#they're kind of cryptids...

In the Maia Cradle subspecies, Shadow bodies are hollow, semi-flexible shells seemingly comprised of condensed shadows. The shell can technically have its shape altered, but this is painful for the Shadow, and it will return to its natural form eventually. It does not extend all the way down for limbs; in most Shadows, the shell typically stops just shy of “wrist”  and just below “ankle” level. “Joints” are areas where the shell is naturally thinner or more flexible, allowing for movement, but also more vulnerable to damage.

Outer layer is comprised of “shadestuff” of similar composition but a more spongy texture than the shell, like memory foam; it functions like fat or skin to protect the vulnerable, sensitive shell. This shadestuff layer thickens when the Shadow is under a lot of stress over a decent period of time. It also thickens after recent injury to prevent further damage. Shadestuff seems highly malleable, given a little time and focus; this may account for some of the rumors of shapeshifting Shadows. The texture can also be altered, much more easily than the Shadow’s form can.

Beneath shell, main body cavity is filled with extremely dense but lightweight fluid. The fluid appears to be vital, and spills out if shell is damaged, much like blood or sap from organic beings; this causes reasonable distress, and eventual death if enough is lost. Shadows can survive considerably higher loss of internal fluid than organic beings can for proportionate loss of blood. Direct white light turns the fluid almost entirely transparent. Otherwise, it is impossible to see through. Direct light also causes the fluid to begin dissipating, and induces distress followed by extreme lethargy.

Internal organs seem comprised of a glowing crystalline structure in the head, a kind of spindle in the torso, and numerous little semi-vital spheres scattered through the internal fluid. The crystalline structure and spindle are both suspended through unknown means, apparently unsupported by the fluid, as evidenced by draining a sufficient quantity. The crystalline structure hovers in the center of their cranial cavity and seems responsible for their glowing eyes, and will brighten or dim along with moods and speech. Its radiance vanishes entirely shortly before death. The light it produces seems able to pass freely through the internal fluid without damaging it.

The spindle in the torso is located in the upper torso, about lung-height for an organic being, and slightly back of center. It about 12” long and tapers to a point at both ends. This organ appears to be responsible for their ability to manipulate shadows, including their own bodies. Destruction is immediately lethal; a removed spindle can be returned to its place within reasonable time without causing lasting harm. Removal of the spindle causes intense distress, convulsions, and alternating stiffening or softening of the shell and shadestuff. This frequently triggers spilling of the internal fluid, and will lead to death and dissolution if it is not returned within fifteen minutes. Damage to the spindle can be repaired, but very slowly, taking months or even years, and will impair the Shadow’s movement and ability to maintain form until fully healed.