Yinptero

The supreme spirit of what it means to be a jungle bat of the Selva. Also the name for the group of collective spirits that the Nightswoops pray to.

Appearance
Yinptero is usually depicted as a huge fruitbat with large eyes and a toothy smile. Sometimes they are also described as a tall and dark skinned orc with large pure black eyes and a voluminous black velvet cloak.

Yinptero is also the collective word for the various aspects detailed below, and each aspect also has their own distinct appearance.

Personality
Yinptero is a secretive and mysterious god of few words. They never act until they have the upper hand and they always have a backup plan if things go south. They appear in various aspects with their own personalities than can be channelled by the clerics of the Nightswoops, who are usually referred to as ‘shamans’.

Kikassad (Assassin) - The colour of shadows, a vague shape of wings and the glint of claws in the dark. Sends messages in tricks of the light and noises at the edge of hearing. Worshippers recognise them by lining their cloaks with black cloth. They are favoured by night raiders and those who watch over the quarry the Nightswoops call home.

Waffak (Cultivator) - A slim orc with dark skin, huge luminescent green eyes and a fanged smile. A quiet and thoughtful type who plans her fungus farms with infinite care. When channeled by a shaman, their eyes and tongue glow. Worshippers leave offerings of strong fruit liquor left in the dark corners of the fungus farms. They are favoured by farmers and brewers.

Freyul (Dancer) - A chubby bat that appears constantly drunk, but nonetheless avoids all obstacles with a boozy grace. Unlike the other aspects, Freyul is talkative to the point of overexuberence, exhausting any shaman who channels them. Any spilled alcohol is said to be dedicated to Dancer, and all bars are churches to them. Freyul is petitioned by any orc in need of luck or grace in the face of adversity, as well as at celebrations to thank them for bringing good cheer.

Vetrax (Defender) - A brawny pale grey orc with eyes of pooled darkness, covered in scars. Has the large ears, snout and fangs of a bat, as well as a pair of huge wings. Many worshippers will wear the grown-out teeth of their bat totems as a way to attract their favour, and scars are considered a mark of their favour. Vetrax is petitioned by those who fight for the tribe, but enjoys widespread popularity as they are believed to represent the bond between orc and bat.

Adrok (Singer) - An ancient looking orc with sallow skin, sharp teeth and a long pointed tongue. They wear tattered black and green ribbons. They speak, sing and dance the stories of the tribe. They only speak in rhyme or song. When orcs reach the age of 40 they have a ceremony where they are formally blessed by Adrok and wrapped in green and black ribbons. From then on they wear an entwined green and black ribbon bracelet. Orcs will also weave ribbons into the fur of their bat companion to bless them with Adrok’s wisdom and long life.

Worship
In addition to the aspect specific rituals detailed above, the bond between an orc and their Dire Bat companion is considered sacred and a gift from Yinptero. This means that caring for the companion has ritualistic significance and a great deal of time is given over to grooming, feeding, and general maintenance. Milestones such as the first feeding of a newly bonded partner or the grooming after the first fight together as a team have ritual forms that must be followed, and they are often supervised by shamans.

Otherwise, the worship of Yinptero is a personal bond and there are no major celebrations or holidays. Following Yinptero means keeping true to the tenets and giving small acts of reverence every day, even when no-one is watching.

Tenets

 * A shadow cannot be struck, a shadow is safe. Be the shadow.
 * Do not strike until you can be sure of victory.
 * Protect your companions as you protect yourself.
 * Trust your family. Trust no-one else.
 * A well prepared warrior defeats an unprepared one. But a lucky one will beat both.
 * Until your moment, stay silent. Then be strong.