Gith
The story of Gith is rooted in a cruel twist of cosmic fate. Inspired by the great leader for whom the race is named, the gith rose up to overthrow the mind flayers that held them in servitude. But after they won their freedom, two factions among the gith disagreed on what kind of civilization they would forge. That disagreement quickly flared into open hostility, and the two groups distanced themselves from one another to pursue their separate agendas. They remain bitter enemies today, each side willing to fight to the death whenever they cross paths.
The githyanki were motivated by revenge and convinced that they deserved to take whatever they wanted from the worlds they traveled. Ranging out from the titanic city of Tu'narath on the Astral Plane, they send raiders out to plunder the Material Plane and other worlds, bringing treasures and slaves back to their ageless realm. At the same time, they hunt down and kill mind flayers whenever possible, as recompense for what the illithids did to them.
The githzerai believed that the path to an enlightened civilization lay in seclusion, not conflict. Their dedication to the principles of order is so strong that they can manipulate the stuff of chaos and use it to their benefit; thus, they have carved out a stronghold for themselves on the plane of Limbo that is virtually impervious. Though the githzerai are pacifists by nature, they share the githyanki's racial hatred for mind flayers, and from time to time they send out squads to destroy illithid outposts.
If the two races were ever to team up against the illithids, a combined force of gith could conceivably tip the balance in their favor. But as long as the githyanki and githzerai stay at each other's throats, their goal of ultimate victory over their original common enemy will likely remain unachieved.
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Psychemeld Day is the holiday celebrated by the Githzerai and Githyanki in Zyr'Halaq to honor their unique union and the complementary nature of their psionic abilities. This day is dedicated to showcasing how their divergent psionic strengths, when united, create a harmonious and powerful force that sustains their city and ensures their continued coexistence.
Dawn of Unity Ritual: The day begins with the "Dawn of Unity" ritual at sunrise. Githzerai and Githyanki gather at the city's central plaza, where they form a massive circle and channel their psionic energies. Githzerai focus on their inner tranquility, projecting an aura of calm and stability, while the Githyanki channel their aggressive and potent mental prowess, creating an intense energy field. As the two energies merge, a radiant wave sweeps across the gathering, symbolizing the melding of their minds and the strength of their union.
Psionic Symbiosis Displays: Throughout the day, various displays and demonstrations take place, highlighting the complementary nature of Githzerai and Githyanki psionics. Githzerai monks showcase their mastery of mental discipline, demonstrating how their psionic shields can fortify against external threats. Githyanki warriors, in turn, exhibit their powerful telekinetic and telepathic attacks, showing how their abilities can be amplified when supported by Githzerai mental defenses. Together, they perform joint exercises, illustrating how their contrasting psionics create a seamless defense and offense.
Mindweave Challenge: One of the day's most anticipated events is the "Mindweave Challenge," where pairs of Githzerai and Githyanki team up in a series of psionic trials. These trials test their ability to work in unison, combining their strengths to solve complex puzzles, navigate mental mazes, and overcome psychic barriers. The challenge is not about winning but about demonstrating the effectiveness of their partnership and reinforcing the idea that they are stronger together.
Harmonization Ceremony: In the afternoon, a solemn "Harmonization Ceremony" takes place at the city's central psionic nexus. Here, the most skilled psionics from both groups come together to perform a mental linking ritual. This ceremony is both symbolic and functional, as it serves to strengthen the collective psionic field that protects Zyr'Halaq. By sharing their thoughts and emotions, they reaffirm their commitment to unity and the collective well-being of their city.
Evening of Psionic Artistry: As the sun sets, the focus shifts to the artistic side of psionics. Githzerai and Githyanki psionicists create beautiful displays of mental art, manipulating light, sound, and even the perceptions of reality. These performances include telekinetic sculpture crafting, illusions that weave together scenes of their shared history, and telepathic storytelling, where images and emotions are projected directly into the minds of the audience.
Psionic Convergence Feast: The day concludes with the "Psionic Convergence Feast," a shared meal where the food and drink are enhanced with psionic energy. As they eat, participants engage in telepathic conversations, further deepening their bonds and understanding of one another. This shared experience serves as a reminder that, while they may have come from different paths, their unity and shared strength are what make Zyr'Halaq a beacon of harmony on the island of Efristan.
Psychemeld Day is a powerful celebration that honors the unique strengths of the Githzerai and Githyanki, showcasing how their psionics, when united, create something greater than the sum of its parts. It is a day that reinforces their commitment to maintaining the delicate balance and unity that defines their shared city of Zyr'Halaq.
History
While both the Githyanki and Githzerai have been at odds through history, they found a common bonded enemy when arriving in Astrium during the first Pandora War. They were present at the north of the world where a piece of land broke off during the events of realmshatter. They lived separated from the mainland for centuries, on the island known as Efristan. The island was seperated in half for the githyanki and githzerai. While they did work along side the arcane infinite's institution, each side kept the themselves.
It wasnt until the dawn of the 2nd Pandora War where a group of heroes had defeated a wizard who was attempting lichdom by draining the gith of their essence. From that day and over the last few decades they have attempted to make amends and work towards building a united front against astral threats on the nexus plane.
To show their good faith with each other, the centre of the island is now part of a joint settlement of both races - "Zenothar."
"Zen" evokes balance, harmony, and the Githzerai's focus on meditation and order.
"Thar" references strength, power, and the Githyanki’s warrior culture.
Together, Zenothar symbolizes the convergence of two distinct yet powerful Gith factions, representing the delicate balance between their philosophies of order and conquest. It also hints at a place of unity, despite their historic differences.
They are hoping to enter Astrium's council in order to provide insight into the extraplanar threats that may
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