Basic
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Akeldamus.
Ah-keel-dah-mus. Bastardization of Akeldama. 'Field of Blood.'
The Akeldamus are a rare sub-species of vampire, benefiting from many of the stereotypical traits of "normal" vampires, as well as some unique features that set them apart from their cousins. Upon death, all newly embraced have a small chance for their newfound vampirism mutate, thus creating an Akel. If the one who embraced them is an Akel, the embraced will always be of the Akeldamus strain.
Akels look, act and function primarily as most vampires do. The major difference between an Akeldamus and any other strain is the application of Void and Shadow Magics. Akels are born of a substance called Void, a collective pool of souls which all Akels can channel in order to manipulate shadows in the world around them. Shadows can be drawn away from objects around them and given substance to create a whole array of items ranging from weapons, to toys, to musical instruments. When released, the shadow always returns to the host item. Akels also wield the ability to manipulate The Void, allowing them to cross great distances through the usage of portals.
The Void
The Void is a gift of celestial light, a collective of souls born among the stars that grants life to every Akledamus. The Void is most similarly manifested as space and stars, and it exists in both a metaphorical and corporeal space. To view The Void is to look into space itself, a dark bastion dotted with a smattering of blues, purples and silvers, a space between the living and spiritual being. Every Akel is directly tethered to the Void, their souls housed within the cosmos and nestled among stars, their entire being is found within The Void itself. From magical abilities to life itself, none of it could be possible without the gift of Void.
Through The Void, all Akeldamus are able to identify one another, even under the guise of glamour. They can feel each other in a crowded room, across cities and even spanning the globe. Secretive in nature, this Void born ability allows them to seek out safe houses, sanctuaries, and each other without running the risk of uncovering oneself or their fellow kin..
Shadow Magic
Portals
The ability to conjure, manipulate and manifest shadows or portals is a staple of the Akeldamus. Every Akel, both Embraced and blue blooded are given this gift. One of their greatest strengths is their ability to conjure portals, a wormhole between any two points that they have ever occupied physically. Portals can be drawn on solid, immobile surfaces or in mid-air, however portals drawn suspended and not upon a surface require far more energy to create and maintain. When drawn upon surfaces, they function more efficiently. Portals can be drawn of any shape or size, however creating one greater than oneself can be particularly taxing. All shadow magics, including that of conjuring portals, will drain the Akel's energy. There is no limit to how far apart the entrance and exit portal can be, as long as the Akel has existed physically in the spaces they are created in. The amount of energy an Akel has is defined by numerous factors, such as overall health, whether or not they are a blue blood, their biological age, and their overall skill in shadow magics. This application of shadow magic allow the Akel, along with anyone or anything they bring with them, to pass through The Void itself. The passage through The Void is airless, and while the trip may be momentary, it can be suffocating for those who require breath. It is bitterly cold, and so precautions for delicate persons or materials must be taken should they not be harmed during their time in The Void. When closed, portals will leave the faint scent of ozone.
ShadowsThe second application of shadow magic is just that: The manipulation of shadows. Highly somatic in nature, shadow magics require the free use of the Akel's arms, hands and fingers. Using motion, they can draw shadows from their host items and manipulate them into whatever the wielder chooses. From weapons, to armor, to tools and even people, the shadow will take on a physical form. Featureless, opaque and black, shadows cannot be changed in appearance, as they serve as vague representations of their master's wishes. Cold to the touch, mindless and soulless, the shadow will respond to only its conjurer, carrying out their will only. This requires a persistent state of concentration, and thus unskilled or fledgling Akels are limited to how many shadows they can manipulate at one time. Once released by their master, all shadows will return to their host objects and lose any of the properties that had been molded into them.
Elemental Magics
Earth, Fire, Water, Air. Each Akeldamus upon birth or death may choose one of these elements to command. Entirely optional, it is up to the Akel to decide whether or not they wish to manipulate an element. Once chosen, it cannot be changed, even upon death or rebirth, and if no element is chosen, one may never be chosen. An embraced Akel may choose between any of the four natural elements and manipulate them as they see fit. A blue blooded or half blood Akel, however, are limited to the elements of their parents. If neither parent has chosen an element, the blue blood or half blood will be born without one. Elemental magics are deemed weaker of the two types of magic at their disposal, and require subsequent practice in order to master. Akeldamus who have not chosen an element are usually far more powerful in their shadow magics, as opposed to one who also practices elemental magic.