Umbra
The Thing
Ruler | Exotic Materials Supplier | Guardian

Physique
The Thing is, definitively, un-feline. Its fur falls like mist off of its hardly-corporeal body, and its movements produce no sound. Strangely, despite being un-feline, its body doesn't react strongly to most candles. Although it doesn't seem to enjoy being around them either. The Thing has been known to briefly reveal its hidden eyes while closely examining not-cats and other un-felines, even though it doesn't seem to intend to cause harm. It is unknown what purpose this serves.

Behavior
Unlike most things of the Un-Earth, it does not seem to bear any malicious or violent will towards not-cats. That said, it has never been seen initiating interactions with not-cats either. It instead prefers to sit in precarious, high-up places or on the edge of shadows and haze and watch the ongoings of the not-cats unblinkingly; or to fade into the haze much like other un-felines in order to travel impossible distances and return with rare and valuable materials. Many not-cats of the Concord chalk this aloofness up to un-felines simply showing affection in different ways than not-cats. In fact, many have theorized that it cares deeply for the Spider, and it shows that love and care by guarding it. Those who abide by this theory also sometimes wonder if, perhaps, the Thing is attempting to show affection for the not-cats it resides over as well.

History
The discovery of the Thing marked the beginning of standing civilization in the Un-Earth- at least, as far as the settlement's not-cats are aware. Able to conjure up wood and wax from seemingly nowhere, the Thing supplies the most crucial building materials for the settlement during its times of need. And in such a barren landscape, the not-cats are often in times of need.

The Thing was first encountered in the wake of the Sentinel's Maw, then decrepit and abandoned. It was the first of its kind the not-cats encountered that wouldn't immediately try to prey upon them. And as such, it was an enigma. Brave travelers who approached the Thing were often rewarded with wooden planks and precious wax for their efforts. This began a relationship between itself and the survivors of the Un-Earth that eventually bloomed into a standing partnership. And when the not-cats began hanging around the Sentinel's Maw as a base of operations, the Thing opened up the passage from the Sentinel's Maw into the Eclipsed Vale.
As the Vale is considered the Thing's gift and home, the Thing has been appointed an unconventional leader of the not-cats who live there. Its judgement, unspoken and enforced through observation or claw, is law in the Vale. Although it doesn't tend to use its authority outside of the occasional building plan or act of guardianship. The Thing would much rather stay at paw's length and out of the way of candlelight. Some not-cats much prefer it this way, however. The Thing is sometimes tolerated as a necessity rather than welcomed as an ally, despite its acts of probable goodwill.

Many find it difficult to trust the face of the beasts that lurk outside.

Connections
[The Spider]
The Thing and The Spider share a connection, that much is for certain. Although due to the differences and nuances between not-cats and un-felines, it's difficult to gauge exactly what their relationship is. Many theorize that The Thing acts as some sort of parental/guardian figure to The Spider, but given that no not-cat has ever seen an un-feline kitten it's impossible to tell if they even have a concept of parenthood or children.

Soul Scream
[C] [NS] [LL] [BBFF4] [NNTS] [YY10C] [??]

Addendums

Winter 49th, Year 6
The Concord of the Candlelight Crown was formed, The Thing as the first Umbra. (+Caste) The Thing was discovered in the company of The Spider as its guardian. (+Relationship)

Gallery
Official Reference:

Needs