Shadewalker

Shadewalkers

Shadewalkers: ‘Magic’ in the land of Lathona is channeled by sensitive individuals from the Pale; a realm of spirits which exists in a layer beyond this world. There are many types of spirits, some benevolent, others not. Guardians are spirits who attach themselves to a sensitive individual (known as the Chosen before the Culling, an ancient ritual which binds the guardian to the Chosen, after they are known as Shadewalkers. The Culling is a dangerous and draining ordeal, those who survive are marked by a lack of pigmentation of the irises) and help them by enhancing their powers and providing information and guidance.

Shadewalker Ranks within the Temple:

Novice
Initiate
Adept
Proficient (post-Culling)
Cognoscente
Specialist
Master

The Touched: The Touched are those individuals who at some point in their early childhood were touched by a spirit. They are not sensitive enough to be a Chosen but because of that contact they have the ability to see and sense the spirits around. Most of the Touched join (many times against their will and in early adolescence) a Temple to train to become protectors of a Shadewalker. They are bound to a particular Chosen, if the Chosen passes the Culling and becomes a Shadewalker they will follow them for the rest of their days as their protector. Should their Chosen fail they will remain at the Temple as an instructor.

Kiele: Author’s Note: Kiele is pronounced ‘KEE uh leh’. At the outset of the story, Kiele is a young Chosen (about 17)  about to undertake her Culling. She is around 5’0″ with an unruly mane of bright copper hair that falls to her waist and large, dark eyes (pre-Culling, post-Culling she has the traditional colorless irises that marks her a Shadewalker). She is very bright and inquisitive, brimming with questions about everything her eyes light upon. She arrived at the Temple when she was 5 years old and as of the beginning of her story, has yet to leave. Having lived all her life in the Temple, she is at once terrified and fascinated by the outside world.

Tadan: Author’s Note: Tadan is pronounced ‘TAD an.’ Tadan is 5’11” with a lean, swordsman’s build. He has sandy blonde hair and dark eyes. His Chosen is Kiele. He is a ‘go with the flow’ person, to bordering on laziness, with a sharp and sarcastic sense of humor. He is content to follow his little Shadewalker in whatever insanity she finds herself in.

Manyu: Author’s Note: Manyu is pronounced ‘man YOO’. Manyu is a guardian spirit who has chosen Kiele. He can change forms if he desires but prefers the form of a small barn owl.