Umbra

The Shadowed Veilkeeper Umbra (a.k.a. Keeper of the Consequences)

Umbra is the enigmatic god of shadows, hidden knowledge, and consequences. Born from the first shadows cast by the light of Solarius, Umbra exists as a balancing force between light and darkness, truth and deception, and the actions of mortals and their inevitable repercussions. He is revered as both a guardian of justice and a keeper of forgotten knowledge, ensuring that all actions—both mortal and divine—are met with their appropriate outcomes.
Umbra’s followers include scholars, judges, inquisitors, and those who seek wisdom hidden in the depths of mystery. His worshipers understand that knowledge comes with a cost, and every decision must be weighed against the consequences it will bring. Temples dedicated to Umbra are places of study and reflection, where followers meditate on the balance between right and wrong, light and shadow, and the consequences of their actions.
He is often depicted as a dark, shadowed figure with piercing eyes that seem to see through all deception, dressed in flowing robes adorned with crescent moons and symbols of scales. Though his presence is both intimidating and awe-inspiring, Umbra is not evil—he is simply the embodiment of balance and justice, ensuring that nothing remains hidden forever and that every action has its consequence.
Umbra’s divine domains include knowledge, justice, consequences, and shadows, and he holds sway over both mystical revelations and the hidden truths of the universe. His influence touches the lives of those seeking justice, those seeking understanding, and those hiding from the repercussions of their own actions. His priests, known as Inquisitors and Veiled Scholars, are charged with uncovering secrets and ensuring that truth prevails, no matter how dark or dangerous.
Umbra’s power is strongest during the new moon, when shadows reign supreme, and his followers engage in solemn rituals of contemplation, judgment, and the pursuit of truth.

The Judge of Consequences:

As the god of consequences, Umbra ensures that actions are met with appropriate outcomes. He is seen as a fair and just deity, balancing the scales of justice. His followers uphold the belief that every action has a consequence, and they strive to live with integrity and honesty.
Despite their differences, Umbra and Callen share a deep bond. Their interactions symbolize the balance between light and dark, knowledge and love. Together, they represent the duality of existence, teaching their followers the importance of harmony and understanding.

Divine Domains

Knowledge

Umbra is primarily revered as the god of hidden knowledge and secrets. He governs the pursuit of wisdom through the discovery of truths that lie in shadow, guiding his followers to seek understanding beyond what is readily visible. Knowledge, for Umbra, is both a source of power and a burden, and his domain encompasses the understanding that truth comes with consequences.
Representation: The crescent moon and scrolls often symbolize his connection to arcane knowledge, mystery, and wisdom that is obscured from the unworthy.

Consequences

As the god of consequences, Umbra ensures that every action, no matter how small, is met with its due result. He oversees the balance of justice, making sure that karma and repercussions are meted out fairly. This domain intertwines with law, morality, and the understanding that justice is impartial.
Representation: Umbra’s scales of justice symbolize the weighing of actions and their consequences, reflecting his role as an arbiter who delivers divine retribution or reward.

Shadows and Darkness

Umbra’s connection to shadows represents his domain over concealment, secrets, and the hidden aspects of reality. Shadows symbolize both protection and obscurity, and Umbra governs these unseen forces. His followers see darkness not as a force of evil but as a mystical barrier that shields and hides truth until it is ready to be revealed.
Representation: The veil and shroud are powerful symbols of this domain, representing the layers of mystery and the hidden realms where Umbra’s power is strongest.

Balance

Umbra represents the balance between light and dark, good and evil, action and reaction. His followers seek to maintain harmony in all things, believing that disruption in one area of life will lead to consequences in another. Umbra’s balance domain connects deeply with his role as the god of justice, where impartiality and fairness guide all actions.
Representation: The black and white crescent, split down the middle, is often used to symbolize the harmonious balance Umbra upholds.

Artifacts

The Crescent Veil

The Crescent Veil is a mystical shroud believed to have been woven from the very first shadow cast by Solarius’s light. This artifact is said to be able to conceal the wielder entirely from sight, even from gods, while allowing them to peer into the hidden truths of the universe. The Veil serves as both a tool of revelation and protection for those devoted to Umbra. Abilities:

• Grants invisibility to the wearer in any shadow or darkness.
• Allows the wearer to see through illusions, detect hidden lies, and uncover lost knowledge.
• Said to have the power to lift the veil on forgotten histories, showing glimpses of the past.

The Scales of Dusk

The Scales of Dusk are legendary divine scales used by Umbra to weigh the actions of mortals and gods alike. It is said that when someone of great power or consequence faces divine judgment, Umbra uses these scales to measure the balance between their deeds and their intentions. The Scales of Dusk have been sought by mortals for millennia, as they are rumored to have the power to reveal the true nature of anyone who stands before them.
Abilities:

• The Scales weigh not only physical actions but also moral intent, showing whether one’s deeds align with their true heart.
• Can be used in judgment to discern guilt or innocence in complex or uncertain situations.
• When placed in a temple or court, the Scales ensure that all decisions made within the space are just and fair.

The Blade of Shadows

Forged in the heart of the Veil of Shadows, this crescent-shaped blade is said to be a gift from Umbra to his most loyal Inquisitors. The Blade of Shadows can cut through illusions, dispel magical darkness, and deliver lethal judgment upon those who have committed great wrongs. Its power is said to be linked directly to Umbra, growing stronger in places where secrets are kept or injustice prevails.
Abilities:

• The blade can cut through illusions, making any deception or disguise fall away before its strike.
• Wounds caused by the Blade of Shadows leave an ethereal scar, marking the target with the consequences of their actions.
• It grows more powerful in places where injustice or untruths are present, allowing its wielder to strike with divine accuracy.

The Tome of Forgotten Shadows

The Tome of Forgotten Shadows is an ancient book said to contain all the secrets of the universe that were deemed too dangerous for mortals to know. It is said to have been written by Umbra himself and locked away in a place between the material plane and the spiritual realm. Only those who are blessed by Umbra can open the Tome, and even then, its pages are filled with dangerous truths that come at a great cost.
Abilities:

• Allows the reader to glimpse forbidden knowledge, revealing hidden powers, long-lost histories, or dangerous truths.
• Opening the Tome comes with a cost—those who read its pages often find themselves haunted by the consequences of the knowledge they gain.
• The Tome has been known to change its form, appearing as different books to different people, depending on what they seek.

The Mask of Secrets

This obsidian mask, worn by Umbra’s High Inquisitors during sacred trials, allows the wearer to discern the deepest truths of anyone they encounter. It is said that the mask can peer into a person’s soul, uncovering their hidden desires, fears, and intentions. The Mask of Secrets is used during the most difficult trials and judgments, when the truth is hidden beneath layers of deception.
Abilities:

• Grants the wearer the ability to see through lies, illusions, and even detect repressed memories in others.
• When worn, the Mask prevents the wearer from being deceived in any way, including psychic or magical manipulations.
• The wearer must also bear the burden of knowing the darkest secrets of those they judge, as the truths revealed by the Mask cannot be forgotten.

Tenets of Faith

The tenets of faith for the followers of Umbra emphasize the pursuit of truth and knowledge, while recognizing that justice and consequences must be delivered with balance and wisdom. These tenets guide the faithful in their everyday lives, encouraging them to seek knowledge, face the consequences of their actions, and maintain a delicate balance between light and shadow.
1. All Actions Have Consequences Every action, whether done in the light or in the shadows, must be met with its due consequence.
Followers of Umbra believe that no deed goes unnoticed, and justice must always be served. Even good intentions, if executed carelessly, can cause harm and must be accounted for.
“No deed, no matter how small or grand, is free from consequence.”
2. Truth Lies in Shadows Knowledge is often hidden, and the true nature of the world is veiled in shadows.
Followers of Umbra are encouraged to seek out hidden truths, to question what is presented, and to recognize that understanding comes from seeing both the light and the dark.
“Do not take what is seen for truth—seek beyond, for only in shadow is wisdom revealed.”
3. Justice Must Be Blind The faithful of Umbra must deliver justice impartially, without favor or prejudice. Justice is not about personal gain or vendetta; it is about ensuring balance is maintained.
The scales of justice weigh all equally, and no one is above the law.
“Judge with clear eyes and an open heart; let the scales tip only by the weight of truth."
4. Seek Knowledge, But Respect Its Weight Knowledge is powerful, but it is also dangerous.
The followers of Umbra must seek wisdom and uncover hidden truths, but they must also recognize the consequences of possessing such knowledge. Wisdom must be used responsibly, never for personal gain or to manipulate others.
“The pursuit of knowledge is sacred, but only the wise understand its burden.”
5. Balance Light and Dark Umbra’s followers recognize that light and dark, truth and shadow, creation and consequence, are all part of a delicate balance.
To live in harmony with the teachings of Umbra, one must maintain balance within themselves and in the world around them. Excess in any form leads to imbalance and chaos.
“Do not shun the darkness nor embrace only the light; balance is the path to wisdom and truth.”
6. Face the Truth, No Matter How Painful One of the core tenets of Umbra’s faith is that truth must be faced, even when it is difficult or painful.
Followers are taught to confront their own mistakes, learn from their failures, and understand the consequences of their actions. Avoiding the truth leads to corruption, while embracing it brings growth and wisdom.
“Do not fear the truth, for it is through pain that one learns.”
7. Protect the Veil, But Know When to Lift It The faithful are guardians of the Veil of Shadows, the metaphorical and mystical barrier that hides the deepest truths of the world.
While it is the duty of Umbra’s followers to protect this veil from those who would abuse the knowledge hidden within, they must also know when the time is right to reveal these truths for the greater good.
“Guard the Veil from corruption, but do not hoard knowledge in selfish silence.”
8. Justice is Not Vengeance The faithful of Umbra understand the difference between justice and vengeance.
Justice seeks balance and fairness, while vengeance is driven by personal anger or desire for retribution. Umbra’s followers must ensure they are guided by reason and truth, not by emotional impulses.
“Deliver justice with a clear heart; vengeance serves only itself.”
9. Consequences Cannot Be Escaped.
Umbra’s faithful hold that no one can truly escape the consequences of their actions, no matter how far they run or how much they hide. Even the most powerful beings, be they mortal or divine, must answer for their deeds in time.
“In the end, all must face the weight of their actions, for consequence is inescapable.”
10. Humility Before Knowledge Though followers of Umbra are encouraged to pursue knowledge and truth, they must do so with humility.
Arrogance and pride can blind even the wisest, and so every discovery, every truth uncovered, must be approached with reverence for the unknown and an understanding of its consequences.
“Seek knowledge humbly, for even the wisest know that shadows hold more than can ever be known.”

Holidays

The holidays dedicated to Umbra emphasize reflection, justice, and the pursuit of hidden truths. From the regular Night of the Veil, where followers engage in personal contemplation, to grand events like the Eclipse of Shadows, these festivals focus on the balance between light and darkness, the acceptance of consequences, and the pursuit of wisdom. Each holiday serves as a reminder of Umbra’s domains—knowledge, shadows, and justice—and invites the faithful to engage with his teachings through rituals, meditation, and judgment.

Night of the Veil

Date: Every New Moon of Umbriel
A night of reflection and seeking truth, the Night of the Veil is the most regular observance in the worship of Umbra. On this night, when Umbriel is at its fullest, followers gather for silent contemplation, seeking clarity in their own lives and justice for their deeds. It is believed that Umbra’s power is at its peak when his moon is full, and that hidden truths are most likely to be revealed during this time. This holiday is one of deep personal introspection and self-examination.
Rituals: Devotees wear black veils and spend the night in quiet meditation or writing confessions of their sins or wrongdoings. These confessions are burned at dawn as a symbol of cleansing through truth.

Eclipse of Shadows

Date: Once every 10 years, when Umbriel passes directly in front of Callista The Eclipse of Shadows is the holiest event in the worship of Umbra, symbolizing the complete dominance of shadow over light, when Umbra’s power is at its absolute height. It is a time to reflect on the hidden truths of the universe, the inevitability of consequence, and the balance between light and darkness. This event is viewed as a time of revelation and fate, where key decisions are made.
Rituals: Followers participate in a three-day fast leading up to the eclipse. On the night of the eclipse, the High Inquisitor leads a sacred ritual called the Judgment of Shadows, where important trials or matters of great consequence are decided under the eclipse’s darkness. Many also perform the Veil Dance, a ceremonial movement symbolizing the passing of light into shadow.

The Balance Rite

Date: 24th day of Mirithan (last month of the year) The Balance Rite is a yearly celebration marking the end of the year and symbolizing the necessity of balance in all things. It is a reminder that, as the year ends, one must reflect on the consequences of their actions throughout the year and seek to restore balance in their lives. It is a day of reconciliation and understanding the year’s consequences.
Rituals: Families come together to confess their wrongdoings or disputes from the past year, seeking resolution and forgiveness. In temples, the Veiled Scholars hold a ritual in which the Scales of Dusk are displayed, and participants symbolically place weights on the scales to represent their burdens and sins.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Umbra was born from the divine essence of Solarius, the god of the sun, light, and life. Umbra emerged from the first shadows cast by Solarius's light. He was created to balance Callen's brightness, embodying the mysteries and knowledge hidden in the darkness. Umbra's birth brought the understanding that with light comes shadow, and with knowledge comes the weight of consequences. As Callen's twin brother, he represents the balance of light and darkness. His creation marked the beginning of wisdom and mystery in the celestial realms. Umbra is revered as the god of knowledge, holding the secrets of the universe within his grasp. He is often sought by those who seek wisdom and understanding, offering guidance through the shadows of uncertainty. His followers believe that true knowledge is often hidden in the dark, waiting to be uncovered.

The Creation of Umbriel
In a tale of revenge and balance, Umbra used the blood of Malakar, the god of chaos and corruption who killed Seraphis, to create the moon Umbriel. This moon serves as a reminder of the consequences of evil actions and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

Meeting Nyxara

The love story between Umbra and Nyxara began in the ancient times, when the realms of light and shadow were first being woven. Umbra, the god of shadows and knowledge, had always wandered the edges of reality, seeking wisdom in the dark corners of the universe. It was during one of these explorations that he encountered Nyxara, dancing among the stars and weaving dreams for the mortal beings below.
Drawn to her enigmatic beauty and the soothing tranquility she brought to the night, Umbra found himself captivated by Nyxara. Despite his nature of dwelling in the shadows, Umbra was enchanted by the light and mystery that surrounded Nyxara. She, in turn, was intrigued by his depth and the profound knowledge he possessed, seeing in him a kindred spirit who understood the balance of light and dark.
The Blossoming of Love
Their courtship was one of celestial wonder and quiet moments. They found solace in each other's presence, their bond strengthening as they explored the mysteries of the cosmos together. Nyxara showed Umbra the beauty of dreams and the importance of hope, while Umbra revealed to her the secrets hidden in the shadows and the wisdom that lay in embracing one's darker aspects.

Their love was not without its challenges. The realms they governed were often at odds, with light and dark struggling for dominance. Yet, they learned to harmonize their differences, understanding that true balance required both shadow and light. Their union brought about a new understanding of harmony.

Nyxara and Umbra's love is celebrated in Tanarian mythology as a testament to the power of unity and understanding. Their story is told through the ages, inspiring mortals to seek balance in their lives and embrace both the light and dark within themselves. Temples dedicated to Nyxara often depict her alongside Umbra, the two deities forever intertwined in a dance of shadows and starlight, reminding all who worship them of the beautiful harmony that exists between dreams and reality.

The Father of Shadows

From their love, a new race was born—Nyxara and Umbra created the Shadow-Kin, beings who dwell in the twilight between light and dark. These beings possess the wisdom of the shadows and the dreams of the night, serving as guardians of the balance between realms. Among their children was a raven-like birdfolk who would become the progenitor of the Kenku, a race known for their mimicry and mysterious nature.
Shadowkin have shadowy features, with skin that seems to absorb light and eyes that glimmer with an inner glow. They possess abilities related to darkness and stealth, making them natural masters of subterfuge and secrecy.

Children of Umbra and Nyxara

1. Kevar
Domain: Shadows, Stealth, and Knowledge
Description: Kevar is a raven-like birdfolk who inherited his father's affinity for shadows and wisdom. He is the progenitor of the Kenku race, known for their mimicry and mysterious nature. Kevar is often depicted as a cunning and resourceful figure, guiding the Kenku in their quests for knowledge.

2. Lunara
Domain: Dreams, Illusions, and Night
Description: Lunara is the goddess of dreams and illusions, inheriting Nyxara's connection to the dream world. She is depicted as a graceful figure, with flowing hair that seems to blend with the night sky. Lunara watches over the dreams of mortals, weaving intricate illusions to guide and protect them.

3. Mystara
Domain: Shadows, Protection, and Mystery
Description: Mystara, the first Shadowkin, embodies the balance of light and dark from both parents. She has shadowy features and is depicted as a guardian of hidden truths and protector of secrets. Mystara is revered by the Shadowkin as their creator and guide, leading them in maintaining the delicate balance between light and dark.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Creation of Umbriel

One of Umbra’s greatest feats is the creation of the moon Umbriel, formed from the blood of Malakar, the god of chaos and corruption, after the death of Seraphis. Umbra used the blood to shape Umbriel, establishing it as a symbol of balance and retribution. The moon represents the eternal reminder that every act of destruction must be met with consequence, and Umbriel itself serves as a celestial overseer of justice, often associated with events of cosmic significance.
 The creation of Umbriel solidified Umbra’s place as the god of consequences, ensuring that even gods are held accountable for their actions. It also connected him to the cosmic balance between light and darkness.

The Judgment of Malakar

In a pivotal act of divine justice, Umbra was responsible for delivering the Judgment of Malakar, the god of chaos, after his involvement in Seraphis’s death. Though Umbra did not kill Malakar, his judgment bound Malakar’s essence to the shadows, preventing the god from causing further harm. This act not only protected the celestial balance but also established Umbra as the ultimate arbiter of divine consequences.
This judgment cemented Umbra’s role as the enforcer of cosmic law, a deity who even other gods respect and fear for his ability to deliver unbiased justice.

Intellectual Characteristics

Umbra is the god of hidden knowledge and secrets, and his intellect reflects this. He values subtlety, observation, and the careful unveiling of truths. Umbra is often portrayed as a figure of great patience, waiting for the right moment to reveal what others might not yet be ready to understand. His followers learn to seek out knowledge not for its own sake, but for the consequences it brings once uncovered. Umbra believes that true wisdom lies not in knowing everything, but in knowing what to do with the knowledge one possesses. Umbra sees the interconnectedness of all things and understands how small actions ripple through the cosmos, making him deeply analytical. He holds knowledge that even other gods do not have, making him the ultimate guardian of forbidden truths. Umbra values the long game, preferring to wait for the most opportune moments to reveal truths or take action, ensuring the greatest impact when he does.

Morality & Philosophy

Umbra’s morality centers on the idea of balance. For every action, there is a consequence, and for every light, there must be a shadow. He does not see the world in black and white terms of good or evil, but rather as a delicate equilibrium that must be maintained. His philosophy is deeply tied to the concept of justice, but it is a justice based on impartiality and repercussion rather than emotional judgments. Umbra teaches that no deed, whether virtuous or wicked, goes without its appropriate outcome.
Umbra does not favor any one race, creed, or morality—his concern is with the truth and ensuring that the consequences of actions are meted out fairly. He believes that intentions matter as much as actions, and he strives to balance both in his judgments. Umbra’s philosophy places value on secrecy and mystery. He holds that some truths must remain hidden until the time is right to reveal them. His followers are taught to reveal only what is necessary, ensuring that knowledge serves a purpose rather than being flaunted.
One of Umbra’s key teachings is that every action, no matter how small, creates ripples that affect the world in ways both seen and unseen. His philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea that every choice must be considered in the light of its potential consequences. There is no such thing as an action without repercussion, and Umbra ensures that the scales of the universe remain balanced.
Umbra’s connection to shadows represents his belief that darkness is not inherently evil. He sees shadows as a place of protection, growth, and hidden knowledge. His followers are taught to embrace the dark as a source of strength and wisdom, using it to uncover truths that would otherwise remain hidden by the light.
Like his relationship with his sister Callen, Umbra’s philosophy is grounded in the idea that light and dark must coexist. He represents the other side of the coin, ensuring that brightness and clarity are tempered by mystery and judgment. To live in harmony with the world, one must accept both the good and the bad, the known and the unknown.

Social

Speech

Umbra’s tone is deep, measured, and calm, carrying the weight of ancient wisdom and judgment. He speaks with an air of mystery and authority, making those who listen feel as if they are in the presence of a power beyond mortal comprehension. His voice can be both soothing and intimidating, often depending on the gravity of the conversation.
His pitch is generally low, with a soft resonance that seems to echo in the minds of those who hear him, almost as if his voice is carried by the shadows themselves. It has a slightly ethereal quality, giving the impression that his words are not entirely of this world. Umbra’s speech is formal and eloquent, reflecting his divine nature and timeless perspective. His words are often deliberate, with no wasted breath or casual phrasing. His speech patterns are reminiscent of ancient and sacred languages, though easily understood by those who listen.
Umbra’s dialect is unique, combining the formal speech of a judge with the philosophical musings of a scholar. He often uses symbolic language and metaphors tied to the balance between light and dark, as well as references to the veil and shadow. Umbra’s speech is flawless and uninterrupted, devoid of any impediments or hesitation. His words flow with an eerie precision, as though they have been considered long before they are spoken.

Relationships

Umbra

Brother (Vital)

Towards Callen

5

0

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Callen

Sister (Vital)

Towards Umbra

5

0

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Umbra

Brother (Vital)

Towards Seraphis

5

0

Frank

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Seraphis

Brother (Vital)

Towards Umbra

5

0

Honest

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In the shadows, truth is not obscured but revealed. Every action casts a shadow, and in Umbra's gaze, consequences are as certain as the rising moon.

— Inquisitor Arthen Malis, a legendary judge and scholar of the Order of the Veiled Truth

Divine Classification

God

Religions

• Order of the Veiled Truth

Species

Prime Deities

Realm

Shadow Plane

Church/Cult

Order of the Veiled Truth

Honorary & Occupational Titles

The Shadowed Judge, The Veilkeeper, The Balancer of Truths, Lord of Shadows, The Hidden One, The Hidden Judge, The Veil of Justice, The Watcher in Shadows, Keeper of the Consequences, Lord of the Dusk

Parents

Solarius

Spouses

Siblings

Callen (Sister)

Seraphis (Brother)

Children

• Nyrrun

Pronouns

He/Him

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Eyes

Deep dark blue

Quotes & Catchphrases

• “The veil thins when truth is near.”
• “Nothing remains hidden forever.”
• “Light casts the longest shadows.”
• “The consequences are yours to bear.”
• “Seek the shadows, for therein lies truth.”

• “You see the world not in black and white, but in the shades of truth.”
• “Wisdom is found in the shadows, and you tread carefully.”
• “A veil of lies cannot protect you from the truth beneath.”

Aligned Organization

Order of the Veiled Truth

Other Affiliations

• Order of the Twin Luminaries

Related Historical Events

• 287 HE
  Order of the Veiled Truth