Onu

Yanu's Little Helpers

The Onu served as Yanu's secondary attendants, handling smaller yet crucial tasks that did not warrant the direct attention of the Ynue or Yanu themselves. They existed in diverse forms with various functions, but alas, many of them faced extinction during the Ynue rebellion, leaving only a few survivors. This is because they were viciously hunted and exterminated by the Ynue, and only those who could hide or defend themselves were able to survive.

During the early days of Yanu, they had been the labourers, to complement the Ynue's architectural function, they were the ones who did the little things, which together made the big things happen, they may not have been the most powerful, but they were nonetheless important, even if their current position in this world is that of relics, from history long past.

The Neyen

The Neyen were forest-tenders, designed by Yanu to plant and maintain the world’s great ecosystems. Where the Ynue carved valleys and summoned rivers, the Neyen nurtured roots, coaxed growth, and seeded futures. They were the caretakers of continuity—less grand, but no less sacred.

When the Ynue were cast out and the world left wounded, Yanu offered his remaining Neyen a final gift: the power to hide. They became shapeshifters, able to pass unnoticed among mortals or animals. Since then, they have lived in secret, scattered throughout the world, their numbers steady but unchanging—immortal, but infertile.

They quietly continue their work, awaiting the day they will truly be needed again, though they do not know if it will ever come.

Appearance

In their true form, Neyen resemble small, humanoid forest beings—not quite human, not quite fae. Their skin is patterned like birch bark, their eyes glow softly like golden acorns, and their hair hangs in trailing vines. Thorns tip their fingers, and moss grows in the creases of their joints.

Abilities

Shapeshifting: Their most well-known ability is transforming into any animal they want. What many don't know is that each of them also has a single mortal form, and nowadays all of them have one of those. This form makes them look utterly indistinguishable from, for example, a human, or an elf, whichever they choose to imitate. 

Magic: What they are less known for is their nature magic. They can make plants grow, and they can breed them like no mortal ever could. They can harness the true power of the forests, but their nature has never been that of a worrier, and although their magic can definitely be used in combat, their bodies are frail and weak, and their mind isn't made to endure death, instead their abilities are much more suitable for healing, for strengthening, and sustaining.

Immortality: By their nature, the Neyen are immortal and will not age, or pass away from the marching of time. They can however, be killed by malicious forces, an especially devastating crime, due to their inability to reproduce. Due to them not being able to reproduce their natural forms, they are not divided into males and females. Their lack of reproductive practices has also made them lack any real gender differences. Some say they look most like children.

Interactions

When they do interact with mortals, it is in their mortal form, and the mortals usually aren't aware of what kind of ancient being they are talking to. However, on occasion, the mortal isn't aware, something that can only happen if the Neyen have chosen to reveal themselves. In this case, they might lend their abilities to aid someone. This is very rare though, because they prefer staying away from mortals, where it is safe.

Reapers

The reapers are some of the younger of Yanu's servants, they were created along with the first animals, which came much later than the plants. Their job was to carry dead creatures to the land of the dead, where they may rest forever.
Later, with the creation of mortals, their job expanded to include them.
Their job isn't only to guide, but also to protect, and for this vital and important purpose, they were granted great power.

They are so strong that even the Ynue were hesitant to attack them, which is why they were able to survive, only losing a small number of their brethren.

Appearance

Invisible to the naked eye, they manifest occasionally as faint shadows, subtle gusts of wind on a still day, or elusive flickers in mirrors. Their true form reveals itself only in the spectral realm, where they appear as humanoid beings of light. Clad in full plate armor, seemingly crafted from pure light as if light itself were a metallic substance. They keep their visors closed. A longsword, also comprised of radiant light resting at their side. Legend has it that they become visible solely to those on the brink of death. 

Effects of Changing Times

Unlike many other species, the ceaseless march of time, the end of the Ynue, and even the withdrawal of Yanu into slumber have left them unaffected. Their daily existence remains untouched as they continue to collect the souls of the departed, delivering their ethereal energy back to Yanu, oblivious and uninterested in the changes around them.