The ways of the Shrouded Ones are strange and mostly unknown. Their place of worship and planning is in the bowels of the world, in tunnels and cavities claimed by chaos. The thick sheets of Lindwyrm skin ward away many, for the legends have spelt out the terrible fate inflicted upon those who intrude. There are a few who have taken the plunge and returned to the surface world, but these rare insights have offered very little. The Shrouded Ones preach the word of the Lindwyrms, but are wise to not reveal all of their plans. Thus, they are phantoms of the world, appearing from thin air to warn of their prophecy and to sow chaos amidst those who cling to the fluids. And once their job is done, they vanish as quickly as they appeared, leaving many to puzzle on how such events transpired. At times, there are mere glimpses into their world, yet they only create more questions than answers. It is already hard for folks to wrap their heads around the idea of the Shrouded Ones, what are they to make of the beasts that have been seen with them?
Just like the Shrouded Ones, these creatures come in all shapes and sizes. For some, you can tell the species they once were, while others are so warped by the skin's curse that they defy identification. The only thing that can be said to describe them is that they were once animals that have been wrapped in the Lindwyrm skin and have their flesh steeped in its malformed curse. These rare sightings have led to the label of "Shroud Beast," for these strange creatures, ones that serve as companions to the Shrouded Ones. In some tales, a Shrouded One has been spotted alongside some stalking beast, like a mummified hyaena. Others speak of an assassin running off into nothingness atop a veiled steed. Is it purely legend, or do such monstrosities exist? If so, how? It is known that the vows of the Shrouded Ones are permanently binding, and take an incredible amount of dedication and willpower to sustain. The skins that cloak them make their very flesh uncertain and formless, their minds the only thing keeping them intact. How is it that a mere beast can achieve such a form?
No solid answers have been found, but many theories have come forth. One suggests that the animals were companions to a specific Shrouded One before they took on their vows, and followed their master on this path of chaos. Their bond and shared memories allow the creature to sustain themselves even as their flesh is dissolved into the unknown. Another believes that a beast's mind is so simple, that it does better maintaining itself amongst the chaos, blissfully unaware of all the complexities and woe that may plague a sapient mind. All it cares is about the basics of life and it is confident in its own being, any moral or existential angst they are immune to. Of course, some agree that an animal is not wise enough to fully understand the process, but they argue that the Shrouded Ones weave their own magic to make this possible. They already weaponize desiccated essence and ancient memories, is it that big of a stretch to believe they may use this dusty knowledge to strengthen the minds of their companions? Then there is one popular theory that the "Shroud Beasts" were never animals to begin with, but Shrouded Ones who have degraded in mentality and chose a simpler form and mind. They require mental prowess to keep themselves whole, any Shrouded One who loses control for too long may simply melt away into nothingness. Perhaps some of them have partially fallen in their minds, and struggle to maintain balance. It could be that taking on the form and basic mind of an animal helps them remain calm and in control, working in tandem with another Shrouded One so that both will remain sane and certain.
Shroud Beasts appear to share some of the same characteristics as a Shrouded One, mainly their uncertain flesh and ability to shift their forms. Limbs can extend, bodies can warp, but not as much as their masters. It seems that these creatures have less layers on their body, meaning the curse doesn't penetrate as deep. This limits their abilities, but it could be the reason they are able to maintain themselves with the skin. If a certain amount of their body remains solid and known, there is not as much willpower needed to ensure they don't melt into a blob.
But what is the purpose of a Shroud Beast? Why do the shapeshifters need a creature companion when they can bend themselves into countless forms? The belief is that it is a way to boost their numbers, as the Shrouded Ones are few. Their beliefs are certainly not popular and the devotion to the cause is daunting to most. Not many are signing up, so perhaps this bolsters their efforts and allows them to sow more chaos. Others think it is more personal than that. The Shrouded Ones need a calm mind and strong will to achieve their goals and maintain their existence. It cannot be easy to do, and there must be rough days. Could it be these Shroud Beasts are just another way to sustain themselves? To give them an anchor in this sea of chaos?
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Idea came to mind and I just ran with it. Felt too good to pass up!
