Post by Zelth on Mar 13, 2015 18:56:51 GMT
The Wraithic Race
Wraiths are a conqueror race that subtly take over a planet through a combination of infiltration and conversion. Formerly of great power and numbers, the number of wraiths on Earth now dwindle to a simple 50 out of the original hundreds sent to take the planet. They are immortal but not indestructible.
Description
There are three types of wraith: shadow, ice and cyber.
Wraiths have been forcefully evolved beyond the need for a physical body and as such have the appearance of an extremely skinny spectral figure. If seen in light they appear to be almost completely transparent, in dull light they appear more solid. They are universally clad in hooded robes with little variation in colour or fabric, though the fabric appears to made of a similar elemental energy to their bodies. Female wraiths have a belt pulling the fabric tight around their waist. The robes cover all of the body leaving only the face, hands and feet uncovered.
They have claw like fingers and their feet while seemingly bare do not have any visible toes. Their eyes and mouths glow in a variety of different colours dependant upon their strength. Wraiths don't have tongues and instead produce sound through the vibration of energy, the result is an echoey and quite creepy voice. It is unknown if male wraiths have hair as in strict custom both male and females always have their hoods up. Females usually have a small portion of their hair sticking out from their hood.
Their disguised form (described in abilities) always mirrors their personality. In typical humanoid disguises there is an average height difference of around six inches between their disguise form and wraithic, the wraithic form is usually the taller. The difference in height can be warped if the disguise is changed drastically.
Ice wraiths are always wearing silver or white hooded robes made out of a thick fabric, the feminine belt is always silver in colour. What is visible of their skin is slightly translucent and blue in colour. Under the right lighting silvery bones can be faintly seen through their skin, this is most noticeable in their hands. The hair of ice wraiths varies from white-silver to pale sky blue.
Shadow wraiths are always clad in robes though theirs are dark grey and of a lighter fabric. The female's belt in this case is often dulled or blackened. Their skin is opaque and black as is their hair.
Cyber wraiths are simply cybernetically enhanced wraiths the only difference in appearance is the addition of faintly glowing circuitry and metal plating. The glow matches the eye colour but is noticeably duller. Cyber wraiths are still in the experimental stages, there are only three in existence all of whom are in different locations on Earth and of class 3 power. They can be of either ice or shadow in appearance.
(There will eventually be images, probably by the year 2250...)
Abilities
The wraithic power classes, as mentioned above eye colour shows the strength of a wraith each new level of power adds new abilities. All wraiths emit a weak telepathic frequency that instills fear or unease in other beings. This weak telepathy is the base for some of their abilities. They can detect the life force of any living thing within about 50 feet of their position, and can see perfectly in the dark helpful, as they heal faster in darkness. They all have the base powers of flight, phase walking and life force draining. Life force draining is essential as it provides them with the energy to sustain their form. If starved of life force for too long (varies dependant on power and endurance) they will start to crave it so badly that they are at risk of killing any of their targets, not a good thing for the target or the wraith. (Monster Wraiths) Life force can be drained completely without ill effect from plants and small lesser animals.
Wraiths can gain power levels through near constant amounts of feeding on this life force, but it takes a large city worth of life force to increase from even the base level and the amount needed after that increases moreso each climb. The life force drained is instantly converted into this power giving the wraith a temporary buzz after consuming it, because of how this energy is converted it is impossible for a wraith to gain weight through excessive feeding though height may be increased if the power level changes.
In order to stay hidden wraiths are capable of shapeshifting into the dominant lifeform of the planet, this is a heavily restricted ability however as they can only shift into one disguise. In the case of beings having been turned into a wraith they can only shift into the lifeform that they once were. The shifted form can be changed but only by undergoing a ritualistic meditation which can take up to three months to prepare for. This ability cannot be used to copy another person as the shifted form always reflects the personality. This form can stop the negative effects of sunlight or fire but it prevents the use of their abilities.
Class 1 Civilian. The lowest power group. Stats are focused more on dexterity, healing and charisma.
White eyed wraiths have only the base powers of flight, phase walking and life force draining. Their phase walking ability is very inconsistent and requires a lot of concentration. Should they be distracted by anything they will get stuck and will have to regain full concentration in order to free themselves.
Yellow gains more control over their phase walking, requiring less intensive concentration but still can get stuck if distracted.
Orange gains yet more power over phase walking now requiring little focus but may still become stuck if events draw all of their attention.
Green now has complete control of the phase walking ability, even a lack of focus cannot get them stuck.
Class 2 Low ranking military. Stats are more geared towards endurance, aviation and dexterity.
Red gains the power to possess weak willed beings but can easily be overpowered. Weak willed in this case would be a target with an endurance stat of 3 or lower. Resistance will physically tire the target. Once the target has broken free the wraith will not be able to attempt to possess them again. The victim will find it easier to resist future attempts at possession by other wraiths.
Cyan gains more strength over their possession target (endurance stat of 5 or less) and begins to show signs of being able to control a target without the need to be in physical contact with them. This control is extremely weak and easily resisted by even weak willed targets.
Blue can only attempt to control a target with endurance of 6 or less. Distance possession can only be attempted on a target of end of 4 or less but now requires more effort to be resisted. Can also turn a target into a wraith if they desire it. Turning is a risky business however as unless they are 100% focused on the drain they can go too far and become a monster. The trick of the turn is being able to completely drain but remain focused enough to inject their own energy into the target at the very moment the last of the life force is taken, if this energy transfer is not done the wraith will become one of the monsters described below. It can take several millennia to learn how to successfully turn a target.
Indigo can enter the dreams of a target if in close proximity but cannot travel too deeply. Limited to 15 mins.
Class 3 Highest power group. High ranking military and leaders. This class typically has stats more focused on strength, intelligence and endurance. (Cyber wraith stats are geared more towards aviation and technician than strength and endurance)
Magenta can enter the dreams of a target for longer (up to an hour) but must still be in close proximity.
Purple dream-walking can now be done for up to 3 hours and no longer requires being in close proximity to the target.
Dark purple/Silver can turn other beings into wraiths while dream-walking doing so however makes them weak for while. Silver eyed wraiths are extremely rare as they can only exist by being turned into a wraith through a dream, as a result they can dream-walk for as long as it takes for the target to wake up and they are not so tired by turning other beings. Many weaker wraiths fear them due to their similar eye colour to monster wraiths.
Black/Grey Monster Wraiths. These wraiths are monsters consumed by their addiction to life force, taking to mindlessly killing targets through draining. They are unlikely to show any mercy and only if they are particularly strong willed are they able to talk or even think. They are the strongest of all but are extremely weak in the presence of fire or in sunlight. It is possible for a wraith to accidentally change into one of these monster wraiths simply by being misjudging a target's strength, to prevent this, newly turned wraiths are encouraged to stay with the one who turned them so they can learn how to correctly judge the remaining life force of their targets.
No wraith can drain all the life force from a target without reverting to this monster. Only one wraith has ever succeeded in keeping control of himself once killing a target.
(I'll be writing up a profile for him at some point.)
Wraithic Elemental powers
Only class 3 wraiths can manipulate their element it will also require an intelligence stat of 10.
Ice wraiths are restricted in this field by needing to be in actual contact with ice or water in order to control it. They use their power to enhance their edurance by adding ice armour to themselves and shifting the ice into weapons.
Shadow wraiths can telekinetically compress air molecules into helpful little assistants only up to five can be controlled at a time. They are very weak but very fast and so have little use in battle except to perhaps distract. They are transparent and vary in shape and size. All shadow wraiths are able to move at extremely high speeds in darkness.
Cyber wraiths due to their affinity for technology are very good at hacking and gaining almost telepathic control of small non-sentient machines, they seem to loose control over their original element however. In some rare cases their tech implants glitch discharging varying voltages of electricity, while it can be useful in a pinch it often proves equally hazardous to them as often trying to control the flow of the electricity it shocks them instead of the target. In cases of extreme rage elemental power may momentarily resurface, for example if an ice wraith slams their fist onto a surface it may become frozen on the point of impact.
Another thing to note about wraiths is that all start as shadow wraiths, once they reach the age of 16 they are given the chance to experiment with elemental energies at age 18 they must then choose but one element to master. Their abilities at this age are simple, only basic manipulation. Shadow and ice are the most common choices. Adult beings if turned can choose their element whenever they are ready, the powers until then are restricted.
Weaknesses
All wraiths are weak when exposed to high temperatures (stats halved) and light stops them from healing. Fire is to be avoided.
Race Persona
Wraiths as a whole tend to be very secretive and will rarely communicate with beings outside of their race. Many of them come across as being mildly eccentric at best, at worst completely insane and to be avoided at all costs.
Combined intelligence and strength are valued above all.
They are always polite and respectful.
They dislike wasting resources and will often save as much of the leftovers as possible for later use.
Social Customs
Typical greetings are similar to those of humans, but one can only greet a higher powered wraith if spoken to first. Upon first meeting the higher powered wraith introduces their self in a polite manner but still commanding the respect of the lower being. If a lower level wraith addresses a higher first its usually greeted in return by a cold stare, the more patient ones however do actually engage in conversation starting with a polite correction of the lower wraith's behaviour. Conversation is far more free among wraiths of the same level.
Other races are usually ignored by class one wraiths who generally run to avoid confrontation, higher class wraiths however speak to them with a guarded respect.
Class two and three wraiths are looked upon by the lower levels as protectors hence the high levels of respect. The overall polite and respectful manner of wraiths is enforced from the point of birth or turning and if correctly followed results in a tighter society solidified by that respect.
Language
Wraithic language is very difficult for other beings to pronounce due to their pronunciation making use of the natural echo in their voice. The written language consists simply of lines and curves which are often etched into surfaces by the sharp wraith claws. More recently the symbols have been used with English words providing a little clue for translation of written texts. Being able to translate the audible version however is near impossible without guidance from them.
Hierarchy
Wraithic hierarchy is based entirely on power levels, the king or queen being the most powerful with lower ranking titles decided at his or her will. Should another high power wraith appear who is at the same level as the current ruler they may challenge the ruler's right to leadership. The challenge is always met with force. The conflict however is always only between the two potential rulers, soldiers are forbidden from intervening.
Tech and Science
Wraithic science focuses purely on the natural world and their understanding of it. Medical procedures are rare due to natural healing abilities but rely heavily on natural remedies combined with ritualistic energy channelling practices. Artificial concoctions of chemicals generally make matters worse. There is still a small select group who try to make use of artificially produced chemicals but often with little success except for weapons.
Wraithic technology typically runs off heavily refined life force energy. The refining process makes this life force fuel unpalatable. Some of their most notable acheivements in the realm of technology include:
Transportation
Wraithic ships are sleek in design, the texture of the metal could easily have it be mistaken for stone, though it is far more tough. They vary in size from a tiny one person transporter to a much larger cruiser, no bigger ships have ever been constructed due to the only small units of travellers sent out into space at one time.
The interior of their ships are completely void of any of the comforts that other races enjoy. Light and warmth are near nonexistent in one of these ships. The interior of the ship is so cold that should you breathe on one of the surfaces it would near immediately form ice crystals. The only warm part of the ship is the engine room and that is still kept at the low temperature of 5°C. The engines require the refined energy described above, plants are kept on board for harvesting this energy not just for the ship but for the crew.
Spiritual Beliefs
All wraiths follow the being that created them known as Ityrwoc in wraithic. Other races know this being as the embodiment of death or the Reaper.
(This wall of text will eventually be replaced with a large image like the one hidden by the spoiler tags:
That's a profile of mine from a now inactive site)
Originally posted here: queenofmachines.deviantart.com/art/Wraithic-Race-Profile-521567048
Wraiths are a conqueror race that subtly take over a planet through a combination of infiltration and conversion. Formerly of great power and numbers, the number of wraiths on Earth now dwindle to a simple 50 out of the original hundreds sent to take the planet. They are immortal but not indestructible.
Description
There are three types of wraith: shadow, ice and cyber.
Wraiths have been forcefully evolved beyond the need for a physical body and as such have the appearance of an extremely skinny spectral figure. If seen in light they appear to be almost completely transparent, in dull light they appear more solid. They are universally clad in hooded robes with little variation in colour or fabric, though the fabric appears to made of a similar elemental energy to their bodies. Female wraiths have a belt pulling the fabric tight around their waist. The robes cover all of the body leaving only the face, hands and feet uncovered.
They have claw like fingers and their feet while seemingly bare do not have any visible toes. Their eyes and mouths glow in a variety of different colours dependant upon their strength. Wraiths don't have tongues and instead produce sound through the vibration of energy, the result is an echoey and quite creepy voice. It is unknown if male wraiths have hair as in strict custom both male and females always have their hoods up. Females usually have a small portion of their hair sticking out from their hood.
Their disguised form (described in abilities) always mirrors their personality. In typical humanoid disguises there is an average height difference of around six inches between their disguise form and wraithic, the wraithic form is usually the taller. The difference in height can be warped if the disguise is changed drastically.
Ice wraiths are always wearing silver or white hooded robes made out of a thick fabric, the feminine belt is always silver in colour. What is visible of their skin is slightly translucent and blue in colour. Under the right lighting silvery bones can be faintly seen through their skin, this is most noticeable in their hands. The hair of ice wraiths varies from white-silver to pale sky blue.
Shadow wraiths are always clad in robes though theirs are dark grey and of a lighter fabric. The female's belt in this case is often dulled or blackened. Their skin is opaque and black as is their hair.
Cyber wraiths are simply cybernetically enhanced wraiths the only difference in appearance is the addition of faintly glowing circuitry and metal plating. The glow matches the eye colour but is noticeably duller. Cyber wraiths are still in the experimental stages, there are only three in existence all of whom are in different locations on Earth and of class 3 power. They can be of either ice or shadow in appearance.
(There will eventually be images, probably by the year 2250...)
Abilities
The wraithic power classes, as mentioned above eye colour shows the strength of a wraith each new level of power adds new abilities. All wraiths emit a weak telepathic frequency that instills fear or unease in other beings. This weak telepathy is the base for some of their abilities. They can detect the life force of any living thing within about 50 feet of their position, and can see perfectly in the dark helpful, as they heal faster in darkness. They all have the base powers of flight, phase walking and life force draining. Life force draining is essential as it provides them with the energy to sustain their form. If starved of life force for too long (varies dependant on power and endurance) they will start to crave it so badly that they are at risk of killing any of their targets, not a good thing for the target or the wraith. (Monster Wraiths) Life force can be drained completely without ill effect from plants and small lesser animals.
Wraiths can gain power levels through near constant amounts of feeding on this life force, but it takes a large city worth of life force to increase from even the base level and the amount needed after that increases moreso each climb. The life force drained is instantly converted into this power giving the wraith a temporary buzz after consuming it, because of how this energy is converted it is impossible for a wraith to gain weight through excessive feeding though height may be increased if the power level changes.
In order to stay hidden wraiths are capable of shapeshifting into the dominant lifeform of the planet, this is a heavily restricted ability however as they can only shift into one disguise. In the case of beings having been turned into a wraith they can only shift into the lifeform that they once were. The shifted form can be changed but only by undergoing a ritualistic meditation which can take up to three months to prepare for. This ability cannot be used to copy another person as the shifted form always reflects the personality. This form can stop the negative effects of sunlight or fire but it prevents the use of their abilities.
Class 1 Civilian. The lowest power group. Stats are focused more on dexterity, healing and charisma.
White eyed wraiths have only the base powers of flight, phase walking and life force draining. Their phase walking ability is very inconsistent and requires a lot of concentration. Should they be distracted by anything they will get stuck and will have to regain full concentration in order to free themselves.
Yellow gains more control over their phase walking, requiring less intensive concentration but still can get stuck if distracted.
Orange gains yet more power over phase walking now requiring little focus but may still become stuck if events draw all of their attention.
Green now has complete control of the phase walking ability, even a lack of focus cannot get them stuck.
Class 2 Low ranking military. Stats are more geared towards endurance, aviation and dexterity.
Red gains the power to possess weak willed beings but can easily be overpowered. Weak willed in this case would be a target with an endurance stat of 3 or lower. Resistance will physically tire the target. Once the target has broken free the wraith will not be able to attempt to possess them again. The victim will find it easier to resist future attempts at possession by other wraiths.
Cyan gains more strength over their possession target (endurance stat of 5 or less) and begins to show signs of being able to control a target without the need to be in physical contact with them. This control is extremely weak and easily resisted by even weak willed targets.
Blue can only attempt to control a target with endurance of 6 or less. Distance possession can only be attempted on a target of end of 4 or less but now requires more effort to be resisted. Can also turn a target into a wraith if they desire it. Turning is a risky business however as unless they are 100% focused on the drain they can go too far and become a monster. The trick of the turn is being able to completely drain but remain focused enough to inject their own energy into the target at the very moment the last of the life force is taken, if this energy transfer is not done the wraith will become one of the monsters described below. It can take several millennia to learn how to successfully turn a target.
Indigo can enter the dreams of a target if in close proximity but cannot travel too deeply. Limited to 15 mins.
Class 3 Highest power group. High ranking military and leaders. This class typically has stats more focused on strength, intelligence and endurance. (Cyber wraith stats are geared more towards aviation and technician than strength and endurance)
Magenta can enter the dreams of a target for longer (up to an hour) but must still be in close proximity.
Purple dream-walking can now be done for up to 3 hours and no longer requires being in close proximity to the target.
Dark purple/Silver can turn other beings into wraiths while dream-walking doing so however makes them weak for while. Silver eyed wraiths are extremely rare as they can only exist by being turned into a wraith through a dream, as a result they can dream-walk for as long as it takes for the target to wake up and they are not so tired by turning other beings. Many weaker wraiths fear them due to their similar eye colour to monster wraiths.
Black/Grey Monster Wraiths. These wraiths are monsters consumed by their addiction to life force, taking to mindlessly killing targets through draining. They are unlikely to show any mercy and only if they are particularly strong willed are they able to talk or even think. They are the strongest of all but are extremely weak in the presence of fire or in sunlight. It is possible for a wraith to accidentally change into one of these monster wraiths simply by being misjudging a target's strength, to prevent this, newly turned wraiths are encouraged to stay with the one who turned them so they can learn how to correctly judge the remaining life force of their targets.
No wraith can drain all the life force from a target without reverting to this monster. Only one wraith has ever succeeded in keeping control of himself once killing a target.
(I'll be writing up a profile for him at some point.)
Wraithic Elemental powers
Only class 3 wraiths can manipulate their element it will also require an intelligence stat of 10.
Ice wraiths are restricted in this field by needing to be in actual contact with ice or water in order to control it. They use their power to enhance their edurance by adding ice armour to themselves and shifting the ice into weapons.
Shadow wraiths can telekinetically compress air molecules into helpful little assistants only up to five can be controlled at a time. They are very weak but very fast and so have little use in battle except to perhaps distract. They are transparent and vary in shape and size. All shadow wraiths are able to move at extremely high speeds in darkness.
Cyber wraiths due to their affinity for technology are very good at hacking and gaining almost telepathic control of small non-sentient machines, they seem to loose control over their original element however. In some rare cases their tech implants glitch discharging varying voltages of electricity, while it can be useful in a pinch it often proves equally hazardous to them as often trying to control the flow of the electricity it shocks them instead of the target. In cases of extreme rage elemental power may momentarily resurface, for example if an ice wraith slams their fist onto a surface it may become frozen on the point of impact.
Another thing to note about wraiths is that all start as shadow wraiths, once they reach the age of 16 they are given the chance to experiment with elemental energies at age 18 they must then choose but one element to master. Their abilities at this age are simple, only basic manipulation. Shadow and ice are the most common choices. Adult beings if turned can choose their element whenever they are ready, the powers until then are restricted.
Weaknesses
All wraiths are weak when exposed to high temperatures (stats halved) and light stops them from healing. Fire is to be avoided.
Race Persona
Wraiths as a whole tend to be very secretive and will rarely communicate with beings outside of their race. Many of them come across as being mildly eccentric at best, at worst completely insane and to be avoided at all costs.
Combined intelligence and strength are valued above all.
They are always polite and respectful.
They dislike wasting resources and will often save as much of the leftovers as possible for later use.
Social Customs
Typical greetings are similar to those of humans, but one can only greet a higher powered wraith if spoken to first. Upon first meeting the higher powered wraith introduces their self in a polite manner but still commanding the respect of the lower being. If a lower level wraith addresses a higher first its usually greeted in return by a cold stare, the more patient ones however do actually engage in conversation starting with a polite correction of the lower wraith's behaviour. Conversation is far more free among wraiths of the same level.
Other races are usually ignored by class one wraiths who generally run to avoid confrontation, higher class wraiths however speak to them with a guarded respect.
Class two and three wraiths are looked upon by the lower levels as protectors hence the high levels of respect. The overall polite and respectful manner of wraiths is enforced from the point of birth or turning and if correctly followed results in a tighter society solidified by that respect.
Language
Wraithic language is very difficult for other beings to pronounce due to their pronunciation making use of the natural echo in their voice. The written language consists simply of lines and curves which are often etched into surfaces by the sharp wraith claws. More recently the symbols have been used with English words providing a little clue for translation of written texts. Being able to translate the audible version however is near impossible without guidance from them.
Hierarchy
Wraithic hierarchy is based entirely on power levels, the king or queen being the most powerful with lower ranking titles decided at his or her will. Should another high power wraith appear who is at the same level as the current ruler they may challenge the ruler's right to leadership. The challenge is always met with force. The conflict however is always only between the two potential rulers, soldiers are forbidden from intervening.
Tech and Science
Wraithic science focuses purely on the natural world and their understanding of it. Medical procedures are rare due to natural healing abilities but rely heavily on natural remedies combined with ritualistic energy channelling practices. Artificial concoctions of chemicals generally make matters worse. There is still a small select group who try to make use of artificially produced chemicals but often with little success except for weapons.
Wraithic technology typically runs off heavily refined life force energy. The refining process makes this life force fuel unpalatable. Some of their most notable acheivements in the realm of technology include:
- A means of capturing life force energy and storing it.
- Micro robots used to construct bigger machines, which can be reconstructed as necessary. More commonly these micro bots are shaped into robotic assistants which are able to shape-shift much like their masters to disguise themselves. The robots however are not limited to one disguise form. The micro bots can have their form disrupted fairly easily by an emp, reducing them to what looks like a pool of liquid metal. They have a quick recovery time (about ten seconds) from this state but once reforming they seem to temporarily forget what they were ordered to do. It takes around 3 minutes for them to recall their commands, during this time they sit or stand vacantly staring forward.)
- Bladed weapons made from crystallised energy, highly durable, they copy the eye colour of their wraithic holder. If another being holds one of these blades it usually dulls to a clear white unless the being is well versed in energy channelling through metals. Through this crystallised energy a device was invented that shows the potential strength of another being once turned. The channelling technique need not be applied while in direct contact with the skin of the being.
- Cloaking technology, for use on ships and soldiers assigned to stealth roles.
Transportation
Wraithic ships are sleek in design, the texture of the metal could easily have it be mistaken for stone, though it is far more tough. They vary in size from a tiny one person transporter to a much larger cruiser, no bigger ships have ever been constructed due to the only small units of travellers sent out into space at one time.
The interior of their ships are completely void of any of the comforts that other races enjoy. Light and warmth are near nonexistent in one of these ships. The interior of the ship is so cold that should you breathe on one of the surfaces it would near immediately form ice crystals. The only warm part of the ship is the engine room and that is still kept at the low temperature of 5°C. The engines require the refined energy described above, plants are kept on board for harvesting this energy not just for the ship but for the crew.
Spiritual Beliefs
All wraiths follow the being that created them known as Ityrwoc in wraithic. Other races know this being as the embodiment of death or the Reaper.
(This wall of text will eventually be replaced with a large image like the one hidden by the spoiler tags:
Originally posted here: queenofmachines.deviantart.com/art/Wraithic-Race-Profile-521567048