Shadow

The afterlife, in theory, should be a reward for the deceased. One joins the court of the deity they worship, or should one worship none, their souls will journey even further, the ultimate destination unknown even to the deities. But that is not always the case. Some souls find what awaits them on the other side deeply problematic. And the most cunning of these souls eventually engineer their escape back into the world, becoming shadows, escapees from the afterlife.
Shadows are named from their appearance and behavior. Knowing that there are forces that wish to see them returned t the afterlife, many shadows become drifters and wanderers, skulking about unseen. They've developed a number of abilities to assist them in retaining their newfound freedom, summoning shadowy steeds to ride fast across the sky or contorting their hands to easily pick apart contraptions of various sorts. Should their essence be dispelled and they find themselves drifting back into the afterlife, they can even escape once more if someone else dies soon after, using the brief hole created by their demise to slip back into the world of the living.
Shadows are often quite mercenary, lending their powers to whomever will pay them. This is not just to find allies, which can be quite useful, but also to earn money, which fuels their most notable ability. By sacrificing money, shadows can summon ghostly equipment, be that weapons, armor or other tools. They can even, with enough coin, buy vehicles or other large objects. It is unknown who they sacrifice the money to and why this force backs all shadows regardless of origin. It is theorized that what shadows call upon is a sort of living idea of a black market, sacrificing the money to the Ether itself in return for ghostly copies of items. If that is the case, this market has not been found, not for lack of trying, as more than one deity has wished to cut off these renegade souls from their mysterious supplier.
While evasive and subtle, shadows are not adverse to fighting, be it for money or to avoid being banished. They strike with fury and desperation, fueling their attacks with an intensity that can overwhelm their opponents. Most shadows pack at least one ghostly sidearm, allowing them to quickly attack from a distance. Should the enemy get too close, their very touch is infused with darkness, sapping their opponent of life.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Shadows, as indicated by their name, look like shadowy versions of who they were in life.

Genetics and Reproduction

Shadows are created when a soul willingly escapes the afterlife. Shadows of creatures hat had the ability in life can engage in intercourse, but this is purely recreational.

Growth Rate & Stages

Shadows retain their personality from when they escape and can still grow as a person. Shadows to tend towards developing shady and subversive traits, the better to lay low.

Ecology and Habitats

Shadows can exist in any environment, though depending on their personal circumstances, they may deign to avoid certain areas, like ones dominated by faith in a deity they aren't on good standing with.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Shadows are sustained by ambient animatic energy and don't require food.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Shadows often band together in gangs, seeking safety in numbers. Though not too many, as it would otherwise draw attention. If they settle in a given area, they may also ally with a number of local contacts for networking to aid with their mercenary lifestyle. Solo shadows are not uncommon and tend to be much more nomadic, moving from place to place to stay one step ahead of those who would send them back to the afterlife.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Shadows are a common type of spirit and found in many spheres.

Average Intelligence

Shadows are typically sapient, though numerous sentient creatures have managed to escape the afterlife through the ages. The archetypical shadow tend to be observant, quick-witted and with a certain roguish charm.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Being made of darkness, shadows can see perfectly in the dark. Their other senses otherwise mirrors the one's from when they lived.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names depend on who they were in life, though some shadows take new names, either to obscure who they were, distance themselves from the past or just because they can.

Scientific Name

Umbra Animae

Origin/Ancestry

Spirit

Lifespan

Does not age

Average Height

Depends on their height in life

Average Weight

3-15 kilo

Average Physique

Being ethereal, shadows are not particularly strong. They do tend to be rather swift, an useful attribute for an escapee.