Blinded as a child by his mother, Serapio fulfills is one of the main protagonists (and, at points, a potential antagonist to Naranpa). He is an important religious and cultural figure for the Carrion Crow clan. As part of the clan’s older religious practices, his role is as a prophet, as a vessel for the old crow god, and as the fulfiller of a prophecy about vengeance against the priesthood.

Serapio is the Odo Sedoh, the old crow god’s vessel, and this is a role he takes seriously. He has magical powers which include being able to use star pollen to see the world through the minds and eyes of crows and letting the power of the crow god channel through him. Throughout his life, various tutors and teachers have trained him in every aspect of the role. For much of the book, this role is Serapio’s central, only, and relentless purpose: it is only after he begins a romance with Xiala that he is able to see even the possibility of a life outside of or in addition to this role. But instead of pursuing a life with Xiala, he leaves her in a bathhouse on the day of the convergence to fulfill the prophecy and murder

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