Umbrae

The Umbrae are an Archon race that were created to assist souls after they die. The Umbrae are incorporeal creatures that help ferry souls from the land of the living to Limbo and eventually to the land of the dead. They also assist in the process of reincarnation. Due to their liminal existence, Umbrae are the sole race that cannot undergo reincarnation. As a result, umbrae who have made pacts rarely reside on their human’s person and, those that do, detach themselves from their partner before death so they can ferry their partner’s soul to the underworld which they consider the highest honor for themselves.

Types of Umbrae

‍Below is a list of various Umbrae that have been documented by scholars:

Wraith

Wraiths are shadows manifest. They are as common as pigeons in the underworld but have known to materialize in the mortal realm. They function in the same way white-blood cells function in the human body. They feed off living energy and, thus, should a living creature enter the underworld uninvited, they will immediately flock to the intruder and dispose of them.

Poltergeist

Poltergeists are ghosts who have refused to pass on and have bound to the material world. They have been known to function as protective spirits of locations that were important to them while alive; however, they are more infamous for acting as tricksters and nuisances. Poltergeists are the spirits of mortals who are not ready to pass on due to their strong emotional attachments and, because of their attachments and trauma, have begun to transform into something new. Some have taken on responsibilities and execute tasks on behalf of the God of Death, Ataraxus, and, in return, are allowed to continue their haunt as they work through their demons. While other poltergeists are simply fueled by their rage and are a threat to any who cross their path.

Shinigami / Soul Reaper

Reapers are umbrae whose primary role is to invite, guide, and ensure a mortal soul leaves the world of the living and follows the natural cycle of death and reincarnation. Reapers are also referred to as “Ferrymen” and have been reported to wear long, dark, hooded robes that obscure their face while wielding a scythe.

Dullahan

Dullahan are considered harbingers of death whose appearance signal an imminent fatality. Dullahan ride a magnificent, black stallion that often has fiery eyes and exhales smoke. The rider is completely headless, usually dressed in dark, flowing robes or armor. The Dullahan carries its own severed head tucked under its arm or held aloft. The head is said to be the source of the Dullahan’s immense power and sight. Dullahan carry a whip that is said to be forged from a human spine, and some have been reported as driving a black coach. Nothing can bar the Dullahan’s path as any gate, fence, or bolted door will automatically spring open as it approaches. When they stop riding, it will raise its glowing head high. Where it stops and where it stares, that is where a person will die. Dullahan are almost always completely silent as they fixate on their mission to claim souls. It is said that the only thing Dullahan fears is gold. Dullahan are not interested in killing just anyone. Its purpose is purely to collect the souls of the recently deceased or those whose time has come. It serves as a messenger, but one who actively claims its subject rather than merely announcing fate. They differ from Shinigami in that the reapers function as guides for souls while Dullahan will claim the soul.

Hellhound

“Hellhound” itself is a pejorative term as these creatures have nothing to do with demons. Hellhounds are canines that look like jackals and are denizens of the underworld. They are sacred to the god Ataraxus.

Shade

Shades are echoes of a near death experience that take on the visage of the victim. Whenever a soul comes close to death, it runs the risk of producing a “shade.” Not much is understood about Shades; however, what is known, is that these creatures will perpetually reenact the time of near-death in an eternal loop until the trauma is dealt with. If left alone, shades will grow in power and even become able to negatively impact the material world.

Sphinx

Sphinxes are umbrae that possess the head of a human and the body of a lion. They serve as guardians in the underworld protecting areas of grave importance. While not inherently wise, a sphinx possesses cunning intellect rivalled by few. They can be rather haughty and are deeply fond of any opportunity that allows them to stretch their wits—hence the fascination with riddles and puzzles.

Banshee

Banshees are umbrae that have long, black hair, and rotted skin, and are famous for being omens of death. Typically, banshees are invisible to the mortal eye; however, there have been sightings over the ages by people, hence the rumor. In reality, they walk the mortal plane searching for souls on the precipice of death. Some academics believe them to be powerful clairvoyants due to their ability to sniff out tragedy. Once the banshee has found a victim, they emit a high-pitched, mournful wail, which is said to be reminiscent of a woman lamenting over a corpse, alerting the nearest reaper to come collect the soul(s).