Guide to the Soul Realm (Cancelled)

Races: Banshen

Banshen are large mystical creatures around the size of a horse or larger. They have long, slender bodies with waterproof fur and bio-luminescent markings along their ribs. Their fur is longer on their prehensile tail and their long neck. They have spines on their back between their shoulders that will raise, similar to hackles on a dog. 

Their 6 limbs include 2 back legs with paws, resembling that of American mink, and 4 arms with rat-like paws. Their front claws (1) are longer and are used more for attacks and climbing than grabbing and manipulating items, like their back claws (2). Their paws also have some webbing between the fingers, which aid in swimming. 

Their head has a skull-like appearance; however, it is not bone. Whiskers are found at the end of the face near the nostrils. Pits, similar to that of a viper, are along the line between the eye and nose and aid in thermal detection. The Banshen have great dark vision and pupil less eyes that often glow in the dark. These creatures also have a second eyelid for water protection during swimming. Their large ears provide good hearing. Most Banshen have horns, many resembling antlers, though there are some Banshen who do not have this feature. Their mouth includes a forked tongue and 2 sets of teeth: a first set of canine-like teeth and a second set of snake-like fangs.

Banshen have a deadly venom delivered through the fangs. Venom symptoms include: paralysis, respiratory failure, coagulopathy, cerebral hemorrhage, kidney failure, anaphylaxis, cardiac complications, rhabdomyolysis, neurotoxicity, convulsions, and hallucinations.

It is speculated that they have the ability of flight similar to that of Chinese dragons, though this has not been confirmed.

Banshen have the abilities to use various powers. One of the most well-known are their ability to sense death. They often can sense where there will be a fight, injury, or death. However, this power is limited to how close it is to the scene and how many injuries or deaths the event will cause. They can also tell when a creature's death is nearing.

These abilities are powered by soul energy, a magic created by souls. Creatures who live in the Soul realm often cannot create this power and rely on mortal souls to power their magic.

The Banshen can also access other realms. One of these realms includes the shadow realm, which is often a safe haven they create for their souls. They can also access the soul realm.

Many Banshen are formed when a older Banshen, who no longer wishes to continue their duties and wants to return to being a normal soul, finds a dying mortal soul worthy of becoming a Banshen. They will appear as the soul becomes a lost soul and offer to make the soul a Banshen. They will explain the duties briefly. In exchange for becoming a new Banshen and for the old Banshen's souls, the mortal soul must protect the old Banshen's soul.
This can also work for those who were born as a Banshen.

Banshen usually are solidarity, but will live in small groups consisting of immature offspring, siblings and mates. These groups tend to be from 2 to 6 at the most, however this size is extremely rare. Banshen will often pair for life, or until their current mate dies. They have litters of 1-2 kits, though there have been rare occurrences of litters reaching up to 4 kits.

Banshen can mimic sounds of other species, which helps in keeping themselves hidden. When they do speak, they often speak what they did in their past lives.