The Vaaku

Origins and Creation

The Vaaku (or Shadowborn) were forged in the darkest depths of the Underworld, born from the essence of the Lord of the Underworld, Malachi, himself. Created as his enforcers and emissaries, the Vaaku are the embodiment of darkness and decay. Their creation was fueled by Malachi’s desire to extend his dominion over Nathakra, turning the Vaaku into his most loyal and powerful servants. The process of their creation was an act of dark alchemy, where the raw essence of shadow and the souls of the damned were combined, giving birth to these fearsome beings.

Physical Traits

The Vaaku stand between 6 to 7 feet tall, with a lean but muscular build. Their purplish-grey skin appears almost ashen, with a texture that resembles cracked stone. Their heads are crowned with smaller horns, which form a natural bone-like crown that symbolizes their connection to the Underworld. Their eyes are glowing orbs of crimson or violet, reflecting the malevolent power within them.

Each Vaaku has a mouth full of jagged, fang-like teeth, capable of tearing through flesh with ease. Their fingers end in razor-sharp claws, which they use as weapons in both battle and ritualistic practices. Despite their menacing appearance, they move with a fluid, almost predatory grace, making them both fearsome combatants and elusive hunters.

Hierarchy and Social Constructs

Vaaku society is strictly hierarchical, with power and knowledge of the dark arts being the primary determinants of rank and status.

1. The Shadowlord (Lord of the Vaaku):
   • At the top of the hierarchy stands the Shadowlord, a title given to the most powerful and skilled necromancer among them. The Shadowlord acts as the supreme leader of the Vaaku, second only to Malachi himself. This figure commands absolute authority and is responsible for channeling the will of their dark lord, ensuring that the Vaaku’s influence spreads across Nathakra.
2. The Shadow Council:
   • Directly beneath the Shadowlord is the Shadow Council, a group of elite necromancers and sorcerers who are masters of the dark arts. These individuals are the most revered and feared among the Vaaku, wielding immense power that can rival even the gods. They advise the Shadowlord and are entrusted with the most critical tasks, such as summoning ancient evils, raising armies of the undead, and corrupting the mortal realm.
3. Necromancers and Dark Sorcerers:
   • The bulk of the Vaaku’s ruling class consists of necromancers and dark sorcerers. These individuals are highly respected for their mastery of magic and are often tasked with leading rituals, conducting dark experiments, and expanding the Vaaku’s knowledge of forbidden lore. Their pursuit of power and knowledge often leads to internal rivalries, as each strives to prove their superiority.
4. Warlords and Death Knights:
   • Beneath the spellcasters are the warlords and death knights. These Vaaku are the commanders of the Vaaku’s military forces, leading legions of undead and corrupted beasts into battle. While less intelligent than their magical counterparts, their brute strength and martial prowess make them formidable opponents. They are often used as enforcers of the Shadow Council’s will, ensuring that the lower ranks remain in line.
5. The Fallen and Tainted Ones:
   • At the bottom of the hierarchy are the Fallen and Tainted Ones. These are the Vaaku who, while possessing some magical abilities, rely primarily on their physical prowess and savagery. They serve as the foot soldiers, scouts, and laborers within Vaaku society. Though they lack the intelligence and cunning of the higher ranks, they are fiercely loyal and are often sent on the most dangerous missions. The Tainted Ones, in particular, are Vaaku who have been subjected to dark experiments, enhancing their physical abilities at the cost of their sanity.

Society and Culture

Vaaku society is one of constant power struggles and ambition. The pursuit of power is the ultimate goal, and treachery is not uncommon. Vaaku frequently engage in duels, both physical and magical, to settle disputes and prove their dominance. The strong rise to power, while the weak are either subjugated or cast aside.

Despite their dark nature, the Vaaku have a strong sense of loyalty to their kind and their lord. They believe in the inevitability of the Lord of the Underworld’s dominion over all realms and see themselves as his chosen instruments. This belief fuels their relentless pursuit of power and influence.

The Tower of Anathema

The center of Vaaku power is the Tower of Anathema, a massive, ominous structure that rises from the heart of the Realm of Perdition. The tower is a nexus of dark energy, and its very presence has turned the surrounding land into a barren wasteland. The Vaaku draw their strength from the tower, and it serves as both a fortress and a temple where they conduct their darkest rituals. The higher one ascends within the tower, the more powerful the Vaaku who reside there, with the Shadowlord dwelling at its peak.

Traits and Characteristics

• Magic Affinity: All Vaaku possess an innate connection to the dark arts, with a particular affinity for necromancy and shadow magic. Even those of lower intelligence can wield destructive magic, though the more powerful spells are reserved for the elite.
• Undying Loyalty: Despite their treacherous nature, Vaaku are fiercely loyal to the Lord of the Underworld, Malachi, and their Shadowlord. Betrayal within the ranks is rare and severely punished.
• Physical Prowess: Vaaku, even those not specializing in combat, possess greater strength and resilience than most other beings. Their claws and teeth make them deadly in close combat, and their natural agility allows them to evade attacks with ease.
• Aura of Dread: The very presence of a Vaaku instills fear in lesser beings. This fear is not just psychological but also magical in nature, weakening the resolve of their enemies and causing them to make mistakes in battle.

Height and Weight

• Height: 6 to 7 feet tall
• Weight: 180 to 250 pounds, depending on rank and build

Languages

Vaakthar

• Description: Vaakthar is the native language of the Vaaku, a harsh and guttural tongue that resonates with the power of the Underworld. It is a language of shadows, spoken in deep, rumbling tones that seem to echo with the whispers of the damned. Vaakthar is used in their daily communication, rituals, and dark incantations. The language is filled with complex symbols and runes, often inscribed on their armor, weapons, and the walls of the Tower of Anathema.
• Writing System: The script is angular and jagged, resembling claw marks, and is written in black ink that seems to absorb light, making it difficult for those not accustomed to it to read or even see clearly.

Infernal

• Description: Infernal is the ancient language of the Underworld, shared by many dark beings across different realms. The Vaaku use Infernal for formal ceremonies, pacts, and communication with other dark entities, including their Lord of the Underworld, Malachi. Infernal is a language of power, with words that can shape reality and command the forces of darkness.
• Writing System: The script is more fluid than Vaakthar, with swirling patterns and complex glyphs. It’s a language that is felt as much as it is heard, carrying a weight of authority and dread.

Common (Underworld Dialect)

• Description: While not all Vaaku are fluent in Common, those who interact with other races, especially when carrying out missions in the mortal realm, learn a dialect of Common that is heavily influenced by Vaakthar. This dialect is rough and ominous, often unsettling to those who hear it. The Vaaku use this to communicate with outsiders when necessary, though they usually prefer to intimidate rather than converse.
• Writing System: The Common script is used, but with unique modifications that incorporate elements of the Vaakthar script, making their written messages look foreign and threatening.

These languages help the Vaaku maintain their dark culture and enhance their fearsome reputation across Nathakra.

Reproduction and Lifespan

The Vaaku are not born in the traditional sense. Instead, they are created through dark rituals performed by the Shadowlord and the Shadow Council. These rituals involve the binding of a soul to a vessel of shadow and bone, resulting in the birth of a new Vaaku. As such, they do not age or die naturally; they are effectively immortal, with their existence only ending if they are slain in battle or destroyed through powerful magic. As souls are plentiful in the realm of the dead, their numbers too, are plentiful.

The Vaaku, as a race, embody the essence of darkness, power, and ambition, making them one of the most formidable forces in Nathakra. Their presence is a constant reminder of the Lord of the Underworld’s influence and the ever-present threat of the shadow.