Mother or Father

Within the mysterious organization Ilnithic, a special role awaits chosen individuals and is held in particularly high regard. This organization is made up of Shape Shifters, a horribly persecuted and feared race seen almost akin to boogeymen. Very little is actually know about shape shifters, this only further fueling their role as demonic villains in folklore and children's tales. They have pieced together their own organization, solidarity in their shadowy fates holding them tightly together. Within their secret society, Mothers and Fathers are their leaders, their protectors and their hope.

Shape shifters will often refer to Ilnithic as "the family" when speaking to each other in code while undercover or even just amongst themselves casually. This is primarily because there are two variations of shape shifter which is determined by the Elemental Familiar which chooses them. After all, shape shifters are not born, they are made. There were originally only ten of these beasts and they were the familiars of the Erlithmanil themselves. However, as these immortal creatures bred, as is natural for any beast, their children inherited the ability to create one shape shifter in their lifetime—a weaker version incapable of becoming a host. Those transformed by these children were therefore called just that and those bonded to the original ten familiars are parents. However, there is still one more step to earning the full parental title: they must become a host.

Requirements

One must be chosen and transformed into a shape shifter by one of the ten original Elemental Familiars and one must become a host to the corresponding Erlithmanil. Just being chosen isn't enough to become a parent. One must undergo substantial training in order to survive becoming a host to one of the Erlithmanil. They must synchronize their body and soul with their element so both can withstand the sheer enormity of power and elemental influence they hope to contain. These powers were not meant for human bodies and it takes most shifters exorbitant amounts of time to progress without destroying themselves.

by Lee Stepp

If they manage this feat they must then undergo the ritual to take the Erlithmanil's soul into their body, something that doesn't come without tremendous sacrifice. However, if they are successful they rise to the prestigious position of Mother or Father and gain immense power in the process.

Appointment

by Lee Stepp

After completing the bonding ritual and becoming a host, a ceremony is held atop the primary stone pyramid of Cihuateopan. They typically hold a festival in honor of their new Parent as well.

Duties

by Lee Stepp

Those who are potential hosts undergo intensive training, typically under the watchful eye of one already holding the title. Beyond this, they collaborate with the other Parents to further the goals of their organization. These include monitoring the activities of elemental familiars with no host, finding means to increase the chances of these familiars finding a partner, finding and bringing any and all new or rogue shape shifters into the organization and managing the web of shape shifter agents planted throughout Emynea. They are also generally role models and icons to the Children.

Responsibilities

by Lee Stepp

They are the general leaders of the organization and have the final say on all matters. Different Parents are suited to different roles depending on their given element.

Mother Ala, host of Ylithuum, watches over the interests of the community itself, quite skilled at formulating and running events which bring together their community and making Ilnithic a true home for these wayward beings. She also takes their security under her watchful eye, creating barriers along their borders and aiding in the reconstruction of their city. Mother Lillith on the other hand, host of Dalyeric, pieces together most of the organizational components of the city, especially their hospital. She personally trains their doctors. She also manages the minutia of their espionage and shape shifter spies.

Aside from the leadership and day to day tasks, Parents are expected to act as the overall guardians of Ilnithic. They are their most potent weapons and possess immense magical abilities. These individuals have become the source of their element at the cost of extreme personal sacrifice. They are meant to steer Ilnithic and eventually all of Emynea towards a future where shape shifters no longer need to hide and live as outcasts. They believe the revival of the Erlithmanil will accomplish this as they are their Children within the family they have created. Whether this is the case or the true nature of these Parents has yet to be seen.

by Lee Stepp

Benefits

by Lee Stepp

Children within Ilnithic are fiercely loyal and, given the role and sacrifices of Parents, hold them in immensely high regard. They are treated almost like saints or saviors. Most of the Children follow them without question. After all, where else have they to go?