Eirphical
Size/Catagory: Medium Construct (Symbiont)
Stats:
Mind: Novice 17, Master 8 for the Silent Matrons, often Grandmaster 5 for the Silent Matron tribal leader
Body: Skilled 14, Expert 11 for the Mute
Magic: Untrained 20, Expert 11 for the Songstresses
Number of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: Vampiric techniques, illusions, mental manipulation, and tendrils
Special Attacks: Vampiric touch, mental drain, and the siren's song
Special Defenses: Enhanced mental defenses
Special Abilites: Epidermal respiration, acute night vision, ceiling walking, and symbiotic regeneration
Magic Resistence: Vampiric magic
Stats:
Mind: Novice 17, Master 8 for the Silent Matrons, often Grandmaster 5 for the Silent Matron tribal leader
Body: Skilled 14, Expert 11 for the Mute
Magic: Untrained 20, Expert 11 for the Songstresses
Number of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: Vampiric techniques, illusions, mental manipulation, and tendrils
Special Attacks: Vampiric touch, mental drain, and the siren's song
Special Defenses: Enhanced mental defenses
Special Abilites: Epidermal respiration, acute night vision, ceiling walking, and symbiotic regeneration
Magic Resistence: Vampiric magic
Climate/Terrain: The Eirphical can be found in most caves with temperatures exceeding freezing atleast eight months out of the year.
Frequency: Uncommon
Organization: Tribal
Activity Cycle: Nocturnal
Intelligence: Average
Language: They speak in broken tongues, primarily using a form of mental telepathy to communicate
Alignment: Seen as evil by most
Description:
Most commonly appearing elven in origin. A male has never been seen, nor is it likely that one even exists. There eyes are that of a nocturnal predator, the pupils, vertical slits. The coloration is quite dynamic, often consisting of two or three distinct colors. Because these woman reproduce through abduction, a variety of other features may occur depending on the initial race of the host. A tar like substance covers much of their body, especially the lower half. This dark material, when not clinging to the host's form, clings and holds on to the ground, walls, and ceiling. The substance forms three lines along each cheek, showing through breaks in the skin of the host. The tendrils used for movement and other functions, appearing commonly like long and slender tree roots or branches among the Silent Matrons. The dark substance often forms wing like appendages used primarily for balance and other similar uses.
Frequency: Uncommon
Organization: Tribal
Activity Cycle: Nocturnal
Intelligence: Average
Language: They speak in broken tongues, primarily using a form of mental telepathy to communicate
Alignment: Seen as evil by most
Description:
Most commonly appearing elven in origin. A male has never been seen, nor is it likely that one even exists. There eyes are that of a nocturnal predator, the pupils, vertical slits. The coloration is quite dynamic, often consisting of two or three distinct colors. Because these woman reproduce through abduction, a variety of other features may occur depending on the initial race of the host. A tar like substance covers much of their body, especially the lower half. This dark material, when not clinging to the host's form, clings and holds on to the ground, walls, and ceiling. The substance forms three lines along each cheek, showing through breaks in the skin of the host. The tendrils used for movement and other functions, appearing commonly like long and slender tree roots or branches among the Silent Matrons. The dark substance often forms wing like appendages used primarily for balance and other similar uses.
Combat:
The Eirphical fight according to their talents. The Silent Matrons use their mental techniques to overcome their foes. The Songstresses use their enchanted voice to confuse and mislead their opponent. The Mute rely on their minimal amount of brute force, combined with stealth and surprise to earn their bread. The middle class uses a combination of these depending on how their talents are developing.
Skills and abilities common in the middle class:
-Mental Speech-
Using their mind the Eirphical can communicate their words to each other. Their mental voices are each unique, able to carry a tone along with the message. The Eirphical must be standing within a few feet of each other or their bodies' must touch in order for this ability to be used.
-Mental Ping-
The symbiotic flesh showing through the three breaks in the host's flesh about either cheek, is able to send out a psionic ping. A directed wave of mental energy. This energy travels several yards before it will disperse. If a mind is hit by this energy before it disperses, the wave will return with a vague picture of the mind's mental presence. This skill is often useful for finding hiding prey, searching darkness too black for the Eirphical's eyes, and searching the other side of cavern walls. Because of the pain caused by the openings in the flesh of the cheeks widening for the symbiotic flesh, the Eirphical often having to squint or close their eyes to accommodate, this ping is used less frequently then more common methods of searching. As the mental energy strikes a mind, even the weaker of minds, a part of the mental image of the Eirphical is often transferred. This mental image has been described as several things. For some it was a pair of eyes or lips, others a silhouette or a voice. This skill has a limited width, the mental energy reaching a spread of approximately six yards just before it's dispersion.
-Basic Illusion-
This skill is used by those with potential for becoming a Songstress. Using their voice, these Eirphical can create Basic illusions. These usually consist of one or two colors and a generic form. Examples of this would include songs such as The Blue Spring, The Ruby, and The Golden Sky. Each of these songs is known by most, even those without the ability to become a Songstress.
-Vampiric Touch-
Using the dark symbiont about their bodies' the Eirphical can drain away at the physical energy of their prey. There is a gradual weakening of their opponent's physical strength as it continues. Fatigue is a common affect of their touch. If the touch continues the victim will eventually become so fatigued that their bodies will simply give up, their heart failing afterwards.
-Minor Mental Drain-
By putting their target's head into contact with their symbiont, a small drain of the victim's mental energy can be made. This energy is used to increase the symbiont's reflexes and mental capabilities for a short period of time. The Eirphical receive a mental sensation as well as they feed on their victim. They experience a drugged like state as the pleasure centers of their brain are stimulated. During this time the will of the symbiont may overcome that of it's host. Thoughts and memories often come along with the mental energy, providing helpful clues as to what bait to use when lures are necessary or convenient.
-Minor Mental Barrier-
The middle class can, with varying ability, erect temporary mental barriers about their minds. This skill can block mental invasions and other mental abilities. Unlike the barriers of the Mutes, this barrier is rarely used to block out communication. While this skill may blur or soften their mental presence, it cannot completely hide it. This skill is very rarely able to block out the intrusions of the Silent Matrons.
Skills and abilities of the Songstresses
-Minor Illusion-
This is the ability needed to become a Songstress. Using a haunting melody, they can create small illusions and alter the appearance of their face. A common song sung for hunting is the Chant of Greed, a whispering chant like song which creates the illusion of a handful of gold coins.
-Grand Illusion-
With these song based spells, the Eirphical Songstress can alter their appearance or the appearance of the environment around them. Using knowledge from previous mental drains, the Songstress can create an inviting environment to lure in travelers, or modify their appearance to seem more friendly in order to get closer to the target. A common song is the Lonely Flame, a song of an inviting campsite. This is a hard song to master, heat being a difficult element of the illusion.
Skills and abilities of the Silent Matrons
-Mental Lure-
Using their developed mental abilities, a Silent Matron can use compulsory thoughts to encourage or even force a victim into acting out general commands. The victim acts on these mental commands according to their understanding of them, rather then the literal meaning of the word. This form of coersion can be used to lure in travelers, more directly control subordinates during a feud with another tribe, or any number of other things.
-Mental Invasion-
This group of techniques consists primarily of the forceful entry into the target's mind. It can be used for a number of purposes, including keeping tabs on the members of the community. It is incredibly difficult to keep other Eirphical from noticing the entry, and few Silent Matrons try. Using this skill they can retrieve information directly from the target's mind, the more difficult targets requiring that the Silent Matron extend the tendrils from their cheeks along the victim's head or spine. This method of information gathering can also be used for a darker method. By forcing entry into the victim's mind and moving throughout the entirety of it at great speeds, exiting and repeating the entry as well, a great deal of trauma can be caused to a Eirphical and it's symbiont. Some have been tortured using this method to the extent that the mind of their symbiont shuts itself off from outside presences. Unless the victim is a Songstress, this reduces the status of the victim to a Mute. Even some Songstresses have become Mute because they've been so traumatized that they themselves were unable to continue their art.
Skills and abilities of the Mutes
-Mental Barrier-
Because of the xenophobic qualities of the mind's of the Mute and their symbiont, a barrier is near constantly up about their minds. This barrier not only prevents all but the strongest mental invasions, but also prevents even mental communication to be heard by the Mute. Mental draining, illusions, and other mental abilities have little affect upon Mutes as a result of this barrier. Those Eirphical who put forth enough effort, can hide their mental presence from most psionics for limited periods of time.
-Enhanced Symbiont Strength-
Relying more on brute strength then others of their kind, the Mutes have developed strong 'muscular' tendrils. These often appear thicker then others', having a great deal more strength to them. With these they can shove, hit, strangle, and in a few cases throw their enemies. While the Mutes are stronger then their counterparts, they'd still win few contests of strength.
-Camouflage-
Many Mutes have learned to conceal themselves through the use of their symbiotic flesh. Hiding within their tar like substance, they shape their bodies like the surface of the caverns' walls, ceiling, or floor. The Eirphical's eyes will often shine out from some crack in their disguised symbiotic flesh. The Mutes gather rocks, stones, dirt, and other objects from their environment to disguise themselves, using the symbiotic flesh to hold to the objects.
The Eirphical fight according to their talents. The Silent Matrons use their mental techniques to overcome their foes. The Songstresses use their enchanted voice to confuse and mislead their opponent. The Mute rely on their minimal amount of brute force, combined with stealth and surprise to earn their bread. The middle class uses a combination of these depending on how their talents are developing.
Skills and abilities common in the middle class:
-Mental Speech-
Using their mind the Eirphical can communicate their words to each other. Their mental voices are each unique, able to carry a tone along with the message. The Eirphical must be standing within a few feet of each other or their bodies' must touch in order for this ability to be used.
-Mental Ping-
The symbiotic flesh showing through the three breaks in the host's flesh about either cheek, is able to send out a psionic ping. A directed wave of mental energy. This energy travels several yards before it will disperse. If a mind is hit by this energy before it disperses, the wave will return with a vague picture of the mind's mental presence. This skill is often useful for finding hiding prey, searching darkness too black for the Eirphical's eyes, and searching the other side of cavern walls. Because of the pain caused by the openings in the flesh of the cheeks widening for the symbiotic flesh, the Eirphical often having to squint or close their eyes to accommodate, this ping is used less frequently then more common methods of searching. As the mental energy strikes a mind, even the weaker of minds, a part of the mental image of the Eirphical is often transferred. This mental image has been described as several things. For some it was a pair of eyes or lips, others a silhouette or a voice. This skill has a limited width, the mental energy reaching a spread of approximately six yards just before it's dispersion.
-Basic Illusion-
This skill is used by those with potential for becoming a Songstress. Using their voice, these Eirphical can create Basic illusions. These usually consist of one or two colors and a generic form. Examples of this would include songs such as The Blue Spring, The Ruby, and The Golden Sky. Each of these songs is known by most, even those without the ability to become a Songstress.
-Vampiric Touch-
Using the dark symbiont about their bodies' the Eirphical can drain away at the physical energy of their prey. There is a gradual weakening of their opponent's physical strength as it continues. Fatigue is a common affect of their touch. If the touch continues the victim will eventually become so fatigued that their bodies will simply give up, their heart failing afterwards.
-Minor Mental Drain-
By putting their target's head into contact with their symbiont, a small drain of the victim's mental energy can be made. This energy is used to increase the symbiont's reflexes and mental capabilities for a short period of time. The Eirphical receive a mental sensation as well as they feed on their victim. They experience a drugged like state as the pleasure centers of their brain are stimulated. During this time the will of the symbiont may overcome that of it's host. Thoughts and memories often come along with the mental energy, providing helpful clues as to what bait to use when lures are necessary or convenient.
-Minor Mental Barrier-
The middle class can, with varying ability, erect temporary mental barriers about their minds. This skill can block mental invasions and other mental abilities. Unlike the barriers of the Mutes, this barrier is rarely used to block out communication. While this skill may blur or soften their mental presence, it cannot completely hide it. This skill is very rarely able to block out the intrusions of the Silent Matrons.
Skills and abilities of the Songstresses
-Minor Illusion-
This is the ability needed to become a Songstress. Using a haunting melody, they can create small illusions and alter the appearance of their face. A common song sung for hunting is the Chant of Greed, a whispering chant like song which creates the illusion of a handful of gold coins.
-Grand Illusion-
With these song based spells, the Eirphical Songstress can alter their appearance or the appearance of the environment around them. Using knowledge from previous mental drains, the Songstress can create an inviting environment to lure in travelers, or modify their appearance to seem more friendly in order to get closer to the target. A common song is the Lonely Flame, a song of an inviting campsite. This is a hard song to master, heat being a difficult element of the illusion.
Skills and abilities of the Silent Matrons
-Mental Lure-
Using their developed mental abilities, a Silent Matron can use compulsory thoughts to encourage or even force a victim into acting out general commands. The victim acts on these mental commands according to their understanding of them, rather then the literal meaning of the word. This form of coersion can be used to lure in travelers, more directly control subordinates during a feud with another tribe, or any number of other things.
-Mental Invasion-
This group of techniques consists primarily of the forceful entry into the target's mind. It can be used for a number of purposes, including keeping tabs on the members of the community. It is incredibly difficult to keep other Eirphical from noticing the entry, and few Silent Matrons try. Using this skill they can retrieve information directly from the target's mind, the more difficult targets requiring that the Silent Matron extend the tendrils from their cheeks along the victim's head or spine. This method of information gathering can also be used for a darker method. By forcing entry into the victim's mind and moving throughout the entirety of it at great speeds, exiting and repeating the entry as well, a great deal of trauma can be caused to a Eirphical and it's symbiont. Some have been tortured using this method to the extent that the mind of their symbiont shuts itself off from outside presences. Unless the victim is a Songstress, this reduces the status of the victim to a Mute. Even some Songstresses have become Mute because they've been so traumatized that they themselves were unable to continue their art.
Skills and abilities of the Mutes
-Mental Barrier-
Because of the xenophobic qualities of the mind's of the Mute and their symbiont, a barrier is near constantly up about their minds. This barrier not only prevents all but the strongest mental invasions, but also prevents even mental communication to be heard by the Mute. Mental draining, illusions, and other mental abilities have little affect upon Mutes as a result of this barrier. Those Eirphical who put forth enough effort, can hide their mental presence from most psionics for limited periods of time.
-Enhanced Symbiont Strength-
Relying more on brute strength then others of their kind, the Mutes have developed strong 'muscular' tendrils. These often appear thicker then others', having a great deal more strength to them. With these they can shove, hit, strangle, and in a few cases throw their enemies. While the Mutes are stronger then their counterparts, they'd still win few contests of strength.
-Camouflage-
Many Mutes have learned to conceal themselves through the use of their symbiotic flesh. Hiding within their tar like substance, they shape their bodies like the surface of the caverns' walls, ceiling, or floor. The Eirphical's eyes will often shine out from some crack in their disguised symbiotic flesh. The Mutes gather rocks, stones, dirt, and other objects from their environment to disguise themselves, using the symbiotic flesh to hold to the objects.
Habitat/Society:
Eirphical tend to inhabit dark caves and caverns where they can find sustenance. This leads them to settle in areas where travelers must pass through often, or large enough fauna exists to support them. They will most often avoid areas of extreme cold, but will settle in them so long as there is enough time during the year to spend out of hibernation.
The origins of the Eirphical can be found in the texts from a nearly forgotten tribe. These texts describe of a time when the women of their tribe were oppressed. Being little more then slaves and concubines they were abused. After risking her life by running away, a woman of the tribe, fell into a pool within a dark cavern. The texts claim she then drowned, but was birthed by the pool three weeks later. With new life she returned to her tribe, rescuing other women from their oppression. Being brought back to the pool, they were given new life as well. Using powerful gifts of the cavern's pool, the transformed women led the women of their tribe against the men. Many men were slaughtered before the First declared it was enough, and that it was time for the tribe to heal. The Others, those whom the First had first rescued and were transformed, disagreed. They wished to make the men their slaves, to abuse them as they had been abused. The First and the Others fought. The First was the stronger, even outnumbered, and she drove the Others into the caverns.
The 'Others' soon formed a tribe of their own, taking up the name eirphical.
The eirphical society is dominated by the Silent Matrons, eirphical of great mental skill who use their abilities to secure their role as their tribe. The Silent Matrons are often watching and checking up on the others of their tribe. While the Silent Matrons are often lead by a single figure, political and social battles often take place in quiet confrontations amongst the Silent Matrons. Most commonly these battles come down to a test of favor with the current leadership, or by a struggle of mental prowess. It is only when two minds of equal power and favor clash that members from the rest of the society get involved. Coupes, divisions, and other similar events are caused from such events.
Just beneath, and sometimes above, the Silent Matrons, are the Songstresses. Often acting as entertainers, these eirphical use their enchanted voice to both entertain and sway their audience. The Songstresses often have great political sway amongst the rest of the tribe, sometimes rivaling that of the Silent Matrons. However, their illusionary magic rarely win-out against the mental prowess of the matrons. More then a few Songstresses have found themselves mute and alone after tangling with the Silent Matrons.
Those eirphical without exceptional skill in magic or psionics find themselves in the common class. Lacking the level of aptitude to enter into the higher levels of status, they serve those that do. As all eirphical hunt on their own, gathering food is not a common task. Few eirphical have ever kept 'cattle', most preferring to hunt for their sustenance. The only real tasks required, other then their submission to those of higher station, is the raiding of nearby settlements and fighting in one of the rare feuds. While the eirphical common class has little opportunity for real power, this does not keep them from their own, more subdued, social and political conflicts. The common class is just as much, if not more, involved in betrayals, pacts, and enemies.
The Mutes are at the bottom rung, often outcasts. Unable to use the language of the mind which is the most common form of communication, they must rely solely on the words picked up from other's spoken tongues. Most Mutes are treated with varying levels of scorn by those of higher status. While many Mutes are Mutes from the time they are created, the majority of Mutes were once higher in status, having endured the tortures of the Silent Matrons until their minds were broken, afraid of contact with outside minds. The Mutes most commonly live on the edge of the communal grounds. Most are solitary, while a few form small secretive groups. As the population of the Mutes increases, the Silent Matrons become more watchful and oppressive. The common class is often manipulated by the Silent Matrons to ensure the Mutes will never rise from their place in society.
Males are completely forbidden from becoming eirphical. While it is not impossible for one to be 'born', in most tribes the punishment for this transgression is death. The experienced, old, and the conservative are often highly suspicious and scornful of males. This scorn for males is taught to children from an early age, but it does little to dissuade them from being curious. As such, the young are often slow to attack travelers, male or otherwise.
The outside world is often viewed with interest, even amongst some of the conservative. Jewelry, cloths, and other items that can be found on travelers or merchants, are often the topic of discussion and wonder. Galleries are kept by the powerful to display such items. Words learned in observation or in feeding become quick fads as they're incorporated into eirphical slang.
Eirphical tend to inhabit dark caves and caverns where they can find sustenance. This leads them to settle in areas where travelers must pass through often, or large enough fauna exists to support them. They will most often avoid areas of extreme cold, but will settle in them so long as there is enough time during the year to spend out of hibernation.
The origins of the Eirphical can be found in the texts from a nearly forgotten tribe. These texts describe of a time when the women of their tribe were oppressed. Being little more then slaves and concubines they were abused. After risking her life by running away, a woman of the tribe, fell into a pool within a dark cavern. The texts claim she then drowned, but was birthed by the pool three weeks later. With new life she returned to her tribe, rescuing other women from their oppression. Being brought back to the pool, they were given new life as well. Using powerful gifts of the cavern's pool, the transformed women led the women of their tribe against the men. Many men were slaughtered before the First declared it was enough, and that it was time for the tribe to heal. The Others, those whom the First had first rescued and were transformed, disagreed. They wished to make the men their slaves, to abuse them as they had been abused. The First and the Others fought. The First was the stronger, even outnumbered, and she drove the Others into the caverns.
The 'Others' soon formed a tribe of their own, taking up the name eirphical.
The eirphical society is dominated by the Silent Matrons, eirphical of great mental skill who use their abilities to secure their role as their tribe. The Silent Matrons are often watching and checking up on the others of their tribe. While the Silent Matrons are often lead by a single figure, political and social battles often take place in quiet confrontations amongst the Silent Matrons. Most commonly these battles come down to a test of favor with the current leadership, or by a struggle of mental prowess. It is only when two minds of equal power and favor clash that members from the rest of the society get involved. Coupes, divisions, and other similar events are caused from such events.
Just beneath, and sometimes above, the Silent Matrons, are the Songstresses. Often acting as entertainers, these eirphical use their enchanted voice to both entertain and sway their audience. The Songstresses often have great political sway amongst the rest of the tribe, sometimes rivaling that of the Silent Matrons. However, their illusionary magic rarely win-out against the mental prowess of the matrons. More then a few Songstresses have found themselves mute and alone after tangling with the Silent Matrons.
Those eirphical without exceptional skill in magic or psionics find themselves in the common class. Lacking the level of aptitude to enter into the higher levels of status, they serve those that do. As all eirphical hunt on their own, gathering food is not a common task. Few eirphical have ever kept 'cattle', most preferring to hunt for their sustenance. The only real tasks required, other then their submission to those of higher station, is the raiding of nearby settlements and fighting in one of the rare feuds. While the eirphical common class has little opportunity for real power, this does not keep them from their own, more subdued, social and political conflicts. The common class is just as much, if not more, involved in betrayals, pacts, and enemies.
The Mutes are at the bottom rung, often outcasts. Unable to use the language of the mind which is the most common form of communication, they must rely solely on the words picked up from other's spoken tongues. Most Mutes are treated with varying levels of scorn by those of higher status. While many Mutes are Mutes from the time they are created, the majority of Mutes were once higher in status, having endured the tortures of the Silent Matrons until their minds were broken, afraid of contact with outside minds. The Mutes most commonly live on the edge of the communal grounds. Most are solitary, while a few form small secretive groups. As the population of the Mutes increases, the Silent Matrons become more watchful and oppressive. The common class is often manipulated by the Silent Matrons to ensure the Mutes will never rise from their place in society.
Males are completely forbidden from becoming eirphical. While it is not impossible for one to be 'born', in most tribes the punishment for this transgression is death. The experienced, old, and the conservative are often highly suspicious and scornful of males. This scorn for males is taught to children from an early age, but it does little to dissuade them from being curious. As such, the young are often slow to attack travelers, male or otherwise.
The outside world is often viewed with interest, even amongst some of the conservative. Jewelry, cloths, and other items that can be found on travelers or merchants, are often the topic of discussion and wonder. Galleries are kept by the powerful to display such items. Words learned in observation or in feeding become quick fads as they're incorporated into eirphical slang.
Ecology:
Eirphical are not born, but rather changed into what they are. They consist of two parts, the sentient host, and the symbiont. It is the combination of these two entities which results in the biology of the eirphical. Because eirphical society consists purely of females, and most of those being barren, the tribes rely on abduction. Children, namely young girls, are often taken on raids. The excess will be looked after by one of the common class until they've been chosen by mothers as well. Most commonly a mother will only choose one of the children.
The girls are taken by their new 'mother' to a pool of wriggling symbionts. The mother will then use a pointed rock to gouge out the child's eyes. This is often a violent task, as young child is given little to no instruction, and of course, resist. The mother then submerges her chosen daughter into the pool, holding her there until she has ceased struggling. This is not do to a lack of oxygen, but rather because of the unconscious state that the child is put into when a symbiont first enters the child's body.
The child remains unconscious for many days, the time often stretching longer then a month. The mother watches after the 'new born', keeping the child with her even when she hunts. The new joined symbiont and host drain small amounts of energy from those that touch it's dormant form. The mother willingly provides her new daughter with nourishment, replenishing her own energy when needed.
As the child sleeps, the symbiont alters it's host body. Slowly it works to give the child new eyes and heal other injuries. The eirphical's eyes take a few months to fully form. Had the mother not gouged out her daughter's eyes before the process it would have taken over a year before the child could see properly. The daughter's legs slowly deteriorate, becoming weak as they're eaten away by the symbiont. The child's cheeks split open in a pair of three lines which the symbiont's tendrils will reach and grab from, looking for nourishment.
As the child's hibernation comes to a close, it's legs will be weak and sometimes unusable. It's cheeks will have healed save for the six new orifices which remain as thin lines for most of their childhood. Their eyes will be mostly formed, though rarely complete, a thin sheet of symbiotic flesh protecting them from the outside world.
As the child grows up in the care and teaching of her mother, her eyes will form while her legs continue to deteriorate. The legs become encompassed by dark liquidy flesh, and the child begins to use the symbiotic tendrils to help herself get around. The symbiont will slowly destroy or alter 'unnecessary' limbs and organs. Eirphical often become barren as a result of the symbiont's meddling. Legs become long stumps. Veins and blood are altered, becoming symbiotic fluid laced throughout the body.
Eirphical are able to hibernate for months at a time during anticipated periods of cold or shortages in nourishment. If the tribe hibernates for too long a period of time, their energy can become depleted. This results in a period of near permanent hibernation, during which they live unchanged for decades. It takes a great deal of physical contact with either a large source of nourishment or a sentient being to fully awaken a long sleeping eirphical. Eventually an unawakened eirphical will die and her symbiotic flesh will devour her body. The then gorged symbiont then divides itself, forming a new pool of wriggling symbionts.
Starvation and major disease are the only natural ways for the eirphical to die.
Eirphical will often unwittingly deplete their food supply, requiring them to move in order to find further nourishment. While smaller prey often must be entirely drained for sustenance, larger sources of nourishment can be released after a short meal. This creates an imbalance between local fauna, resulting in the death or relocation of larger game.
While not often the case, some eirphical will allow their sentient prey to leave alive after they've taken their fill. A few cases have been noted in the business records of several merchants, of eirphical allowing the safe transportation of goods in exchange for willing prey. It must be noted, however, that as eirphical have little knowledge of the spoken tongues, that negotiations present a challenge on many levels. As such most trade routes go around known eirphical inhabitations, when possible.
Eirphical are not born, but rather changed into what they are. They consist of two parts, the sentient host, and the symbiont. It is the combination of these two entities which results in the biology of the eirphical. Because eirphical society consists purely of females, and most of those being barren, the tribes rely on abduction. Children, namely young girls, are often taken on raids. The excess will be looked after by one of the common class until they've been chosen by mothers as well. Most commonly a mother will only choose one of the children.
The girls are taken by their new 'mother' to a pool of wriggling symbionts. The mother will then use a pointed rock to gouge out the child's eyes. This is often a violent task, as young child is given little to no instruction, and of course, resist. The mother then submerges her chosen daughter into the pool, holding her there until she has ceased struggling. This is not do to a lack of oxygen, but rather because of the unconscious state that the child is put into when a symbiont first enters the child's body.
The child remains unconscious for many days, the time often stretching longer then a month. The mother watches after the 'new born', keeping the child with her even when she hunts. The new joined symbiont and host drain small amounts of energy from those that touch it's dormant form. The mother willingly provides her new daughter with nourishment, replenishing her own energy when needed.
As the child sleeps, the symbiont alters it's host body. Slowly it works to give the child new eyes and heal other injuries. The eirphical's eyes take a few months to fully form. Had the mother not gouged out her daughter's eyes before the process it would have taken over a year before the child could see properly. The daughter's legs slowly deteriorate, becoming weak as they're eaten away by the symbiont. The child's cheeks split open in a pair of three lines which the symbiont's tendrils will reach and grab from, looking for nourishment.
As the child's hibernation comes to a close, it's legs will be weak and sometimes unusable. It's cheeks will have healed save for the six new orifices which remain as thin lines for most of their childhood. Their eyes will be mostly formed, though rarely complete, a thin sheet of symbiotic flesh protecting them from the outside world.
As the child grows up in the care and teaching of her mother, her eyes will form while her legs continue to deteriorate. The legs become encompassed by dark liquidy flesh, and the child begins to use the symbiotic tendrils to help herself get around. The symbiont will slowly destroy or alter 'unnecessary' limbs and organs. Eirphical often become barren as a result of the symbiont's meddling. Legs become long stumps. Veins and blood are altered, becoming symbiotic fluid laced throughout the body.
Eirphical are able to hibernate for months at a time during anticipated periods of cold or shortages in nourishment. If the tribe hibernates for too long a period of time, their energy can become depleted. This results in a period of near permanent hibernation, during which they live unchanged for decades. It takes a great deal of physical contact with either a large source of nourishment or a sentient being to fully awaken a long sleeping eirphical. Eventually an unawakened eirphical will die and her symbiotic flesh will devour her body. The then gorged symbiont then divides itself, forming a new pool of wriggling symbionts.
Starvation and major disease are the only natural ways for the eirphical to die.
Eirphical will often unwittingly deplete their food supply, requiring them to move in order to find further nourishment. While smaller prey often must be entirely drained for sustenance, larger sources of nourishment can be released after a short meal. This creates an imbalance between local fauna, resulting in the death or relocation of larger game.
While not often the case, some eirphical will allow their sentient prey to leave alive after they've taken their fill. A few cases have been noted in the business records of several merchants, of eirphical allowing the safe transportation of goods in exchange for willing prey. It must be noted, however, that as eirphical have little knowledge of the spoken tongues, that negotiations present a challenge on many levels. As such most trade routes go around known eirphical inhabitations, when possible.
