Shien

The shien is a demon archetype which originates from the Shien'tyr valence. The two subtypes of shien are darkling and shadowling. They are both classified as minor demons and can be summoned through the use of Minor Summoning (725).

Physical Description

The shien are hazily enshrouded humanoid forms which closely resemble Grik'tyr's imps. Their bodies are cloaked by a swirling shroud of shadowy haze that is reminiscent of Shien'tyr's own makeup. Darklings tend to possess a blacker haze, while the shadowlings are typically grey. Each sub-type has been witnessed in a bluish hue, likely a common variation shared by both. The incorporeal form of the shien is noted to possess a certain impermanence. Fragments of their forms often vanish spontaneously, only to be reconstituted seconds later. This affords them the ability to simply move through physical obstacles, their bodies absorb into the object and reform on the other side.

Shien are also capable of exceptional manipulation and response to sound, possibly as a replacement for sight in the darkness of Shien'tyr. They can mimic noises perfectly, reproducing entire conversations flawlessly. Even using the sound offensively is within their ability. Shien use their shroud to emit sounds, and often will separate a cylinder of their haze which will carry the audio to its designated target. Like their imp cousins, their faceless heads can mimic the faces of others, leaving the visage upon their haze temporarily. The origin of the similarities between imps and shien is unknown, but it is clear that they share some connection.

Society and Behavior

The behavior of shien in their natural valence has never been observed, thus all conclusions about their society are deduced from its actions in our world. Shien do not seem to be concerned at all with their surroundings. Even threats rarely catch the attention of the shien, and it will continue to stand seemingly unaware of its surroundings. Considering their fine control of sound, it seems possible that interaction with other shien seems likely, though there has never been proof.

Mechanical Benefits and Flaws

The shien are the most capable mana sharing minor demons. They are poor at holding coins, and slow at finding and scouting. Shien possess a special ability when delivering messages. If the summoner's room is dark (either naturally, or by use of Darkness) when instructed to deliver, a mist will appear in both the room of the master and target. Both parties can then freely < WHISPER MIST {message} > to communicate between each other in real-time.

Roleplaying Verbs

SLAP - You move toward an indistinct dark black darkling in a threatening fashion. The dark black darkling doesn't even seem to notice.

CLENCH/POKE/PUSH/RUB/TOUCH - Your hand sinks through the layer of haze surrounding the dark black darkling. Although you know you have touched the darkling, you cannot feel anything except for a peculiar, distinctly unpleasant tingling. The tingling fades when you withdraw your hand.

STARE/GAZE - You stare/gaze at an indistinct dark black darkling. The darkling doesn't respond in any way.

Possible Adjectives

Shien summoned by Minor Summoning may have the following appearances. The description of each will follow this format: "a/an {descriptor} {color} darkling/shadowling," with the options possible displayed in the following table.

Descriptor	Color
blurred	ashen
hazy	black
indistinct	charcoal grey
misty	coal black
nebulous	cobalt
shifting	dark black
vaporous	deep blue
	grey
	greyish blue
	light grey
	marine blue
	midnight black
	midnight blue
	pearly grey
	pitch black
	sapphire blue
	shadowy black
	slate blue
	stone grey
	twilight grey

Illusion Possibilities

Illusions
an aging dusty gnoll
a haggard grey-haired gnoll
a stooped and wizened gnoll
a portly wrinkled gnoll
an old fork-bearded gnoll

Sorcerers With This Uncommon Rune

• Mekthros
• Missoni
• Kilaya
• Desmonique