Tellurians: Children of the Nullstone
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tellurians bear the outward appearance of humans, yet their defining trait—the Nullstones—sets them apart. These crystalline growths manifest along their skeletal structure, protruding at the joints, spine, and in rare cases, along the brow and cheekbones. No two Tellurians have identical formations, with Nullstones varying in size, shape, and texture. They most commonly appear in shades of deep cerulean or rose quartz, but rare individuals possess hues of amethyst, citrine, or obsidian.
Nullstones are composed of an unbreakable crystalline lattice that resists arcane influence. Attempts to remove them have been fatal, as they are interwoven with the very marrow of a Tellurian’s bones.
Beneath their skin, their physiology differs subtly from ordinary humans. Their nervous system exhibits a dampened response to magical stimuli, rendering them immune to some spells, enchantments, and supernatural compulsions. Their metabolism is also notably robust, compensating for their inability to benefit from magical healing.
Genetics and Reproduction
The inheritance of the Nullstone trait is absolute. A child born of a Tellurian parent will always manifest Nullstones, regardless of the other parent’s species. Mixed-blood offspring are rare, as their magic-nullifying nature often causes complications in unions with highly magical species such as elves or fae. Some interspecies pairings result in infertility due to the incompatibility of arcane and null energy.
Tellurians reproduce similarly to baseline humans, but their infants develop Nullstone growths within the first year of life. These stones start as tiny nodes beneath the skin before erupting into full crystalline formations by adolescence.
Growth Rate & Stages
Tellurians mature at a rate nearly identical to humans, though their physical resilience grants them longer vitality in later years. Their stages of development are marked by the gradual emergence of Nullstones:
- Infancy (0-2 years) – Nullstones are soft, forming beneath the skin like cartilage nodules.
- Childhood (3-12 years) – Stones begin to harden, leading to minor discomfort as they push through the skin.
- Adolescence (13-18 years) – Full development of the Nullstones. This stage is often painful as bones and crystal structures reinforce themselves.
- Adulthood (19-50 years) – Peak physical condition. Many nobles undergo the Cutting Ceremony to refine their Nullstones.
- Elderhood (50+ years) – Tellurians experience crystal ossification, where Nullstones grow denser, causing stiffness.
Ecology and Habitats
Tellurians thrive in environments free from high concentrations of magic, as prolonged exposure to strong arcane fields causes discomfort akin to nausea. Their largest settlements are found in mountainous regions, deep valleys, and underground cities, where they can mine for resources to fuel their mechanical innovations.
Their fortresses are constructed entirely without magic, relying instead on complex machinery, hydraulic systems, and refined alchemical reactions.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Tellurians require a high-protein, mineral-rich diet to sustain their unique physiology. Their bones and Nullstones demand significant amounts of calcium, iron, and silica, leading them to consume nutrient-dense foods like root vegetables, nuts, meat, and mineral-infused broths.
Due to their strong work ethic, meals are often simple but hearty, designed for efficiency rather than indulgence. However, festivals and gatherings feature elaborate feasts celebrating their craftsmanship with intricately prepared dishes.
Biological Cycle
Tellurians experience a slow metabolic cycle compared to most humanoid species. This contributes to their endurance but also means they recover from injuries naturally at a slower rate due to their inability to receive magical healing.
Their sleep cycles are standard for humans, though many develop a habit of light sleeping, a cultural byproduct of generations spent defending against invaders.
Behaviour
Tellurians are defined by their unyielding determination, resourcefulness, and skepticism of magic. Raised to believe that true strength comes from one’s own hands, they despise reliance on outside forces, particularly sorcery.
Their culture fosters a strong sense of individualism, yet they also value communal effort, believing that progress is built through labor, invention, and perseverance.
They have a natural distrust of arcane practitioners, not necessarily out of hatred, but due to generations of conflict with magic-wielding civilizations. However, they hold great respect for those who prove their worth through skill and ingenuity.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Tellurian society is guild-based, where advancement is determined by skill rather than birthright. The Faceted Lords (nobility) earn their status through great technological feats rather than bloodlines.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Tellurians are most commonly found in mountain ranges, deep valleys, and isolated strongholds. Their largest settlement is the Guilded Bastion, an immense fortress-city hewn from the cliffs of the Ironspine Range.
Average Intelligence
Tellurians are known for analytical thinking and mechanical prowess, with many excelling in engineering, metallurgy, and alchemy. While they lack arcane intuition, their capacity for problem-solving and invention rivals even the most learned wizards.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Tellurians possess keen spatial awareness, developed from their reliance on mechanical and technological solutions. Lacking any form of magical perception, they instead cultivate exceptional pattern recognition, problem-solving skills, and tactile sensitivity—a necessity for crafting intricate devices.
Their resistance to magic extends to all senses. They cannot see magical auras, hear eldritch whispers, or feel the flow of ley energy. This makes them impervious to illusions or telepathic intrusion, granting them a reputation as "ghosts to the arcane."
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Tellurians favor strong, practical names, often inspired by minerals, metals, or historical figures. Surnames denote craftsmanship or ancestry, such as Ironbrand, Stonewright, or Glassforge.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
- The Cutting Ceremony – A rite of passage where a Tellurian’s Nullstones are sculpted into a personal design.
- The Founding Forge – An annual festival celebrating technological advancement.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Tellurians maintain tense but respectful relations with other races. They admire dwarves for their craftsmanship, distrust elves for their reliance on magic, and often engage in trade with gnomes for their scientific curiosity.
They are feared by mages, for most spells cannot touch them or has weakened effects.
Comments