Corvo Attano was born into a lower class family on the 25th Day of the Month of Nets in 1798 and grew up in the Batista Mining District in Karnaca, the capital city of Serkonos.

As a child, Corvo used to live happily, often wandering through the more rural parts of the city until his father, a lumber worker, was tragically killed in a workplace accident. He then grew up alongside his elder sister Beatrici, fighting in the streets, until she moved to Morley and the family subsequently lost all contact with her.

At the age of 16, Corvo won the Blade Verbena, an annual sword duel festival, which earned him a junior officer ranking in the Grand Serkonan Guard.During his time as a soldier, Corvo was involved in conflicts against several organized crime groups including rogue city states and pirate bands on the island chain east from Serkonos.

Eventually, after two years of service, Theodanis Abele, the Duke of Serkonos, became highly impressed by his skill, and on the 28th day of the Month of Rain, Corvo was sent to Dunwall to serve the Emperor Euhorn Kaldwin as a diplomatic gift. On his last night in Karnaca, he danced and drank until dawn, celebrating his new position and his skill as a swordsman that had given it to him. A few months after his departure to Dunwall, Corvo learned about the passing of his mother Paloma, a few weeks after he had left Karnaca.

A year later, Corvo was chosen to serve as Royal Protector to the Emperor's daughter, Jessamine Kaldwin, which in the process gave him a higher social status. Corvo since loyally served Jessamine as her personal bodyguard, courier, and spy

Corvo and Jessamine secretly became lovers in 1823 However, their lasting closeness did not go unnoticed by the general public, and rumors to that effect circulated throughout Dunwall. While several people (including Lydia Brooklaine, Treavor Pendleton, and Anton Sokolov) mention the affair to Corvo, it was never publicly acknowledged.

Four years later, Emily was born from their relationship, though her paternal parentage was initially kept secret. Despite this situation, Corvo maintained a strong bond with his daughter and often publicly interacted with her in a familiar and affectionate manner. Corvo secretly began training her swordfighting with wooden sticks.