The Echoes
Since the beginning of Ecithian history, Ecithians have always lived with and coexisted with many of the fauna of the wild continent. They've always maintained a mentality of partnership with the animals, rather than claiming ownership of them. However, some of the fauna are quite different from their same species brethren. Every native species of fauna, excluding the Primals, has had some of their kind affected by a mystical type of melanism. This has created pure black versions of these animals that is tied into the shadows of the land. It is largely believed that they have been altered by the phenomenon known as the Unknown. It remains a mystery has to how or why these animals have been affected, why they aren't taken or kept.
These creatures are far more unique than the simple pure black melanism they are affected by. While on the continent of Ecith, they can travel through shadows, magically, as though they were portals. They can simply step into one shadow and step out of another instantly. Additionally, these creatures are have an inherent connection to people. While they don't approach civilizations, they are known for finding people in the wild and approaching them. Sometimes when they do, they come bearing gifts of food or warmth or safety. They may often spend some time around the people they find before moving on. However, occasionally, they will select a person, and stay with them.
Over time of staying with this person they've selected, there will be a moment where the creature can be seen pawing at or otherwise touching the person's shadow, and their shadow responding appropriately. This appears to be a question, a proposition. If accepted, the creature steps into the person's shadow and becomes permanently bound to them. It was research into these bound creatures that led to the theory of them being tied to the Unknown. When they've bonded, they always gift a memory to their new partner, a memory that came from someone the Unknown has taken from that person's life. This has led people to believe that the taken are somewhere else, and are sending these memories through the creatures back to their loved ones. This has caused these melanistic creatures to be called Echoes and they are considered sacred creatures. Extensive research and documentation of them and their companions has led to the conclusion that only people who have lost someone to the Unknown has been partnered with.
After the bond has formed, both the Echo and their companion gain a number of abilities. The most obvious of the ability is that the Echo has replaced their companion's shadow in both shape and function. It stays connected to where the companion's shadow would be (such as underfoot), but otherwise can stretch and move freely, contorting its own shape to its own desires. If the Echo dies, the companion lives on, but will never have a shadow of their own again. If the companion dies, the Echo is set loose once more, and will often go on to find someone else connected to the person who was taken by the Unknown. As the bond grows overtime, the Echo gains sentience and telepathic speech that is exclusive with their companion. This personality that forms is its own and is not a mimic of the person lost, nor of the companion.
Echo Abilities (Unbonded):
Shadowstepping
Perfect stealth while in shade, shadow, or night time
Detection of a person connected to the memory they carry
Echo Abilities (Bonded) (Includes Unbonded Abilities):
Replacement of Companion's shadow in shape and function
Telepathy with Bonded Companion
Development of sentience and speech
Companion Abilities (Bonded):
Gains True Nightvision (This is a Skill that must be practiced and leveled up like any other. However, at 100/100 Mastery, the companion can see into any and all forms of darkness as clear to them as if it were day or any other similar scenario, without any difficulty in the transition).
Gains Aspect of the Shadow - This ability is a modifier of existing magics, divine abilities, and other supernatural powers. It allows for the inclusion of shadows both aesthetically or functionally into this abilities. If it makes sense to the user for the shadows to become included, they do.
Telepathy with bonded Echo.
Moderator Note:
To acquire an Echo, one must write a story / stories of their PC being visited by the Echo. Your PC must have had someone (PC or NPC) taken from them by the Unknown at some point in their Character History or IC through threads. Upon writing the story of acquiring the Echo, contact a moderator to have the thread reviewed and the Echo awarded.