The Ebony Winds, The Devil's Grasp, The Plague of Life. These were all the names of The Encroaching Embrace. Some called it home. But one foul and twisted creature manifested it as it's will. As the mortals sought salvation in heaven, the saw the Underworld as a prison. And it kept the master of The Encroaching Embrace at bay. But it's whispers traveled to even the Gods. The same Gods that caused The Calamity. Doubt, fear, insecurities. All were kept in the shadows. All became Heaven's Bane. The malice and deception took the shape of a death panther that roamed free as it's scythe carved the crescent moon in the night sky. It would reap those who succumb to despair and dread, but would guide the brave and bold to secrets never spoken. One creature was the hybrid trickster who scaled the Celestial Gate. The panther would give birth to many more fortuitous mortals as it was perfect vengeance to make the Gods pay for condemning it to the Underworld.

Art by the mythical RoulGA