| Hagraven | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| General information | |||
| Universe | The Elder Scrolls | ||
| Aliases | Harpy (though incorrect) | ||
| Classification | Homo sapiens corvus | ||
| Species type | Harpy | ||
| Homeworld | Nirn | ||
| Environment | Skyrim | ||
| Intelligence | Sapient | ||
| Biochemistry | Carbon-based lifeform | ||
| Biological information | |||
| Reproduction | Sexual; lay eggs | ||
| Average wingspan | Same as height | ||
| Locomotion | Bipedal Powered flight | ||
| Feeding behavior | Carnivore | ||
| Prey | Human | ||
| Lineage information | |||
| Ancestor(s) | Human | ||
| Cultural information | |||
| Alignment | Chaotic Evil | ||
| Personality | Aggressive | ||
| Organization | Usually solitary | ||
| Affiliation(s) | Independent, Forsworn | ||
| Sociocultral characteristics | |||
| Scientific taxonomy | |||
| Planet | Nirn | ||
| Domain | Eukaryota | ||
| Kingdom | Animalia | ||
| Subkingdom | Eumetazoa | ||
| Infrakingdom | Bilateria | ||
| Superphylum | Deuterostomia | ||
| Phylum | Chordata | ||
| Subphylum | Vertebrata | ||
| Infraphylum | Gnathostomata | ||
| Superclass | Tetrapoda | ||
| Class | Mammalia | ||
| Subclass | Theriiformes | ||
| Infraclass | Holotheria | ||
| Superorder | Archonta | ||
| Order | Primates | ||
| Suborder | Haplorrhini | ||
| Infraorder | Simiiformes | ||
| Superfamily | Hominoidea | ||
| Family | Hominidae | ||
| Subfamily | Homininae | ||
| Infrafamily | Hominina | ||
| Genus | Homo | ||
| Species | H. sapiens | ||
| Subspecies | H. s. corvus (Somarinoa, 2014) | ||
| Other information | |||
| Status | Data Deficient (not naturally occurring) | ||
Hagravens are aggressive former human-turned-malicious creatures with bird-like features found across Skyrim. Due to their magical corruption, coming into physical contact with one can cause brain rot, a disease that lowers the victim's magicka.
These beings are man-eaters, and are known for consuming the eyeballs first.
Appearance[]
Hagravens are hideous avian-like humanoids with scraggly gray hair, pale skin, hooked noses and solid black eyes. Their limbs are long and bony, and their hands and feet each have four digits ending in sharp talons, having somehow lost a digit in the process of their transformation. They dress in tattered black garments and have black raven feathers bound to their shins and forearms. All Hagravens are female; it is unknown what would happen if a male human would sacrifice their humanity in the same fashion.
Those expecting to do battle with a Hagraven would be wise to utilize fire resistance as Hagravens primarily magical attack are Fireball spells. Ice resistance is also important. A lack in speed, accuracy, and possibly eyesight means that an adventurer should not have too much of a problem in avoiding melee strikes from such a creature. A Hagraven also cannot run very fast thanks to their avian feet, and therefore can be easy to chase down.
Powers[]
For sacrificing their humanity, Hagravens gain enhanced magical powers that trump most other witches and warlocks. In addition to 10% resistance to spells, Hagravens can cast powerful spells such as Fireball and Ice Spike. They prefer to keep their distance, lobbing spells at any would-be attackers. In close quarters they will attack with their filthy claws, potentially infecting enemies with Brain Rot. They can also cast healing spells on themselves when damaged or fleeing.
Although not a power per se, Hagravens are experts at using human corpses to mix potions.
Background history[]
Legend has it they were once witches but gave up their humanity to become hagravens. They despise nature, and hunt down spriggans to capture and sacrifice. The Forsworn revere them heavily, and in the book The Madmen of the Reach, it is noted that the hagravens were in the Reach since "the beginning."
Most recorded Hagravens have had Breton names, indicating that they are most likely primarily of Breton stock, likely from those found in the Reach where Nords and Bretons have bred over time to create the Reachmen. The ritual to transform oneself into a Hagraven requires a human sacrifice, as well as the utilization of soul gems and the corpse of a Skeever.