Hetim

The Hetim, who refer to themselves as the Chosen Children, are a unique race of blue, hairless humanoids. Their culture and way of life have been deeply influenced by their proximity to the Gaufbeyn, a species known for their dark experiments with Aaryn magic. As a result, the Hetim have developed a society that prioritizes defense, resilience, and the harnessing of their unique biological abilities, particularly their control over Nryu-xcgn, a sentient substance intrinsically linked to their nervous systems.

Physiology

• Blue, Hairless Skin: The Hetim have smooth, blue skin that lacks any hair. Their skin is not only visually striking but also serves as a canvas for the constantly shifting patterns of Nryu-xcgn, a glowing substance that moves across their bodies like living tattoos. The shade of their skin can range from pale blue to deep indigo, often influenced by their environment or emotional state.
• Nryu-xcgn: The most distinctive feature of the Hetim is their ability to produce and control Nryu-xcgn, a sentient aura that is directly connected to their nervous systems. This substance has a blue, glowing hue and is visible as intricate, shifting tattoos on their skin. Nryu-xcgn is more than just a visual phenomenon; it is an extension of the Hetim's will and can be used in a variety of ways, particularly in combat.
• Trencoupention: The Hetim possess an additional organ system known as the trencoupention, which is responsible for the production and control of Nryu-xcgn. This system is highly sensitive to the Hetim's mental and physical states, allowing them to manipulate the substance with great precision. The trencoupention also acts as a secondary brain, capable of processing and responding to stimuli faster than the primary nervous system.
• Physical Resilience: As a result of their constant exposure to the Gaufbeyn’s experiments, the Hetim have developed a heightened resilience to both physical and ethereal attacks. Their skin is tougher than that of most humanoid species, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and minor energy discharges. Additionally, their bodies have adapted to survive in environments with high levels of ethereal energy, a byproduct of their proximity to Gaufbeyn territories.

Cultural Traits

• Defensive Culture: The Hetim’s culture is heavily centered around defense and resilience. Their history is marked by repeated invasions and experiments conducted by the Gaufbeyn, which has led the Hetim to develop a society focused on protecting their people and maintaining their autonomy. Their cities are fortified, often hidden within mountain ranges or beneath the surface of their planet, shielded by layers of both physical and magical defenses.
• Warrior Ethos: Every Hetim is trained in the use of Nryu-xcgn from a young age, with combat and defense being integral parts of their upbringing. The ability to control Nryu-xcgn is seen as both a gift and a responsibility, with those who master its use rising to positions of leadership and respect within their society.
• Communal Harmony: Despite their focus on defense, the Hetim value community and cooperation. Their society is highly collaborative, with decisions often made through consensus among community leaders. The Hetim believe in collective responsibility, with each individual contributing to the welfare of the group. This extends to their approach to defense, where they operate in coordinated units, each member supporting the others with their unique abilities.
• Spiritual Connection: The Hetim hold a deep spiritual connection to Nryu-xcgn, believing it to be a gift from the cosmos or perhaps a remnant of a divine force that once watched over their people. Rituals involving Nryu-xcgn are common, and the substance itself is treated with reverence. These rituals often involve intricate dances, meditative practices, and the sharing of knowledge through the patterns formed by Nryu-xcgn on their bodies.

Combat and Abilities

The Hetim have developed three primary forms of Nryu-xcgn manipulation, each with its own unique combat applications.

Ndircj (Guardian Form)

• Description: When a Hetim activates the Ndircj form, the glowing tattoos on their body intensify, and Nryu-xcgn materializes into a hovering guardian that hovers near them. This guardian can take on various forms, depending on the individual's personality, training, and spiritual connection.
• Capabilities: The guardian acts as both a protector and an extension of the Hetim’s will. It can deflect attacks, absorb damage, and even retaliate against enemies with ethereal blasts. However, the guardian cannot move more than three meters away from the Hetim, making it an effective close-quarters defense mechanism.
• Symbolism: The form of the guardian is deeply personal and is often seen as a manifestation of the Hetim's inner self or ancestral spirit. It is not uncommon for Hetim to spend years honing the shape and abilities of their guardian through meditation and spiritual practices.

Punyb (Object Enhancement Form)

• Description: In the Punyb form, the Nryu-xcgn transitions from the Hetim’s body to any object they hold, imbuing it with unique properties. This could be a weapon, a tool, or even a piece of armor.
• Capabilities: Objects enhanced with Nryu-xcgn gain several properties, such as increased durability, enhanced sharpness, or the ability to emit ethereal energy. Weapons might cut through otherwise impervious materials, tools could manipulate Aaryn more effectively, and armor could become nearly indestructible. The enhanced objects glow with the same blue hue as the Nryu-xcgn, making them easily identifiable in combat.
• Versatility: Punyb is highly versatile, allowing the Hetim to adapt to different combat situations by enhancing the most suitable object for the task at hand. The strength and duration of the enhancement depend on the individual’s mastery of Nryu-xcgn and their connection to the object.

B'yq (Semi-Solid Form)

• Description: The B'yq form is the most aggressive and transformative use of Nryu-xcgn. In this form, the substance alters the Hetim’s physical state, granting them semi-solid properties with a glowing super-acid residue secreted from their body.
• Capabilities: While in the B'yq form, the Hetim can move through solid objects, dissolve barriers, and attack enemies with their super-acidic touch. The B'yq form also makes them highly resistant to physical attacks, as their semi-solid state allows them to absorb or phase through blows that would otherwise cause harm.
• Drawbacks: The B'yq form is incredibly taxing on the Hetim’s body and mind. Prolonged use can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, and in extreme cases, it may cause permanent damage to the trencoupention system. As such, this form is typically reserved for dire situations or as a last resort in combat.

Interactions with the Gaufbeyn

• Historic Conflict: The Hetim’s history is marred by their long-standing conflict with the Gaufbeyn. The Gaufbeyn have repeatedly used Hetim worlds as testing grounds for their dark experiments, viewing the Hetim as both subjects and obstacles. In response, the Hetim have become fiercely protective of their territory and people, developing their society around the need to resist and repel Gaufbeyn incursions.
• Resistance and Adaptation: Over time, the Hetim have adapted to the Gaufbeyn’s tactics, developing countermeasures and strategies to mitigate the impact of their experiments. This has led to a form of evolutionary arms race, with each side constantly adapting to the other’s advances. The Nryu-xcgn is one such adaptation, a powerful tool that the Hetim use to fight back against the Gaufbeyn’s Aaryn magi.
• Unspoken Respect: Despite their animosity, there is a certain level of respect between the Hetim and the Gaufbeyn. The Gaufbeyn recognize the Hetim as one of the few species capable of withstanding their experiments, while the Hetim, in turn, acknowledge the Gaufbeyn’s power and influence in the galaxy. This mutual respect, however, does little to soften the enmity between them.

Beliefs and Philosophy

• Chosen Status: The Hetim believe that they are the Chosen Children of the cosmos, selected by fate to protect their world and their people from the forces of darkness. This belief is reinforced by their unique abilities and their resilience in the face of constant threats. They see themselves as the guardians of balance, tasked with ensuring that the galaxy does not fall into chaos.
• Unity and Cooperation: The Hetim place great emphasis on unity and cooperation, both within their society and in their interactions with other species. They believe that only through collective effort can they hope to defend themselves against the Gaufbeyn and other threats. This philosophy extends to their diplomatic relations, where they often seek alliances with other species that share their values.
• Reverence for Nryu-xcgn: Nryu-xcgn is not merely a tool for the Hetim; it is a sacred substance that they believe connects them to the greater mysteries of the universe. They see it as a manifestation of the divine, a gift that allows them to touch the ethereal and protect themselves from the horrors that lurk beyond the stars.

Notes & Trivia

• Eternal Tattoos: The patterns formed by Nryu-xcgn on the Hetim’s skin are unique to each individual and are often studied as a form of identification and a reflection of their personal journey. These tattoos are considered eternal, as they persist even after the Hetim's death, often crystallizing into intricate, glowing symbols.
• Nryu-xcgn Art: The Hetim have developed a unique form of art that involves manipulating Nryu-xcgn to create living, dynamic sculptures and paintings. These works of art are often displayed in public spaces and used in religious ceremonies, where they are believed to bring good fortune and protection.
• Guardians of the Void: The Hetim are sometimes referred to as the "Guardians of the Void" by other species, a title that reflects their role in defending against the Gaufbeyn and other ethereal threats. This title is both a mark of honor and a reminder of the heavy burden they carry.