Mythical (RWBY Pyrrha Quest)

Usili 2.0 said:

Although... the Nevermore could talk? That's... a bit concerning.

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Nevermore
From Grimmpedia, the free Grimm classification guide

The Nevermore is a classification of Grimm used to describe a common avian subtype of Grimm possessed of black feathers, a white bone mask, red eyes, and sharp claws and beak used. The name comes from a habit observed among Nevermore to repeat the phrase "nevermore" when attacking human settlements.

Nevermore are considered to be a 5 on the Richter's scale of danger. In the case of a Nevermore attack, the advised response is to immediately take shelter within any sturdy edifice with four walls and a roof. Be aware that Nevermore are often accompanied by their lesser cousins, the Corvus, and that a Nevermore when spotting humans will quickly summon Corvus to aid it, and vise versa.

Biology [edit]
Biologically, all Nevermore are a higher evolution of the Grimm type Corvus as has been confirmed by a number of post mortem autopsies done on slain Nevermore. When a Corvus survives for long enough and consumes enough flesh, it will usually end up maturing into a juvenile Nevermore. The first sign of a maturing Corvus is usually a growth in size and bulk, followed shortly thereafter by bone growth, starting from the claws and ending with the mask. It will undergo physiological changes as it grows, which include additional eyes, the growth of a dorsal fin used to stabilize it in sudden rolling maneuvers, and 'claws' on its outer wing joints. The last stage of a Corvus's evolution is the growth of a voicebox. Nevermore have been observed to have the capability to speak, not only simple words and phrases, but also to string together complex words and phrases though all attempts to communicate with Nevermore have so far been failures. It is unknown if they do not have the higher brain capacity to understand these communication attempts or if they simply have no desire to communicate.

Like most Grimm, Nevermore subside on a diet of human beings, wild animals, other Grimm, and raw dust. Nevermore have been observed to consume precious metals as well, though studies of Nevermore droppings have suggested that this is a behavioral trait and they obtain no substance from them.

Habitat and Behavior [edit]
Similar to its Corvus kin, Nevermore behave very similar to crows in nest formation and diet. As one of the most common species of higher level Grimm, they have been found across most of the Four Kingdoms. Unlike Corvus who like to nest communally in areas where it is possible such as large wooded areas, Nevermore have been shown to be more solitary creatures, preferring to make their nests atop high mountain tops and the like. That is not to say a Nevermore nest can only obtain one Nevermore. There have been Nevermore nests found with up to 8 Nevermore nesting within. Anyone who finds and plans out an attack on such a nest should not be mistaken that there will only be one Nevermore at any given nest.

Unusually among most species of Grimm, Nevermore often act in close cooperation with their lesser evolutionary cousins, to the point of even perferring their company to others of their kind. This sort of behavior is unheard of in other common species such as Beowolves and Taijitu, and can be considered a semi unique trait held by only a small number of Grimm classifications. Nevermore end usually acting as leaders of Corvus murders. Such murders can be considered more dangerous than usual, for Corvus will become more emboldened by the presence of a Nevermore. Some Nevermore will choose to nest with their Corvus cousins. In such cases they usually choose the highest nesting location. Semi evolved Corvus can be seen taking a role similar to Nevermore, though not with the same level of authority.

During a Grimm Night, Nevermore will often serve as the vanguard of a scouting column for the hordes of Grimm, using their command over Corvus to sweep the land in a tide of airborne Grimm, whittling down human defenses, before heavier and more dangerous Grimm species arrive in force. For this reason the Kingdoms place a high priority on tracking Nevermore movements, as any flock of more than three full grown Nevermore could speak of an oncoming Grimm Night.

Myth and Legend [edit]
In ancient pre-kingdom civilization, the Nevermore is generally an augur, a fortuneteller of disaster and ill luck. Their role at the head of Grimm Nights was considered prophetic and the Nevermore quickly became the symbol of bad luck. This trait has carried on to their lesser cousins. More superstitious Hunters will make the Sign of Evil Banishing after exterminating Nevermore and might refuse to venture into a nest unless proper dust-wards are set up.

Specific examples of legendary Nevermore are common, due to their status as a widespread Grimm subtype. Examples include the Crone, a Nevermore said to have lived so long it evolved sentience and a humanoid form, or the Nachtkrapp, a featherless eyeless Nevermore which dooms all those who look into the gaps within its wings and skull to a horrible and painful death. Nevermore also make an appearance in several local religions. In the totemist religion of the Sanusian Sand Tribes (different from that of the barbarian tribes of Anima), the Nevermore are the spawn of Zelee, the dark counterpart of Photinas, the phoenix totem. As Photinas exists to spread light, life and hope, the spawn of Zelee spread misery, despair, and ill luck. In the orthodox interpretation of the Sanusian tales, Photinas is continually overpowered by his dark counterpart and his creations, but is never destroyed so long as hope exists still in the hearts of man.

Hunting Nevermore [edit]
Please view the Hunter-only version of the Nevermore page on Grimmpedia to view this section.