One of the vilest and most foul creatures in all of creation is, suprisingly, one we know some of the least about. Different cultures have different names for it. Simulacrum, Shade, Reflection, Epitaph.
But what's in a name? Nightshade, by any other name, is still just as deadly. It is a creature of darkness, a construct crafted via a terrible ritual which binds black magicks into a physical form for one purpose and one purpose only: the murder of a living being. And, in a sense, the Shade is a dark reflection of that person, every feature completely identical, but expressed in smoke and shadow, coal-red lights glowing behind what would be eyes.
Tragically, there is very little most of the world knows about the way they work, simply because of what they are. They will fight to the death any foe in their way, especially their Others, and should they succeed in this task will fade away into the shadows which comprise them. A similar fate awaits should they be mortally wounded in combat, as well, and the individuals who know how to make them are frequently the darkest of wizards, and thus are notoriously difficult to speak to on account of their reclusive and violent natures.
So it follows logically that it is very nearly impossible to examine one in a peaceful environment. And yet, one exists here. He says his name is Itzal, and in spite of the potentially-intimidating crimson glow of his eyes, his expression seems to hold no real malice, merely... curiosity. Upon inspection, he seems to be a perfectly normal-looking young man of athletic build and human descent, typically wearing a mail-backed tunic, with a sword, shield, and crossbow slung across his back. Normal, that is, except that everything on him is black as the night sky, even his skin, hair, and should one look at his mouth, his teeth and even the flesh inside! He seems nearly insubstantial as well, significantly lighter than someone of his size ought to be, and yet surprisingly able to hold his ground and apply leverage.
Itzal, it seems, is in the entirely unique position of being a Simulacrum which was beaten by its target, and yet was not fatally wounded, thus leaving him alive... and with his primary purpose failed entirely, leaving him quite uncertain as to where he stands in life, or what he should do from here on. He tends to be ignorant of social customs, having no real skills aside from those which he was created for, although he appears intensely curious about the world around him, if more than a little bit naive, even easily taken advantage of. The name was given to him by a friend that took him in, although for the time being he finds himself here, perhaps waiting to be exposed to the myriad experiences the Hollow has to offer.
Whether this will prove to be a good or bad thing is up for debate.
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