Lore Scratchboard

[sharkberrypizza]

INTRO

Endless takes place primarily around southern Louisiana, most notably New Orleans – a town renown even in the real world for its ghostly hauntings and its hodgepodge of esoteric magics. Unlike the real world, however, magic is not up for debate. It's everywhere, thick the air, tangible and summonable in a variety of shapes, elements, and forms. That isn't to say that every human is attuned or capable of handling these expansive capabilities, however – some fledgling learners breathe their last unexpectedly as they engulf themselves in flame or break the very fabric of their reality with magic they can’t contain.

In quite sharp contrast, these abilities that take years for some earthians to master are commonplace to ... other sentient creatures. Indeed, it’s like breathing to them, just as much as disguising themselves to walk among the curious, immutable creatures that inhabit this planet of stone and sea.

The time is a quarter to midnight, the year 2056. When you look up, all you can see is the Void.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Allios/Alliosa

Physical Observations

All alliosa are born with soft, canine shapes. To what extent they deviate away from what might have been their original form, that is with zero influence from tributes involved in their birth, depends entirely on factors still unknown.

They are regarded as partial shape-shifters, mostly due to the fact that their magics regarding changing into other shapes may only hold so long. Generally speaking, taking a shape more humanoid, where they might retain some of their features such as markings, ears, or scales, could potentially last several months, whereas a fully human appearance may only hold out upward of a few hours. The length of time seems to increase with the amount of energy consumed by those around them during the form changes. Hours may become minutes if they are hunted – likewise they might become months around someone they can feed from.

On the plus side, these dog-like monsters have a veritably endless variety of mutable traits that shape their often unique base form. Limbs, tails, eyes, even wings or fins – practically anything may be influenced by the conditions of their birth, most notably the chosen items, or ‘tributes’, surrounding the magic that they arise from. These strange variations are considered by their peoples to be indicative of a greater magical prowess, though through examples over the years it’s concluded to not necessarily be true. It seems this myth, if anything, continues to perpetuate simply because these same alliosa often drive themselves to great lengths, in much the same way a human may achieve success after having constant expectations placed upon their heads.

Just the same, these exemplary creatures often suffer burnout when they can’t continually live up to the impossible. Often times humans and other alliosa alike will do their best to help these poor souls recover, often reminding us all that self-care is a core necessity for mental well-being.

Another necessity noted, it seems like these creatures have the capacity to enjoy an assortment of foods from Earth, and yet sustain themselves on synthesizing raw emotional energy from a variety of sources – in fact all but their very own. Humans seem to be a focal point again, but like with other races one would barely notice this psychic feasting, as it doesn’t take much to glut one of these creatures.

Without a food source they wither and die quickly, sometimes in less than a full day.



Mental Observations

By and large, alliosa are fully sapient creatures of average intelligence that lean toward peaceful exchanges and truly communistic trends. As such, it was no particular surprise to learn what social creatures they happen to be in regards to their dealings with the human race. Open and honest, more than several have integrated into various cultures across the globe, thinking not of humanity as simply a food source, but friend and kin alike.

In sharp contrast, however, is their seemingly utter inability to be innovative for themselves. This can be demonstrated in both their knowledge of technology – which was virtually nonexistent for a time after their arrival, despite what “junk tech” they employed from the Void – and the way other races seem to view them, treating them with little regard, as a pest or nuisance. They may also adapt and learn what they are taught, but without great stress and strife seem to be incapable of producing creatively beyond primarily skill.

Interestingly enough, most Alliosa seem to hold a general reverence for the Providence of Emotion. While the reasons are not definite, some suggest it may have to do with their food source.




Reproduction Observations

Aliosa are birthed not from sexual reproduction but a creation pool, another mysterious point in the Void. None know where this gelatinous mixture came from or even why it exists; equally likely are the chances it remains that way, as the carefully guarded secret is a means to keep their race safe. What they will share, however, is that their funeral rites - if the actions can be considered as such - involve the location. Once dead, the body is returned to the pool in an attempt to keep it full of the energy that sustains them - none know if the ritual is required, but one can hardly blame them for not wanting to find out.

In order to catalyze new aliosa, sacrifices must be made. The objects that are thrown into the pool seem to begin a reaction within it, ultimately culminating in a blob of unshaped energy that eventually hardens into an egg of sorts. These eggs vary in shape and size - as do the new alios that eventually emerges. As stated elsewhere, it seems these objects affect their base structure in mysterious ways.




Cultural Observations

Culturally speaking, alliosa were nomadic until their arrival on Earth, roaming the Endless in tight-knight packs. Most dreamed of a world they could settle peacefully upon, a vision shared by their Navigators as they attempted time and again to open a portal that would lead them somewhere they could call ‘home’.

These packs would typically remain connected through one member’s particular memories, with one being designated as a ‘speaker’ – able to bridge the infinite distance in a matter of moments should the need arise. This same allios was often designated as the leader of their group; being able to speak with others and lead them away quickly from dangerous situations often made them revered.

Considering themselves highly fortunate to have found their version of paradise, alliosa are now content with casting their lot in their new home, blending in well enough that they often go unnoticed. As dog or human is often a routine decision, time or place depending.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Endless

Where to begin with The Endless? It, if “it” can reasonably be called that, goes by many names – The Endless, The Eternal Realms, The Void are just a few. No one, not even the creatures that inhabit it, can begin to truly understand the source or reasoning behind the space. Those who have experienced the maddening wonders beyond have described it similarly; fans of certain theories have dubbed it “the multiverse”, while those more esoteric have claimed it to be a higher plane of reality altogether.

Most research agrees it to be an utterly otherworldly experience. It is eternal, devoid of light yet not, empty as the space between the stars yet filled with anything and everything imaginable to the soul, nothingness yet solid as one might traverse the floor of their home.

“It” is impossible to truly describe.

The Endless is a non-euclidean space. It seems entirely to exist on a frame of reference – one could walk in a fixed direction infinitely, never reaching a destination beyond the point they began alone, or a relative distance if within the confines of a group. Neither of these will prevent the normal laws of time or space from being totally eschewed, however; at any point members of that group may find themselves upside down to their peers, or perhaps even sideways.

Perhaps it is best then that arriving at a destination “inside” the Endless has nothing to do with the physical. Everything depends on concentration and intention, on a knowing of the destination. This is the most centrally relevant use for the space, as once attuned to the workings of this Void one may travel thousands of miles with several steps – or, as mentioned before, to planes of strange wonder no human had ever seen.

There is a danger ever present with that ability, however – if one forgets their home, it is likely they can never return, doomed to endlessly roam in that darkness forever.

There is one hope even then, in the form of locations. These, unlike destinations, seem to be small breaks in whatever reality the Endless resides; there is no rhyme or reason to these pockets of space, just as there is no particular shape they inhabit – a small field with grass fed by nothing, a fully functional section of some forgotten city. Like an oasis in the desert, one may discover a location simply by dredging on through that nothing.

It is likely, if one has lost their way, that would be their new home.

For all of that, there is one very particular type of location – a portal. A portal is the most apt name, as these locations are a complete “rip” in the fabric that makes up that strange space. To what other place one might lead is a mystery – as one could lead to virtually anywhere and any-plane that exists, and at any time it might as well.

It is through these that the strange races found their way to Earth, one of many destinations, and it to these that navigators attempt to draw themselves and their groups. Recalling arriving at a destination, one may conjure a portal if one has that true intent. A navigator’s true purpose is basically visualization – projecting their will toward destinations of their own creation. These creatures will continue to focus on concepts and thoughts until reaching a “right combination” – something that causes the space before them to lead them elsewhere.

It seems the myriad of races have their own strengths regarding this; aliosa, for example, seem to be able to recall places with ease once they’ve opened a path, while sanjari guard their portal to earth jealously – having great difficulty with recall but amazing skill in making it semi-permanent.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Earth

Earth is but one of many planets, residing in one of many galaxies, in one of many planes, and yet the small sphere of blue and green calls to more than one race that exists beyond. Some claim its the eclectic nature of the creatures that inhabit it, with their petty squabbles and their equally appealing good will that makes them want to stay, others the conditional climate, so appealing to those that long for a place to settle down, heat of the equator or cool of the polar snow withstanding.

For our story’s purpose, however, perhaps its best to say this same planet is not quite the one one might read of in studies. There is no concern of climate control here, though war and its ugly head certainly exists. There is technology, sociology, humanitarianism, education – debates, internet call-outs, and everything between, but for now we’ll leave that to rest, focusing instead on the daily life that hustles and bustles in the tourist trap known affectionately as New Orleans.

Less affectionately we’ll refer to it as Ground Zero – the very spot in which the first portal opened that connected the planet and everything on it to the Endless. As if nowhere else but the very middle of Jackson Square could hold such an event, all life seemed to freeze when the first rip in reality itself proclaimed the coming of the first aliosa to the world.

The governments, in their infinite wisdom of course, did their best to rid the populace of any knowledge of that existence, but the ones there could not be silenced. Social media met the strange tales of multiple portals opening in multiple large cities that day, with a waiting world full of tangible magic more willing to listen than any others might know.

Fast forward the years to the present, and that first event feels so long ago; the shape-shifting nature of the Endless races means the ability to hide in plain sight. Some alisoa find great amusement in regaling their communities with truthful stories that seem absolutely outlandish. Sanjari have found a different amusement, some melding into the communities as therapists or social workers in order to tap into the vast wealth of emotion that come with such positions.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Sanjaru / Sanjari

Physical

Sanjari have only a limited ability to change their shapes. Rather, when they are born they inherit three unique forms, somewhat dependent upon their clan’s current food source. Assume what follows is based upon their current location of Earth.

Their first form, and what they are born into, is deer-like. Appearing somewhat weak and unassuming, this is by far one of the most cunning aspects of their race, allowing them to lure their prey into a false sense of security. Often times these hunters will allow themselves to be cornered, only to quickly change into their deadlier forms.

Their second shape lies somewhere between monster and human with little deviation between the members of their race; what exists is based solely on traits inherited from the first, horns, hooves, and eyes, for typical example. It’s been speculated this is their strongest form, and it’s easy to see why.

Finally, their last shape has become simply human. There is both less and more diversity here, as the necessity to hide among their prey has lead different clans to make this adjustment in different ways – most especially depending on location. The very thought that these hunters walk among them has put more than one honest human on edge.

It is worth noting that these forms adjust in order to allow for easier hunting of prey. Sanjari may consume the emotive states of other creatures in order to gain an effect similar to what we would consider intoxication, but in order to actually feed they must consume the life force of others directly. While this does not actually require them to kill, many sanjari do simply because they enjoy it - and seem to be able to gain extra sustenance from the flesh of Earthian creatures as well, which is something not gained from other Endless races.

As a side note, and perhaps as even more of a tell about their nature, sanjari in the Void that are born unable to change into these shapes are soon destroyed, and its been rumoured that those murdering in cold blood and through certain rituals can take the shape of their victims.



Mental

Sanjari are thrill-seekers above all else.

Most sanjari are ruthless, cruel, and arrogant in nature, viewing other races and even other clans as little more than food or a diversion from their time spent roaming endlessly in the wastes. As a culture they care nothing of education past the drive for their instincts; there is no room for reading or writing when one’s existence is to hunt their next meal or prevent their deaths at the hands of their kin.

Likewise, it can be assumed some of the most prolific serial killers have been members of this race, as these hunters assure fear is a wonderful delicacy.

That isn’t to say that some sanjari exposed to humanity, most notably raised in the environment, haven’t risen past their roots. In recent years there has been a cultural backlash, with the younger generation especially forming their own clan to combat what many of them consider the rampant sociopathic tendencies of their forebearers. Many of these divergent souls find it far more soothing to work in harsh environments such as therapy, unemployment, and other areas emotions run high.

No one will miss being upset or afraid, will they?



Reproduction

Not much is known about sanjari reproduction beyond what is known as The Great Feast. Reminiscent of sharks, this curiosity apparently occurs after an entire clan devours a large, gluttonous meal. It is speculated that, full of life energy, multiple sanjari combine this excess to create new members of their race.



Cultural

Sanjari are one of the more unique races in the Endless in that they lack proper Navigators; whether this is due to their cultural shunning of education, most especially those of creative endeavors, or something more primal remains to be seen. Whatever the case, their lives in the Endless without this almost necessary ability have been harsh and exhausting – some expats say made worse by their own design.

Socially speaking, sanjari are ruthless and cruel, living by what some claim to be an extremely outdated conceptions. Firstly, they live in small, separate clans, typically by birth, rarely by choice. Secondly, their leaders are not voted in. There is no sense of democracy or reason – it is simply a case of which is strongest. Might is right; whoever can overthrow the current head of a clan becomes the new head of it. Of course, this has lead to sanjari leaders housing extreme suspicion and hostile paranoia. Coups and backstabbing are always expected, often rightly so.

Sanjari were previously nomadic, by virtue of necessity, with each clan having travelled in a similar direction yet separately – never wanting to fall behind one another in terms of possible wealth or food. This strange lifestyle ended when they chanced upon a large portal – destination Earth. It wasn’t long after the clans warred viciously over ownership of what they considered the greatest food source they’d ever encountered, only to call the only accord they’d ever allow themselves to date.

Thus individual, small communities sprawled around that central point. Distrust still reigns between their clans, but having found a near-endless supply of food for everyone, tensions have slightly decreased.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

GRIMM/GRIMMALKIN


Physical

Perhaps even more dangerous than the sanjari are the grimmalkin. These true, natural shapeshifters are able to meld themselves to any form at nearly any time and, as if it were not enough, they endure no taxing drain or energy requirement beyond an initial expenditure. Due to this extremely valuable skill and their mental prowess, Grimmalkin enjoy being at the top of the Endless’ food chain.

As amazing as their abilities to morph go, they are not absolute. Copying an appearance, for instance, is only as accurate as their attention to detail. Coupled as well with the impossiblity for them to gain an individual’s memories, thoughts, or mannerisms, any attempt to trick or fool a creature into believing they are their target is risky and difficult. As such, most opt to keep such things limited to teasing friends or playing elaborate pranks on acquaintances.

Most grimmalkin have adopted a ‘default’ form. No one knows for certain how the tradition began, but they find a certain comfortableness in the familiar, feline manner. Indeed, much like an Earthian cat their long ears and fluffy tails entice feelings of ease or lack of hostility – but others might be surprised when such a creature decides to speak, much less hunt.

In sharp contrast to other races, grimmalkin feed almost primarily on other Void races’ energy and life force. It has been stated they do not need to often, however – one meal may last anywhere from weeks to months, depending on their own personal energy requirements and the size of their meal. As proverbially picky as their comfortable shape’s kin, these finicky eaters have been noted to be entirely repulsed by the very idea of consuming anything biological! Most absolutely refuse to consume water or flesh, for example, unless it is absolutely necessary to maintain a disguise.




Mental

At their core, grimmalkin are extremely intelligent mostly-pacifists with active curiosities.

Long lived to the point of eternal, many grimmalkin acquire a vast wealth of knowledge over time. It’s certainly not unheard of for this crafty race to put themselves to trial either, enjoying mental challenges as much as any puzzle-lover might. Indeed they test themselves in their own ways, such as fusing certain aspects of foreign cultures, adopting languages or highly sophisticated technology, or creating unique situations that solve troublesome issues or bridge gaps where no chance had previously existed.

They are highly suited in fields dealing in logic, research, development, architecture, and so forth, some enjoying the mental games of ‘structure’ and ‘order’ enjoyable to the highest degree, but they are not necessarily interested in the utopias they create, merely byproducts of their ever-continual curiosities.

Above all else regarding Earth, they remain quite alien when faced with humanity itself. As example, they tend to be confused by an inability to simply change one’s self, not understanding true body permanence. While hardly malicious, more than once has a grimm questioned why a human acquaintance doesn’t simply ‘fix themselves’!



Reproduction

Creation of a new grimm is an extremely alien affair. Simply and to the point, the parent goes through a process that amounts to sloughing off a part of their being, and it is from this discarded mass their offspring is cultivated. Multiple parents simply join smaller pieces and share an equal role in the new life's upbringing.


Cultural

Grimmalkin have no social culture beyond their parents’ teachings.

Much like hermits, these creatures tend to be aloof and solitary in relation to their own kin. It isn’t uncommon for one to know only of their parents for an exceptionally long period of their early life, thus most carry deep-seated and fundamental beliefs of those predecessors.

In the event one meets a new member of their race, a standoff often ensues. This instinctive reaction, complete with much posturing and shape changing, may and usually does take some time to work through. Their curiosity leads them to return to this incorrigible scenario once and again, essentially amounting to poly-morphing versions of puffed tails and razor back crab-walking.

It’s no surprise other races find this odd interaction amusing.

If a grimm can calm themselves down and overcome this instinctively territorial urge, however, they may find in themselves friends for life. Beneath that hostile veneer, grimmalkin are extremely loyal to those daring close to them, bonding to those that can see past the initial contact.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Elphyme


Physical

Elphyme have no shapeshifting ability.

They are small, fuzzy, and humanoid, with their largest members being around two inches tall. They have no discernible nose, but extremely large, sensitive ears, capable of hearing large distances away and the most threadbare of whispers, and their eyes are wide and ever alert, presumably scanning for those that might hunt them. Each elphyme has a set of wings with an insectoid appearance being the most common, and with three fingers and a thumb on each hand and teeny, pawed feet, some might find them incredibly adorable.

Unfortunately, it isn’t likely many humans will come across these fae-esque creatures – or at least not in the manner they might believe. Elphyme have the ability to project their will into the form of what amounts to a fluffy ball sort of figure, with their hands and feet barely visible. Most of this illusion is comprised of little more than face and wings, and while it is not solid, it is seen commonly enough that most believe this is their real form.

This projection cannot actually be harmed, though many that have mastered their innate ability alter or fake it in order to maintain the illusion.

This illusion doubles as a defense mechanism as well, as their true bodies are not healing receptive, and difficult to mend. The likely cause is their overabundance of energy, as they are the most magically-inclined race to haunt the Endless. It is to note that an exceptionally talented individual may press through this issue, and several elphyme’s lives have been saved by the stalwart.

The members of this race are so magically-inclined they are born into an associated Providence, though whether through laziness or lack of proper inspiration few go on to master it. It can and often does, however, affect their appearance, mutating small aspects like their wing or ear shapes, or various colours.

Elphyme are omnivores. Many of them enjoy the biological foods humanity offers, while others find nothing more delicious than pure, magical energy condensed into a physical form. At their core, they can break down practically anything small enough to fit into their mouths.



Mental

Elphyme tend to be extremely protective and secretive of their true forms. Most are also, however, cheerful and good-natured.

Their penchant for playing pranks and teasing others without a second thought if any opportunity presents itself makes judging their intelligence difficult, and their secretive nature only makes it more so. It is a subject of debate in the magical communities whether these jokers are extremely smart or incredibly ignorant, but more true it might be that they’re simply alien in thought.

One grounding clue to this mystery is the undisputed fact that these creatures simply get bored easily. Consistently, their minds require a near-constant stimulation, and due to this they are unlikely to be lazy in whatever hobby they may pursue. Likewise, these crafty creatures will almost undoubtedly take up some profession or craft, despite their lighthearted nature regarding the same.

It might take several endeavors for an elphyme to find their calling, but they cling to their interest when they finally do, becoming quite formidable masters with that particular skill or burnt out in the process.




Reproduction

Full of energy, elphyme reproduce magically, with several concentrating the collective of their entire wills on a glamour shaped in their image until it pops into life.



Culture

Whether the elphyme are a mortal or endless race is hotly debated in several communities, including their own. The nature of that argument is they simply seem to be everywhere. Every settlement in the Void, upon Earth, near portals – practically any place another race is present.

In the Endless, Elphyme have a central home, a great and bustling miniature city built stretching high up and yawning wide both, filled with spiraling, confused pathways and seemingly impossible architecture accented with bright lights and ample decoration. Many elphyme return to this central core on a regular basis, traveling out to other areas in search of food and trade … or individuals to pull pranks on.

Their central city, affectionately referred to simply as Labrys, is ruled over by a council of Queens, though typically this is just a title and the actual identity of the elphyme filling the position is of little consequence. The council, from there, is made up of individuals from the ten most populace Providences in elphyme numbers (earth, air, fire, water, metal, light, dark, joy, and sorrow), chosen by other queens from promising individuals once their predecessor has fallen.

These Queens will rule for life unless the others vote to remove them from their position. Each of these is advised by their own small council, which in turn listens to the complaints and concerns of those who would petition them. Overall this means very little changes in the day to day of the city, but when it does it is exceptionally democratic.

Portal-dwelling elphyme in many instances have forgotten about Labrys. Those that maintain contact often have only small colonial encampments.

Earth dwelling elphyme are one of these disconnected groups, and live in a city constructed in deeply obscured, underground caverns. Their style and architecture is much the same as their origins, though they've had to adjust such that the physics of their home do not send their construction crashing to the ground.

This city is, for better or worse, ruled over by only one Queen who has seized total power, though for the past several centuries nothing of terrible importance has changed. Many believe their Queen to be dead and simply functions as a figurehead to keep the others from being too misbehaved. Many of those same elphyme just don't care, eschewing their past and flittering about wherever their wings might take them, relying on themselves and their glamour abilities to remain unseen by the ‘bigfolk’ nearby.

Rumours and stories of faeries and their ilk are often simply elphyme, with the wide variety of appearances owed to misconception or actual magical glamours, depending on that particular elphyme's proclivities.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Imps

Physical

Imps can come in many different sizes, shapes, colours, each more unique and odd than the last. In fact, calling these creatures imps is really a misnomer; they should instead be more rightly considered homunculi, as they are artificially created. Many practicing the art of creating them do not realize that they are being created at all, however, as many races consider it their equivalent to summoning, thus the disposition continues.

Most imps, despite their potential ability, come in only a relatively few set shapes and sizes. Though these can vary immensely, they are collectively just well-refined recipes, appearing similar in their production as they're created with the same process, or ritual, of magic weaving.

Extremely talented summoners, of whom most if not all truly understand what they are doing and are highly-ranked members of the Providence of Creation, may and often do choose to make more unique and varied imps.

All imps feed on raw, magical energy, typically from their creators, which in turn inhibits any one summoner from having too many creations.



Mental

Imps are as intelligent or simpleminded as they are intended to be. Most well-practiced summoning rituals have a set intelligence in mind, yet a summoner truly wanting or expecting something different may get it.

Likewise, imps only have as much free will, sapience, emotion, and such forth as they are created with. Many summoning rituals have taken on a tone of implied 'binding,' so the imps made from them are little more than thoughtless machines until being given explicit instruction.


Reproduction

Imps do not reproduce.



Culture

Imps do not have a cultural identity.

If they are fully sapient, they often adapt to their creator’s culture.

Perhaps notable, it is in many circles frowned upon for individuals, particularly the summoner themselves, to become romantically or physically involved with an imp, all due to philosophical issues. That having been said, nothing exists to stop a summoner from literally creating their perfect partner … which many exceedingly talented ones often do.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Humans

Physical

Humans are … humans. Tall, short, or average, lean or fat, humans are for all intents and purposes herein, Earthian humans, ranging from 16 to 120 years old or beyond.

Ahem.

Humans are glorified, bipedal apes who lost all their fur and got a big brain. This made them exceptionally successful on their home planet.

They have extremely adaptable and variable bodies as well, with common heights ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 feet, with outliers even beyond these extreme differences, it is rightly said humans have a wide array of sizes. Likewise, their musculature varies in similar extremes, with their forms capable of bearing hundreds of pounds of muscle or existing with barely enough to move their bones.

Humans are also exceptionally versatile in diet, bearing omnivorous dentation and being capable of eating not only both plant and animal based diets, but also ingesting several substances otherwise considerable as toxic to many other species, such as cocoa, caffeine, capsaicin, and alcohol.

… they're also annoying little buggers capable of existing in the entire temperature range of their planet, with help from their technological prowess.

Despite all this humans have 0 natural shape-shifting ability and are typically looked down upon by Endless creatures because of it … at least at first.



Mental

Humans continue to be intelligent, adaptable, and social creatures with a wide array of mental oddities and disabilities present in their species. They also continue to have an extremely heavy reliance on technology – as phones, cars, computers, and all modern conveniences are present.

Unlike most if not all of the Endless races, humans, as a whole, are extremely receptive to Providences. While their bodies are not mutable, their minds and their life forces are, leaving them capable of resonating with multiple Providences as they will, bearing time and effort to do so. This reason alone, however, is also why they’re such a good food source for those races from beyond.


Reproduction

Birds and bees.

For the purposes of our lore, characters under sixteen years of age are disallowed, rendering human reproduction irrelevant beyond sexual pleasure.


Culture

Please regard the section on Earth for a gist of their home.

 

[sharkberrypizza]

Espers/Esper

Physical

Espers have no physical form and are essentially psychic "ghosts," though they're not actually ghosts of anything. It is speculated and generally accepted that they're simply a different form of life; some researchers believe they may have come into existence when the Earth portals opened from within the Void, as a residual effect of mixing the physical reality of Earth’s universe with the more mutable, energy-based reality of Endless.

Any “challenging” theory bases itself off the notion that espers are definitely not an Endless race. This hypothesis does have an ounce of merit, as espers exist on the same sort of space wavelength, or harmonic if the term is preferred, as human emotions and mental energy, all while being different enough to be distinct and sapient in their own right.

To a purely physical being, an esper might seem like an unseen presence; someone watching one in an empty room, for example, or the sensation of a person standing behind one’s back when nothing is there in the reflection of a mirror. The hair-raising feeling of being followed, however … just joking. All of these could likely be attributed to an esper, not a sudden onslaught of psychosis – or could they?

Digressing.

To an Endless being, an esper is a very real, very tangible storm of energy, sensate even if not entirely 'there'. In the same way alliosa can directly consume emotional output or sanjaru might devour life energy, their unique signature is perceivable and distinct in that strange space, and it is there they are most often described as being one cloud-like entity.

Espers themselves may, if they so choose as some have, project imagery of their choice as a temporary manifestation, in either location. This form is not actually corporeal, but those the esper is choosing to project it to will sense it as such. They may, if they choose, project to anywhere from one individual to an entire crowd, all at one time; specifically, they may project to those they intend to target and only those – no one else may interact with this projection, and it is not all encompassing.

As one might imagine, this exclusive ability has lead to more than one odd scenario as both endless and mortal are affected differently, meaning what one may see as a terrifying killer or a beautiful unicorn, another might witness as nothing more than a cloud, or even nothing at all.

Fortunately, or not, depending on what one might think of these unique creatures, espers also have the ability to concentrate their essence into non-living objects exclusively while on Earth, essentially allowing them to possess it. The degree of this ability seems to vary between espers, with some being only able to move a few pebbles or act as a soft breeze, while others have been known to be capable of possessing things as large as a human corpse – much to the distress of many of the race.

Particularly high-energy espers may even be able to crystallize their essence into a physical form. This creates a permanent reservoir of themselves in much the same way one might look upon a lich’s phylactery, allowing recovery from powerful psychic attacks or relentless assault. This understandably takes a great deal of energy, leaving the esper weakened and sometimes near-death for a period of time.

For diet, it appears espers feed on excess energies of any types, and are often fond of feeding on the races of the Endless as they are more or less pure energy condensed into a conceivable form. Even grimmalkin in all their curiosity are leery of being near these strange creatures, as while an esper can likewise be absorbed, they very often tend to be quite difficult to corner or manipulate.

More often than not espers prefer being benevolent rather than hostile, and as such they prefer to siphon off whatever strikes their fancy at the time. Indeed, many of them live among humans unknown and simply ‘vacuum up’ excess emotions and life energies, though some espers have even contrived how to survive on the electrical and thermal, blurring the line even more between the so-called spiritual and physical.



Mental

Despite their very nature espers aren't some sort of preposterous 'ascended' race. Instead, as far as their mentality goes, one might choose to consider them akin to the creative human, whether logician or enduring artist. In fact, often times will they project themselves stealthily in order to join human societies. Reasons are particular to the esper themselves, but experimentation or simple contact have both been offered in explanation.

That being said, it would not be the first time one complained about the burdensome task of projecting one’s self to everyone in a room! Taking such a notion into consideration, they typically prefer to be on the ‘shier’ or more ‘quarrelsome’ end of relationships, opting to keep only a handful of friends total.

Espers also typically enjoy the same forms of entertainment and media humans do, as much of their world is shared. Remembering they are an exceptionally young race, even the oldest of their kind remember technology and humanity going hand in hand, as well as always being there.

Most espers willingly focus themselves into a more human-like level of sensory interaction in order to enjoy the technology and entertainment available to them, but all are capable of a more extensive range of senses. Their innate perception is based on physical aspects that can reach their energy core. For example, what they can see is based on all forms of light that pass through their location, and what they can hear is based on all vibration which reach the same.

These fine senses are entirely able to be adjusted manually, that is to focus on what ‘level’ of sense they wish to have at that moment, but, much like a fleshly being might, they are still subject to being mentally overwhelmed. For this reason, most ‘fine tune’ their abilities to a range that falls more in line with a human’s, unless, of course, their surroundings call for more.

Understandably, espers struggle with certain physical concepts. Many of them, particularly those who enjoy interacting with humans, will play at adopting certain identities in order to fit in; typically they do give a valiant attempt to understand the raw concepts of race, gender, or other physical traits, but remember in one’s dealings that these constructs are quite difficult for most espers, as they simply don't share these human traits themselves.

This extends to other, more concrete issues such as disability and physical limitations. While espers understand the concept of reaching a limit natively, not being able to walk or see is utterly alien to a creature that senses its environment on a pure level of existence and likewise moves through it via pure force of will.



Reproduction

Currently completely unknown, as new esper seem to simply appear from nothing over time.



Cultural

One may liken an esper’s overall culture to that of any human’s, as often they choose to integrate into the same. However, espers are extremely potent and extremely dangerous Providence users.

As one might suspect, as beings of pure energy they have even more control over their harmonics than humans do, allowing them to master multiple ones as well. These capabilities are a double edged sword, however, as any esper utilizing their skills must be extremely cautious not to over or under compensate with their adjustments.

Espers essentially have what can be affectionately referred to as accidental wild magic. They are quite capable of honing their skills with a Providence in a traditional or expected way, but any single thing, no matter how insignificant one may consider a spell or charm, could cause them to disrupt their harmonics, in turn effectively causing the intention to go haywire.

As a racial rule due to this, espers may not be masters of Creation. Their energies are simply too disruptive to the process of forging existence itself, and their machinations have been proven to be entirely unstable, sometimes to the point of destroying their creator. They may try, of course, as nothing expressly prohibits them, but the resulting spatial distortions, immediately dissolving creatures, and general failure have made this accepted as a general rule.

Espers also suffer the same danger as the Endless races that they may overwrite their existence, though in a slightly different way. Any esper focusing too much energy into a particular spell may accidentally harmonize their entire being into that Providence, effectively merging with it and losing their identity – themselves.

While this irregularly happens to an Endless after long amounts of practice, and often insanity or power lust, as they are able to feel how 'corrupted' their essence is by a providence, it can and has happened completely accidentally for espers. Rather sadly, it is in fact far more common an incident for novice of the race, as they are less experienced in controlling only a part of their overall energy and often over-focus.