Shimmers

The creatures of Nightfall are known colloquially as “Shimmers.” This is due to their ethereal composition and the fact that they tend to be elusive and aloof. They also claim it is impossible for “off-worlders” to comprehend or pronounce their true name. All Shimmers are Muses. They are essentially magic become conscious. Shimmers look like ghosts but adopt the physical attributes of both organic and inorganic matter: parts of animals, stones, plants, even intangible things like fire. The attributes themselves do not affect the Shimmer or its surroundings (a non-Fire Shimmer with a fire mane would not set things on fire or give off heat). Shimmers can change their appearance but rarely do so once they pick their preferred motif. They cannot make facial expressions. Due to their ethereal nature, Shimmers cannot manipulate physical objects unless they use magic. However, they cannot faze through objects or squeeze through spaces that an otherwise corporeal being could not move through. Essentially, their bodies are bound together and trying separating it does as much harm as would to another corporeal being. Shimmers are immortal, though they can be killed. There is no real hierarchy of Shimmer authority. All are equal as part of the Shimmer collective. There is the Parliament (rough translation) which is basically a collection of the ten most elder Shimmers. The Parliament rarely changes as Shimmers are immortal. Most Shimmers are Orderly and abide religiously to their codes and the codes of other worlds if they align with the Tenets of Order. The Parliament is tasked with ensuring that all Shimmers adhere to the collective policies, ideals, and tenets of Shimmer society. Those who don’t (such as Micah and Eaglefeather) are judged and, if necessary, exiled from the collective. Exiled Shimmers are cut off from the collective telepathic field, often going mad. Shimmers spend most of their lives accumulating knowledge and adding it to the massive library and archives on Nightfall. Unseen Force and Earth Muses work as the scribes, manually writing down the information or chiseling it into stone. Scribe Shimmers usually pair with a traveling Shimmer and they communicate the information in real time using their telepathic link. All Shimmers (except those who have been exiled) share a connection and can ask the collective for any information; the books and tablets are for the convenience of non-Shimmers. During the Concealment, the Shimmers continued their work, even though it was not necessary. Kumari encourages people to visit the library. Shimmers are naturally curious and will often ask questions, even if they could seek the answer through the collective. They do not have names among themselves as they can identify each other by their telepathic signature. They collectively decided to label themselves for the benefit of other species. Once the concept of names was explained to them, the Parliament declared a naming-procedure. Shimmers would give themselves a unique name based on their favorite sensation, texture, or sound. Shimmers can only speak telepathically to willing participants.