Shelik

Shelik are a form of sapient telekinetic fungus found on Ur'En. They are known for their highly unusual biology, strange abilities and their childlike personalities.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Shelik resemble small cephalopods. They barely grow larger than a loaf of bread. They possess an internal shell, attached to which are a small number of tentacles, typically 8 as well as two longer tentacles called "arms." The general shape of each shelik can differ depending on what they used as an anchor when growing. Shelik can change color and patternation at will, although their skin is naturally a pale translucent grey.

Biological Traits

Shelik have a number of traits. any one of which would make them might make them interesting to natural philosophers.

First, Shelik can alter the coloration, patterns and even the texture of their skin, similar to Cephalopods. they use this incredible camouflage as their primary defense, allowing them to avoid most confrontations before they occur. Sheliks can also produce their own light through special luminescent organs. A chorus of Shelik, seen at night can resemble a light show like fireworks.

Second, Shelik are venomous. The venom is delivered through their tentacles and can make even larger creatures violently ill.

Third and perhaps most interesting, Shelik have natural telekinesis. Shelik use this to allow them to levitate, although it can be used for many other things. While all Shelik can do this innately, it is indeed a magical effect. This means that if something prevents them from using their telekinesis, they immediately fall to the ground, where they are almost completely helpless due to their lack of locomotive appendages.

Growth Rate & Stages

Despite their appearance, Shelik are actually fungi. Each Shelik begins its life as one of millions of spores produced by a mature Shelik. Most of these spores will perish but a select few will make it to the next stage. When a spore finds a corpse, in whatever state of decay, the spore will attach to the cranial cavity. Using whatever flesh remains as food, the spore will begin to grow rapidly over the course of several days. The skull of the corpse will be recycled into a sort-of internal shell the Shelik will use like scaffolding, dissolving the skull in the process. When this is finished, the mature Shelik will rise off and begin its journey, spreading spores of its own.

Ecology and Habitats

Shelik are able to thrive in places that are warm, moist and shaded with plenty of dear. This means that their preferred habitats are wooded areas like the Zordal Forest but can also survive in cave systems. This has led some to speculate that they may have originated deep underground but this remains unconfirmed.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Shelik, like most fungi are decomposers. However, they take a more active role than typical mushrooms or slime-molds. Because Shelik are mobile, they can search out dead bio-mass to consume. This leads them to fill a niche similar to unscrupulous scavengers. Because they do not understand other species social norms, this can lead to some unfortunate situations involving other species' honored dead.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Shelik can be found primarily in the tropical latitudes. These include the Blood Swamps and Corsair's Coast in the west, as well as the Hakarim Forest and Rajjahid Jungle. They can be found as far south as the The Howling Woods but tend to avoid much further south than that.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Shelik have two eyes, although their sight isn't particularly well developed. They have a keen sense of smell, however, that they use to locate food.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Shelik have no language of their own, but are capable, and sometimes even excel at learning the languages of others. Despite this, Shelik will often give themselves names. These are often contain long vowel sounds and are similar to whale calls. Some sample Shelik names include

• Oooup
• Eeeek
• Uuugh

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Shelik have no native tongue, at least as other creatures think of language. However, Shelik can communicate through song. Most of the information that is convied this way tends to be information regarding emotional states. When many Shelik gather into a chorus, these emotional states tend to become contagious, spreading like wildfire among the strange floating singers.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Shelik have no society to speak of, much less a culture. Shelik do not pass knowledge on, as most species do, since they do not reproduce with offspring that must be raised. Shelik also tend to have very short lives compared to other civilized species. This means very little knowledge is accumulated and transferred to the next generation, the key process of a shared culture.

History

No one is entirely sure when the Shelik first arrived or from where. The creatures started appearing in different locations across Ur'En around the year 100 A.E. Due to their incredibly short lifespans and lack of written language, the Shelik don't remember either. Different hypothesis have suggested such remote homes as deep underground, the moon Dis or even an entirely different plane of existence.

When first encountered, many peoples thought the Shelik mere beasts, some going so far as to eat them. It became clear over time however, that the Shelik were far more intelligent, and far stranger than they had first thought. Some Shelik were taught to communicate with other species and it became apparent that these bizarre beings were people as well, albeit unlike any other. They discovered that Shelik are not only as smart, but in many cases, far more intelligent than the average civilized creature. They were also quick to learn that Shelik have very child-like personalities. They tend to be naive, playful, and inquisitive. Following this, a few rulers declared the shelik at least above wanton murder and eating although this policy is far from universal.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Most of the peoples of Ur'En have come to accept the presence of Shelik, if not as full citizens, then at least above mere animals. There are places, particularly among the Skeggi that they are still eaten. While most Shelik tend to wander, a few will take up residence in cities and towns of other species. These shelik often preform highly specialized tasks, sometimes making far more coin than the locals. There are also people who sometimes keep Shelik as pets. There is little that can be done to stop a telekinetic, hyper-intelligent creature that can hide perfectly and seeks freedom from escaping but some shelik have found this arrangement acceptable, at least for a time. Most shelik however, are content to wander the lands, belonging to no nations or societies. Many have taken up residence in Mot'Bashaal, being granted a measure of safety due to being some of the only creatures able to access it.

Lifespan

10-15 years

Average Weight

10 lbs

Average Length

10-15 inches