Gaufbeyn

The Gaufbeyn are an ancient and enigmatic species, feared and revered across the galaxy for their mastery of ethereal magic and their penchant for conducting vile experiments on entire species and solar systems. Their influence is vast, and they have been responsible for many of the galaxy's most profound mysteries and darkest events, including the early empowerment of humanity through the gifting of the Strikonas (book of magic). The Gaufbeyn are believed to be one of the oldest species still in existence, possibly the mortal children of the primordial entity Zhulv'Ralthoroq, though this remains uncertain.

Origins and Mythology

• Descent from the Kanda-Suropik: The Gaufbeyn are believed to be descendants of the Kanda-Suropik, an even older race of cosmic beings whose bodies were entirely composed of tentacles. The Kanda-Suropik were said to be beings of pure chaos and ethereal energy, capable of bending reality to their will. Over eons, the Gaufbeyn evolved from these primordial beings, retaining their tentacle-based physiology while adapting to the more structured form of humanoids to interact with the galaxy's technology and societies.
• Children of Zhulv'Ralthoroq: There is a pervasive belief among scholars and mystics that the Gaufbeyn are the mortal offspring of Zhulv'Ralthoroq, a god-like entity associated with madness, the void, and the manipulation of time and space. While the Gaufbeyn themselves neither confirm nor deny this claim, their abilities and behavior strongly suggest a connection to this ancient cosmic force. The mere possibility of this lineage has instilled fear and awe in those who encounter them, as Zhulv'Ralthoroq is a figure of both worship and dread in various galactic cultures.
• Theosophical Influence: The Gaufbeyn are credited with influencing the creation of the Theósastrikíseikónas, a book of great magical power. While they do not claim direct authorship, they possess many other tomes of similar nature, containing knowledge that predates even the oldest known civilizations. These books, written in ancient and indecipherable scripts, hint at the Gaufbeyn’s deep understanding of the fabric of reality and their role in shaping it.

Physiology

• Tentacle-Based Anatomy: The Gaufbeyn's bodies are entirely composed of tentacles, which they can shape and control at will. In their natural state, they resemble a writhing mass of tentacles, but they often assume a humanoid form, with two main arms, two legs, and a head-like structure to facilitate interaction with other species and technology. The tentacles are incredibly strong, flexible, and sensitive, allowing them to perform complex tasks with precision.
• Humanoid Form: The humanoid form adopted by the Gaufbeyn is purely a convenience for interacting with the galaxy, as most technology and societal structures are designed for humanoid use. Despite this, their true nature is always evident, with their "skin" having a slick, rubbery texture and their facial features often partially obscured by smaller tendrils or appendages. Their eyes, if visible, are deep-set and often glow with an eerie, otherworldly light.
• Ethereal Perception: One of the most remarkable aspects of Gaufbeyn physiology is their ability to naturally perceive Aaryn, a form of ethereal energy that underpins the universe. This perception allows them to see beyond the physical plane and manipulate the Aaryn to perform acts of magic that defy conventional understanding. Their mastery of Aaryn is what makes them so feared, as they can bend reality, manipulate time, and even warp the minds of others.
• Regeneration and Immortality: The Gaufbeyn possess an extraordinary regenerative ability, capable of regrowing lost limbs and healing from severe injuries within moments. This, combined with their understanding of ethereal magic, grants them a form of functional immortality. While they can be killed, doing so requires destroying them at both a physical and ethereal level, making such a feat incredibly difficult.

Culture and Society

• Hierarchical and Esoteric: Gaufbeyn society is highly hierarchical, with power and knowledge being the primary determinants of status. The more a Gaufbeyn knows about the deeper workings of the universe, the higher they are in the societal order. Their society is also deeply esoteric, with much of their culture revolving around the study of ancient tomes, rituals, and the manipulation of Aaryn.
• Secrecy and Manipulation: The Gaufbeyn are masters of secrecy, rarely revealing their true intentions or the full extent of their knowledge. They often work behind the scenes, manipulating events and individuals to serve their purposes. This has made them both feared and respected, as many believe that crossing the Gaufbeyn could have dire consequences.
• Experimental Ethos: A core aspect of Gaufbeyn culture is their relentless pursuit of knowledge through experimentation. They see the universe as a vast laboratory, and other species as potential subjects for their experiments. These experiments can range from subtle manipulations of genetic code to the large-scale alteration of entire solar systems. The Gaufbeyn believe that by understanding and controlling all aspects of reality, they can ascend to a higher state of existence.
• Galactic Influence: The Gaufbeyn’s influence is felt across the galaxy. They have been behind many of the major events in galactic history, often acting as catalysts for change, whether through the dissemination of forbidden knowledge, the destabilization of governments, or the creation of new species. Humanity’s rise to power is partially attributed to the Gaufbeyn, who gifted them the Strikonas early in their development, setting them on a path to become one of the galaxy’s dominant species.

The Gaufbeyn and Magic

• Mastery of Aaryn: The Gaufbeyn’s ability to perceive and manipulate Aaryn sets them apart from almost all other species. They have developed numerous ways to use this ethereal energy, from simple illusions to complex spells that can alter the very fabric of reality. Their understanding of Aaryn is so advanced that many consider their abilities to be indistinguishable from the powers of gods.
• Books of Power: The Gaufbeyn are known to possess many ancient and powerful tomes, each one containing knowledge that could reshape the universe. While the Theósastrikíseikónas is the most famous of these books, the Gaufbeyn hold many others, each with its own unique power and purpose. These books are often written in an indecipherable script, known only to the highest-ranking members of their society.
• Dark Rituals: The Gaufbeyn are known for conducting dark rituals that often involve the sacrifice of sentient beings, the manipulation of time, and the summoning of entities from beyond the known planes. These rituals are usually performed in secret, far from the prying eyes of other species, and are believed to be a means of communing with Zhulv'Ralthoroq or other cosmic entities.

Interaction with Other Species

• The Gaufbeyn and Humanity: The Gaufbeyn have a long and complicated relationship with humanity. While they were instrumental in humanity’s rise to power by gifting them the Strikonas, their true motives remain unclear. Some believe that the Gaufbeyn see humanity as a valuable tool in their cosmic experiments, while others think that they are grooming humanity for some greater purpose.
• Galactic Manipulators: The Gaufbeyn’s influence extends far beyond humanity. They have manipulated countless species, often without their knowledge, to further their own goals. This manipulation can take many forms, from direct intervention to subtle influence through agents and proxies.
• Fear and Respect: Despite their dark reputation, the Gaufbeyn are respected and even revered by some species. Their mastery of magic and their connection to the ancient forces of the universe make them both feared and sought after. Many seek their knowledge, though few survive the experience unscathed.

Beliefs and Philosophy

• The Pursuit of Knowledge: At the core of Gaufbeyn philosophy is the belief that knowledge is power, and that the pursuit of knowledge is the highest calling. They believe that by understanding the universe in its entirety, they can transcend their current existence and achieve godhood.
• Moral Relativism: The Gaufbeyn do not adhere to the conventional morals of other species. They see themselves as beyond such concerns, viewing the universe as a complex system to be understood and manipulated. As a result, they often engage in actions that others would consider immoral or evil, but which they see as necessary for their experiments and goals.
• Zhulv'Ralthoroq’s Legacy: Whether or not they are truly the children of Zhulv'Ralthoroq, the Gaufbeyn believe that they are his heirs in spirit. They see themselves as the rightful rulers of the universe, destined to reshape it according to their will. This belief drives much of their actions and serves as the foundation of their society.

Notes & Trivia

• Shapeshifting Abilities: While the Gaufbeyn commonly take on humanoid forms, they are capable of shifting into a wide variety of shapes, including monstrous forms that reflect their true nature. This ability is often used to intimidate or manipulate other species.
• The Eternal Experiment: There are rumors that the Gaufbeyn are conducting a grand experiment that spans the entire galaxy, with the ultimate goal of creating a new form of life that can surpass even their own understanding. What this experiment entails is unknown, but it is believed to involve the manipulation of entire star systems and the creation of new forms of magic.
• Secret Societies: Within Gaufbeyn society, there are numerous secret societies, each dedicated to a specific aspect of their philosophy or a particular line of research. These societies are often at odds with one another, leading to a complex web of intrigue and rivalry that shapes the direction of Gaufbeyn society.