Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Mar 20, 2023 0:42:46 GMT
The Xel are a short lived race of elemental beings who inhabit the Isle of Xel, though race might not be an appropriate term. The Xel are an incredibly mysterious group, defying most understandings of biological life. They do not eat, breathe, or reproduce. By their own account, the Xel are living embodiments of the magic of the world, bound into a humanoid form. Because Xel have such short lifespans (usually no longer than three weeks), they have not built much in the way of a society, dwelling in the crystalline caverns that dot their island home. These beings have little use for earthly goods, but will communicate with the other races of the planet when encountered. They are said to harbor powerful magic, but no record has ever been shown to confirm this. They do seem to have an understanding of the flow of magic, however whether this is through divine revelation or the nature of their unique form remains speculative.
There have never been more than a few hundred Xel recorded at one time, though estimates differ due to their volatile death and rebirth cycles. It is not understood even by the Xel, how new members of the group are born, outside their saying “We are”. It is understood however that Xel seem to exclusively be born on the Isle. Though they may travel outside the island, it is extremely rare for them to do so.
As a whole, the Xel seem extremely indifferent to violence and the world around them. Though they may defend themselves (allegedly) with powerful magics, it is thought that the use of this power unbinds them, causing death. When their form is destroyed, the Xel releases their elemental power, leaving little to nothing behind. It does not seem the reborn Xel will retain the knowledge of their ancestors lived experiences, though they are born with the appearance and faculties of a fully grown adult. The only shared knowledge seems to be from “the progenitors”, which is how they describe the source of their knowledge. It is rumored, though again not proven, that their populations surge with notable excessive uses of magic. This has in turn led some to speculate that the Xel are themselves, receptacles for excess magic. Attempts to use them as a magical conduit are inconclusive, as they seem able to release their physical form at will. They call this process “sundering”.
There is much about the anatomical structure of the Xel that is perplexing. Though the Xel take on a vaguely humanoid structure, they typically lack several defining features. The torso of any individual appears either male or female, and it is rumored that their bodies are so amorphous as to be able to change these traits at will if desired. However, given the Xel lack reproductive capabilities, the reason for choosing this form is unknown. Their arms, though humanoid in appearance, typically taper off into tendrils where the hands should be. These appendages do not appear to be capable of fine motor skills, though they do assist in rudimentary grasping. Instead of proper legs and feet, the Xel typically have a wisp of a tail, and float just above the ground. They do however seem to require some exertion to move, as members have been seen unable to continue locomotion. Surprisingly, they do seem to require sleep, though they remain floating and upright. The face of a Xel does have eyes, but typically lack any other features, including a mouth. They communicate through psionic abilities. Although each Xel is said to have a distinctive “voice”, they tend to sound as if multiple versions are speaking at once. It has been likened by one scholar to voices echoing off a cavern wall. Though erudite, the Xel tend to have a distinct and obscure manner of communication. Whether this is intentional to their nature is a matter of debate. Physical differences are notable among the different elemental varieties of the Xel, which are rather obvious upon observation. Despite their society comprising seemingly opposing elements, these beings do not seem to draw a distinction themselves. In fact, the sudden sundering of one may cause a chain reaction among others close by, though the Xel take little note of this.
Despite their own blasé attitude toward their demise, the Xel do seem to show compassion for sickness and death in other beings. Given their near total lack of technology however, it is best to seek aid from others when you are ailing. There are no records of the Xel having ever healed anyone of their maladies.
The Island the Xel call home is beautiful, but near worthless. Only a handful of the most hardy specimens of vegetation can survive on the isle, most likely due to the poor sandy soil. Upon inspection, the sand appears as fine beads of glass crystal, matching much of the topography of the island. Individuals have on occasion been seen harvesting and trading this crystal. Although beautiful, it does not appear to be imbued with any unique properties.
There have never been more than a few hundred Xel recorded at one time, though estimates differ due to their volatile death and rebirth cycles. It is not understood even by the Xel, how new members of the group are born, outside their saying “We are”. It is understood however that Xel seem to exclusively be born on the Isle. Though they may travel outside the island, it is extremely rare for them to do so.
As a whole, the Xel seem extremely indifferent to violence and the world around them. Though they may defend themselves (allegedly) with powerful magics, it is thought that the use of this power unbinds them, causing death. When their form is destroyed, the Xel releases their elemental power, leaving little to nothing behind. It does not seem the reborn Xel will retain the knowledge of their ancestors lived experiences, though they are born with the appearance and faculties of a fully grown adult. The only shared knowledge seems to be from “the progenitors”, which is how they describe the source of their knowledge. It is rumored, though again not proven, that their populations surge with notable excessive uses of magic. This has in turn led some to speculate that the Xel are themselves, receptacles for excess magic. Attempts to use them as a magical conduit are inconclusive, as they seem able to release their physical form at will. They call this process “sundering”.
There is much about the anatomical structure of the Xel that is perplexing. Though the Xel take on a vaguely humanoid structure, they typically lack several defining features. The torso of any individual appears either male or female, and it is rumored that their bodies are so amorphous as to be able to change these traits at will if desired. However, given the Xel lack reproductive capabilities, the reason for choosing this form is unknown. Their arms, though humanoid in appearance, typically taper off into tendrils where the hands should be. These appendages do not appear to be capable of fine motor skills, though they do assist in rudimentary grasping. Instead of proper legs and feet, the Xel typically have a wisp of a tail, and float just above the ground. They do however seem to require some exertion to move, as members have been seen unable to continue locomotion. Surprisingly, they do seem to require sleep, though they remain floating and upright. The face of a Xel does have eyes, but typically lack any other features, including a mouth. They communicate through psionic abilities. Although each Xel is said to have a distinctive “voice”, they tend to sound as if multiple versions are speaking at once. It has been likened by one scholar to voices echoing off a cavern wall. Though erudite, the Xel tend to have a distinct and obscure manner of communication. Whether this is intentional to their nature is a matter of debate. Physical differences are notable among the different elemental varieties of the Xel, which are rather obvious upon observation. Despite their society comprising seemingly opposing elements, these beings do not seem to draw a distinction themselves. In fact, the sudden sundering of one may cause a chain reaction among others close by, though the Xel take little note of this.
Despite their own blasé attitude toward their demise, the Xel do seem to show compassion for sickness and death in other beings. Given their near total lack of technology however, it is best to seek aid from others when you are ailing. There are no records of the Xel having ever healed anyone of their maladies.
The Island the Xel call home is beautiful, but near worthless. Only a handful of the most hardy specimens of vegetation can survive on the isle, most likely due to the poor sandy soil. Upon inspection, the sand appears as fine beads of glass crystal, matching much of the topography of the island. Individuals have on occasion been seen harvesting and trading this crystal. Although beautiful, it does not appear to be imbued with any unique properties.