The Ebon Veil
The Ebon Veil is the shadowy, enigmatic divine realm of Noctyra, the Shadowmother and goddess of darkness, murder, and sabotage. A place where shadows dance, secrets are whispered, and darkness reigns, this realm is both feared and revered by those who understand the delicate balance between light and dark.
Appearance and Structure:
Endless Twilight:
The Ebon Veil is perpetually shrouded in twilight, with a sky that is neither day nor night but an eternal, deep indigo. Faint, ghostly stars occasionally pierce the darkness, casting dim, silvery light that does little to penetrate the gloom.The Veil of Shadows:
A swirling, living mist of shadows envelops the realm, constantly shifting and changing form. This veil obscures the true nature of the Ebon Veil, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to navigate or understand. It is said that this mist whispers the darkest secrets of the cosmos, known only to Noctyra and those she deems worthy.The Umbral Citadel:
At the heart of the Ebon Veil stands the Umbral Citadel, an imposing, labyrinthine fortress of dark, shifting stone. Unlike a spire, the citadel is an intricate maze of towers, ramparts, and twisting corridors that seem to defy conventional geometry. The citadel’s ever-changing layout mirrors Noctyra’s elusive nature, with hidden chambers and secret passageways that can only be accessed by those who possess her favor or hold deep secrets.The Mirror Pools:
Scattered throughout the realm are pools of perfectly still, pitch-black water. Known as the Mirror Pools, these bodies of water reflect not just the physical appearance of those who gaze into them but also their deepest fears, darkest desires, and most hidden secrets. It is said that Noctyra uses these pools to see into the hearts of mortals and manipulate their fates.The Hall of Whispers:
A vast hall within the Umbral Citadel, the Hall of Whispers is where Noctyra communes with her followers. The walls of the hall are adorned with shadowy murals depicting acts of betrayal, murder, and subterfuge throughout history. Voices, both familiar and unknown, echo through the hall, offering cryptic advice, dire warnings, and the occasional temptation.Inhabitants:
The Shadowkin:
The primary inhabitants of the Ebon Veil are the Shadowkin, beings born from pure shadow. They are skilled assassins, spies, and saboteurs, serving Noctyra without question. The Shadowkin are known for their ability to blend seamlessly into darkness, appearing and disappearing at will.The Wraithlords:
Powerful entities that have pledged their eternal service to Noctyra, the Wraithlords are her generals and enforcers. They wield dark magic and command legions of shadowy minions, carrying out Noctyra’s will across the planes.Souls of the Betrayed:
Those who have committed acts of betrayal in the mortal world often find their souls drawn to the Ebon Veil upon death. Here, they are bound in eternal service to Noctyra, their penance for the treachery they enacted in life. These souls are often tasked with guarding the secrets of the realm or enacting Noctyra’s vengeance on those who have wronged her.Role and Influence:
The Weaving of Shadows:
Noctyra’s influence extends far beyond her divine realm. From the Ebon Veil, she weaves intricate webs of fate and deception, manipulating events in the mortal world to ensure that darkness maintains its rightful place alongside light. Her realm is a reflection of her belief that shadow and secrecy are essential to the balance of existence.The Sanctuary of Betrayal:
The Ebon Veil is a sanctuary for those who live in the shadows—assassins, spies, and those who thrive on deception. It is a place where they can hone their craft, seek guidance from the Shadowmother, and offer their service in exchange for power.A Realm of Endless Secrets:
The Ebon Veil holds countless secrets, both cosmic and personal, locked away in its deepest recesses. Those who dare to enter and survive may gain knowledge that could change the course of history—or destroy them utterly.Reputation:
Feared and Respected:
The Ebon Veil is feared by those who dwell in the light and respected by those who understand the necessity of darkness. To invoke Noctyra’s name or seek her favor is to embrace the shadows and the power they hold, a dangerous path that only the bold or the desperate dare tread.The Eternal Night:
Legends speak of the Eternal Night, a prophecy that foretells a time when the Ebon Veil will expand, engulfing all realms in darkness. Whether this is a metaphorical warning or a literal threat remains unknown, but the fear of such an event ensures that Noctyra’s influence is never underestimated.
Location under
Owner/Ruler
