====== Isferatos (Shadow Demons)====== {{ :species:isferatos1.png?400|}}Isferotos, also known as "Shadow Demons," represent a menacing and enigmatic presence within the universe. Their origins lie in the summoning rituals of a long-forgotten warlock, who unleashed them upon the realm. Unlike many creatures bound by summoning, Isferotos were granted a frightening autonomy, allowed to roam freely and wreak havoc upon the denizens of the sector. One of the most chilling aspects of Isferotos is their insatiable hunger for shadows, or worse yet, the souls of their victims. Their predatory nature knows no bounds, as they lurk in the darkness, ready to strike and consume whatever essence they can grasp. However, their malevolence doesn't end there; Isferotos possess the unnerving ability to attempt possession of their prey, further complicating the dangers they present. What sets Isferotos apart from other demons is their ethereal existence. They lack a physical form in the conventional sense, rendering conventional means of combat futile against them. Only two kinds of beings hold the power to vanquish these shadowy entities: the first being a Priest or Priestess, individuals imbued with the divine authority of a god or goddess. Their spiritual prowess enables them to combat Isferotos and banish them from the mortal realm. The second type of Isferato, known as the [[species:shadowkin]], stands as a unique and mysterious force. Born from the darkness itself, these beings possess an intrinsic connection to the realm of shadows, granting them the ability to confront and destroy their own kind. Their enigmatic nature and the intricacies of their relationship with Isferotos remain shrouded in mystery, yet they stand as a formidable ally against the encroaching darkness. | **(SPECIES) Overview** || | Home System | n/a | | **General Characteristics** || | Average Height| Isferatos can be as huge as 7 feet tall to as short as 3 feet. | | Average Weight | Isferatos don’t have a measurable weight | | Life Cycle | Isferatos don’t have life cycles, they can be created by Isferatos but when they are created they are fully grown and fully formed. | ===== Creation ===== {{:species:isferatos2.png?400 |}}More than a millennium ago, a malevolent sorcerer, consumed by his thirst for power and driven by a desire for utter chaos and destruction, delved deep into forbidden arcane arts. This dark practitioner, whose name has long been lost to the annals of history, sought to unleash an unstoppable force upon the Universe plane of existence. With a cunning born of madness, he harnessed a fragment of his own soul, corrupting it with the very essence of darkness itself. Drawing upon the forbidden knowledge hidden within ancient tomes and whispered secrets, the warlock wove intricate rituals, sacrificing sanity and morality in his pursuit of dominance. Through the unholy convergence of his corrupted soul and the primal energies of darkness, he succeeded in breaching the barriers between worlds, summoning forth the Isferatos—an army of shadowy horrors unlike anything the universe had witnessed before. At first, the warlock reveled in his triumph, relishing the chaos and devastation wrought by his conjured minions upon his enemies. With each passing day, his control over the Isferatos waned, his mastery of the shadows slipping through his trembling grasp. The very forces he had sought to command turned against him with merciless ferocity, hungering not only for the souls of his adversaries but for the essence of their creator himself. In a cruel twist of fate, the warlock's hubris became his downfall. As the Isferatos devoured the shadows and consumed the souls of their victims, they turned their insatiable hunger upon their own summoner. In a cataclysmic climax, the warlock met his end, his soul torn asunder and devoured by the very creatures he had unleashed upon the universe. With their creator vanquished, the Isferatos roamed unchecked, spreading terror and despair across the cosmos. Their origins shrouded in mystery and their allegiance bound only to the darkness itself, they became a relentless force of destruction, forever haunting the nightmares of those who dared to oppose them. And so, the tale of the warlock and his twisted creation faded into legend, a cautionary tale of the dangers that lie in the pursuit of power at any cost. ===== History ===== {{ :species:isferatos3.png?400|}}In the wake of the Isferatos' arrival, chaos reigned supreme across the universe. Their initial onslaught was indiscriminate, as they pounced upon anything that dared to move within their shadowy grasp. However, it wasn't long before their predatory instincts honed in on the tastier morsels of sentient beings, whose souls offered a delectable feast. The Isferatos, cunning in their malevolence, soon learned to discern between the pure and the corrupted among sentient beings. Evil souls held little appeal to these shadow demons, their essence already tainted and unpalatable. Instead, they set their sights on the weak and vulnerable, preying upon those who lacked the strength to resist their ethereal onslaught. In response to this relentless assault, the Priest and Priestesses emerged as beacons of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. Armed with divine authority and unwavering faith, they stood as formidable adversaries against the Isferatos, their sacred powers holding back the tide of shadowy terror. Yet, the battle was far from one-sided; the Isferatos, with their cunning and ferocity, often gained the upper hand, plunging the universe into a perpetual struggle between light and shadow. Amidst the chaos, a startling revelation emerged—one that would turn the tide of the conflict in unforeseen ways. The Isferatos, in their attempts to possess certain beings and gain an advantage, discovered a peculiar phenomenon: their possession attempts were met with failure more often than success. Even more astonishing was the fact that those who resisted their possession attempts emerged imbued with newfound powers, capable of wielding abilities beyond mortal comprehension. This unexpected turn of events struck fear into the hearts of the Isferatos, for it heralded the emergence of a new breed of enemy—one capable not only of withstanding their onslaught, but of turning their own tactics against them. Among these newfound adversaries were the Aenar elves, who had mastered the art of controlling and manipulating groups of Isferatos to serve their own ends. Likewise, the Senti, with their mastery of steel and weaponry, posed a formidable threat to the shadow demons, utilizing their own unique skills to combat the darkness. As alliances formed and strategies evolved, the conflict between the Isferatos and their adversaries intensified, each side vying for supremacy in a universe engulfed by darkness. And amidst the chaos and carnage, the fate of countless worlds hung in the balance, their destinies intertwined with the outcome of this epic struggle between light and shadow. ===== Habitat and Population ===== {{:species:isferatos6.png?400 |}}The Isferatos, driven by an insatiable hunger and an instinctual desire to propagate their dark essence, pay little heed to the notion of habitat. Their existence is consumed by a single-minded pursuit: to feed upon shadows and souls, and to proliferate their kind with ruthless efficiency. This singular focus renders them indifferent to the environments they inhabit, as their primal urges override any concern for comfort or suitability. As a consequence of their relentless pursuit of sustenance, Isferatos have become disturbingly common throughout the universe. Their presence looms like a shadowy specter, haunting every corner of the cosmos with their eerie presence. From the deepest reaches of space to the darkest depths of planetary caverns, no realm is truly safe from their predatory grasp. However, while Isferatos may be found scattered across the universe, there exists a notable correlation between their presence and areas shrouded in darkness. Much like other nocturnal creatures of legend, such as vampires, Isferatos exhibit a preference for dimly lit or entirely lightless environments. These shadowy realms provide them with the cover and concealment necessary to stalk their prey with impunity, their formless shapes blending seamlessly into the murky abyss. In the depths of desolate moons, within the labyrinthine corridors of abandoned starships, and beneath the dense canopies of forgotten forests, Isferatos lurk in the shadows, patiently awaiting the opportunity to strike. Their affinity for darkness serves as both a boon and a curse, granting them unparalleled stealth and camouflage while simultaneously exposing them to the light of their adversaries. Thus, while Isferatos may roam freely throughout the universe, their presence remains most pronounced in the darkest recesses of existence. It is in these shadowy realms that they thrive, their predatory instincts sharpened by the cloak of night that surrounds them. And as long as darkness exists, the Isferatos will continue to haunt the universe, a sinister reminder of the ever-present thr **This includes** * Ruins * Abandoned Stations * Abandoned Ships * Severely damaged places with barely any light ===== Biology ===== Pure Isferatos exist as ethereal entities, their essence unbound by the constraints of physical form. Unlike corporeal beings, they lack tangible bodies composed of flesh and bone, instead manifesting as spectral shadows that flicker and dance upon the fabric of reality. As spirits of darkness, Pure Isferatos are imbued with an otherworldly aura, their presence suffused with an eerie chill that sends shivers down the spine of any who dare to behold them. They drift silently through the void, their movements fluid and graceful, as if propelled by unseen currents of malevolence. Without physical bodies to anchor them to the mortal plane, Pure Isferatos are free to traverse the cosmos with effortless ease. They glide effortlessly through solid matter, passing through walls and barriers as if they were little more than wisps of smoke. This ethereal nature grants them a distinct advantage in their hunt for prey, allowing them to bypass conventional defenses with impunity. Despite their intangible form, Pure Isferatos possess a palpable sense of menace that permeates their every action. Their presence is accompanied by an oppressive aura of dread, suffusing the air with a sense of foreboding that heralds their arrival. To encounter a Pure Isferato is to come face to face with the very embodiment of darkness itself, a chilling reminder of the ever-present threat that lurks beyond the veil of reality. Yet, for all their spectral majesty, Pure Isferatos are not invulnerable. While they may be immune to physical harm, they are not impervious to the forces of light and divine energy. It is through the power of faith and righteousness that these shadowy spirits may be banished back to the realm from whence they came, their dark essence dispersed by the purity of divine intervention. In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where light and darkness wage an eternal war for supremacy, Pure Isferatos stand as harbingers of the night, symbols of the ever-present threat that lurks within the shadows. And as long as darkness exists, so too shall they, drifting silently through the void, their spectral forms haunting the dreams of mortals for all eternity. ==== Anatomy and Physiology ==== Isferatos, beings of darkness and dread, exist in a realm between the corporeal and the ethereal, their physiology akin to that of spirits and specters. Much like ghosts, they possess the ability to traverse through solid objects with a disconcerting ease, passing through walls, furniture, and even living beings as if they were little more than wisps of smoke. Those unfortunate enough to encounter an Isferato in this state often report an overwhelming sensation of coldness washing over them, chilling them to the bone with an icy touch that lingers long after the encounter has passed. However, despite their incorporeal nature, Isferatos are not bound solely to the realm of shadows. Through some dark and mysterious power, they possess the ability to manifest in a solid form, their shadowy essence coalescing into a tangible presence that can interact with the physical world. In this state, they are capable of lifting objects, manipulating their surroundings, and even picking up unsuspecting victims with an unearthly strength that belies their shadowy form. Those unfortunate enough to be grasped by an Isferato describe the sensation as being ensnared by an icy hand, their very soul recoiling from the touch of darkness. Standing at an imposing height of seven feet on average, Isferatos exude an aura of menace and malevolence that seems to emanate from the very depths of their shadowy forms. Yet, despite their imposing stature, there exists a notable degree of variability among their kind. Some Isferatos are markedly smaller, their forms diminished to a mere three feet in height. This dramatic difference in size is believed to be influenced by the souls they have consumed, with each individual Isferato bearing the imprint of its victims upon its shadowy essence. Surrounded by a swirling cloak of shadowy mist, Isferatos cut a terrifying figure as they glide silently through the darkness. Like the Dementors of legend, they are shrouded in an aura of darkness that seems to draw all light and warmth from their surroundings, leaving naught but cold and despair in their wake. With every movement, shadows writhe and flow around them, lending an eerie and unsettling quality to their already ominous presence. In the endless expanse of the cosmos, where light and darkness wage an eternal struggle for supremacy, Isferatos stand as harbingers of the night, symbols of the ever-present threat that lurks within the shadows. And as long as darkness exists, so too shall they, haunting the dreams of mortals with their sinister and malevolent presence. === Aftermath === In the grim aftermath of an Isferatos attack, the devastation wrought upon its victims extends far beyond mere physical harm, delving into the very essence of their being. Those unfortunate souls who find themselves targeted by these shadowy predators face a fate far worse than mere death; they face a slow and agonizing transformation into beings of ice and dust, their bodies consumed by darkness until naught remains but a chilling void. The process begins with the consumption of the victim's shadow, a harrowing act that heralds the onset of their inexorable descent into darkness. As the Isferatos feasts upon the shadowy essence of its prey, a palpable chill descends upon the victim, their physiology gradually turning to ice as the darkness consumes them from within. No matter how much light may bathe the environment, the victim's shadow remains conspicuously absent, a grim testament to the insatiable hunger of their otherworldly assailant. Yet, the absence of a shadow is but the beginning of the victim's torment. With each passing moment, their bodies begin to break apart, crumbling into fine particles of dust that drift upon the cold and unforgiving wind. It is a fate as inevitable as it is horrifying, for a body cannot exist without its shadow—a fundamental truth that the Isferatos ruthlessly exploits to bring about the utter annihilation of its victims. However, should the Isferatos consume not only the shadow but also the soul of its victim, a chilling transformation takes place—a grotesque spectacle that defies comprehension. As the Isferatos begins the process of reproduction, drawing upon the consumed souls to spawn new progeny, shadows gather around it in a sinister dance, swirling and flowing like dark tendrils reaching out to claim their prize. It is as if the shadows themselves have come to bear witness to the birth of a new Isferatos, drawn by some primal instinct to partake in the dark ritual unfolding before them. And as the shadows writhe and twist in anticipation, a sense of dread fills the air—a portent of the horrors yet to come, as the cycle of darkness and despair continues unabated in the cold embrace of the eternal night. ==== Genetics ==== he creation of a new Isferatos is a dark and twisted process, born from the consumption of souls and the corruption of their essence. As the Isferatos feeds upon the life force of its victims, a portion of their soul is left behind—a fragment of darkness that merges with the consumed soul, twisting and corrupting it until a new Isferatos is born. The emergence of a newborn Isferatos is a grisly affair, far removed from the innocence and purity typically associated with newborns. Instead of cooing and laughter, the air is filled with a sense of dread as the nascent Isferatos instinctively seeks out darkness to feed upon. Whether it be the shadows cast by dim light or the looming figures of those standing nearby, the newborn Isferatos devours the darkness voraciously, growing stronger with each passing moment. In the span of a single hour, the transformation is complete, and the newborn Isferatos emerges fully formed and ready to unleash its malevolence upon the world. With its insatiable hunger driving its every action, the newly born Isferatos sets out to hunt and kill, its shadowy form blending seamlessly into the darkness that surrounds it. Yet, not all newborn Isferatos content themselves with mere predation. Some are drawn to the allure of possession, seeking to ensnare the minds and souls of sentient beings in a web of darkness and despair. However, this act of possession is not without risk, for there exists the possibility that the intended victim may possess a psychic strength formidable enough to resist the Isferatos' influence. In a chilling game of psychic warfare, the victim and the Isferatos engage in a battle of wills, each struggling for dominance over the other's mind and soul. Should the victim emerge victorious, they undergo a transformation of their own, becoming a Shadowkin—a being imbued with the powers of darkness and shadow, yet retaining a semblance of their former self. In this way, the cycle of darkness perpetuates itself, as Isferatos give rise to new Isferatos, and victims become the very thing they once feared. And amidst the eternal struggle between light and shadow, the fate of countless souls hangs in the balance, their destinies intertwined with the whims of these malevolent creatures that lurk within the darkness. ==== Life Cycle ==== {{:species:isferatos4.png?400 |}}The reproductive capabilities of Pure Isferatos stand as a testament to their formidable nature, their ability to spawn new progeny a relentless force of darkness that knows no bounds. In the shadowy depths of dark places, this process unfolds with terrifying swiftness, the gestation and completion of a new Isferatos occurring in the span of a mere hour. However, the presence of light serves as a hindrance to this dark ritual, slowing the process and impeding the Isferatos' ability to multiply with such alarming efficiency. In the dim recesses of shadow, where darkness reigns supreme, the birth of a new Isferatos is a swift and unholy affair. With no need for external assistance, the Pure Isferatos begins the process of reproduction with a chilling sense of purpose, drawing upon the essence of consumed souls to fuel its dark transformation. Within the span of a single hour, the transformation is complete, and a new Isferatos emerges from the shadows, fully formed and ready to wreak havoc upon the world. Yet, even as the cycle of darkness perpetuates itself, there exists a grim truth that few dare to acknowledge: the longevity of the Pure Isferatos knows no bounds. Unlike mortal beings, whose lives are governed by the relentless march of time, the Pure Isferatos are eternal creatures, their existence stretching across the ages without end. Freed from the constraints of a biological clock, they dwell in the shadows of the universe, their sinister presence a constant reminder of the ever-present threat that lurks within the darkness. For millennia, the Pure Isferatos have haunted the nightmares of mortals, their malevolent influence spreading like a cancerous stain upon the fabric of reality. With each passing year, their numbers swell, their insatiable hunger driving them ever onward in their quest for dominion over the cosmos. And as long as darkness exists, so too shall they, eternal harbingers of the night, their shadowy forms looming large in the annals of history. ==== Diet ==== The appetites of Pure Isferatos are as insatiable as they are chilling, driven by a primal hunger that knows no bounds. Like ravenous predators of the night, they delight in consuming shadows and souls with equal fervor, their very existence defined by their voracious appetite for darkness and despair. It is this insatiable hunger that has earned them the monikers of Shadowvores and Soulvores, for they feast upon the very essence of their victims with a merciless efficiency that leaves naught but emptiness in their wake. For the Pure Isferatos, the consumption of shadows is more than a mere sustenance—it is a twisted pleasure, a dark indulgence that fuels their malevolent nature. With each shadow they devour, they grow stronger, their shadowy forms shimmering with an ethereal energy that pulses with dark intent. Whether cast by flickering torchlight or the fading glow of twilight, no shadow is safe from the ravenous appetite of these shadowy predators. Yet, it is not only shadows that tantalize the palates of the Pure Isferatos, for they are also drawn to the tantalizing allure of souls. These ethereal essences, pulsing with the very essence of life itself, serve as a delicacy to be savored—a feast for the senses that leaves the Isferatos intoxicated with power and pleasure. Whether consumed to fuel the creation of new demons or simply to satisfy their insatiable hunger, souls are a coveted prize that the Isferatos will stop at nothing to obtain. In their relentless pursuit of darkness and despair, the Pure Isferatos have earned a reputation as harbingers of doom, their shadowy forms looming large in the nightmares of mortals. With each soul they consume and each shadow they devour, they grow ever stronger, their malevolent influence spreading like a creeping stain upon the fabric of reality. And as long as darkness exists, so too shall they, eternal predators of the night, forever hungering for the taste of shadows and souls alike. ==== Biological Variation ==== The Pure Isferatos, enigmatic beings of shadow and darkness, are shrouded in an aura of mystery that renders them virtually indistinguishable from one another. Standing at an imposing height of seven feet, their formless silhouettes seem to blend seamlessly with the surrounding darkness, their presence marked only by the faint glow of their piercing eyes. With no distinguishing features to speak of, the Pure Isferatos appear as cloaks of shadow draped upon the fabric of reality, their amorphous forms shifting and swirling with an otherworldly grace. From head to toe, their bodies are enveloped in a flowing darkness, devoid of any semblance of flesh or bone. Where one might expect to find hair, there is only the same inky blackness that permeates their entire being, cascading like a veil of shadows that billows and flows with their every movement. Yet, despite their seemingly uniform appearance, each Pure Isferatos harbors a distinct aura of malevolence that sets them apart from their brethren. It is in the gleam of their glowing eyes, burning with an unholy light, that their true nature is revealed—a relentless hunger for darkness and despair that knows no bounds. In the shadowy depths where they dwell, the Pure Isferatos are as elusive as they are terrifying, their presence heralded by the chilling sensation of icy dread that permeates the air. With every step, they seem to melt into the darkness, their formless silhouettes blending seamlessly with the shadows that surround them. And so, the Pure Isferatos roam the cosmos like silent sentinels of darkness, their inscrutable forms haunting the nightmares of mortals for all eternity. With no traits to distinguish one from another, they are as enigmatic as they are menacing, their presence a constant reminder of the ever-present threat that lurks within the shadows. ===== Psychology ===== ==== Motivation and Emotion ==== For the Isferatos, existence revolves around a singular, consuming desire: the insatiable hunger to consume shadows and souls, and to propagate their dark essence at any cost. Motivated by a primal instinct as ancient as the cosmos itself, these shadowy entities know no remorse or empathy, caring little for the consequences of their voracious appetite. To the Isferatos, the destruction of entire species and the devastation wrought upon planets are mere trifles, insignificant obstacles to be overcome in pursuit of their insatiable craving for darkness and despair. They descend upon unsuspecting worlds like a plague of darkness, their presence heralded by the chilling touch of icy dread that permeates the air. With relentless efficiency, they set about their grim task, feasting upon shadows and souls with a merciless determination that knows no bounds. They care not for the lives they extinguish or the civilizations they obliterate, for to the Isferatos, such considerations are meaningless in the face of their unending hunger. In their wake, they leave naught but desolation and despair, the once vibrant worlds reduced to barren wastelands shrouded in an eternal night. Yet, even as they wreak havoc upon the cosmos, the Isferatos remain indifferent to the suffering they inflict, their minds consumed by the singular drive to consume and destroy. For the Isferatos, there is no greater purpose, no higher calling—there is only the relentless pursuit of darkness and despair. And as long as the universe exists, so too shall they, eternal predators of the night, forever haunting the nightmares of mortals with their insatiable hunger and unquenchable thirst for darkness. === Elves === The enmity between Isferatos and elves burns with a ferocity akin to the ancient rivalry between the [[wp>mongoose]] and the [[wp>cobra]], a primal conflict that transcends mere animosity and borders on obsession. From the majestic halls of the Aenar elves to the distant forests where their kin dwell, no elf is safe from the relentless wrath of these shadowy predators. It is a hatred born of centuries of conflict and bloodshed, rooted in the very essence of their beings. To the Isferatos, elves represent everything they despise: creatures of light and beauty, whose very existence stands as a stark contrast to their own dark and twisted nature. From the moment they lay eyes upon an elf, the Isferatos are consumed by a burning hatred that knows no bounds, their minds clouded by thoughts of vengeance and retribution. Not even half-elves are spared from the ire of the Isferatos, their mixed heritage offering no respite from the relentless pursuit of their shadowy adversaries. To the Isferatos, all elves are fair game, their hatred indiscriminate and all-encompassing. In their quest to exterminate the elves, the Isferatos will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. They will hunt their prey relentlessly, pursuing them to the ends of the earth and beyond. And for those with devious minds, the use of an elf as bait becomes a grim strategy—a desperate ploy to divert the attention of the Isferatos long enough to escape their wrath. For when faced with an elf, the Isferatos' hatred consumes them utterly, driving them to ignore all else in their single-minded quest for vengeance. It is a dangerous game, fraught with peril and uncertainty, yet for those who dare to use an elf as bait, it may be the only chance they have to survive the relentless onslaught of the shadowy predators. And so, the ancient feud between Isferatos and elves rages on, a bitter conflict that shows no signs of abating. In the shadowy depths of the cosmos, where light and darkness wage an eternal war for supremacy, the fate of the elves hangs in the balance, their destinies intertwined with the relentless pursuit of their shadowy adversaries. ==== Sexuality and Love ==== For the Isferatos, the realms of sexuality and love are as foreign as distant galaxies beyond their reach. These shadowy entities exist in a state of perpetual darkness, their minds consumed by the singular drive to consume shadows and souls, with no room for the complexities of emotion or attachment. To the Isferatos, the notion of love is a meaningless abstraction, a concept that holds no sway over their dark and twisted hearts. Their existence is defined by the relentless pursuit of darkness and despair, their minds consumed by thoughts of predation and destruction. In the face of such primal instincts, the trappings of romance and affection hold no appeal, their minds untouched by the warmth of emotion or the tender embrace of intimacy. Indeed, the Isferatos are creatures of pure instinct, driven by a hunger that knows no bounds. Their victims are mere prey to be hunted and consumed, their fates sealed by the relentless march of shadow and despair. In the eyes of the Isferatos, there is no room for sentimentality or compassion, only the cold embrace of darkness and death. As such, the idea of two Isferatos engaging in acts of physical affection is as inconceivable as it is absurd. These shadowy entities are solitary hunters, their existence defined by solitude and isolation. They do not form bonds or relationships with one another, for to do so would be to betray the very nature of their being. In the endless expanse of the cosmos, where light and darkness wage an eternal war for supremacy, the Isferatos stand as harbingers of the night, their minds untouched by the warmth of love or the tender embrace of affection. And as long as darkness exists, so too shall they, eternal predators of the night, forever haunted by the shadows of their own existence. ===== Culture ===== ==== Language ==== The communication of Isferatos is as primal and primitive as their insatiable hunger for shadows and souls. Devoid of language in any conventional sense, these shadowy entities rely instead on a repertoire of growls, roars, and other guttural sounds to convey their intentions and desires. To mortal ears, the sounds emitted by Isferatos may seem like little more than animalistic noises, devoid of meaning or significance. Yet, to those attuned to the darkness, each growl and roar carries with it a wealth of information—a sinister symphony of aggression and dominance that speaks volumes without the need for words. In their dark and twisted minds, the Isferatos have no need for language, for their desires are simple and primal: to hunt, to feed, and to propagate their dark essence. Through their guttural utterances, they communicate their intentions to one another, coordinating their movements with a precision born of instinct and experience. For those unfortunate enough to encounter an Isferatos, the sound of their growls and roars is a chilling reminder of the darkness that lurks within. It is a language of fear and intimidation, designed to instill terror in the hearts of their prey and deter any who would dare to challenge their dominance. And so, the Isferatos roam the cosmos in silence, their voices lost to the void, their presence heralded only by the eerie echoes of their primal cries. In a universe where light and darkness wage an eternal war for supremacy, the language of the Isferatos is one of fear and despair—a chilling testament to the malevolent nature of these shadowy predators. ==== Attire ==== Pure Isferatos are enshrouded in an aura of darkness so thick and palpable that it seems to swallow the very light around them. From head to toe, their formless silhouettes are cloaked in a swirling mass of shadows, their every movement accompanied by the ominous whisper of darkness that clings to their ethereal forms. At first glance, it is difficult to discern where the Isferatos end and the shadows begin, so seamless is the integration of their dark essence with the surrounding gloom. Their features are obscured by the inky blackness that envelops them, rendering them as indistinct and inscrutable as the night itself. Yet, despite their formless appearance, there is an undeniable presence to the Pure Isferatos—a sense of malevolence that hangs heavy in the air, suffusing the surrounding space with an aura of dread. From their glowing eyes, burning with an unholy light, to the eerie whispers that seem to emanate from the depths of their shadowy forms, there is an unmistakable sense that these are creatures not to be trifled with. In the dim light of the cosmos, where darkness reigns supreme, the Pure Isferatos are the embodiment of primal fear and terror. Their shadowy presence looms large in the nightmares of mortals, their insatiable hunger for darkness and despair driving them ever onward in their relentless quest for dominion over the universe. And so, the Pure Isferatos drift silently through the void, their forms melding seamlessly with the shadows that surround them. In a universe where light and darkness wage an eternal war for supremacy, they stand as harbingers of the night, their dark essence a chilling reminder of the ever-present threat that lurks within the shadows. ===== Society ===== ==== Kinship ==== In the mysterious realm of Isferatos, where darkness reigns supreme and the boundaries between light and shadow blur, notions of love and affection hold little sway. Yet, despite their insatiable hunger and primal instincts, the Isferatos are not devoid of kinship. In their own twisted way, they do have offspring, born from the dark rituals of their reproduction, and in rare instances, they give rise to accidental sentient offspring known as Shadowkin. For the Isferatos, the act of reproduction is a purely instinctual process, driven by the relentless urge to propagate their dark essence. Through some dark and mysterious power, they draw upon the consumed souls of their victims to fuel the creation of new progeny, birthing forth new Isferatos from the depths of shadow and despair. These offspring, born from the union of darkness and despair, are as devoid of love and affection as their progenitors. They are driven by the same insatiable hunger that consumes their parents, their minds consumed by thoughts of predation and destruction. Yet, amidst the endless cycle of darkness and despair, there exists a rare phenomenon—the birth of accidental sentient offspring known as Shadowkin. Unlike their brethren, who are little more than mindless predators, these [[species:shadowkin]] possess a degree of self-awareness and intelligence that sets them apart from their kin. It is believed that the creation of Shadowkin occurs when the Isferatos inadvertently imbue a portion of their dark essence with the soul of a victim, resulting in a hybrid creature with traits of both predator and prey. These Shadowkin possess a semblance of sentience and free will, allowing them to exist as more than mere extensions of their parent's will. In the endless expanse of the cosmos, where light and darkness wage an eternal war for supremacy, the Isferatos and their kin stand as harbingers of the night, their existence a chilling reminder of the ever-present threat that lurks within the shadows. ==== Conflict ==== The Pure Isferatos are embodiments of violence and malevolence, their very presence heralding a reign of terror and destruction that knows no bounds. Born from the darkest depths of the cosmos, these shadowy entities are relentless predators, driven by an insatiable hunger for shadows and souls that consumes their every thought and action. From the moment they emerge from the void, the Pure Isferatos are consumed by a primal urge to hunt and feed, their minds clouded by thoughts of predation and carnage. With every movement, they exude an aura of menace and aggression, their shadowy forms radiating with an unholy energy that strikes fear into the hearts of all who dare to cross their path. Their violence knows no discrimination, for the Pure Isferatos are a threat to everyone and everything around them. Whether mortal or immortal, sentient or beast, all are fair game to these relentless predators, their hunger for darkness and despair driving them to hunt without mercy or remorse. In their relentless pursuit of prey, the Pure Isferatos leave a trail of destruction in their wake, their every action marked by violence and chaos. From the barren wastelands of ravaged planets to the shattered remains of civilizations long forgotten, there is no corner of the cosmos that is safe from their dark and twisted influence. Yet, it is not only physical violence that the Pure Isferatos inflict upon the world around them. Their mere presence is enough to instill terror and despair in the hearts of mortals, their shadowy forms looming large in the nightmares of those unfortunate enough to encounter them. In the endless expanse of the cosmos, where light and darkness wage an eternal war for supremacy, the Pure Isferatos stand as harbingers of the night, their violence and aggression a chilling reminder of the ever-present threat that lurks within the shadows. And as long as darkness exists, so too shall they, eternal predators of the night, forever haunting the nightmares of mortals with their relentless pursuit of darkness and despair. ===== Innate Abilities ===== * Shadow Step * Invisibility * Demon Strength * Telekinesis === Shadow Step === Shadow Step is an ability where someone can use shadow magic, or a Isferatos ability to move at a accelerated rate to get from one area to another quickly. This can be useful if someone needs to go to stop a door from closing. === Invisibility === Certain Isferatos and dark magic users can bend light around themselves and in effect turn themselves invisible. They can't be seen by anything and they don’t leave a shadow if the area is well lit. === Demon Strength === Isferatos are a race of demons so, their strength is greater than a human. They are likely able to knock out a human easily enough, and break the doors down and be a match for heavy gravity worlders. ((Telekinesis wasn’t added in the info area because by now it's obvious what it is.)) ===== OOC ===== * **Player** [[user:Charaa]] created this on 2021/07/20. * Some things were removed in the rewrite as it doesn’t apply to them ==== Encounters ==== for encounters specific to Isferatos please go here [[info:Isferatos_encounters]] ==== Usage ==== This content adheres to Project Multiverse's [[rules:setting_contribution|submission and usage rules.]] * This species can be used by anyone. * In the event that species' creator is no longer available, ...