Penumbra

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PERSONALITY Years spent hiding her true feelings from her supposed family have left Penumbra secretive and suspicious of others' motives. She can be hard to pin down and rarely, if ever, fully trusts anyone. Even regarding the Accord, she keeps her distance: while it's nice to have the connection, she's ready to sever it at a moment's notice. She is cordial but distant to the other residents of the Resort, never showing her growing anxiety at being trapped. She views Cxarva and Ripplestep with a great deal of suspicion: the former's ruthlessness is deeply concerning, and the matter-of-fact way the latter discusses the supernatural components of their situation reminds her a little too much of the Hollowmoon Pod. When given the choice, she often spends her free time away from the Resort, enjoying a peacable silence in the vicinity of Feuer. HISTORY Penumbra's first family abandoned her, or so claimed the Matron who raised her. For most of her youth, she was part of a group of fathoms known as the Hollowmoon Pod, a somewhat notorious cult dedicated to a moon goddess in place of the Tidelord. The pod has a reputation for kidnapping and violence, something she unfortunately witnessed firsthand at a feast; this event led her to eventually flee the group. But leaving wasn't as straightforward as just swimming off. Penumbra worked hard for years and years to convince the cult of her steadfast faith, until the Matron permitted her to go on a solo mission trip to "recruit the faithful". She used the opportunity to slip away entirely, staying as far away from the pod as she could manage. She eventually met Pelagius, Delphi, and Petrichor at a small gathering of fathoms. None of the four had a true family, and at that meeting they laid the groundwork for the Wanderer's Accord, a loosely-knit pod of their own. When the Accord made the decision to venture onto land, Penumbra opted to venture south, curious about the structure and goals of the gaolers in Dripcave Dregs. She only intended to stop at Little Snow for the night, but when she overheard Cluaran and Liev discussing disappearances in the area, she became curious. Unfortunately, curiosity has often gotten the better of Penumbra. CONNECTIONS Penumbra tends to be particularly suspicious of magically inclined dragons, and Delphi was no exception. However, Delphi's pragmatism, calm demeanor, and repeated attempts to earn her trust have- eventually- led Penumbra to consider her a good friend. Penumbra chose to call her specifically to Little Snow as backup for a reason. Petrichor's erratic, nervous energy often grates on Penumbra. She trusts him well enough, but grows tired of his company relatively quickly if no one else is around. Pelagius and Penumbra have somewhat similar outlooks on life and similar approaches to opening up to others. She considers him her best friend, even if their interactions often boil down to sitting together quietly. Penumbra finds Haima's dedication to her craft admirable, even if the red fathom can be somewhat insufferable in conversation. Still, Penumbra is very good at following along and feigning interest, which has earned her Haima's favor. Feuer reminds Penumbra of Pelagius with his calm demeanor and companionable silence, his cabin offering something like a refuge from the more energetic members of the Resort. Something about Cxarva's casual ruthlessness rubs Penumbra the wrong way, reminding her of some of the more violent members of the Hollowmoon Pod. While she plays nice with the spiral, she's always on edge around her. Ripplestep's casual discussion of, and connection to, the supernatural makes the spines on the back of Penumbra's neck flare. Unlike with Cxarva, she's inclined to think this reaction is somewhat unfounded both given their current situation and Caonach and Brik vouching for them.

Wilting Rose Plant This rose did not take the trip in the Journeyman Satchel well. (Special thanks orchidemily) 100 9 Shadow Serpentskin Dragonmade Discreetly gifted to let dragons know there's a snake among the clan. When this warning is not heeded, a live shadow serpent is often the next 'gift'. 26 Moonstone Minerals & Ores This radiant gemstone is known for its magical ability to aid in the biological morphing processes of some rare types of sprites and fairies. 45 Depleted Sacridite Minerals & Ores This mineral can be gathered from abandoned lairs.(KS-Sponsored by Darrin P.) 72

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STATS

• CLASS: Ex-Cultist
• ALIGNMENT: ??
• THEME:

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AFFILIATIONS

• Member of the WANDERER'S ACCORD
• Previous member of the HOLLOWMOON POD

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ART, WORKS, RESOURCES


Haima hadn't cared for her pod. Pelagius lost them all. Delphi never had one to begin with. Petrichor was chased out.

Penumbra realized they weren't who she had thought they were, and left on her own.

(Ex cultist?)

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"Outsiders."

"Outsiders?"

The fathoms whisper amongst themselves, quiet and conflicted. Some seem excited, but anxiety dominates the conversation, and it's anxiety that Penumbra herself feels the most.

For as long as she can remember, the Hollowmoon Pod has moved alone, keeping their distance from other travellers. Any time calls from other groups had echoed through the depths, they had taken great lengths to avoid intersecting the travellers. She had never thought they might be forced into contact with another group, given how vast the ocean was, but a massive storm system was forcing them into a bottleneck near the shore, and it was becoming clear that they could not avoid some sort of rendezvous.

The outsiders were supposed to be heretics, the word muttered like a curse between the elders of the pod: followers of a false god, a cruel and violent folk who were likely to belittle them at best and war with them at worst. Most of the pod was forbidden from seeking them out, only a few deemed strong enough to go draw the faithful from their ranks. It will be many mooncycles before Penumbra herself will have a chance to go on such a mission.

Despite all of that, though, she can't help but be curious. The voices echoing through the depths sound friendly and welcoming, promising a feast of fish and interesting news. Even with the Matron telling them it's all a ploy to lower their guard, part of her wants to believe they're being genuine: after all, even if some outsiders were heretics, surely not all of them could be.

"Calm, everyone," the Matron rumbles, and the pod stills. "We will parley with the outsiders. Be polite, be quiet, and though it may be tempting, do not speak of our lady in the night sky. It takes careful fins to sway outsiders to her truths, and they would not understand."

Excitement and anxiety bubble in Penumbra's chest. Outsiders. She's going to meet outsiders.

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"Penumbra."

At long last they find her, tucked as tightly in her little spot as she can get. The Matron's claws hook her out and into the open. She flinches at the touch.

"Penumbra, what did you see?"

The children of both pods had been taken aside to play, but Penumbra had been more interested in the feast and the adult outsiders. Her absence hadn't been noticed in the chaos, not until well after the fact.

The Matron studies her, frowning. "...Don't let this shake your faith, child. We do what we must for the sake of the Moon."

There's still the scent of blood in the water. An odd haze of sorts over the gathering area. She can see them, even- the outsiders.

"Penumbra." The Matron's stern tone draws her attention. "We do not question. We do not falter. You know this."

There is blood on the Matron's teeth. Bile rises in the back of Penumbra's throat.

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Leaving isn't a simple thing, but after that day she knows she must.

But she isn't the fastest, and they would chase her.

She isn't the strongest, and they would hurt her.

She is alone, and their numbers grow greater with every passing year.

So Penumbra throws herself into it instead. She becomes fervent and dedicated, a picture perfect devotee. She convinces them so thoroughly of her faith that even she begins to believe again for a while. If not for her lingering nightmares, she might be lost to it entirely.

And when she comes of age, when the Matron finally approves her first mission, she uses that freedom to slip their grasp entirely.