Reapers

Basic Information

Anatomy

Reapers exist primarily in an ethereal, non-physical state, allowing them to move through solid objects and creatures effortlessly. Their ethereal appearance varies in intensity, giving them an otherworldly and unsettling presence. Reapers wield ethereal scythes, symbolic of their role as cosmic reapers.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reapers come into existence through enigmatic cosmic forces and their formation is influenced by the balance of the multiverse. While the specifics of their creation remain a mystery, it is clear that Reapers are born with an inherent connection to the fundamental aspects of life and death. They do not propagate in the way living creatures do, making them unique and enigmatic entities in the cosmic hierarchy. The cosmic forces that govern their creation and the purpose imbued upon them shape Reapers into the guardians, enforcers, and guides of the cycle of existence. They exist to maintain the balance between life and death and to serve their roles with unwavering dedication, born with their purpose already etched into their very being.

Behaviour

Reapers treat the souls they seek with a sense of duty and purpose. Their interactions with souls are determined by their specific roles and tiers, which encompass a range of functions, including guiding souls, protecting them, and ensuring their ultimate fate.
When attacked, Reapers, as a whole, respond in accordance with their tier and purpose. Guiding Reapers generally avoid confrontation and try to defuse or avoid attacks whenever possible. They prioritize their mission of helping souls transition to the afterlife over combat. The upper tiers are much more likely to defend themselves, as they have actual combat-related abilities. They adapt their responses to the unique challenges and threats they encounter in the cosmic order.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Facial characteristics

Reapers possess a ghostly, ethereal appearance with pale or ashen skin. Their eyes are typically empty voids or dark sockets, lacking traditional irises and pupils, giving them a haunting and unsettling visage. Reapers often lack discernible facial expressions, adding to their enigmatic and otherworldly presence. Additionally, Reapers may have elongated features, such as high cheekbones or elongated noses, which contribute to their eerie appearance. Their facial structures are often sharp and angular, emphasizing their association with death and the afterlife. Despite these shared characteristics, the specifics of facial features may vary between different tiers and individual Reapers, reflecting their unique roles and personalities within the Reaper hierarchy.

Average Intelligence

Reapers tend to exhibit above-average intelligence. They demonstrate a range of intelligence levels, with each tier having a distinct focus and skill set aligned with their cosmic roles. Their duties and responsibilities often require them to communicate with various entities, navigate complex situations, and understand the intricacies of the multiverse.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Reapers possess an acute sense of location awareness, always knowing the precise location of their target, even if it resides on a different plane of existence. This location awareness is a crucial component of their roles, whether it involves guiding souls, protecting the natural order, enforcing death's finality, or serving malevolent purposes. Additionally, Reapers share the ability to perceive the Ethereal Plane when it intersects with a mortal plane, and vice versa. This ethereal sight extends to varying distances depending on their specific tier within the hierarchy.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The naming traditions of Reapers are a reflection of their mystical and otherworldly nature. All Reapers, regardless of their tier or specialization, have names that start with "Az." This naming convention is deeply symbolic, signifying the beginning and end of life. It underlines their role as cosmic entities responsible for guiding souls from the mortal realm to the afterlife, thus encompassing the entire cycle of existence.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Reapers do not have traditional language groups or dialects as observed among mortal creatures. Instead, they possess the innate ability to understand and communicate in all languages. This unique trait allows them to interact with and guide souls from all walks of life, regardless of their origin or linguistic background.

Common Etiquette Rules

Respect for the transition process is a core element of Reaper etiquette, as they treat the journey from life to the afterlife with utmost care and consideration. Reapers remain neutral and non-interfering in the destinies of mortals, functioning as guides and protectors without manipulating mortal outcomes. Regardless of their specific roles, all Reapers share an unwavering commitment to their cosmic duties, dedicating themselves to the greater cosmic order and the well-being of the souls they encounter.

Common Dress Code

Reapers generally wear flowing, hooded robes made from a semi-translucent material that shimmers with a faint, otherworldly radiance. These robes come in a range of colors, often varying between shades of pale blues, silvers, and purples. The hoods serve to obscure their features partially.
Underneath their robes, Reapers wear simple, elegant garments that allow for ease of movement. Their attire is adorned with intricate, cosmic-themed embroidery. The attire is designed to be gender-neutral and adaptable, ensuring that Reapers can perform their duties with grace and efficiency.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Soul Transition Rites: Reapers perform elaborate rituals and ceremonies when guiding souls to the afterlife. These rites emphasize a smooth and peaceful transition, showing respect for the souls they usher into the next realm.
Ethereal Chants: Reapers often use ethereal chants and melodic incantations during their duties to comfort and soothe the souls they guide. These chants add a benevolent and serene aspect to their transitions.
Meditative Practices: Reapers engage in meditative practices to maintain their focus and connection to their cosmic responsibilities. Meditation aids in preserving their alignment with their roles, ensuring the efficient functioning of their respective hierarchies.
Non-Interference Pact: A fundamental principle in Reaper customs is a non-interference pact with the living. Reapers refrain from directly influencing mortal lives and instead focus on their responsibilities, maintaining the balance between the mortal realm and the afterlife.

Common Taboos

The most significant taboo among Reapers is interfering with the lives of mortals. They must maintain a strict separation between the realms of the living and the afterlife. This non-interference pact ensures that Reapers do not directly influence mortal existence. Reapers are also forbidden from manipulating or tampering with the souls they guide, altering their destination, essence, or natural journey to the afterlife. Strife and conflict among Reapers are strongly discouraged, as they can disrupt the delicate cosmic balance and the transition between life and death.
Another essential taboo is the prohibition of revealing cosmic secrets. Disclosing confidential information about the cosmic order, the hierarchy of Reapers, or the nature of their duties to mortal beings is strictly prohibited. This ensures the secrecy and mystique surrounding their roles. Reapers are not allowed to use their ethereal powers to exert undue influence over any beings. They must also refrain from causing disturbances or disruptions in the Ethereal Plane that may affect other realms or planes, preserving the stability of the cosmic order.

History

The history of Reapers is shrouded in mystery and ancient origins. These enigmatic beings have existed for as long as the concept of death itself, serving as the cosmic agents responsible for the transition of souls from the mortal realm to the afterlife. The precise origin of Reapers is lost to the depths of time, but it is believed that they have been fulfilling their role since the dawn of existence.
Throughout history, Reapers have played a vital and enduring role in the balance of life and death. Their hierarchy reflects the different aspects of their duty and power. The free-willed Grim Reapers, in particular, have been known to shape the course of history, each pursuing their specific malevolent goals, leaving their mark on the annals of the supernatural world.
Over millennia, Reapers have become part of countless myths, legends, and folklore across various cultures, often portrayed as harbingers of death and the afterlife. While their history remains mostly concealed from the living, their influence on the course of souls and the natural order has been profound, making them integral to the cosmic narrative of life and death.

Common Myths and Legends

Reapers have been the subject of myths and legends across various cultures. These myths often portray them as harbingers of death, responsible for signaling the end of a person's life. Reapers are commonly depicted as hooded figures carrying a symbolic scythe, representing their authority over life and death. They are seen as cosmic gatekeepers, overseeing the orderly transition of souls from the mortal realm to the afterlife. In these myths, Reapers are neutral and impartial beings, treating all souls equally in their journey to the next phase of existence.
Reapers are frequently characterized as ethereal and mysterious entities with the ability to move between the mortal realm and the afterlife effortlessly. They are associated with otherworldly realms and supernatural occurrences, adding to their mystique. These myths often symbolize Reapers as guardians of the cosmic balance, responsible for maintaining the equilibrium between life and death. Their interference in mortal affairs can lead to chaos in the natural order.
While Reapers are often portrayed as malevolent figures, myths also feature benevolent and compassionate Reapers who guide souls with care and empathy. Reapers serve as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence, making them powerful symbols of transition and transformation. Across different cultures, the myths and legends surrounding Reapers can vary significantly, resulting in diverse interpretations of these enigmatic beings.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Reapers generally view other sapient and intelligent species with a sense of detachment. They are cosmic beings tasked with overseeing the transition of souls to the afterlife, and their primary focus lies in fulfilling their cosmic duties. Their interactions with other species remain limited and task-oriented. They approach these interactions with a sense of neutrality.