© Daniel S. Wall, April 21, 2026.

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“Souls lost to the depths of Hell may never return, nor redeem themselves before the heavens. And yet it remains true, the worst of men have had their virtues. The corrupt, the malign, the deceitful, all have something of goodness in them. Whether it be a trace of compassion, a narrow sense of honor, or selfless love for but one other creature in all the world, the greatest criminals and the most horrid of monsters carries something noble with them into the depths of Hell.

“That trace of virtue does not stay with them. No. The kind thoughts and benign wishes of myriad condemned souls struggle mightily to ascend once more into the light of the world. Some make it.”

– Zedulon Fi, Oracle of Mogendrid

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Illustration by Michael Syrigos

The Kindred of Phiyé is born, so it is said, out of the good thoughts of evil men. No-one really knows how this happens, nor has anyone learned whether or not any given Phiyé grew from a single virtue or from many coming together into a single spirit. The full origin of this kindred remains a mystery even to themselves.

These long-lived creatures appear as small humanoids, completely devoid of all body-hair and any discernible genitalia. Phiyé rarely adorn themselves with clothes, doing so only when necessary to protect themselves from the elements. Their skin is normally grey in color. If a Phiyé chooses to manifest a color as a minor ability, her skin-tone quickly takes on the hue in question.

Owing to the origins of this kindred, Phiyé bear an evil nature. Yet, the majority of Phiyé devote themselves to virtues associated with goodness. They are well suited to aiding others even to the point of sharing in their suffering.

Phiyé carry an odd ability which is not easily explained by the creature’s origins. They are, for some reason, capable of changing the force of gravity, at least insofar as it effects themselves.

A Note on Vulnerability: Phiyé are vulnerable in the presence of others of their own kindred (including their own children). For this reason, these creatures typically shun each other’s company, even as they actively seek the company of other sentient creatures.