Paxtonirae, Fleeting Embodiment of Contrition

Deep underground lies a forgotten city. Its inhabitants fade in and out of the physical plane, occupying a space beyond our comprehension. Each has a special task that they were assigned at creation. It is their sacred duty to perform that task until the day of destruction, which will cause everything to cease to exist.

In their hidden city they come and go as they please, largely unaware of each other. Unaware of most living beings, too, save for when necessary. Until such a time, they wander aimlessly through the dark corridors. Some floating. Other walking or crawling. But always moving.

Paxtonirae was given the title Fleeting Embodiment of Contrition. Its sole purpose is to act as a temporary vessel for the deeply-repentant to pour their sorrows into. This act releases them from their burden and allows the healing process to begin. The weight of such a task is immeasurable. Paxtonirae perpetually weeps from the near-constant barrage of these intense feelings.

Among humans it is said that an aura of sadness can be felt where Paxtonirae has recently passed through. Plants slightly wilt, petals begin to fall from flowers, and sometimes a faint dark mist can be seen. Many have tried to follow this vague path to the secret realm where these transitory entities dwell. No one has yet discovered its hiding place.

The people of Dausedmera sing Paxtonirae's praises during a minor festival that happens in the transition between the Dry Season and the Rainy Season. The empty jars that they set outside their houses become filled with the metaphysical essence that Paxtonirae bears for them. For they know that they will call upon this anguished spirit when atoning for their misdeeds.

Until then, Paxtonirae wanders...

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Completed for the March 2025 dungeon synth subreddit compilation
https://www.reddit.com/r/DungeonSynth/comments/1hxg68q/community_compilation_the_lost_city_of_shadows/

Listen to the full compilation: https://dungeonsynthcompilation.bandcamp.com/album/c14-the-black-keep

OSE RPG based on the characters coming soon courtesy of Fantasy Audio Magazine.