Mist Raven

Sparrow made a clatter
around seeds a-scattered
and invited all the rest
tiny Robin-Red
ate worms instead
but joined on in the fest

Heron had trout
Duck had sprouts
sir Owl dined on voles
but when the fog came through
and nobody flew
the mist-bird ate their souls

-Ordian nursery rhyme

Classification: Infused Beast
Major Elements: Water
Minor Elements: Air
Habitat: Any

If you have ever taken a walk on a hazy morning or found yourself out when the fog rolls in, there is a good chance that you have been in close proximity to a mist raven. If you've ever felt the haunting feeling of eyes upon you or an expectant silence, as though the world were holding its breath, it is likely that a mist raven has taken an interest in you.

An uncanny beast, little is known about the mist raven in spite of its tendency to study us. They seem to materialize out of the mists, and while the dull patter of their wings can sometimes be heard through the fog, no one has ever seen one in flight. Whether the creature follows the drifting mists, summons them, or is in fact formed from them is yet unknown.

Few but their own chosen quarry manage more than the briefest glimpse of the creature. Those that have spotted a mist raven describe them as "shifty", seeming to "exist in no particular place", or only viewable "from the corner of one's eye". Most describe them as black or a deep blue, but those few who have gotten close insist that they shimmered darkly. A blue-grey iridescence.

Much the way their carrion brethren might follow a dying animal, the mist raven will follow a target, sometimes for days or weeks, watching from just beyond the curtain of haze. The curious birds have never been seen to eat however, and though they are often thought to be ominous, there is no connection between the subjects they follow and an early demise.

The exact reason for the mist raven's curiosity is unknown. However, there is a high percentage of notable historical figures who have at some point been associated with the bird. Whether this is historically factual or merely the embellishment of bards is not knowable. Regardless, it has led some to believe the creatures are watching us like some sort of grand theater, keeping an eye on the key players.