TENEBRAE
Singular: Tenebrum (TEN-nuh-brum)
Plural: Tenebrae (TEN-neh-bray)
APPEARANCE
Tenebrae take on humanoid shapes: bipedal, with pointed ears, horns in varying shapes, claw-like fingernails, and long, sometimes prehensile, tails. Heads sport hair, traditionally kept long, in shades of black, brown, red, blonde, and dark pinks and blues, and eyes every colour of the rainbow. The tenebrum's most striking trait, however, is considered to be the colour their skin. Depending on heritage, the skin of a tenebrum can come in shades of light blue, red, yellow, purple, and orange. Brighter skin colours, like the most vibrant shades of blue or pink, were considered rare and valueable, and coveted by tenebrae collectors in times of old, making them less common to come by in current day.
NAMING CONVENTIONS: Tenebrae can take their names both from their mortal and Shadow heritages. First names of those more in touch with Shadow culture may reflect that, with more "exotic" sounds like that of Awara or Isbek. Most tenebrum families in present day, however, tend to take on more "human-sounding" names, with old-fashioned names like Imogen or Harrison being most popular. Surnames are often translated from the Shadowspeak surnames bestowed upon them by shadow deities or nobles in the old times, and are generally best translated into compound word names. These names were bestowed based on deity or nobility allegiance, homeland within the Grey, family skill or trade, or appearance, such as Darkhill, Arrowtail, Steelforger, or Starchild.
ABILITIES
Tenebrae possess a wealth of abilities from their physical attributes alone. Their claws are sharp and nimble, allowing for fine handiwork, and they, along with tails and horns, make for fantastic defense when needed. Tails vary in tenebrae, with some coming to whip-thin ends or others ending in club- or spear-like points, with some even having the ability to grasp and hold on to things when needed. Tenebrae are far more likely than other species to develop shadow magic, can see in the dark, and are the only species able to withstand being in the presence of gods in their physical forms for a significant amount of time. However, they are also particularly sensitive to damage caused by magic, and centuries of living in the Grey among shadows and shadow deities has also resulted in skin that is exceptionally sensitive to UV damage, and as a result tenebrae are uniquely susceptible to sunburns and many don't fare well in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
HISTORY
For millennia, tenebrae were indentured servants, both in Pantheon and the Grey. Born of unions of shadow fae or shadow deities with mortals that worshipped them, tenebrae were not considered pure enough to live with the reverence of their magical parents, or “normal” enough to live amongst humans, and as such were only considered worthy to serve. Tenebrae were blessed with attention to detail, nimble fingers or strength for working, and claws, tails, and horns for defense, making them cost-effective additions to any estate. It was universally accepted that tenebrae were lesser than mortals, with blood tainted by the shadow itself, and hearts with a propensity for evil. More eccentric deities and shadow fae nobility would even keep tenebrae as “pets”, collecting those with brighter colours for display or having them perform for entertainment. This was the tenebrum’s way of life for longer than even many deities can remember.
Over the years, as fae retreated from the mortal realm, and shadow deities began to be worshipped less and less, with many falling from power and grace, tenebrae began to be less in demand, with many being abandoned to fend for themselves, and others being released after falling out of favour with their keepers. Tenebrae were not considered useful for nothing, however, and would eventually find each other, deciding that other tenebrae were the safest options. This has resulted in many tenebrum-majority settlements in modern-day Earth, completely self-sustaining in terms of economy, and mostly undiscovered by mortals. While tenebrae have long since claimed freedom for themselves and are generally accepted in society, negative stereotypes about their blood purity, intentions, or tendency towards aggression are still touted, and as a result tenebrae are often slow to trust other species, but quick to feel safe among their own.
100-550 YEARS.
Average lifespan
NONE.
PATRON DEITY