Unliving
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The Unliving are mortals transformed into formidable super-soldiers through an alchemical and magical process. Born out of tragedy and vengeance, they are a powerful yet cursed creation, feared for their otherworldly capabilities and tragic origins. Though their abilities far surpass those of natural races, the immense cost of their transformation renders them a symbol of sacrifice and loss.
Biological Features
Origins of the Unliving
The creation of the Unliving is rooted in a powerful blend of Than’s blessings, alchemical brews, and dark rituals. This transformation was designed to push mortal limits, enhancing both physical and mental abilities. However, the process requires exceptional resilience, as many candidates do not survive the excruciating trials. Locations imbued with Than’s essence, such as battlefields, graveyards, and tombs, provide the ideal environment for this transformation. These places are naturally infused with death magic, strengthening the alchemical process and connecting the candidates to Than’s realm.Physical Traits
The Unliving exist in two distinct forms, each serving a unique purpose.- Normal Form: In this state, the Unliving appear human but are taller, more muscular, and physically imposing. There are no visible signs of their transformation, allowing them to blend into mortal society when not engaged in battle.
- Combat Form: This form is activated intentionally, granting them a terrifying and otherworldly presence. Their irises shift into a luminous, glowing version of their natural eye colour, radiating their inner essence. Their veins darken and become pronounced around their eyes and neck, creating an intimidating visage of death itself.
Abilities
The Unliving possess extraordinary abilities that set them apart from natural beings.- Enhanced Physical Capabilities: They have incredible strength, speed, and stamina, allowing them to overpower most opponents. Their heightened senses rival or exceed those of animals, enabling precise detection of threats.
- Resistance to Environmental Extremes: While not entirely immune to harsh conditions, the Unliving require far less protection than mortals. For example, where others might need heavy furs and coats, they can endure with little more than a linen shirt.
- Sustenance and Sleep: The Unliving require food and rest but at reduced levels compared to mortals. They can go several days without sustenance or sleep without any detriment to their abilities.
- Combat Efficiency: Their sharpened focus, lack of hesitation, and resilience under pressure make them nearly unstoppable in battle. They exhibit an almost mechanical precision, enhancing their effectiveness as warriors.
- Longevity: The Unliving age much slower than mortals, allowing them to endure for centuries. However, they are not immortal, as they remain subject to death—an essential aspect of their existence.
Transformation Process
Stage 1: The Ritual Oath
The transformation begins with the candidate swearing allegiance to Than and the Mescryean Prince. Magical runes are etched into their skin, serving as conduits for the alchemical energy and death magic that will soon reshape their bodies.Stage 2: The First Injection
The first dose of alchemical brew is administered, a potent mixture of Than-blessed blood, ground dragon bone or ash, extracts of deadly plants, and other rare magical elements. This darkens their veins and inflicts searing pain, initiating the transformation.Stage 3: The Cycle of Increasing Potency
Over several days, the candidate undergoes multiple injections, each more potent than the last. These doses amplify their physical and mental capabilities while gradually dulling their emotional responses. The process forces the candidate to endure unrelenting agony, testing their connection to Than’s magic.Stage 4: The Final Injection
The final dose fully integrates Than’s essence into the candidate, granting them their dual forms. This marks the completion of the transformation, solidifying their physical and mental enhancements.Failures and Incomplete Transformations
Not all candidates survive the process. Weak individuals either perish or devolve into feral, mindless creatures consumed by pain and corruption. Those who escape the process midway, such as Bronimir, exhibit partial transformations. These individuals often experience temporary physical enhancements, such as heightened endurance, but carry lasting mental scars and maintain a subtle, unbreakable connection to death magic.Cultural and Historical Features
Origins and History
The Unliving were born out of the Mescryean Prince’s need for vengeance following the Betrayer’s Banquet. After surviving an assassination attempt that killed his family, the Prince sought retribution against Vesyria. Mescryean witches and wise men developed the transformation process to create warriors capable of turning the tide of war.Cultural Perception
The Mescryeans revered the Unliving as tragic heroes who sacrificed their humanity for their people’s survival. They were celebrated as symbols of resilience and strength. However, Vesyrian propaganda painted a starkly different picture, branding them as soulless abominations. Stories of their brutality were exaggerated, depicting them as monsters devoid of humanity. This narrative has persisted throughout Valthor, casting the Unliving as fearsome and inhuman.Legacy and Impact
The Unliving represent the ultimate sacrifice, embodying the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their people. Their existence revolutionised warfare, demonstrating the devastating potential of alchemical and magical enhancements. Despite their vilification, they remain a misunderstood tragedy, their noble intentions obscured by centuries of fear and misinformation.Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Infetile
The artwork that served as inspiration for this creation is by Anato Finnstark, whose stunning The Witcher fan art can be found here: https://archive.org/details/the-witcher-fanart-by-anato-finnstark.
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