Ellietic

The Ellietic are a deeply fragmented and diverse species, born from the horrors of genetic experimentation and biotechnological manipulation by the Heaothep. Originally human colonists, the Ellietic have been transformed into a multitude of different forms, each one shaped by the experiments inflicted upon them. Their species is now a collection of hundreds of different races, most of which are hostile to anything that is not Ellietic. However, a few individuals have retained their sanity and humanity through integration with the Maykr Systems, an advanced A.I. that shields their minds from the degenerative disease that ravages their bodies.

Origins and History

• Human Colony Ship: The Ellietic originated from a human colony ship, sent out into the galaxy to find and settle a new world. Unfortunately, the ship was intercepted by the Heaothep, a cruel and technologically advanced species known for their sadistic experimentation on other sentient beings.
• Heaothep Experiments: The Heaothep subjected the colonists to horrific genetic experiments, splicing their DNA with various alien species and exposing them to mutagenic substances. These experiments were intended to create a new, adaptable species that could serve as soldiers or slaves. Instead, the result was a chaotic mix of monstrous forms, each one more grotesque than the last.
• The Disease: As a result of the experiments, the Ellietic were cursed with a degenerative disease that gradually transforms their bodies into monstrous, alien forms. This disease affects every aspect of their biology, warping their minds and driving most of them to madness and violence.
• Maykr Systems: In a desperate attempt to save what remained of their sanity, some Ellietic developed or were gifted the Maykr Systems, an advanced A.I. that interfaces with their brains. This A.I. acts as a guardian, protecting the mind from the disease's effects, allowing those integrated with it to retain their intelligence and reasoning, even as their bodies continue to change.

Physical Characteristics

• Diverse Forms: The Ellietic are not a single race but a collection of hundreds of different subspecies, each one the result of different Heaothep experiments. Their forms vary widely, with some retaining a vaguely humanoid appearance, while others have been transformed into more monstrous or alien shapes.
• Monstrous Transformations: The disease that plagues the Ellietic causes constant mutation and physical degradation. These changes can include additional limbs, distorted facial features, hardened exoskeletons, or other unnatural adaptations. The longer the disease progresses, the more alien and monstrous the Ellietic becomes.
• Maykr Integration: Those Ellietic who are integrated with the Maykr Systems A.I. often display cybernetic enhancements, such as neural interfaces, reinforced skeletal structures, or even external A.I. units that assist in stabilizing their condition. These individuals are usually more composed and retain a more humanoid appearance compared to their unintegrated counterparts.

Society and Culture

• Fragmented Society: The Ellietic do not have a unified society. Instead, they exist in small, isolated groups or clans, each one made up of individuals who share similar mutations or who have banded together for survival. These groups are often hostile to outsiders, including other Ellietic clans.
• Hostility to Non-Ellietic: The majority of Ellietic are highly aggressive and hostile toward any non-Ellietic life forms. This hostility is driven by both the disease and the psychological trauma of their transformation. They see outsiders as threats to their survival and will attack on sight.
• Maykr Communities: The Ellietic integrated with the Maykr Systems tend to form their own communities, separate from the more monstrous races. These communities are more stable and focused on survival and preservation of knowledge. They are often hidden, as the integrated Ellietic are still hunted by both their own kind and other species.
• Survival and Adaptation: The Ellietic have developed a culture centered around survival. They value strength, adaptability, and the ability to withstand the horrors of their existence. Those who can successfully navigate the constant changes in their bodies and minds are respected and often rise to leadership within their groups.

Abilities and Adaptations

• Mutagenic Adaptation: The Ellietic are incredibly adaptable due to the constant mutagenic changes in their bodies. This allows them to survive in a wide range of environments, from the vacuum of space to toxic atmospheres. However, this adaptability comes at the cost of their sanity and physical stability.
• Enhanced Strength and Durability: Many Ellietic possess enhanced physical abilities, such as increased strength, durability, and regenerative capabilities. These traits make them formidable opponents in combat, though they often come with severe physical deformities.
• Cybernetic Enhancements: The Maykr Systems A.I. provides those integrated with it with various cybernetic enhancements that help stabilize their condition and improve their survivability. These enhancements can include enhanced cognitive abilities, improved sensory perception, and even limited control over their mutations.
• Astral Connection: Some Ellietic have developed a connection to the astral plane, possibly as a side effect of the Heaothep experiments. These individuals can tap into the astral plane for brief periods, allowing them to perceive and interact with beings or energies beyond the physical realm. This ability is rare and often comes with significant risks to their mental stability.

Interaction with Other Species

• Feared and Hunted: The Ellietic are feared and hunted by many other species due to their monstrous appearance and unpredictable behavior. They are often seen as abominations, the result of twisted experiments that should not have existed. As a result, they are frequently targeted by bounty hunters, military forces, and other hostile groups.
• Maykr Diplomacy: The integrated Ellietic, while still feared, are more likely to engage in diplomacy with other species. They may seek alliances or trade agreements to secure resources or technology that can help them survive. However, they are always cautious, knowing that they are often seen as monsters.
• Isolation and Secrecy: The Ellietic, especially the integrated ones, tend to live in isolation, hiding from both their own kind and the wider galaxy. They prefer to remain hidden, only revealing themselves when absolutely necessary.

Philosophy and Beliefs

• Survival Above All: The Ellietic live by a philosophy of survival. They believe that only the strongest and most adaptable can endure the constant changes and challenges of their existence. This belief drives their aggressive behavior and their tendency to view outsiders as threats.
• Tragedy and Resilience: The integrated Ellietic, in particular, often reflect on the tragedy of their existence and the loss of their original humanity. However, they also see themselves as survivors, resilient in the face of unimaginable horror. They seek to preserve what little remains of their original culture and knowledge, hoping to one day find a cure for their condition.
• Hope and Despair: There is a constant tension between hope and despair within Ellietic communities. While some cling to the hope of finding a cure or reversing their condition, others have succumbed to despair, believing that their fate is sealed and that they are doomed to live out their days as monsters.

Notes & Trivia

• Variety of Races: The sheer variety of Ellietic races is staggering, with each group displaying different mutations and abilities. Some races are barely recognizable as once being human, while others retain a more humanoid appearance. This diversity makes them unpredictable and difficult to categorize.
• Lost Knowledge: Much of the original knowledge and culture of the Ellietic has been lost due to the Heaothep experiments and the subsequent madness that overtook many of them. The integrated Ellietic work tirelessly to recover and preserve what little remains.