Geisen
From Fantasy Novel
| Geisen | |
|---|---|
| [[Image:|300px| ]] | |
| Order of Creation | First |
| Avg Height | Variable |
| Avg Weight | Variable |
| Skin | Variable - gelatinous in its natural state |
| Hair | None |
| Eyes | Variable |
| Current Location | The north-east continent |
Contents |
[edit] Name
Author explanation - The name was formed based on the word "doppleganger" which is German for "double walker". The latin word for double is "geminus" and the word for walker is "ingredior". The name itself, the Geisen refers to the first two letters of geminus, as well as the last letter (ge-s) and the first two letters of ingredior (in), simply changed slightly to produce a more speakable name for this race.
The term "Geisen" is the name that members of this race use to refer to themselves. Humans and other races do call them that as well, but often simply refer to them as "Forma" - a reference to this races ability to change their form to mimic any biological form of equal size.
[edit] Appearance
Their natural state is a liquid protoplasm. Geisen can turn themselves into almost anything. They can form themselves into any solid, liquid, gas, but are unable to transform themselves into chemical reactions like fire. In their liquid state, they can flow through any gap in their gaseous or liquid state. They have often demonstrated the ability to alter their apparent mass. Geisen who have sufficiently disciplined their shapeshifting abilities are able to turn themselves into convincing imitations of lifeforms, including both animals and other humanoids. Their transformation isn't perfect, however. Geisen are unable to hold their form completely for more than a few hours at a time (its akin to forcing yourself to smile for a prolonged amount of time - it can be done, but at a certain point you simply can't keep doing it anymore), and must either return to their liquid state or take a new form. Additionally, the consistency of the form they take is never very accurate - in other words, they are able to mimic shapes and appearance, but while imitating a human, they may have a spongey or otherwise extremely soft feel to the skin - it looks right, but it feels wrong. Some talented Geisen are able to closely approximate the density and consistency of their subjects, but even they are unable to get it perfectly, and if others come into direct contact wit them, they are likely to be discovered.
[edit] Abilities
[edit] Unique Abilities
Certainly the most unique ability native to the Geisen is shape shifting. They have the ability to assume any number of forms. This ability is limited only by a need to regenerate for 3-4 hours a day in the sunlight (during which time they must revert to a liquid form and seek the sun) and an inability to hold a form for more than a few hours at a time before needing to shift. This has given those who need/want to discover a Geisen among them (such as a spy) a few ways to do so - by denying sunlight or continually watching them for a long period of time. It is for this reason that the Geisen typically assume humanoid form when it will allow them to cover their own tracks (ie a King who can not be forced to do anything against his will).
[edit] Use of the Current
The Geisen do not believe they need to use the current. It is their belief that their own form is the essence of perfection, and that using the current is un-necessary and redundent. Their ability to take whatever form they like has given them a rather easy existance, limiting their need for powerful defensive or offensive attacks, and aiding them in everything from production, engineering and scienct, to art and philosophy. The Geisen are able to use the current (although at a level somewhat inferior to that of humans), but have forsaken its use.
[edit] Habitat
The Geisen are native to the north-eastern continent. While they are able to live in any climate, they prefer the cool, dry hills and mountains of the north western areas of the island. They prefer the varied and jagged landscape, more brisk air (making it easier for them to maintain shapes) and diverse creatures and plant life. It is for that reason that few Geisen live in the south-east of the continent - until the arrival of the human colonists.
Given their lack of need for shelter (when not taking forms they are bothered by atmospheric conditions no more than water is), the development of cities and living areas is severely lacking. The Geisen "cities" are little more than large gatherings in specific valleys or fields.
