Hollows (Dark and Light)

Hollows (Not to be mistaken for Hallow and its dominion) are rare changeling-like beings that reside all over Alathra. They are mostly nomadic beings who don’t recall memories of their past, instead usually finding connections and identity with those around them. Their magic pertains to the halves of their souls, either light or dark with slight elemental affinity. They have an attraction to the opposing elements while often stay away from too much of their main element due to their broken souls.

Appearance/Traits

Hollows can vary in appearance greatly depending on where they adapt but are often humanoid in form. Often their coloration tends to be a giveaway. Hollows are often colored in varying shades of grays or white on their skin depending on their soul, in a way that is inhuman. They also tend to lean into demonic, angelic and draconic appearance when not in a community. Changing as well depending on common values, like Light Hollows leaning more angelic. Communal Hollows who have made connections with others can often mistaken for other races so it is best to ask.

It is also seen that those that recall their memories of the past also tend to have a sort of ‘third eye’ in the same color as their true eye, whether it works or not varies on the being. They also tend to lean onto more draconic or ‘original traits’ such as unique horn shapes or certain wings shapes different from dragons.

Origin

Hollows through ancient text have a connection to draconic beings, specifically those known as the ‘Dragons who seek the stars’. It is written in old texts of the Tale of Sky and Void. The young twin gods that brought beast and beings into existence. Once one Kin unified by the earth, beings of many forms founded upon unity until a war caused by an ancient threat divided them amongst each other. The Gods in order to stop this split the beast in three. Yet the damage had already been done, so in turn the greatest curse was brought upon this race who had the most hate within their hearts. They divided them further into dark and light in hopes that one day they could reunite and find peace within themselves free of malice, a prophecy formed that one day they would reunite again as kin once more.

While some hollows were able to establish a place many had succumb to an ancient madness created by the being that cause their divide in the first place, it’s broken body seeking to never reunite them. The Hollows over time had many disagreements and divided themselves from their draconic kin, finding a new home on a small island. Yet despite overcoming some trials and paths to restore themselves and create a new home, eventually only a few scattered Hollows remain. Falling to desperation and despair as years went by. Much of their histories lost to time, much like their draconic kin who were slowly falling to a similarly ill fate.

Magic

Hollows have a natural affinity to light or dark magic depending on their souls. Light and Dark magic has many properties than just lighting up or snuffing out a place. In order to use their magic they must consume the opposing energy. As using their magic results in an overcharge of their already unbalanced souls. If a Hollow doesn’t take that measure it can result in passing out or on rare occasions, a sort of illness.

Light Magic: Light Hollows are beings able to manipulate light. They are able to manipulate light sources and light around them. They can mold and control light at will like a physical entity as well as control the waves in which light usually runs. Being able to raise or lower its temp with careful concentration. This also gives them an affinity to control fire and the ability to use bioluminescence. As long as there's a bit of light they are able to take it and harness it. They can also make their own light using their souls.

Dark Magic: Dark Hollows are beings that manipulate Darkness, this is a bit different from shadows but they can control that too, albeit with more difficulty. It is more like a void ability, able to take light away. In the absence of light, they are able to take complete darkness and control it at will. They can essentially become invisible by merging with darkness, as well as limiting their aura by essentially absorbing it out of existence for a brief moment. They can also make little voids pockets, if they could control it well that is. They can also make voids and consume light with their souls.

Culture

There are ruins located in some areas detailing their civilization after the war. Their civilization revolved heavily around worship and acceptance, hopes of prophecy for a new future where they all could be one again. Lone Hollows often follow the same pattern of drawing connections with communities nearby, mimicking styles with fragments of memory left. Many just try to find some sort of thing to make them whole as many are unsure about what they really feel. Hollows find attraction and comfort in places of the opposing thing they are, which often results in them living in what is seen as unusual places depending on their type. Ex: Light hollows living in dark woods or Dark Hollows in Valleys or mountains.

Hollows try to find joy and hope in purity and knowledge. They are capable of melding into other’s cultures quite easily if given the patience.