Koki was a kenku character of mine in a Waterdeep game. They were a bard who dreamed of joining an acting troupe. Unfortunately, this dumpster-diving pest was turned down time and again. Often bullied by the other Kenku in town, Koki eventually ended up at the doorstep of Dr. Casek with some grievous injuries. Casek took Koki in (reluctantly) but made use of them as a dog's body. Koki was sent frequently to the city cemetary to bring in fresh corpse's for Casek's "studies".
In the graveyard, Koki discovered an odd affinity with the spirit world. They both communicated with and were hounded by the ghosts of those who lingered among the graves. Somehow, it was discovered the spirits could speak through Koki with a touch and some concentration.
This discovery became particularly helpful when trying to discern the identities of a group of terrorists within the city. After an attack in the street, a body was discovered. Koki managed to hide the halfling's corpse under the skirts of their huge dress and sidled into the alley. Within the cellar of a nearby tavern, the halfling was laid on a table where Koki's unusual talent was put to use getting a first hand account from the recently deceased.
Oh, and then the halfling was turned into a zombie by good Doctor Casek and hidden in a pickle barrel when the local authority came snooping around. Their pet zombie came to be called "Pickles" and was a real MVP in battle!