Ynue

Dark Gods

The Ynue are the ancient, primordial inhabitants of the world, predating all known history. They shaped the world as it is today, raising mountains, carving canyons, and creating seas and oceans, leaving no trace of what the world might have looked like before their arrival.

Though often perceived as dark gods or beings of unfathomable power and sinister intent, they are not true deities, as they are not truly omnipotent. Across most of the world, the Ynue are condemned as wretched beings undeserving of worship. Nonetheless, they continue to attract cultist followers who see them as the rightful rulers of the world.

Long ago, in an age shrouded in myth and legend, the Ynue were banished from this world by Yanu, the almighty creator, as punishment for their rebellion and treachery, and his power prevents them from returning to his realm to this day. This act of exile is still engrained in the collective memory of the world, but the reason has long since been forgotten. Each religion has their own theories on their origin, as well as who banished them and why.

When the Ynue were cast out, they each retreated to realms of their own, created by the force of their own power. In these realms, they wield near absolute power, shaping their surroundings to their will. Yet, despite the freedom to create their ideal domains, the Ynue remain fixated on returning to the mortal world they once inhabited. Many yearn to become its ultimate ruler.

These realms are all connected to each other although they generally keep within the bounds of their own realms, as this is also where they are the most powerful. The Ynue are easily able to create portals to the world of Yanu, which are used by mortals to enter and leave the worlds of Ynue, and these portals are also used to snatch souls from Yanu's world.

Occult Following

Cut off from direct access to the mortal plane, the Ynue channel their influence through cults. These groups, often shunned and persecuted, are their only link to the mortal realm. Though all the Ynue are considered malevolent, some are more hated than others. Few, if any, of their followers are "good" in the conventional sense, and most people wisely resist the Ynue's corrupting temptations.

The Ynue typically gain followers by offering promises of extraordinary power and the fulfillment of earthly desires. For instance, Bo-Rak's werewolves and Appolyus and Mallakar's vampires are among the twisted creations born from such dark bargains. Other Ynue employ subtler methods, cloaking their motives in the guise of justice or righteousness to manipulate mortal minds. One such example is the cult of Killian’s Cross, which masquerades as a force of virtue while at heart, they are forces of the Ynue, vital to spreading her influence in the world.

Rivalries

The Ynue are known to dislike each other, this is a divide born of ancient rivalries and overlapping ambitions. This not only affects their relationships with each other, but also the relationship between those who serve them. This is why different Ynue cults will often hate each other, and engage in battles for influence in any given area. This animosity even extends to the Ynue's creations, such as vampires and werewolves, who rarely get along.

Many who join with one of the Ynue regret it later, as they realize they were tricked or deceived, and seek to escape their dark overlords.
But once an Ynue has taken a follower, they will not easily let go of them. Leaving the service of a dark lord might just end in a quick and decisive death.

Others are quite happy with their newfound powers and serve their master loyally until the end of their life. This is influenced by the choice of Ynue, as some are better masters than others.

Where Bo-Rak and Appolyus simply grant power in exchange for favors, an Ynue like Mallakar will demand nothing less than eternal serfdom from those who borrow his powers, and Mirani, rather than enriching and empowering her subjects, poisons their bodies and minds, in exchange for a tiny snippet of power.

Appearance

None of the Ynue have a physical form by nature, but they generally have a single physical form they tend to adopt, to distinguish themselves from their peers, in the presence of mortals. However, there are also those among them who have embraced their formless nature and have made it their defining physical characteristic.