Varyn

Varyn are one of the more mysterious sapient species of Aroka. There are no records of them prior to the Second Firefall, so many believe that there were brough to the world during that event. However, it is difficult to learn much about them as there are very few communities of them. In most cases, they are mistaken for Lizardkin. There have been reports where it seems individual Varyn thought they were Lizardkin but were somehow special. Their aptitude for magic does make them outliers in any population, so they rarely question their nature beyond that.

Basic Information

Anatomy

On the exterior, Varyn can take many forms, many of which are indistinguishable from Lizardkin. Those that have spent a significant amount of time say that they can grow exceptionally quick and even alter their physical form to suit their environment. This has led many to believe their is a connection between the Varyn and a collection of creatures, know as Scalebeasts, that seem to share this adaptive morphology.

Those that have seen a wounded or slain Varyn say that their blood is purple and glistens as if it consists of many tiny gems. Additionally, it seems as if their flesh consists of similar crystalline structures, only more dense. Furthermore, their bones share a very close resemblance to Shard, leading many to believe they are connected there are no reports of Shard prior to the first encounter with Varyn.

Biological Traits

Most Varyn closely resemble Lizardkin, though they may sometimes have differing features such as dosral spikes, horns, and wings that deviate from any known Lizardkin species. In every instance, they have scales and seem to be impervious to heat as well as possessing natural magical abilities.

Genetics and Reproduction

There are no reports of anything other than adult Varyn. As far as anyone can tell, they do not reproduce and, for those able to get a clos enough look, do not seem to possess the anatomy to do so. Without known populations to observe, it unclear if there are reproducing by some other means in order to maintain their numbers.

Growth Rate & Stages

Even though only adult Varyn have been observed, it does seem that they age but are also able to reverse the aging process. Typically, larger Varyn are treated as elders, suggesting that they never stop growing, but there are smaller ones that garner the same respect.

Ecology and Habitats

Too few Varyn have been encountered to determine where they prefer to live, though they do seem to be impervious to heat, so some suggest that there may be larger populations living in volcanically active regions.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As far as anyone can tell, Varyn do not need to eat as there are reports of Varyn surviving seemingly indefinetly without food or water. Many do choose to eat, but its seems to be more out of fitting in with other sapient species that out of actual need for sustainance.

Biological Cycle

Varyn seem to be able to grow indefinitely, but also seem to have some control over this process with some seemingly being able to reverse it. Without a large enough population of Varyn to study, much less willing participants, it is difficult to determine how they live.

Behaviour

Lone Varyn often don't know they are Varyn, living among some variant of Lizardkin until they begin to grow too large, discover their magical capabilities, or otherwise raise suspicion that they are more than they appear. This has led many of them to live on the outskirts of society and keep to themselves.

There are rare instances of Varyn that are fully aware of their nature. These individuals are typically distrustful, mysterious, and have an aura of superiority. They will often emerge from the wilderness, ask a few questions of local leaders, explore the area, and then disappear back into the wilderness. It's unclear if all the occurrences are connected or not, but it seems that there are larger populations of Varyn somewhere on Aroka and that they seem to believe they are superior to all other life on the planet.

One common trend among encounter with self-aware Varyn is their loyalty to their deity, Var, though no one has been able to figure out who this deity is as what brief descriptions they have gotten of it do not match any of the old gods of Aroka.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Lone Varyn are usually very solitary, so it is unknown how a group or population of them would behaive.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Many believe that Varyn have a connection to Shard. Some suggest that they are simply able to detect it with their magical senses and collect it. Others suggest that they also consume it, which is why on that rare case that a Varyn has been killed or found dead it usually has Shard within it. There are some that propose their bodies are at least partially made of Shard, raising many more questions about the nature of the material.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

No populations of Varyn have been discovered, but it seems that individuals prefer hot environments.

Average Intelligence

Whether this is due to their magical gifts or lofty self-perception, Varyn are often viewed as highly intelligent. They also seem to possess and understand of things taking place in the world beyond the cities and settlements, suggesting that they are privy to hidden knowledge.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Varyn do not seem to rely on the senses that most creatures and sapient species do. Many of them have eyes, ears, noses, tongues, and respond to physical touch, but this doesn't seem to be their primary means of observing their surroundings. Their attunement with magic has lead many to believe they use their spirits as the primary means of detecting stimuli in their surroundings, though to what extend is still unknown.

Lifespan

Unknown

Conservation Status

In some parts of the world, they are protected due to their magical prowess and ability to withstand extreme heat. In other parts of the world, they are hunted, most times out of fear of the unfamiliar, but sometimes due to using parts of their bodies for storing magical energy.

Average Height

It varies as it seems that they can grow indefinitely but have some control over the process. Most that have been encountered are just barely small enough to fit inside structures built by other sapient species, allowing them to tower over others.

Average Weight

It is unclear how much they weight as their bodies are not made of the same flesh most other beings are. However, those that have witnessed them fight say that they seem to possess a great deal of strength.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Varyn come in many colors, though there are many that wonder if they are capable of changing the color of their scales as reports of a Varyn encounter will often conflict on their appearance despite all other elements of the story alinging.