The Maelvak are a colossal, hyperdense sapient species in the Lumen Universe, created by the Elders as an early experiment in gravity manipulation. Known for their immense size and unique gravitational properties, the Maelvak have been on an inexorable journey towards the center of the universe since 10,000 AD.
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Maelvak are immense beings, typically standing around 500 meters tall. Their bodies are composed of hyperdense materials, making each individual a significant gravitational anomaly. They possess a metallic, gear-like appearance with intricate Nordic and Dwemer-inspired patterns etched into their forms.
Internal Biology
The internal structure of a Maelvak is a marvel of cosmic engineering. Their "blood" is a slow-moving, molten substance that circulates to maintain internal cohesion under extreme pressure. Their neural network is believed to be a complex system of quantum-entangled particles, allowing for consciousness and thought processes under conditions that would crush conventional organic matter.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Maelvak reproduction is a rare and momentous event. It's theorized that they reproduce through a process of gravitational fission, where a mature Maelvak splits into two smaller entities over the course of several centuries. This process likely occurs only once or twice in a Maelvak's lifetime.
The lifespan of a Maelvak is measured in geological time scales. Given their hyperdense composition and unique biology, it's estimated that they can live for millions of years, potentially outlasting the stars themselves.
History
Origins
Created by the Elders before 100,000 BC, the Maelvak were originally developed on an Elder nursery planet in the Pleiades Subcluster. They were later transferred to the planet Gravon, which would become their homeworld.
The Fall of Gravon
Over millennia, the immense gravitational influence of the Maelvak caused Gravon to undergo slow tectonic collapse. The planet's crust fractured, forcing the Maelvak to construct massive gravity-neutralizing cities to hover above the ruins. Eventually, Gravon was drawn so close to its sun that it was torn apart by gravitational forces.
The Cosmic Journey
In 10,000 AD, following the destruction of Gravon, the Maelvak embarked on their cosmic journey. Using massive voidships designed to "fall" through space by manipulating gravitational fields, they began an inexorable journey towards the center of the universe, unable to halt their progress.
Society and Culture
Governance
Maelvak society is believed to be structured around a hierarchy based on gravitational influence. Leadership roles are likely assigned to those who demonstrate the greatest ability to control and manipulate gravitational fields.
Communication
Maelvak communication has evolved significantly during their long journey. It's theorized that they communicate through subtle manipulations of gravitational waves, creating complex "gravity languages" that can convey vast amounts of information instantaneously across their fleet of voidships.
Philosophy and Religion
The Maelvak revere gravity as the ultimate force in the universe. They view their journey towards the universal center as a cosmic destiny, believing they are chosen to be reunited with the core of existence itself. This belief has evolved into a complex philosophical system that interprets all cosmic phenomena through the lens of gravitational influence.
Artistic Expression
Maelvak art is a unique fusion of their gravitational nature and their journey through space. They create massive gravitational sculptures, shaping the very fabric of spacetime into intricate patterns visible only through specialized gravitational sensors. These "gravity paintings" often depict their journey, philosophical concepts, or imagined visions of the universe's center.
Cultural Preservation
To preserve their history and knowledge during their constant movement, the Maelvak have developed a system of "gravity archives." These are specialized regions within their voidships where information is encoded in complex gravitational field patterns, allowing for vast amounts of data to be stored in a form impervious to the passage of time or the harsh conditions of space.
Technology
Maelvak technology is highly advanced but focused primarily on gravity manipulation and mechanical efficiency. Their tech resembles extremely precise and efficient gear-like mechanisms, often adorned with Dwemer and Nordic-inspired aesthetic elements.
Key Technological Achievements
1. Gravitic Engines: Allow for movement through space by manipulating gravitational fields.
2. Gravity-Neutralizing Cities: Massive structures that enabled habitation on their disintegrating homeworld.
3. Voidships: Colossal spacecraft designed to "fall" through space using gravitational manipulation.
4. Gravity Archives: Information storage systems using complex gravitational field patterns.
Conflicts and Debates
Despite their unified journey, the Maelvak are not without internal conflicts. Debates rage over:
The true nature of their destination at the universe's center
The ethical implications of their gravitational influence on cosmic bodies they pass
Whether to attempt communication with other species despite the risks involved
The possibility of halting their journey and the potential consequences of such an action
In Galactic Culture
Due to their isolation since 10,000 AD, the Maelvak have had no direct contact with other species. However, their passage through the cosmos has not gone unnoticed. They have become the subject of myth and speculation among other civilizations, often viewed with a mixture of fear and awe as harbingers of gravitational doom or cosmic pilgrims on a sacred journey.
Future Prospects
The ultimate fate of the Maelvak remains unknown. As they continue their journey towards the center of the universe, they face the possibility of:
Encountering the source of their gravitational pull
Potential transformation or transcendence upon reaching their destination
Unforeseen cosmic phenomena that could alter their course or existence
Their journey stands as one of the great mysteries of the Lumen Universe, a testament to the enigmatic nature of cosmic forces and the enduring quest for understanding in the face of the unknown.
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