Psychopomp

Technically a type of spirit rather than a celestial, Psychopomps are humanoid creatures whose responsibility is to escort newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Their role is simply to guide, not to combat the undead or pass judgement. While a number of them have occasionally worked for other deities, the majority of them are employed at the Eternal Library where they serve Elisheva, both in guiding the dead to the afterlife, collecting the finished stories of the dead, and properly shelving and organizing the stacks. Some serve in the field, and some serve only inside the Eternal Library.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Their most common form is humanoid, reminiscent of humans or half-elves, depending on the personal preference of the psychopomp. However, if the soul they are retrieving might be frightened of humans, they will appear in a guise that best suits their sensibilities. Their appearance is usually inoffensive, and they do their best not to stand out.
They can only be seen, and interacted with, by creatures in the spiritual realm or by those close to death, or in locations where the boundary is thin.

Ecology and Habitats

A spiritual plane overlaying the living world, full of indistinct shadows and greyscale terrain and buildings. At the center lies the Eternal Library.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Psychopomps work under Elisheva in the Eternal Library. Newbies assist in the stacks. Field agents go out to collect books. Reapers manage field agents, and work against fiends and undead.
Psychopomps with a connection ot another deity still need to check in with the Library to return theri books before leading souls to the afterlife.
The rare unaffiliated psychopomp is considered a danger, wondering the spirit realm, and if it draws too near the Library it is driven off.

Domestication

Domesticated psychopomps (those who work for the Eternal Library) tend to take on Elisheva's mannerisms and style. They only let their hair down during the Month of Ghosts.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

A psychopomp sees most things in shades of indistinct grey, but can see nearby souls and their current condition. They are drawn, naturally, to those near death. It is said that simply by looking at you, they can read the book of your life - this sense is stronger the closer you are to, potentially, the end.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Reserved and collected and a bit shy. Understated. During the Month of Ghosts, when they let their hair down, flamboyant, reveling in colorful beauty.

Gender Ideals

Females forms, due to their service to Elisheva, are favored highly. Males forms are similarly pretty. A few, now and then, differ from the norm when they have particularly strong personalities.

Courtship Ideals

Extremely forward during the Month of Ghosts. Reserved and careful at other times.

Common Etiquette Rules

Polite. Gentle. Understanding. Unobtrusive.
During the Month of Ghosts: Flamboyant, excessively flirtatious, fiery, Predatory.

Common Dress Code

Black. Reserved. Suits, robes, long coats.

Common Taboos

Not allowed to harm (or consume) mortal races without specific orders.
Exempt during the Night of Hungry Ghosts.

History

Originally naturally-occurring predatory spiritual entities, psychopomps are predators of ghosts and other undead souls. When the Eternal Library was brought to theri plane, they were drawn to Elisheva's presence. Left behind after spirits withdrew fro mthe mortal plane, Elisheva took them in and they serve her loyally.

Historical Figures

Elisheva

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Mortals are the main characters of the books of the Eternal Library. Each psychopomp has their favorites. Due to their situation and their invisibility, they kind of tend to be stalkers.