Essence Host

In a realm with an energy so powerful as to manipulate minds and summon ancient deities lingering in the air, unexpected mutations among denizens are a common and accepted occurrence in everyday life. Sometimes, though, things stretch a bit too far. Whether through greed or mishap, Corruption by Essence is an unfortunately well-known part of life in Archus. This article details the creatures that spawn from Corruption, known most commonly as Hosts.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The physicality of Hosts varies wildly between individuals. Their anatomy depends heavily on what the Host looked like pre-Corruption and which Essence they are hosting. Typically, they are humanoid, with at least four limbs (legs and arms), two five-fingered hands, two five-toed feet, and a head. However, many sprout other appendages, such as wings and tails, in differing numbers. With the common power to shape-shift among them, keeping track of their "true" form can be difficult.

Biological Traits

With a creature that varies so drastically in form, pinning down consistencies and averages is difficult. However, one tell-tale sign used to identify different types of Hosts is their 'blood', or rather the liquid essence that dwells in their veins. Its colour varies depending on the type of Essence possessing the host.

Genetics and Reproduction

Hosts are not capable of reproduction and it isn't uncommon for them to lack genitalia. New Hosts are created through Corruption by Essence.

Growth Rate & Stages

When a Host comes into existence, it will often reach the height of its power in a matter of hours (never longer than ten). During this time, its appearance will change drastically as its genetics are re-written, often including reforming of the body's shape and structure as well as growth of new appendages, if any.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Hosts do not have digestive systems and gain their energy from the Essence that possesses them. They may eat, as the magical energies in their systems are capable of processing it, but it is not necessary.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Interaction between Hosts is often turbulent, bordering on or trespassing beyond aggressive and destructive in some scenarios. While some are more peaceful, with strong temperaments and a gentle demeanour, others are selfish and impulsive, but all Hosts, regardless of their behaviour, are naturally chaotic and unpredictable beings. It is rare that they can coordinate peacefully or form bonds between one another. They may even be prone to attempt to consume one another in a savage hunt for more power.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The majority of Hosts are found within Archus, as Essence is found exclusively within the nation's bounds, but many may elect to travel further on in their lives, sometimes even venturing beyond Rayasis.

Average Intelligence

Hosts are known to possess an incredible intelligence with the ability to communicate, solve problems, think critically, and use their surroundings to an immense benefit, often exceeding those of their fellow humanoid counterparts.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Hosts can acquire information about their surroundings through any number of means. Most of them possess the basic five senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell - but there are always exceptions. They are also capable of 'feeling' the area around them with magic, a technique that is specifically useful for sensing external magic sources.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Most Hosts choose to keep the name they were given prior to Corruption. Those who rename themselves exhibit a large diversity of themes from traditional Archusite names, to names from other cultures, to names of objects they may resonate with, and even perhaps names given by the whispers of the Essence in their veins, often in tongues unknown to most sapient kind.

Beauty Ideals

Hosts like pretty things, especially when the pretty thing in question is their own reflection. They like soft, flow-y, colourful aesthetics, often gravitating towards articles such as tailcoats and dresses, and often decorate themselves with flowers and feathers and the like.

Gender Ideals

Hosts have no concept of gender, with the entirety of the species either being genderless or hermaphrodites.

Relationship Ideals

Hosts typically aren't interested in relationships, romantic or otherwise, and especially not interspecies relationships.

Common Etiquette Rules

Although hazardous creatures, Hosts often display a polite and elegant disposition, almost as if they had been raised in royalty. They follow refined speech patterns and clean mannerisms by instinct. They may massacre populations on a whim, but at least they do it politely.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

While Hosts quite like the species they share their homes with and often take to meddling in their affairs and attempting to mingle with them, they are labelled as a major threat and are heavily scorned by all non-Hosts.

Lifespan

Infinite

Conservation Status

Hosts are considered a highly dangerous and unnatural species and are to be eliminated on sight if possible. However, due to their immense strength, this is often just wishful thinking.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

While their appearances vary broadly, many Hosts possess a multitude of Archusite 'Marks', or brands caused by magical energy.

Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild