Talents of the Fourth Age

[The Lace of Ages]

Ravenkin:

A Talent that has arisen in the Seanchan Empire during the Fourth Age, originating from the new imperial bloodline in the time of Garelwyn Harisch Huan Paendrag. Largely kept secret, those who are aware of the ability are torn about whether it represents the traditional consort of the Imperial throne, or a tie to the imprisoned Dark One. The Talent has spread somewhat, but remains rare on the continent and unheard of in the Westlands. Ravenkin have sharper vision than most, and eyes that blacken over time. They also tend to have greatly enhanced memories, with some even reporting memories from previous generations. They are also able to communicate with ravens and see through their eyes. Ravenkin report that ravens are clever, fond of games and glittery things, though they are often cryptic and difficult to understand.

Despite superstition, the talent exists separately from the Dark One, but rather has emerged as a result of a new bloodline claiming and using the Crystal Throne. Ravens are in practice almost as inimical to the Dark One's presence as wolves, though their resistance is often more subtle. Those who have studied the ravens most closely in Seanchan have known them to cooperate with wolves to alert and guide them to creatures of the Dark One.