Curi

The Curi are the royal guard of the Syndalan Empire, constructs initially created by Emperor Baul Carnago from the corpses of Humans Orcs, and Elves alike.

Construction Process

A Curi is created from the corpse of a Human, Orc, or Elf. Elves are most commonly chosen as they are considered lower in Syndalan society, while humans are far less common due to their distance from the Syndalan continent. The corpses are usually selected from prisoners of war or given as a punishment for crimes or cowardice within Syndal itself. Death by such a fate is considered incredibly undignified (especially since Orcish Culture holds that the body must be damaged in some way for the person's soul to move on to the afterlife, and a Curi's body must be intact). Shadraki Curi are theoretically possible but have yet to be created and it is doubtful that one ever will be, considering Shadra's isolationism and Syndal's tendency not to take prisoners of war.

First, the corpse is embalmed and preserved to prevent rotting. Next, a complex enchantment is placed upon the brain, making use of the fragmented soul structure left behind after death. This creates something of an artificial soul. It uses the same task-based as opposed to emotionally-based thinking as is used in the souls of Angels. Due to the artificial soul's inability to draw magical energy from the surroundings to sustain itself, an Arcane Bind is created to provide the energy needed to survive.
Finally, the corpse is dressed, given a steel mask and grey robes to hide its desiccated face and body, and granted its signature weapon, the double-ended glaive.

Role

Being the Royal Guard of Syndal, they were historically tied to Emperor Baul Carnago, acting as his personal bodyguard as well as the guard to his palace. Then, with the assassination of Emperor Carnago by Jay Spinner, they largely shut down, with no Arcane Bind. The binds were reactivated for other mages and the Curi were reinstructed to defend the council that now led Syndal.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Curi are not capable of reproducing naturally, rather, they can only be manufactured from a relatively intact corpse by a skilled enchanter.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Curi use a form of chordsight to perceive the environment, lacking a sense of taste, smell, or touch. They have a sense of sight, but it is primitive and imprecise, and far better used for navigating an environment than for meeting threats. They are far more effective in using the latent magical energy present in souls to pick out targets. It is for this reason that they are especially adept in seeking out magic users. Their hearing is finely tuned, and while not as versatile as chordsight, is far more precise.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Curi are fully capable of complex speech, and usually speak the Capperam dialect of Kabel. Some are capable of speaking other languages, and can even be implemented as translators.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Elf
• Human
• Orcs

Geographic Distribution

• Syndal

Discovered by

Baul Carnago