Vaythos are born from the collective beliefs of mortals, taking shape through worship, stories, myths, and even powerful emotions. The forms they embody are not limited to personified manifestations of natural phenomena like rivers or forests but can also include abstract concepts such as war, mercy, longing, or fate itself. As long as they are remembered, they endure. If they are forgotten, they begin to fade.

When a Vaythos loses its worshippers or its purpose diminishes, it is taken from the mortal realm and bound to Second Chance Corp (SC. Corp). There, they serve within the afterlife’s vast bureaucracy as executives, advisors, and enforcers. Some embrace this new existence, while others see it as a cruel fate, forced into service under the system that replaced their worship.

Vaythos possess butterfly-like feathered wings on their head and lower back above their tail. They have soft, horse-like tails and cloven paws with two toes and back-facing hoof-like claws. Their faces and bodies are shaped by their worshippers’ expectations or their own preferences.

Their internal structure reflects what their worshippers imagined, some bleed gold, pearls, or even stardust. Most are marked by a floating symbol above their head, which can range from simple to complex.

While most Vaythos remain in a humanoid form, some powerful individuals can take on alternate forms, though this is extremely rare. These transformations are usually seen in Vaythos connected to an active pantheon in the mortal realm, where continued worship grants them additional strength.

Unlike those bound to SC. Corp, these Greater Vaythos do not serve within the afterlife’s bureaucracy. They may still be aware of SC. Corp and its workings, and some interact with it from afar, but they remain independent and focused on their roles within mortal realms.

Vaythos names often reflect the language of the mortal realm they originated from. Many are named after the concepts, forces, or objects they were worshipped for. Names like Secret, Forest, River, or Echo are not uncommon.

Some adopt abstract or poetic titles, while others take on names tied to the symbols, emotions, or roles their worshippers associated them with.

Many Vaythos conceal their faces in public, as their features, or lack thereof, can be unsettling. They often wear masks, veils, or other coverings.

Their clothing is equally distinct. Rather than adopting modern fashion, many continue to wear attire reflective of the era and culture that once worshipped them, making them stand out within Rise City.

Like Mahoubae, Vaythos can eat and taste food. However, their true sustenance comes from emotions. Love, respect, lust, hatred, and similar feelings can all sustain them.

Once part of SC. Corp, their intake is often supplemented through prepared magical meals designed to replicate or contain these emotional energies.