Noa'ltij Species in Qet | World Anvil

Noa'ltij

Contents

No-ahl-tih-j

Noa'ltij is a formless creature— or collection of creatures— native to T'xij. Many of the melting continent's flora maintain a symbiotic relationship with it, by taking advantage of it's constant writhing for their pollination.  

Appearance & Habits

Noa'ltij has no visible form, at least, typically. When flora interact with the writhing mass, a small part of it can manifest physically. Typically these manifestations appear as bundles of intangible chromatic sinew.   Either noa'ltij is one, massive creature whose mass spans the entirety of the continent, and possess many writing limbs— or there are many noa'ltij that simply fill the whole of this space. As far as any of the continent's denizens have noticed, noa'ltij does not writhe with purpose— rather, it seems to simply flail about without any apparent intelligence. Some believe that it may have a goal in mind, that its flailing is not without purpose— but most simply see it as a mindless animal.

Eternal Mystery

Whether or not noa'ltij is immortal or has a finite lifespan is unknown.   Some have claimed to see its limbs grow limp and fall to the ground— though given the fact that the whole of the creature is never visible, one can never be certain.  
  Some have managed to procure pieces of the creature, whether this was due to natural severance or malintent, is unknown.   Regardless of how they were collected, these pieces are highly prized for numerous purposes.
It is no more intelligent than the wind— it simply is. It moves because it moves, not because it wishes to speak, or pollinate, or destroy, or create— it. Just. Moves.
— Dreamer Foeh
 

Blind Pollinator

When a plant is ready to release its pollen, it does so alongside a nigh-inaudible chant. This chant causes a small portion of noa'ltij to manifest, which as it passes through the plant, collects its pollen. This portion will remain manifested until it delivers the pollen to a receptive plant. Most flora within the continent interacts with the unseen creature in this fashion, and those who reside within T'xij will often see the resulting chromatic portions sailing through the air along unseen routes.  

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Comments

Author's Notes

Feedback is very much welcome! Whether on the content, or the formatting! Please, point out typos if you spot any!


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Aug 26, 2020 23:45

So, as I'm understanding it: there is a category of plants in your world that emit low key sounds that attract the Noa'ltij?

Aug 27, 2020 01:41 by Grace Gittel Lewis

Not quite. The noa'ltij is always there, it does not need to be attracted— all the plants do is cause a nearby portion of it to actually become physical.

Aug 27, 2020 09:41 by TC

I don't have a lot to say other than damn, this is really interesting! Definitely coming back to this article for if I'm ever in need of inspiration :)

Creator of Arda Almayed
Aug 27, 2020 16:19 by Grace Gittel Lewis

Very kind! Thank you!

Aug 27, 2020 13:57

I knew one thing for sure when I read the article, I won't win the flash challenge. Good job Timepool!

Aug 27, 2020 16:20 by Grace Gittel Lewis

Haha, nobody wins flash challenges anyway! They're more like prompts than contests. Thanks!

Sep 21, 2020 22:56 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

The idea of the pollen-bearing pieces of the Noa'ltij making their way through the air seems quite beautiful. Like the northern lights but different, is the image I got in my head. Really fascinating idea. :D

Emy x   Etrea | Vazdimet
Sep 21, 2020 23:07 by Grace Gittel Lewis

Thanks! Glad you like the concept, it definitely isn't one I wanted to be inherently spooky or anything.

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