TENEBRAE

Singular: Tenebrum (TEN-nuh-brum)

Plural: Tenebrae (TEN-neh-bray)

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 shadow magic and hearts with a propensity for evil. More eccentric deities would even keep their 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, 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.

Tenebrae, physically, take on humanoid shapes, with pointed ears, horns, clawed fingers, and tails. Heads sport hair often shades of black, brown, red, or blonde, and eyes every colour of the rainbow. Their most striking trait, however, is often considered to be that of their skin. Depending on heritage, the skin of a tenebrum can come in shades of pink, purple, blue, red, or orange. Brighter skin colours, like particular shades of blue or pink, were coveted by tenebrae collectors in times of old, making them rarer to come by in current day. 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 true forms for a significant amount of time. However, they are also particularly sensitive to damage caused by magic, and have sensitive skin that does not fare well in sun for extended periods of time.

400-550 YEARS.

Average lifespan

DIVINE CONNECTION.

species abilities

NONE.

PATRON DEITY