gadgets, each one adds unique advantages that traditional tools can’t offer. These minor enchanted items are carefully chosen to complement his existing skills and enhance his field capabilities. Over time, he anticipates that magic may fully replace or augment much of his current gear, allowing him to rely more on mystical powers than conventional equipment.
Specialized Equipment
The Crows Talons
The Crow’s Talons are the heart of James’ supernatural powers, ancient and enchanted gauntlets gifted by the Celtic goddess Morrigan. Known in legend as the Gauntlets of Morrigan, these artifacts are powerful relics that channel the might and will of the goddess, marking James as her chosen champion and binding him to her emissary, the Crow Spirit. When he dons these gauntlets, he undergoes a profound transformation, becoming The Corax, a warrior embodying the divine justice, vengeance, and warcraft of Morrigan, also known as the Phantom Queen.
These gauntlets are far more than simple weapons; they are an extension of Morrigan’s divine essence, drawing on mystical energies that link James to realms beyond the material world. By forming a bond with the Crow Spirit, James is granted unique supernatural abilities, each of which manifests through the power contained within the gauntlets. This transformation enhances his physical form, elevates his senses, and enables him to access powers that make him a formidable force against both human and supernatural foes.
Incorruptible Relics: The Crow’s Talons are impervious to physical damage, decay, or corruption, preserving their ancient form no matter the wear they might endure. They cannot be harmed by ordinary weapons, elemental forces, or even modern science; only magical entities or forces comparable in power to Morrigan herself could hope to destroy them. Ever-Sharp Talons: The claws of the gauntlets are razor-sharp, able to cut through nearly any material, from conventional armor to advanced super-science defenses. They are particularly potent against supernatural entities, allowing James to slice through the defenses of ghosts, spectral beings, and mythic creatures. Only the most powerful magical barriers can resist the divine sharpness of the talons. Anti-Healing Properties: The wounds inflicted by the Crow’s Talons are cursed to resist healing, disrupting both natural and supernatural healing abilities. For beings with rapid regeneration or magical healing, these injuries linger and weaken them over time, making the gauntlets highly effective against supernatural or self-healing adversaries. Normal foes harmed by them find the healing process slowed down to nearly double the time it would take to recover from wounds inflicted upon them. Supernatural Equalizer: The gauntlets give James the power to strike beings that are normally resistant or immune to conventional weapons, such as ghosts, elementals, fey, or creatures with mystical resistances. This power makes him a threat to creatures that typically exist beyond mortal reach, effectively bridging the divide between the natural and supernatural worlds. Even seeming invulnrable superbeings have discovered the power of the Talons as a true equalizer shearing through their defences with ease.
Death Sense and Death Sight: As Morrigan’s psychopomp, James possesses Death Sense and Death Sight, two supernatural abilities that align him closely with the realm of spirits and the mysteries of life and death. These abilities enable him to serve as a guide for souls, a protector against supernatural threats, and an enforcer of Morrigan’s will. Death Sense: James can sense impending death within his vicinity, allowing him to perceive when a person is fated to die soon or is in mortal danger. This sense grants him a unique awareness of life-threatening situations, enabling him to intervene before tragedies occur. While he can’t alter fate itself, his Death Sense offers him opportunities to prevent murders, accidents, or fatal events, placing him in the role of a protector who acts on behalf of those unknowingly facing their end. Death Sight: James has the ability to see beyond the mortal veil, perceiving ghosts, spirits, and hidden magical entities that exist within the supernatural realm. This sight allows him to communicate with souls who have not yet passed on and interact with entities that dwell in the unseen world. With Death Sight, James can identify supernatural threats and detect magical presences, giving him a crucial advantage in battles against the occult or malevolent spirits.
Pocket Dimension Manipulation: When not in use or desired to be present the gauntlets and a fair amount of personal equipment can be shunted to a pocket space dimension and called fourth with a simple magical spell allowing the user to transform into a combat ready form at the utterance of a few words.
The Crow Spirit: Bound within the gauntlets is the Crow Spirit, a sentient, ancient entity that serves as Morrigan’s emissary and guide. She communicates with James telepathically, offering him counsel, battle strategy, and insight into the nature of his foes. The Crow Spirit’s personality is fierce, proud, and deeply tied to the themes of war, justice, and vengeance, often urging James to adopt a more ruthless approach. Strategic Guidance: The Crow Spirit possesses an extensive knowledge of combat, tactics, and the supernatural, providing James with crucial advice on how to approach each enemy. Her insights allow him to identify weaknesses, exploit vulnerabilities, and adjust his strategy in real-time, making him highly adaptable. Psychic Protection: The Crow Spirit acts as a protective shield within James’ mind, offering resistance against psychic attacks, possession attempts, and mind-control. While not invulnerable, her presence creates a formidable barrier against those who would try to manipulate or break into James’ psyche. Influence on James’ Psyche: While a valuable ally, the Crow Spirit’s desire for vengeance can weigh heavily on James, urging him to act with greater aggression and to embrace his role as Morrigan’s warrior. He must constantly maintain his own sense of morality, lest the spirit’s influence tip him into a darker, more merciless path.
Divine Purpose:
The Crow’s Talons mark James the Champion of the Morrigan and as a psychopomp—a guide for the dead and an enforcer of divine justice. The Crow Spirit reminds him that his duty is not only to battle evil but to uphold balance, punishing those who cross into darkness while sparing the innocent. This responsibility weighs on him, as he is aware that his life is bound to Morrigan’s will, making him more than a vigilante; he is a servant of divine retribution, called to act in the goddess’ name. Peak Human Physical Traits: When wearing the Crow’s Talons, James’ body is transformed into that of a perfect warrior, granting him physical abilities that rival the pinnacle of human potential. This enhancement strengthens every aspect of his physique, enabling him to perform feats that are on the edge of human possibility and greatly benefiting him in combat and evasive maneuvers. Enhanced Strength: With the gauntlets, James possesses enough power to lift up to 800 lbs, delivering strikes with bone-crushing force. This strength allows him to confront stronger opponents and deal significant damage to his surroundings if needed. Augmented Agility and Reflexes: His agility and reflexes reach superhuman levels, making him incredibly nimble and responsive. He can execute acrobatic maneuvers, dodge attacks with precision, and react instantly to his environment, a skill set that proves invaluable during combat and high-speed pursuits. Heightened Endurance and Toughness: His body becomes highly resilient, capable of enduring impacts, blunt trauma, and environmental hazards that would incapacitate or severely harm a typical human. This toughness enables him to stay in the fight even under intense physical strain, reducing the time he needs to recover between skirmishes. Increased Speed and Mobility: James’ running speed and mobility reach near-superhuman levels, allowing him to sprint up to 28 mph. This speed advantage makes him highly elusive, enabling him to close the gap on fleeing enemies or withdraw from dangerous situations with remarkable swiftness. Sharpened Senses: Each of James’ senses—sight, hearing, smell, and touch—is heightened to peak human limits, giving him a near-predatory awareness of his surroundings. This extreme sensitivity allows him to detect subtle movements, sounds, or scents that would be imperceptible to others, making him nearly impossible to ambush or surprise. Together, these traits make James a formidable presence on the battlefield, able to utilize his agility, strength, and awareness to outmaneuver and overpower foes with tactical precision and superhuman finesse.
Enhanced Healing Factor and Need for Rest:
The Crow’s Talons grant James a heightened healing factor, enabling him to recover from injuries at 2-3 times the rate of a normal human. This accelerated healing allows him to return to action quickly, even after sustaining significant injuries, making him a resilient combatant who can withstand the physical toll of his vigilante lifestyle. His body’s ability to resist toxins, drugs, and poisons is similarly enhanced, offering him a natural defense against substances that would incapacitate or harm others.
Along with his healing abilities, James requires only half the usual amount of sleep to function at his best. This reduced need for rest allows him to remain vigilant and active, maximizing the time he can dedicate to his studies and his role as The Corax. While his stamina is remarkable, prolonged battles and frequent confrontations still demand occasional downtime, and his body eventually needs rest to recuperate fully.
This unique combination of rapid healing, toxin resistance, and reduced need for sleep gives James a significant advantage, allowing him to push himself further in his mission while staying physically resilient in the face of danger.
Enhanced Sensory Abilities:
The Crow’s Talons significantly amplify James’ senses, providing him with extraordinary perception beyond human limits. These enhancements give him a near-supernatural awareness of his surroundings, allowing him to detect subtle details, anticipate threats, and gain a tactical edge in combat.
Ultraviolet Vision: The gauntlets grant James the ability to see in ultraviolet light, enabling him to spot details hidden from the naked eye. This UV sight reveals clues like hidden markings, magical symbols, and invisible residues, offering insights that would otherwise go unnoticed and making him adept at tracking and analyzing evidence. Long-Range Bird-Like Sight: James’ visual acuity is enhanced to match that of a bird of prey, allowing him to see distant objects and details with remarkable clarity. From a significant distance, he can identify faces, detect minute movements, and read even faint signals, providing him a major advantage in reconnaissance and long-range observation. Heightened Auditory Senses: James' hearing is enhanced to match that of a crow, giving him an acute sensitivity to nearby sounds without extending to extreme distances. He can pick up on subtle movements, environmental changes, and the general presence of others within a moderate range. This heightened hearing helps him detect shifts that signal approaching threats or hidden dangers, allowing him to stay alert and respond quickly. While he can't hear distant conversations, his refined sense of sound provides a reliable advantage in close combat and stealth situations.
Enhanced Spatial Awareness: With a heightened sense of spatial awareness, James can process movements within a 360-degree sphere around him, giving him an instinctual understanding of his surroundings. This “sixth sense” enables him to anticipate incoming attacks, detect traps, and sense hidden threats, making him exceptionally hard to ambush or surprise.
Together, these sensory enhancements make James an exceptionally vigilant and perceptive warrior, able to read his environment and enemies with uncanny accuracy. These abilities, granted by the Crow’s Talons, give him a substantial tactical edge, allowing him to act with precision, respond swiftly to danger, and maintain constant awareness in any situation.
Athaircis State: The gauntlets also grant James access to the Athaircis State, a heightened, superhuman state where he and the Crow Spirit fully merge. In this state, James becomes a nearly unstoppable force:
Ethereal Wings: In this state, James manifests ghostly wings, allowing for limited flight or gliding, granting him an advantage in mobility.
Enhanced Power Boost: All his physical abilities are greatly amplified, pushing his strength, speed, and reflexes beyond mortal limits.
Seamless Combat Coordination: The Crow Spirit and James operate as one, achieving a perfect synchronicity that amplifies his combat skill and reaction time.
The Athaircis State comes at a price, however, as it magnifies the Crow Spirit’s influence over him, increasing the temptation to act with ruthless efficiency. This emotional struggle is a constant test of James’ resolve, as he fights to maintain his own humanity even while wielding the power of a divine champion.
The Crow’s Talons are the heart of James’ supernatural powers, ancient and enchanted gauntlets gifted by the Celtic goddess Morrigan. Known in legend as the Gauntlets of Morrigan, these artifacts are powerful relics that channel the might and will of the goddess, marking James as her chosen champion and binding him to her emissary, the Crow Spirit. When he dons these gauntlets, he undergoes a profound transformation, becoming The Corax, a warrior embodying the divine justice, vengeance, and warcraft of Morrigan, also known as the Phantom Queen.
These gauntlets are far more than simple weapons; they are an extension of Morrigan’s divine essence, drawing on mystical energies that link James to realms beyond the material world. By forming a bond with the Crow Spirit, James is granted unique supernatural abilities, each of which manifests through the power contained within the gauntlets. This transformation enhances his physical form, elevates his senses, and enables him to access powers that make him a formidable force against both human and supernatural foes.
Incorruptible Relics: The Crow’s Talons are impervious to physical damage, decay, or corruption, preserving their ancient form no matter the wear they might endure. They cannot be harmed by ordinary weapons, elemental forces, or even modern science; only magical entities or forces comparable in power to Morrigan herself could hope to destroy them. Ever-Sharp Talons: The claws of the gauntlets are razor-sharp, able to cut through nearly any material, from conventional armor to advanced super-science defenses. They are particularly potent against supernatural entities, allowing James to slice through the defenses of ghosts, spectral beings, and mythic creatures. Only the most powerful magical barriers can resist the divine sharpness of the talons. Anti-Healing Properties: The wounds inflicted by the Crow’s Talons are cursed to resist healing, disrupting both natural and supernatural healing abilities. For beings with rapid regeneration or magical healing, these injuries linger and weaken them over time, making the gauntlets highly effective against supernatural or self-healing adversaries. Normal foes harmed by them find the healing process slowed down to nearly double the time it would take to recover from wounds inflicted upon them. Supernatural Equalizer: The gauntlets give James the power to strike beings that are normally resistant or immune to conventional weapons, such as ghosts, elementals, fey, or creatures with mystical resistances. This power makes him a threat to creatures that typically exist beyond mortal reach, effectively bridging the divide between the natural and supernatural worlds. Even seeming invulnrable superbeings have discovered the power of the Talons as a true equalizer shearing through their defences with ease.
Death Sense and Death Sight: As Morrigan’s psychopomp, James possesses Death Sense and Death Sight, two supernatural abilities that align him closely with the realm of spirits and the mysteries of life and death. These abilities enable him to serve as a guide for souls, a protector against supernatural threats, and an enforcer of Morrigan’s will. Death Sense: James can sense impending death within his vicinity, allowing him to perceive when a person is fated to die soon or is in mortal danger. This sense grants him a unique awareness of life-threatening situations, enabling him to intervene before tragedies occur. While he can’t alter fate itself, his Death Sense offers him opportunities to prevent murders, accidents, or fatal events, placing him in the role of a protector who acts on behalf of those unknowingly facing their end. Death Sight: James has the ability to see beyond the mortal veil, perceiving ghosts, spirits, and hidden magical entities that exist within the supernatural realm. This sight allows him to communicate with souls who have not yet passed on and interact with entities that dwell in the unseen world. With Death Sight, James can identify supernatural threats and detect magical presences, giving him a crucial advantage in battles against the occult or malevolent spirits.
Pocket Dimension Manipulation: When not in use or desired to be present the gauntlets and a fair amount of personal equipment can be shunted to a pocket space dimension and called fourth with a simple magical spell allowing the user to transform into a combat ready form at the utterance of a few words.
The Crow Spirit: Bound within the gauntlets is the Crow Spirit, a sentient, ancient entity that serves as Morrigan’s emissary and guide. She communicates with James telepathically, offering him counsel, battle strategy, and insight into the nature of his foes. The Crow Spirit’s personality is fierce, proud, and deeply tied to the themes of war, justice, and vengeance, often urging James to adopt a more ruthless approach. Strategic Guidance: The Crow Spirit possesses an extensive knowledge of combat, tactics, and the supernatural, providing James with crucial advice on how to approach each enemy. Her insights allow him to identify weaknesses, exploit vulnerabilities, and adjust his strategy in real-time, making him highly adaptable. Psychic Protection: The Crow Spirit acts as a protective shield within James’ mind, offering resistance against psychic attacks, possession attempts, and mind-control. While not invulnerable, her presence creates a formidable barrier against those who would try to manipulate or break into James’ psyche. Influence on James’ Psyche: While a valuable ally, the Crow Spirit’s desire for vengeance can weigh heavily on James, urging him to act with greater aggression and to embrace his role as Morrigan’s warrior. He must constantly maintain his own sense of morality, lest the spirit’s influence tip him into a darker, more merciless path.
Divine Purpose:
The Crow’s Talons mark James the Champion of the Morrigan and as a psychopomp—a guide for the dead and an enforcer of divine justice. The Crow Spirit reminds him that his duty is not only to battle evil but to uphold balance, punishing those who cross into darkness while sparing the innocent. This responsibility weighs on him, as he is aware that his life is bound to Morrigan’s will, making him more than a vigilante; he is a servant of divine retribution, called to act in the goddess’ name. Peak Human Physical Traits: When wearing the Crow’s Talons, James’ body is transformed into that of a perfect warrior, granting him physical abilities that rival the pinnacle of human potential. This enhancement strengthens every aspect of his physique, enabling him to perform feats that are on the edge of human possibility and greatly benefiting him in combat and evasive maneuvers. Enhanced Strength: With the gauntlets, James possesses enough power to lift up to 800 lbs, delivering strikes with bone-crushing force. This strength allows him to confront stronger opponents and deal significant damage to his surroundings if needed. Augmented Agility and Reflexes: His agility and reflexes reach superhuman levels, making him incredibly nimble and responsive. He can execute acrobatic maneuvers, dodge attacks with precision, and react instantly to his environment, a skill set that proves invaluable during combat and high-speed pursuits. Heightened Endurance and Toughness: His body becomes highly resilient, capable of enduring impacts, blunt trauma, and environmental hazards that would incapacitate or severely harm a typical human. This toughness enables him to stay in the fight even under intense physical strain, reducing the time he needs to recover between skirmishes. Increased Speed and Mobility: James’ running speed and mobility reach near-superhuman levels, allowing him to sprint up to 28 mph. This speed advantage makes him highly elusive, enabling him to close the gap on fleeing enemies or withdraw from dangerous situations with remarkable swiftness. Sharpened Senses: Each of James’ senses—sight, hearing, smell, and touch—is heightened to peak human limits, giving him a near-predatory awareness of his surroundings. This extreme sensitivity allows him to detect subtle movements, sounds, or scents that would be imperceptible to others, making him nearly impossible to ambush or surprise. Together, these traits make James a formidable presence on the battlefield, able to utilize his agility, strength, and awareness to outmaneuver and overpower foes with tactical precision and superhuman finesse.
Enhanced Healing Factor and Need for Rest:
The Crow’s Talons grant James a heightened healing factor, enabling him to recover from injuries at 2-3 times the rate of a normal human. This accelerated healing allows him to return to action quickly, even after sustaining significant injuries, making him a resilient combatant who can withstand the physical toll of his vigilante lifestyle. His body’s ability to resist toxins, drugs, and poisons is similarly enhanced, offering him a natural defense against substances that would incapacitate or harm others.
Along with his healing abilities, James requires only half the usual amount of sleep to function at his best. This reduced need for rest allows him to remain vigilant and active, maximizing the time he can dedicate to his studies and his role as The Corax. While his stamina is remarkable, prolonged battles and frequent confrontations still demand occasional downtime, and his body eventually needs rest to recuperate fully.
This unique combination of rapid healing, toxin resistance, and reduced need for sleep gives James a significant advantage, allowing him to push himself further in his mission while staying physically resilient in the face of danger.
Enhanced Sensory Abilities:
The Crow’s Talons significantly amplify James’ senses, providing him with extraordinary perception beyond human limits. These enhancements give him a near-supernatural awareness of his surroundings, allowing him to detect subtle details, anticipate threats, and gain a tactical edge in combat.
Ultraviolet Vision: The gauntlets grant James the ability to see in ultraviolet light, enabling him to spot details hidden from the naked eye. This UV sight reveals clues like hidden markings, magical symbols, and invisible residues, offering insights that would otherwise go unnoticed and making him adept at tracking and analyzing evidence. Long-Range Bird-Like Sight: James’ visual acuity is enhanced to match that of a bird of prey, allowing him to see distant objects and details with remarkable clarity. From a significant distance, he can identify faces, detect minute movements, and read even faint signals, providing him a major advantage in reconnaissance and long-range observation. Heightened Auditory Senses: James' hearing is enhanced to match that of a crow, giving him an acute sensitivity to nearby sounds without extending to extreme distances. He can pick up on subtle movements, environmental changes, and the general presence of others within a moderate range. This heightened hearing helps him detect shifts that signal approaching threats or hidden dangers, allowing him to stay alert and respond quickly. While he can't hear distant conversations, his refined sense of sound provides a reliable advantage in close combat and stealth situations.
Enhanced Spatial Awareness: With a heightened sense of spatial awareness, James can process movements within a 360-degree sphere around him, giving him an instinctual understanding of his surroundings. This “sixth sense” enables him to anticipate incoming attacks, detect traps, and sense hidden threats, making him exceptionally hard to ambush or surprise.
Together, these sensory enhancements make James an exceptionally vigilant and perceptive warrior, able to read his environment and enemies with uncanny accuracy. These abilities, granted by the Crow’s Talons, give him a substantial tactical edge, allowing him to act with precision, respond swiftly to danger, and maintain constant awareness in any situation.
Athaircis State: The gauntlets also grant James access to the Athaircis State, a heightened, superhuman state where he and the Crow Spirit fully merge. In this state, James becomes a nearly unstoppable force:
Ethereal Wings: In this state, James manifests ghostly wings, allowing for limited flight or gliding, granting him an advantage in mobility.
Enhanced Power Boost: All his physical abilities are greatly amplified, pushing his strength, speed, and reflexes beyond mortal limits.
Seamless Combat Coordination: The Crow Spirit and James operate as one, achieving a perfect synchronicity that amplifies his combat skill and reaction time.
The Athaircis State comes at a price, however, as it magnifies the Crow Spirit’s influence over him, increasing the temptation to act with ruthless efficiency. This emotional struggle is a constant test of James’ resolve, as he fights to maintain his own humanity even while wielding the power of a divine champion.
Mental characteristics
Education
James has always excelled academically, fueled by a natural curiosity and a love for storytelling. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a writer, TTRPG creator, or video game designer—careers that would allow him to combine his vivid imagination with his love of fantasy and myth. His fascination with heroes, lore, and the complex worlds of his favorite games and books not only offered him an escape but shaped his ambitions and creative perspective.
Currently, James is enrolled at Dalhousie University, where he’s pursuing a major in Folklore and Mythological Studies. His studies delve into the mythic archetypes, ancient tales, and cultural histories that echo the values he fights for as The Corax. In addition to his major, he’s taking multiple minors in creative writing and related disciplines, honing his ability to craft compelling narratives and complex characters. Through his coursework, he’s developing his storytelling skills with the hope of one day bringing his own worlds to life, whether through writing, games, or interactive media.
James’ academic path has also become a source of personal insight, giving him a deeper understanding of the archetypal roles he embodies and the philosophies behind them. By studying folklore, he connects with the traditions of mythic heroes and finds guidance in understanding his own role as a modern-day warrior for justice. His studies in creative writing provide him an outlet to explore and process his experiences, giving him both a creative and therapeutic way to express his struggles and his aspirations.
Currently, James is enrolled at Dalhousie University, where he’s pursuing a major in Folklore and Mythological Studies. His studies delve into the mythic archetypes, ancient tales, and cultural histories that echo the values he fights for as The Corax. In addition to his major, he’s taking multiple minors in creative writing and related disciplines, honing his ability to craft compelling narratives and complex characters. Through his coursework, he’s developing his storytelling skills with the hope of one day bringing his own worlds to life, whether through writing, games, or interactive media.
James’ academic path has also become a source of personal insight, giving him a deeper understanding of the archetypal roles he embodies and the philosophies behind them. By studying folklore, he connects with the traditions of mythic heroes and finds guidance in understanding his own role as a modern-day warrior for justice. His studies in creative writing provide him an outlet to explore and process his experiences, giving him both a creative and therapeutic way to express his struggles and his aspirations.
Employment
Currently, James is an unemployed college student, relying primarily on a student loan and minimal financial support from his mother. She promised to help him as long as he continues to dedicate himself to his studies, but he’s uncomfortable taking more than he absolutely needs. Driven by a strong sense of independence, James lives a highly frugal lifestyle, stretching his resources to the limit by buying off-brand foods, dumpster diving, and cutting costs wherever possible.
Occasionally, James takes on part-time work or odd jobs to make ends meet, but balancing these with his demanding vigilante activities has become increasingly difficult. His life as The Corax pulls him into nighttime patrols, leaving him physically exhausted and struggling to keep up with any “normal” job that requires regular hours. His dual identity also creates logistical challenges, as he can’t risk jeopardizing his mission by becoming too tied down or predictable in his day-to-day life.
While he’s committed to his studies and his responsibilities as The Corax, James finds himself frequently caught in a cycle of financial strain and time management issues, leading to constant sacrifices in his personal comfort. These sacrifices only deepen his commitment to his vigilante role, reinforcing his belief that his path isn’t meant to be easy—and that the sacrifices are a part of the cost of his commitment to justice.
Occasionally, James takes on part-time work or odd jobs to make ends meet, but balancing these with his demanding vigilante activities has become increasingly difficult. His life as The Corax pulls him into nighttime patrols, leaving him physically exhausted and struggling to keep up with any “normal” job that requires regular hours. His dual identity also creates logistical challenges, as he can’t risk jeopardizing his mission by becoming too tied down or predictable in his day-to-day life.
While he’s committed to his studies and his responsibilities as The Corax, James finds himself frequently caught in a cycle of financial strain and time management issues, leading to constant sacrifices in his personal comfort. These sacrifices only deepen his commitment to his vigilante role, reinforcing his belief that his path isn’t meant to be easy—and that the sacrifices are a part of the cost of his commitment to justice.
Mental Trauma
James carries a lifetime of wounds, both visible and hidden, which have profoundly shaped him. His father's verbal abuse left him feeling powerless and hyper-aware of injustice, particularly when those he cares about are vulnerable. This upbringing instilled a fierce desire to protect others, even at his own expense, forming the basis of a hero complex. Deep down, he feels responsible for shielding others from the pain he endured, as if saving others might retroactively redeem the helplessness of his own childhood.
Enduring relentless bullying in his formative years compounded this need for justice, seeding a complex, trauma-driven commitment to stand against any form of cruelty. This has led to what can be described as justice trauma—an almost compulsive need to right wrongs, regardless of the toll it takes on his mental health. He views every confrontation as a chance to prevent someone else from experiencing the suffering he faced, and in doing so, he often disregards his own well-being.
This combination of traumas has left James prone to moments of intense self-doubt and internalized anger. His vigilantism has been both a way to channel his anger and a burden, leading to episodes of anxiety and insomnia as he reflects on whether he can ever truly make a difference. Following particularly harrowing encounters, James struggles with survivor’s guilt, feeling unworthy of his own powers and questioning the true cost of his mission.
The presence of the Crow Spirit has both heightened his resilience and deepened his trauma. While she offers support, her call for vengeance often triggers internal conflicts, forcing James to balance his sense of justice with the Crow Spirit’s ruthless inclinations. His trauma has, in many ways, become inseparable from his identity as The Corax, fueling his fight against darkness but also threatening to consume him.
Enduring relentless bullying in his formative years compounded this need for justice, seeding a complex, trauma-driven commitment to stand against any form of cruelty. This has led to what can be described as justice trauma—an almost compulsive need to right wrongs, regardless of the toll it takes on his mental health. He views every confrontation as a chance to prevent someone else from experiencing the suffering he faced, and in doing so, he often disregards his own well-being.
This combination of traumas has left James prone to moments of intense self-doubt and internalized anger. His vigilantism has been both a way to channel his anger and a burden, leading to episodes of anxiety and insomnia as he reflects on whether he can ever truly make a difference. Following particularly harrowing encounters, James struggles with survivor’s guilt, feeling unworthy of his own powers and questioning the true cost of his mission.
The presence of the Crow Spirit has both heightened his resilience and deepened his trauma. While she offers support, her call for vengeance often triggers internal conflicts, forcing James to balance his sense of justice with the Crow Spirit’s ruthless inclinations. His trauma has, in many ways, become inseparable from his identity as The Corax, fueling his fight against darkness but also threatening to consume him.
Intellectual Characteristics
James is not only gifted intellectually, with a quick, strategic mind, but he also possesses an ironclad willpower that’s arguably his greatest strength. His intelligence enables him to absorb complex information quickly, adapt to high-pressure situations, and devise creative solutions, often in real time. This intellect extends to his resourcefulness; James is adept at piecing together clues and forming strategies on the fly, making him a formidable opponent both in and out of combat.
One of his most defining intellectual traits is his exceptional perceptiveness. James has an innate ability to read people and situations with a clarity that often surprises others. His life experiences have sharpened his observational skills, allowing him to pick up on subtle cues in body language and environment, giving him an edge in analyzing threats or hidden motives.
In social settings, James is a true introvert, often feeling socially awkward and prone to retreating into escapist activities such as reading, gaming, or exploring fantasy worlds. His introverted nature makes him reflective and introspective, but it also means he can be uncomfortable around large groups or in unfamiliar situations. Though he may struggle with outward expressions of connection, his empathy is profound, driving him to defend those who suffer and to place himself in the shoes of others. However, his empathy skews heavily toward those he perceives as innocent or vulnerable, and he has little tolerance—if any—for those who willingly harm others. This lack of remorse for perpetrators, combined with his strong sense of justice, sometimes leads him to morally ambiguous decisions, especially when dealing with repeat offenders or truly vile individuals.
As a coping mechanism for his trauma, James often relies on macabre, grim humor and sarcasm. This dark wit provides him with a mental shield, a way to process the violence and emotional strain of his life as The Corax without becoming overwhelmed. It’s his way of maintaining some distance from the horrors he faces and serves as a subtle form of resilience, helping him ground himself even in the darkest moments.
While James recognizes the importance of mercy, his trauma and unwavering conviction sometimes push him toward harsher judgments, especially in cases that evoke memories of his past. These factors contribute to his hero complex, where he sees himself as duty-bound to shield others from harm, no matter the cost to himself.
Overall, James' intellectual makeup is one of sharp focus, an almost unbreakable will, a tendecy for deep introspection, anxiety, self doubt and a unique brand of empathy shaped by the scars of his past. This makes him a deeply reflective, strategic, and sometimes conflicted hero whose journey is as much about balancing his inner darkness as it is about confronting the darkness in the world around him.
One of his most defining intellectual traits is his exceptional perceptiveness. James has an innate ability to read people and situations with a clarity that often surprises others. His life experiences have sharpened his observational skills, allowing him to pick up on subtle cues in body language and environment, giving him an edge in analyzing threats or hidden motives.
In social settings, James is a true introvert, often feeling socially awkward and prone to retreating into escapist activities such as reading, gaming, or exploring fantasy worlds. His introverted nature makes him reflective and introspective, but it also means he can be uncomfortable around large groups or in unfamiliar situations. Though he may struggle with outward expressions of connection, his empathy is profound, driving him to defend those who suffer and to place himself in the shoes of others. However, his empathy skews heavily toward those he perceives as innocent or vulnerable, and he has little tolerance—if any—for those who willingly harm others. This lack of remorse for perpetrators, combined with his strong sense of justice, sometimes leads him to morally ambiguous decisions, especially when dealing with repeat offenders or truly vile individuals.
As a coping mechanism for his trauma, James often relies on macabre, grim humor and sarcasm. This dark wit provides him with a mental shield, a way to process the violence and emotional strain of his life as The Corax without becoming overwhelmed. It’s his way of maintaining some distance from the horrors he faces and serves as a subtle form of resilience, helping him ground himself even in the darkest moments.
While James recognizes the importance of mercy, his trauma and unwavering conviction sometimes push him toward harsher judgments, especially in cases that evoke memories of his past. These factors contribute to his hero complex, where he sees himself as duty-bound to shield others from harm, no matter the cost to himself.
Overall, James' intellectual makeup is one of sharp focus, an almost unbreakable will, a tendecy for deep introspection, anxiety, self doubt and a unique brand of empathy shaped by the scars of his past. This makes him a deeply reflective, strategic, and sometimes conflicted hero whose journey is as much about balancing his inner darkness as it is about confronting the darkness in the world around him.
Morality & Philosophy
James holds a deeply ingrained belief in justice, born from his own experiences of suffering and hardship. His moral compass is driven by a commitment to protect the innocent and stand against cruelty, injustice, and exploitation. Having endured both abuse and bullying, he’s shaped by a powerful ethos of protection; he sees his vigilante work as a necessary sacrifice, using his abilities to shield others from the pain he once knew too well.
Philosophically, James leans toward a form of justice-based morality, viewing actions through a lens of fairness and consequence rather than absolutes of right and wrong. He rejects simplistic black-and-white views, understanding that the world is often morally gray, especially in his line of work. However, his empathy is both a strength and a vulnerability. He strongly identifies with victims, feeling an intense obligation to avenge or protect those who have been wronged, but this often places him at odds with his own desire for mercy.
His bond with the Crow Spirit complicates his moral philosophy. While he believes in redemption and second chances, the Crow Spirit’s ruthless perspective often pushes him toward retributive justice. She encourages him to deal harshly with those who harm others, testing his moral limits and sometimes even tempting him toward a darker path. He values mercy but struggles with its application, particularly when the Crow Spirit’s influence amplifies his anger and desire for vengeance.
James’ sense of duty is further influenced by a philosophy of sacrifice. He feels a personal responsibility to place others' needs above his own, seeing his powers as a burden he must bear to fulfill his role as The Corax. This mindset drives him to place himself in danger willingly, sometimes recklessly, in order to protect those he cares about. Over time, he’s come to view his life as less valuable than his mission, a reflection of his survivor’s guilt and hero complex.
Ultimately, James’ morality is a journey—a balancing act between mercy and vengeance, justice and compassion. His inner conflict defines much of his philosophical outlook, as he continuously strives to find the line between necessary force and cruelty, between the role of a protector and the power of a punisher.
Philosophically, James leans toward a form of justice-based morality, viewing actions through a lens of fairness and consequence rather than absolutes of right and wrong. He rejects simplistic black-and-white views, understanding that the world is often morally gray, especially in his line of work. However, his empathy is both a strength and a vulnerability. He strongly identifies with victims, feeling an intense obligation to avenge or protect those who have been wronged, but this often places him at odds with his own desire for mercy.
His bond with the Crow Spirit complicates his moral philosophy. While he believes in redemption and second chances, the Crow Spirit’s ruthless perspective often pushes him toward retributive justice. She encourages him to deal harshly with those who harm others, testing his moral limits and sometimes even tempting him toward a darker path. He values mercy but struggles with its application, particularly when the Crow Spirit’s influence amplifies his anger and desire for vengeance.
James’ sense of duty is further influenced by a philosophy of sacrifice. He feels a personal responsibility to place others' needs above his own, seeing his powers as a burden he must bear to fulfill his role as The Corax. This mindset drives him to place himself in danger willingly, sometimes recklessly, in order to protect those he cares about. Over time, he’s come to view his life as less valuable than his mission, a reflection of his survivor’s guilt and hero complex.
Ultimately, James’ morality is a journey—a balancing act between mercy and vengeance, justice and compassion. His inner conflict defines much of his philosophical outlook, as he continuously strives to find the line between necessary force and cruelty, between the role of a protector and the power of a punisher.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
At his core, James is driven by a powerful sense of justice and a deep empathy for those who cannot protect themselves. Having experienced bullying and abuse firsthand, he feels a personal duty to shield the vulnerable from suffering and to bring justice to those who harm others. This strong moral compass guides his every action as The Corax, pushing him to stand up against the darkness in Halifax and ensure that the innocent have someone looking out for them.
But there’s another side to his motivation—a certain joy and sense of fulfillment that comes from living out a childhood dream. Growing up as a self-proclaimed “geek,” James idolized superheroes and immersed himself in comic books, games, and the worlds of fantasy. Becoming a real-life vigilante is, in a way, a dream come true. To him, being The Corax is not just a responsibility; it’s exhilarating, meaningful, and deeply satisfying.
James genuinely believes in doing good for the sake of doing good, yet he won’t deny the thrill and fun that come with his role. Each night spent as The Corax brings him closer to the heroes he admired, allowing him to live out a fantasy while making a tangible difference. This dual motivation of duty and fulfillment sustains him through challenges and setbacks, reminding him that, while the cost is high, he’s living the life he always dreamed of—a hero who stands for justice, protects the innocent, and takes pride in the role he’s chosen.
But there’s another side to his motivation—a certain joy and sense of fulfillment that comes from living out a childhood dream. Growing up as a self-proclaimed “geek,” James idolized superheroes and immersed himself in comic books, games, and the worlds of fantasy. Becoming a real-life vigilante is, in a way, a dream come true. To him, being The Corax is not just a responsibility; it’s exhilarating, meaningful, and deeply satisfying.
James genuinely believes in doing good for the sake of doing good, yet he won’t deny the thrill and fun that come with his role. Each night spent as The Corax brings him closer to the heroes he admired, allowing him to live out a fantasy while making a tangible difference. This dual motivation of duty and fulfillment sustains him through challenges and setbacks, reminding him that, while the cost is high, he’s living the life he always dreamed of—a hero who stands for justice, protects the innocent, and takes pride in the role he’s chosen.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Savvies:
Handcrafting & Tinkering: James is highly skilled with his hands, having spent a lifetime building models, crafting gadgets, and creating custom items from scratch. This hands-on experience has made him surprisingly adept at DIY work, allowing him to modify and repair his own equipment, even with limited resources. Whether it’s piecing together a new gadget or fine-tuning his armor, James' craftsmanship is a valuable asset in his vigilante life.
Cosplay & Armor Crafting: Drawing from his love of cosplay and the armor-crafting skills he learned from his first girlfriend, Leah, James has become a competent DIY armorer. He meticulously crafts his own armored costume, cape, and gear, adding layers of practicality to his passion for design. His armor is not only functional but also thoughtfully styled to embody his identity as The Corax, blending protective elements with an imposing look that reflects his character.
Huge Geek: James has a near-eidetic memory for the trivia of his passions. Whether it’s gaming lore, mythological figures, folklore, or historical events, he has an uncanny ability to recall details with impressive accuracy. His vast knowledge of geek culture is not only a personal passion but also provides him with a rich well of inspiration and references that often influence his approach to problem-solving, storytelling, and strategy.
Ineptitudes:
Social Interactions: Though James has a compassionate nature, he often struggles in social settings, finding it difficult to navigate small talk or casual interactions. His introverted personality and tendency toward sarcasm can sometimes make him appear standoffish or aloof, even when he genuinely wants to connect. While he excels in intellectual or mission-focused conversations, relaxed socializing often leaves him feeling out of place or awkward.
Physical Strength Building: Despite his physical conditioning, James has always found it difficult to gain muscle or increase his natural strength through conventional means. His lean, wiry build limits his capacity for raw power, which has occasionally made him self-conscious, especially given his desire to protect others. His reliance on agility, speed, and clever tactics helps him compensate, though he is always seeking ways to push his physical limits.
Escapism & Focus Challenges: While his passion for games, books, and storytelling is a major strength, James sometimes struggles with escapism, particularly in moments of stress. He can lose himself in his interests to the point of distraction, which occasionally impacts his focus and ability to stay grounded in reality. Balancing his responsibilities with his need for creative release remains a constant challenge, especially when his vigilante life pulls him into darker experiences.
Handcrafting & Tinkering: James is highly skilled with his hands, having spent a lifetime building models, crafting gadgets, and creating custom items from scratch. This hands-on experience has made him surprisingly adept at DIY work, allowing him to modify and repair his own equipment, even with limited resources. Whether it’s piecing together a new gadget or fine-tuning his armor, James' craftsmanship is a valuable asset in his vigilante life.
Cosplay & Armor Crafting: Drawing from his love of cosplay and the armor-crafting skills he learned from his first girlfriend, Leah, James has become a competent DIY armorer. He meticulously crafts his own armored costume, cape, and gear, adding layers of practicality to his passion for design. His armor is not only functional but also thoughtfully styled to embody his identity as The Corax, blending protective elements with an imposing look that reflects his character.
Huge Geek: James has a near-eidetic memory for the trivia of his passions. Whether it’s gaming lore, mythological figures, folklore, or historical events, he has an uncanny ability to recall details with impressive accuracy. His vast knowledge of geek culture is not only a personal passion but also provides him with a rich well of inspiration and references that often influence his approach to problem-solving, storytelling, and strategy.
Ineptitudes:
Social Interactions: Though James has a compassionate nature, he often struggles in social settings, finding it difficult to navigate small talk or casual interactions. His introverted personality and tendency toward sarcasm can sometimes make him appear standoffish or aloof, even when he genuinely wants to connect. While he excels in intellectual or mission-focused conversations, relaxed socializing often leaves him feeling out of place or awkward.
Physical Strength Building: Despite his physical conditioning, James has always found it difficult to gain muscle or increase his natural strength through conventional means. His lean, wiry build limits his capacity for raw power, which has occasionally made him self-conscious, especially given his desire to protect others. His reliance on agility, speed, and clever tactics helps him compensate, though he is always seeking ways to push his physical limits.
Escapism & Focus Challenges: While his passion for games, books, and storytelling is a major strength, James sometimes struggles with escapism, particularly in moments of stress. He can lose himself in his interests to the point of distraction, which occasionally impacts his focus and ability to stay grounded in reality. Balancing his responsibilities with his need for creative release remains a constant challenge, especially when his vigilante life pulls him into darker experiences.
Likes & Dislikes
Likes:
Food: James isn’t picky and enjoys food in all its forms. Known for his surprising appetite despite his lean frame, he’s often affectionately called “her little garbage can” by his mother, as he’ll happily eat almost anything. From comfort food to unusual snacks, he approaches eating with enthusiasm.
Geek Culture: James is a proud geek, and he revels in all things related to comics, games, anime, and mythology. He has a particular love for lore and trivia, and nothing excites him more than deep-diving into the latest fantasy or sci-fi universe.
Handcrafting & DIY Projects: Whether it’s building a new gadget, crafting his armor, or customizing his gear, James loves creating things with his hands. The satisfaction of seeing his work come together is one of his favorite feelings.
Urban Exploration: James enjoys exploring the hidden corners of the city, finding new routes, and uncovering overlooked spaces. His passion for parkour and climbing blends well with this love for urban discovery, making it both a hobby and practical training.
Dislikes:
Small Talk: James finds small talk tedious and awkward, preferring conversations with depth or purpose. He often feels uncomfortable in casual social settings, which he tends to avoid whenever possible.
Bullies and Injustice: Having faced bullying himself, James has zero tolerance for anyone who abuses their power or harms others, and he can become quite intense when confronting these behaviors.
Strict Schedules: As a creative and somewhat impulsive person, James dislikes rigid schedules or routines. He prefers to work on his own terms, following his instincts rather than adhering to a strict plan.
Materialism: James has little interest in luxury or status symbols, often finding them shallow. Given his focus on practical tools and resourcefulness, he views materialism as a distraction from what really matters.
Food: James isn’t picky and enjoys food in all its forms. Known for his surprising appetite despite his lean frame, he’s often affectionately called “her little garbage can” by his mother, as he’ll happily eat almost anything. From comfort food to unusual snacks, he approaches eating with enthusiasm.
Geek Culture: James is a proud geek, and he revels in all things related to comics, games, anime, and mythology. He has a particular love for lore and trivia, and nothing excites him more than deep-diving into the latest fantasy or sci-fi universe.
Handcrafting & DIY Projects: Whether it’s building a new gadget, crafting his armor, or customizing his gear, James loves creating things with his hands. The satisfaction of seeing his work come together is one of his favorite feelings.
Urban Exploration: James enjoys exploring the hidden corners of the city, finding new routes, and uncovering overlooked spaces. His passion for parkour and climbing blends well with this love for urban discovery, making it both a hobby and practical training.
Dislikes:
Small Talk: James finds small talk tedious and awkward, preferring conversations with depth or purpose. He often feels uncomfortable in casual social settings, which he tends to avoid whenever possible.
Bullies and Injustice: Having faced bullying himself, James has zero tolerance for anyone who abuses their power or harms others, and he can become quite intense when confronting these behaviors.
Strict Schedules: As a creative and somewhat impulsive person, James dislikes rigid schedules or routines. He prefers to work on his own terms, following his instincts rather than adhering to a strict plan.
Materialism: James has little interest in luxury or status symbols, often finding them shallow. Given his focus on practical tools and resourcefulness, he views materialism as a distraction from what really matters.
Social
Religious Views
James considers himself broadly agnostic or wholey polytheistic, believing that all gods and religions have some degree of reality and value. His encounters with Morrigan and the mystical forces tied to her have reinforced his view that deities from various pantheons do truly exist, each embodying aspects of the world that humanity seeks to understand. However, James believes that, despite any divine influence, humans are beings of free will. For him, the actions of individuals—whether noble or corrupt—cannot be justified solely by religious teachings or deities, as they ultimately reflect personal choices.
To James, religion itself is neither innately good nor evil. He sees it as a framework that can help people explore their inner values, comprehend the universe, or find comfort in times of hardship. Conversely, he acknowledges that religion can also be wielded by individuals to justify selfishness, prejudice, or cruelty. In his view, the harm caused in the name of religion comes down to human corruption and the tendency to misuse belief as a vehicle for validating negative behaviors. His experiences as The Corax have solidified his stance: while he respects the personal significance religion holds for many, he remains cautious of the power structures and manipulations that can emerge around it.
Overall, James values religion as a personal path to understanding but maintains a critical eye on how it is applied. For him, it is a deeply individual experience, reflecting humanity’s search for meaning rather than an absolute source of morality.
To James, religion itself is neither innately good nor evil. He sees it as a framework that can help people explore their inner values, comprehend the universe, or find comfort in times of hardship. Conversely, he acknowledges that religion can also be wielded by individuals to justify selfishness, prejudice, or cruelty. In his view, the harm caused in the name of religion comes down to human corruption and the tendency to misuse belief as a vehicle for validating negative behaviors. His experiences as The Corax have solidified his stance: while he respects the personal significance religion holds for many, he remains cautious of the power structures and manipulations that can emerge around it.
Overall, James values religion as a personal path to understanding but maintains a critical eye on how it is applied. For him, it is a deeply individual experience, reflecting humanity’s search for meaning rather than an absolute source of morality.
Professions
Date of Birth
October 5th
Birthplace
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Children
Current Residence
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Sex
Male
Eyes
Dark Brown, Black as the Corax
Hair
Dark Brown, Black as the Corax
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pale White as the Corax
Height
5'10" or 177.8 cm. 6'2" or 188 cm as the Corax
Weight
135 lbs or 61 kg, 210 lbs or 95 kg as the Corax
Quotes & Catchphrases
"Half-assed on the fly plans are my speicality"
"I am vengence born on black wings!"
"The Crows are Watching"
"Me? I'm the guy Karma hired to settle things"
"I am vengence born on black wings!"
"The Crows are Watching"
"Me? I'm the guy Karma hired to settle things"
Myers-Briggs Personality Type: INFP
Bloodtype: A
Friends & Allies Heather McArthur
Danielle “Dani” Desjardins
Jessica “Jessi” Fairfax” Le Fay
Racheal Riot
Enemies/Rogues Gallery
Dove
Lab Rat
Doc Clockwork
Baron Dire
The Puppet Man
Sister Sin
Vince Vitale
Damian Diablo
Crowbar
Mr. Pimp
T-Gold
Aisling O’Sullivan
Conan O’Sullivan
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