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The Penumbral League
Alignment: NE
Headquarters: Shadow Absolom
Leader: Argrinyxia, the Shifting Lady of Ebon Scales
Structure: Loosely knit organization of independent agents
Scope: regional
Resources: imposing treasury and magic within the Ebon Citadel; network of contacts throughout Nidal; the patronage of the Umbral Court; safehouses in Nidal and scattered throughout the Inner Sea.

Spoken of in equal parts reverence and terror by the populace in the streets and dark alleys of Pangolais, the “Dark Heralds” are a recent addition to the lands tainted by the shadow realm. These rogue-sorcerer fetchlings are among the few outsiders allowed to walk unmolested though the Umbral Court’s realm, as they offer a valuable service – diplomacy. Seen as universally Neutral and nearly devoid of emotion, the League has quickly insinuated itself into the aristocracy in any number of roles – messengers, counselors, arbiters of disputes, diplomatic envoys, etc. Though the Heralds are careful to conduct themselves with humble dignity at nearly all times, few doubt that beneath their placid exterior lies a dangerous threat – and an even darker purpose.
Structure and Leadership
The League’s base of power lies within the Ebon Citadel, a forbidding monstrosity of black granite within Shadow Absolom. It is presided over by Morlith, an arch-sorceress, who answers directly to Argrinixia and is her eyes and ears in the League. It is here, under Morlith’s watchful eye that league candidates – gifted kayal sorcerer rogues – are indoctrinated to the League’s real purpose, and once trained to her satisfaction, are sent to the Material Realm.
Goals
Divination has revealed to a select few that the concentrated infusion of shadow from several generations of living on the Plane is causing failing health among the fetchlings, and an influx of human blood from the Material Plane is needed to restore the balance. In their humble guise, the League is perfectly positioned to locate and snatch ideal humans to join their ranks (willingly or not) – typically those who show promise as a sorcerer or thief, or demonstrate other traits desired in a kayal.
Public Perception
The League safehouses are known as places where adversaries can meet and parley with little fear of violence, for no one would dare invoke the fell magics of a Dark Herald. It is believed by most (mistakenly) that the symbol of silvery-grey balance scales all League members wear reflect their passion for neutrality and justice.

Shadow Box
Aura moderate illusion and conjuration; CL 7th
Slot none; Price 27,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This small wooden box is covered with ornately carved figures in various fighting poses. When activated, the shadow of one creature within 30’ of the wielder (wielder’s choice) animates and assumes a hostile flanking position, forcing the shadow’s caster to defend itself. Although the shadow’s attacks can’t actually do damage (appearing always to just miss), its opponent doesn’t immediately realize this, giving the wielder and/or any allies in a flanking position flanking bonuses; flanking rogues can sneak attack. Spellcasters threatened by the shadow must cast defensively (making a concentration check – DC 15 + double the level of the spell) for the spell to succeed.

In addition, if the wielder has any of the following Teamwork feats and is flanking the target creature with the shadow, the distraction created by the shadow allows the wielder to take advantage of them in combat, as though the target was facing two opponents with the same feat: Feint Partner, Improved Feint Partner, Outflank, Precise Strike, Paired Opportunists, and Team Pickpocketing. The shadow uses the wielder’s Bluff skill for the appropriate feint checks.

The shadow has the wielder’s AC; if the target succeeds on a melee attack on the shadow, it gains a Will save (DC 17) to disbelieve the shadow as a threat; if successful, the shadow becomes merely a distraction for the remainder of its duration – attacks by the target are at a -1 to hit; spellcasters who have saved must still make a Concentration check (DC10) when casting to ignore the shadow.

The Shadow Box is usable three times per day, up to 10 rounds each time a shadow is summoned.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, shadow conjuration; Cost 13,500 gp

Well, though I wasn't one of the lucky ones (and truthfully, didn't expect to be, as I later realized I overpriced my item), I am enjoying reading the winning entries, and look forward to the country entries. I was sort of looking forward to creating a country, but now realizing the time that would require, I'll just settle back, and wait for the others to vote on.

Good job, all!

*grins evilly, whilst thinking of ways to employ some of these items in his next campaign...*