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Threnody

Class: entity
Categorisation: Containment (Pending)
Former categorisation: Utilisation (1853 – 1856)
Description:

Threnody is a paranatural entity approximately 2.5 metres tall with a body resembling a heavy, rigid grey robe wrapped around a humanoid body. The head of the entity is obscured by a hood and a faint constant light emanates from its chest corresponding to the location of a human heart. Threnody possesses two large, crumbling stone wings attached to its back, which it uses for locomation despite the apparent rigidity of its body.

Threnody is capable of emiting an anomalous melody often described by indiviudals hearing it as a “dirge”. This music induces acute Takotsubo Syndrome (more commonly known as “Broken Heart Syndrome”) in listeners, with symptoms manifesting in direct correlation to the listener’s history of causing physical harm to others. This severity is measured based on:

  • the degree of harm inflicted (for example the severity of an injury or the number of victims the purpose has inflicted an injury upon); and
  • the recency of the act of harm.

Individuals who have inflicted significant harm experience fatal cardiac collapse within seconds of exposure to Threnody. Those with less severe histories may experience debilitating chest pain, arrhythmia, or shortness of breath. Individuals with no history of physical harm appear to be immune to Threnody’s effects.

Threnody appears capable of not only detecting the violent histories of individuals in its vicinity but also those individuals with violent intent. It likely uses this information to prioritise threats and ensure its survival.

History:

Threnody was discovered in Kensal Green Cemetery, London, in 1816 following the anomalous weather of “The Year Without Summer.” Initially mistaken for a statue,Threnody became active when approached by Henry Carr, a decorated soldier of the Napoleonic Wars, who was later found deceased alongside his brother at Threnody’s feet. Witnesses, including Carr’s wife Emilia, described hearing Threnody’s tune and observing multiple fatalities among those present.

The Royal Society of the Paranatural intervened, successfully immobilising Threnody by binding its wings and relocating it to the Tower of London for study. This initial encounter revealed Threnody’s effect on individuals with histories of violence, as well as its apparent immunity to traditional communication attempts.

In 1852, during the Crimean War, the Royal Society of the Paranatural deployed Threnody as a paranatural weapon with devestating results noted among enemy combatants. Threnody’s dirge however proved indiscriminate, killing allied forces as well as its handlers who showed no history of violence. This led to the discovery that immunity to Threnody’s effects was conditional and temporary.

Following multiple incidents, Threnody was declared too dangerous for active use. It was placed in long-term containment under the Royal Society of the Parantural where it remained dormant until 1936, when the Pact Britannia attempted to weaponise Threnody during their insurrection against The Equinox Institute. The attempt resulted in numerous fatalities among both Equinox and Pct members as Threnody’s melody affected individuals attempting to release it.

In the chaos, Threnody escaped containment. Its current whereabouts remain unknown.

Threnody In Play

Threnody exists within Equinox as both an example of a powerful paranatural entity and evidence of the Royal Society of the Parantural’s dangerous use of the paranatural to acheive their goals. While Threnody is currently missing, Players are encouraged to research Threnody’s history or investigate its current status should they wish too.