Ravenkin returns to D&D 4E (sort of)

[Dion of the Fraternity]

Was looking at the previews for "Heroes of Shadow" and I encountered this:

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Ravenkin

Prerequisite: Any arcane class, training in Religion

From time to time, the Raven Queen’s gaze lingers on a mortal soul whose courage and devotion sparks her cold heart. To these mortals she sends a special boon—a raven-shaped shadow whose appearance is a sign of her favor.

Those who gain this blessing are known as ravenkin, and from that point on they are never truly alone. The shadow raven that keeps them company is a physical connection to the god of death. Devout worshipers of the Raven Queen are the most common ravenkin. However, some ravenkin are recent converts to her faith, unsure of what they have done to warrant such a gift.

Since the blessing that marked you as a ravenkin, you have been aware that you are watched by the Raven Queen. Some might grow uneasy under such scrutiny, but you embrace it, knowing that you have a special place in the god’s plans.
---

It's now a paragon class.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx ... x/20110318

[Gonzoron of the FoS]

There are only so many names for things.

[alhoon]

What was the Ravenkin?
The only thing that comes to mind is that creepy wereravens.

[Tadelin]

I know nothing of wereravens. Only reference I have for them is a single page in my 2E Monstrous Manual that I actually didn't see for the first time until I think 2002. Never seen or heard of them in any other way before or since. And yes... I do occasionally read through my older materials to find reference ideas for new stuff.

[Gonzoron of the FoS]

Were-ravens are exactly what the name implies. Lycanthropes that turn into a (Dire) Raven. Unlike other lycanthropes, most are good-aligned.

Ravenkin are a bit different: http://fraternityofshadows.com/wiki/Ravenkin They are little raven-like humanoids, also most good-aligned, but they don't change shape. They are most notable for being linked to the Keepers of the Black Feather secret society, and having surnames based on their age, like Pyoor Twohundredsummers.

[Jester of the FoS]

I think in 4e ravenkin = kenku.

[Tadelin]

I see. I have been re-educated. Not sure how useful it would be to me at present, but I can at least claim such.

[alhoon]

Kenku?!?

I've seen them in EoBeholder in 1989. They're propably in D&D as much as Ravenloft itself.

[Jester of the FoS]

Kenku?!?

I've seen them in EoBeholder in 1989. They're propably in D&D as much as Ravenloft itself.

They made it into the 4e MM2 and became popular, especially as they're one of the two monsters to get a semi-PC write-up. I play with a dude playing a kenku enchanter.

[Jester of the FoS]

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/TOC.aspx?x=d ... /dutoc/169

[alhoon]