Umbra—when concentrated in high amounts and properly directed—can be used to reshape reality, to manifest desired outcomes, or even to create sentience or consciousness. 

Humans have many ways of gathering, harnessing and utilizing Umbra, and most advanced technology relies on it. 

An Umbran is a person who has passed through an Umbra Gate, an ancient artifact that concentrates Umbral power in order to reshape those who cross through it. Though many don’t make it through passage, those who do are granted extended lifespans and incredible powers, depending on the type of Umbran they become. There is no way of knowing what someone will be or whether they’re likely to make it through before making the passage. 

Umbrans are very secretive about the specifics of their condition. Though some flaunt their powers, others go out of their way to hide them, even wearing contacts to conceal the eye color that would otherwise reveal their type. 

Companions are a type of handheld Umbral technology which usually acts as a general aide, computer, and communication device for their user. They are powered by Umbra and inhabited by artificial Umbral entities. 

Servitors are a type of mobile, self-propelled Umbral technology which usually acts as a general aide, computer, and communication device for their user. They are powered by Umbra and inhabited by artificial Umbral entities. 

Sigils are one of the oldest forms of Umbral “technology.” A glyph, symbol, or image created with a specific intent, sigils channel Umbra towards desired outcomes and effects.

Before advancements in Umbral technology, sigils were much more passive things—relying on residual Umbra in the environment and creator, with only the creator’s consciousness to reinforce intent. Although they are still often used this way, it’s since become possible to incorporate sigils into technology which not only powers them with concentrated umbra, but reinforces their intent using artificial Umbral entities like Companions and Servitors.  

Spirit shells are an old but still ubiquitous form of Umbral technology which allows spirits to inhabit and interact with the physical realm through objects that have been crafted towards that purpose. Most houses and buildings have multiple spirit shells, sometimes all animated by one spirit, sometimes by many. Usually these are spirits that are deeply tied to the land they occupy, bound to their shells and homes by a mutually beneficial contract or alliance. They perform multiple functions, including serving as guardians and aiding in communication between households.