The Smokeless

Art Credit: picture found in the "Anvil of Fire" Pathfinder adventure by Sean K Reynolds https://docplayer.net/146055376-Anvil-of-fire-by-sean-k-reynolds.html

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sapio Ignis, also called "Life Pyres" and "The Smokeless" are a race of Fire-elemental kin native to the deserts of Spirix. Once simple fire spirits endemic in the area, they were forever altered by the magical sundering known as The Impetus. Tied to the lands fouled by fallout, the progenitor Ignan race of The Smokeless were altered magically into the staple of Spirixian society they are known in the modern-day. Smokeless are physically massive, towering in at an average height of six foot eight inches. Their bodies are also incredibly dense and durable, leading some anthropologists to theorize they are as closely related to Fire elementals as they are to Earth elementals, and have coined a taxonomical term for the species Terra Sapio Ignis. They are remarkably similar to most humanoid bodies, with a skeletal structure that is almost identical to that of an average human. The main differences between the two are the size and density of the bone, as well as the presence of an extra set of bones just underneath the clavicle that are flatter and denser, resembling shielding plates. These bones, called the Sternid, are believed to function as heat shields, protecting vital organs from the immense temperatures that Smokeless are known for.
Smokeless are made entirely distinct from other races by the flames that protrude from their bodies. Newborn smokeless are referred to as Emberlings, with fires yet to become fully pronounced, they glow softly with a red and yellow presence. Around adolescence, an Emberlings fires begin to appear in short puffs or brief flashes as more of their skin compresses into Firemoss, a living charcoal-like fuel for the fires that protrude from their heads, shoulders, and sometimes their fingertips. As Smokeless age, they begin to burn through Firemoss faster than their bodies can produce it and their fires begin to dim. As Smokeless progress toward the later stages of their life, members of their community refer to them as Elder Ashen, and they adopt a gray color across their dark bodies. The growth and accumulation of Firemoss is a primary indicator of age among Smokeless, as their facial features are often hidden under a veil of fire or a solid, rock-like surface. Many researchers have attempted to study the biology of Firemoss, but have encountered a multitude of magical oddities that defy their understanding. For example, Firemoss goes completely inert if not connected to the body of a living Smokeless. Even after being separated for months, samples were not only magically dormant but flame retardant. 
For now, understanding of The Smokeless and their biology is simple and static:  They are a race of elementals with tough exteriors, humanoid bodies, and magical flames that burn ceaselessly for most of their lives.

Genetics and Reproduction

Smokeless reproduce as most humanoid creatures do, with a Male and a Female who love each other very much. Pregnancies are comparatively very short, aided by a strong fire that quickly develops a fetus in roughly 5 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Newborn Emberlings remain small and barren of fire for about 2 years before the first patches of Firemoss begin to develop. 
Smokeless reach adolescence in about 6 years, gaining the ability to walk around, speak, and independently perform most physical tasks by themselves. They then reach adulthood around 14 where their bodies slow in aging considerably. Indeed, Smokeless who die to natural causes and age tend to be between 900 and 1100 years old.

Ecology and Habitats

Smokeless tend to thrive in dry, hot climates like their native homeland of Spirix. Many have ventured away from their ancestral home and have made deep roots in the more tropical climates of Silk Mist Glade, or even the humid temperate areas of The Sister States. Strangely, members of the Smokeless race have noted that these climates tend to make pregnancies last longer, and slow the aging process for newborns considerably, making pilgrimages back to the desert, and more specifically to their cultural capital Karusha, common for expecting families. Something in the desert just compels them to come home.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Smokeless require enormous diets full of calorically dense food. To nourish their huge forms and to keep their bodies producing Firemoss, a truly tremendous diet is an absolute necessity. This can be relatively difficult in the resource sparse desert, so The Smokeless have an ancient tradition of animal husbandry that keeps them moving even when there are slim pickings for food. 
Much of the Smokeless diet is made of cereals, primarily wheat and oats. To accent these earthy flavors, they have meat and milk products from the cattle indigenous to the area: Giant Sand Skinks, Pursufeo Spiders, and even Bulettes.

Biological Cycle

Smokeless go through 45-year loops they refer to as "Dry Cycles". During a Dry Cycle, their Firemoss begins to fluctuate, maybe growing immensely one day and diminishing the next. The usual pattern is that it increases over time until the 22 and a half year mid point where it begins to decrease slowly back to a relatively stable amount. 
It is currently unknown why Dry Cycles occur, though some have theorized that it is a biological mechanism that initially helps Smokeless to age more quickly and reach maturity. Others believe it is a way for the body to rid itself of waste and toxins, burning them away with an increased amount of Firemoss.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Smokeless are usually found in desert climates, primarily Spirix. They are an uncommon sight anywhere else but Smokeless have begun to make their way off Terisirae to other countries in search of more favorable lands to call home.

Average Intelligence

Quantifying the intelligence of Smokeless can be difficult given how softspoken and taciturn they tend to be. Despite this, it is known that Somekless are among the most intelligent of the sapient species. One Smokeless, in particular, can function as a representative for his race's ability to be astute, bright, and clever creatures. A man named Argan, the Blazing was responsible for a campaign that united The Smokeless and nearby Orc Tribes in a coalition against forces invading from Aldrané in E.Y. 988. Argan used tact and diplomacy to unite his forces with his neighbors under a common goal, and even outsmarted one of the largest armies in the world in several key battles, despite their smaller infantry.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Smokeless maintain an inherent ability to manipulate small fire. Every member of the race is capable of exerting their will on fires of varying sizes, and there is some evidence to suggest that the amount of Firemoss they have accumulated and their proficiency with pyromancy correlate highly with one another. This ability to listen and command fire also gives them an ability to locate other Smokeless at long distances, granting them some limited form of telepathy that connects them in a vast diaspora.
Adult Smokeless also have an ability to agitate their Firemoss, essentially sparking it into a much taller, brighter, more powerful flame for a short period. Doing so is incredibly physically costly and can tire the Smokeless into exhaustion if used too frequently. It is theorized that using this ability quickly depletes Firemoss and can take days or even weeks off the lifespan of those who use it.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Of all the parasites that dot Ec'algor, perhaps the strangest is the Blattignea, commonly referred to as a Charcoal Roach. They are insect-like creatures, also with elemental fire abilities, that consume Firemoss tissue, living and dead. Because of Smokeless' thick and durable skin, it can be difficult to detect the presence of such a small creature on their body, which can lead to complications if too much of their tissue is consumed by the small creature.
Karusha struggles with the presence of Charcoal Roachs the most, given its high density of Smokeless and their close proximity. There is a culture of mutual grooming that helps protect the population from the small creatures, as well as other natural insecticides they produce to kill the problem at its root. A few hundred years ago, the abundance of Charcoal Roach in Karusha made it a popular meat substitute for when populations of livestock were waning or difficult to maintain. This trend did not last for long, but there are a few odd recipe books with Roach Cakes hidden away in their volumes.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Naming conventions for the Smokeless tend to lean into their elemental heritage. It is common for them to be given names that resemble the earth and/or fire in some capacity. Surnames as well are usually somehow connected to their heritage, to Karusha, or to the flames that crackle from their bodies. Notable examples include Coal Brightflame, Aestos Deephearth, and Cormash Greenshield.

Major Organizations

The definitive and most important creation of the Smokeless is Karusha, their capital kingdom nestled in the southeastern region of Spirix, an area known as The Firelands. Karusha is so old that no one, not even the Smokeless that still reside there, can remember how or when it was constructed. Many have attempted to make estimates and approximates at how old the city is, but even powerful mages using the Legend Lore spell have routinely come up with little in the way of concrete information. One such infamous casting led the famed wizard Ewyss Ernstoudt to believe the city was transported to their plane from the elemental plane of fire, a portion of the City of Brass just dropped into the material world and given form by the first fire spirits that predate modern Smokeless.
Though it sounded farfetched at the time, there has been few theories that are as compelling, or simply as fun, since Ernstoudt presented his conclusions to his peers in Colum and Kingcardine.
Many of the Smokeless who reside there say that there is something in the earth, something that connects them to the Firelands in the same way their pyromancy connects them to each other. Elder Ashen, scholars, and studied mages of Smokeless origin all confirm that there is some draw to their homeland, some power that rests beneath the sands that has kept them there for many centuries. Perhaps it is what compelled the first of their race to begin construction of such a grand capital.

Relationship Ideals

Smokeless culture is centrally focused with increasing one’s Sdirrit, an Ignan word that is roughly equivalent to Fire, Soul, and Heart. A powerful Sdirrit is a sign of strength, wisdom, integrity, even libido. Maturing Smokeless often seek adventure and new frontiers to grow their Sdirrit through experience and adrenaline, but in a pinch there are magical stimulants that can duplicate the desired effect. It is common for Smokeless men to be seen as the family leader, but there is also much communication and community effort between groups of Smokeless adults. They have a long history of mutual support, within their communities and outside of them as well, so even family units are extended to include neighbors, friends, and those willing to lend a helping hand.

This race and others are just waiting to be added into your 5th Edition campaign. Find out more information by visiting The Eniea World Page

Scientific Name

Sapio Ignis

Lifespan

850 - 1300 years

Average Height

6'5" - 7'3"

Average Weight

195 - 380 lbs

Average Physique

With all their rocky qualities, Smokeless bodies are durable, and hardwearing, able to withstand most physical forces easily. They are several times denser and more resistant than an average human, some have even compared their skin to that of a gargoyle or manticore. Smokeless also tend to be incredibly bulky, many times larger and more muscular than other humanoid creatures.

Geographic Distribution

• Spirix, the Glowing Sands