Sisters of the Shroud

The Sisters of the Shroud are cloaked, spectral figures whose forms radiate an unsettling yet captivating presence. Each Sister’s appearance reflects the stage of grief she embodies, though they share key characteristics that mark them as a cohesive group. Their faces are obscured by the deep hoods of their flowing cloaks, revealing nothing but darkness or faint, shifting glimmers of light. Their hands, pale and elongated with claw-like fingers, peek out from their sleeves, adding to their ghostly allure. Denial’s cloak is pale and translucent, constantly shifting and blurring at the edges, as if refusing to take solid form. Anger’s robes burn with flickering streaks of crimson, their fabric jagged and torn as if ripped apart by rage. Bargaining wears a heavy, shadowy cloak that glimmers faintly with silver threads, like whispered promises or fragile hopes. Depression’s shroud is deep, dark blue, almost black, and seems to weigh her down, her movements slow and deliberate. Acceptance’s cloak is pure white and radiant, softly glowing with an otherworldly light, her presence serene and calming.   The mist of The Veil clings to each Sister, swirling and responding to their emotions and movements. Their collective aura is one of overwhelming emotion, and their proximity can evoke intense feelings in mortals and other creatures alike. 

The Sisters of the Shroud exist in a state of harmony with The Veil, their presence enhancing its chaotic yet balanced ecosystem. The mist of The Veil thickens around them, drawn to their power, as though they are focal points of its energy. Wherever they move, the terrain of The Veil seems to shift subtly, the petrified trees, jagged stones, and rivers of shadow bending slightly toward them. Though they rarely interact directly with the environment, their influence is undeniable. Vestiges of grief and sorrow often coalesce in their wake, leaving behind echoes that resonate long after they have passed. Their movements are graceful and deliberate, their flowing robes blending seamlessly with the shifting shadows of The Veil. 

The Sisters are contemplative and purposeful, each embodying her stage of grief in both action and demeanor. Denial drifts aimlessly, as if searching for something lost, her movements hesitant and unsure. Anger strides with fierce intensity, her presence crackling with suppressed energy, lashing out at the mist or nearby creatures. Bargaining pauses frequently, reaching out with her hands or tendrils of shadow, as though pleading for assistance or offering intangible deals. Depression moves slowly and deliberately, her head often bowed, her aura heavy and suffocating. Acceptance glides serenely, her every motion exuding calm and finality.   Though they are deeply tied to grief, the Sisters are not malicious. They do not seek to harm others but instead serve as conduits for their respective stages of emotion. Their interactions are rarely direct; instead, they allow their presence to influence those around them, drawing mortals and other beings into the emotional currents they embody.

The primary purpose of the Sisters of the Shroud is to guide the souls of The Veil —both mortal and immortal—through the stages of grief. They act as intermediaries between the sorrow of the individual and the broader balance of The Veil, ensuring that grief is processed and resolved. Souls that encounter the Sisters are often drawn into their orbit, their emotions amplified and brought to the surface. Each Sister plays a unique role in this process. Denial confronts souls with the reality of their loss, though many resist her influence. Anger channels their frustration and rage, forcing them to confront these volatile emotions. Bargaining tempts them with impossible promises, urging them to reconcile their desires with the reality of their situation. Depression engulfs them in sorrow, allowing them to grieve fully. Finally, Acceptance offers solace, guiding them to peace and the possibility of moving on.   The Sisters are also deeply connected to The Stricken, who remain bound to the stage of grief they could not overcome in life. The Sisters draw energy from The Stricken, using their sorrow to sustain their presence within The Veil. 

In the mortal realm, the Sisters of the Shroud are figures of legend, often depicted as tragic yet necessary forces. They are known by many names—The Weeping Guides, The Mistwalkers, The Five Shades—and are frequently invoked in stories and rituals about grief and loss. In some cultures, the Sisters are seen as benevolent guides, helping the dead find peace and the living come to terms with their sorrow. In others, they are viewed as harbingers of despair, their presence a warning of impending loss. Ceremonies to honor or appease the Sisters often involve lighting five candles, each representing a stage of grief, and reciting prayers or songs of mourning.   One particularly enduring legend tells of a Witch who encountered all five Sisters during a journey through The Veil. This individual is said to have emerged from the realm forever changed, carrying the wisdom of the stages of grief and using it to heal others. Whether this tale is true or not, it reflects the profound impact the Sisters have on those who encounter them.

The Sisters of the Shroud are both revered and avoided by other Creatures of The Veil. The Unseen are particularly drawn to their presence, feeding on the intense emotions that surround them. The Wraithkin and SoulEaters tend to keep their distance, as the Sisters’ power disrupts their natural cycles. The Dread Knights, however, maintain a neutral stance toward the Sisters, respecting their role in the realm’s balance. Mortals who encounter the Sisters are profoundly affected, often undergoing intense emotional transformations. These encounters can lead to clarity and catharsis or plunge the individual deeper into despair, depending on their state of mind. The Sisters do not interfere with mortal choices; they simply present the emotions that must be faced.