Amel

Prince of Shadows

The Prince fled carrying the gem close to his chest under the cover of night. His fur was as bright as the stars, and he hide himself beneath a black cloak. He ran deep into the woods until he could go no further and sank to his knees beneath the boughs of the Ebony Tree. He looked into the gem and saw his soul reflected back. It was a swirling mix of life and corruption, and he learned in that moment that Chaos lived on. Distraught at the lie he'd been told, the Prince begged the tree to end him, but it refused. The black branches reached down and embraced him. His fur turned black, and the tree became white as starlight. "Be reborn, Lord of Twilight, and tell others what you have learned. Unveil the lies and deception, but know you will not be believed."

— Book of Shadows

Artifacts

The Third Eye

This magical gem was the source of Amel's downfall, and once sealed away by Ril and Tauna. The flawless gem shows its owner the character of their own soul. It's closely associated with Amel and his discovery that all souls contain good and evil. Ever since it has been highly coveted as an object capable of seeing the invisible. While commonly depicted as an eye and often mistaken for being a literal cat eye, The Third Eye has always been a unique gemstone that now adorns Amel's Gloaming Cape.

Moonlight Dagger

The Prince fashioned a dagger from moonlight capable of cutting anything as thin as the width of light. The hilt is carved from the heart of the ebony tree. The blade never dulls, and there are rumors that the dagger's cuts are impossible to detect or feel until it's too late.

Gloaming Cape

The shadow of twilight wraps around the world like a cloak, and the Gloaming Cape renders whoever wears it perfect invisibility. Their movements become silent, and not even a shadow remains. As if Amel's black fur and soft footsteps didn't already make him the perfect nighttime hunter, no prey can detect him under the Gloaming Cape.

Holy Books

Book of Shadows

This book isn't what you think it is. In the Twilight Lord's nature, he never speaks plainly. You must discern the truth from the tales and only then will you begin to understand him. Not all the tales are flattering, but that's the point. There's truth in the unspoken side. You must be ready to ask questions. To challenge what you're told. The lessons can be read between the lines and in the margins only if you know how to look for them.

— Bertran Night-touched

The Cat's Code

The Code is really a series of guidelines than strict rules. Emphasize some, ignore others, it's up to you. I know it wasn't written by the Prince of Shadows. I doubt it was written by a Speaker. The Code wasn't meant to be written down. It was meant to be lived. The Prince is the greatest hunter to ever exist. Living like him is a way to improve yourself as a hunter. And as hunters, we leave no trace. So why should our laws and values be written for anyone to find? Read it, take what you want into your own life, but living like a hunter is the real Cat's Code.

— A catfolk hunter to her daughter

Holidays

Festival of Whiskers

The Naei Yon celebrate the Festival of Whiskers at the height of summer. This nocturnal festival is a time when all the adults go out and hunt. They feast upon their kills with their families. The festival also marks the first hunt adolescent cats take when they are recognized as an adult. It lasts for several days with everyone sleeping in the sun during the day only to hunt and feast again the next night.

Night of Reckoning

The longest night of the year is dedicated to the worship of Amel to leave the ratfolk alone. They fear the Silent Hunter above all, and they avoid lighting candles or making any noise. Each person brings out an offering of food and sets it on an altar away from the clan's nest with the hopes that Amel will leave them alone for another year. It's a solemn night, and at home, those who lost loved ones to Amel's sharp claws sit vigil until dawn.

Amel's Nameday

The elves of the Vrania Forest honor Amel's Nameday by going out into the community and offering a warm meal to anyone who's alone. It's customary for orphans to be able to spend the day with a family, and bonds formed on Amel's nameday often extend well past the holiday. Even in cases where a family can't welcome someone in, they often continue to help provide for the person who's alone and needs the support of a community.

Casting Out Cycle

In late autumn, the people of Otorveia observe Casting Out where they strive to purge themselves of harmful habits, relationships, and material possessions. It's a period of ritual purification in recognition of Amel's deceptive nature. People clean their homes and their lives in preparation for winter. However, an equally important but often forgotten practice is Reeling In where positive habits and relationships should be welcomed in. It's also a time to try and better oneself by setting new goals and forming good behaviors.

Divine Classification

God

Realm

Shadowlands

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Prince of Shadows, The Deceptive Prince, Lord of Twilight, Silent Hunter

Age

Immortal

Gender

Male

Eyes

Gold

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Black tabby

Associated Species

Catfolk, Shadow Cats

Church/Cult

Divine Symbols

The third eye, moonlight dagger, four black claw marks, black and teal cape, gold cat eye

Myths & Legends

The Lost Child
Amel the Thief
The Silent Hunter
The Final Judgment