Species Info

General Spirit Information

Celestial Dryads are energy beings older than recorded time. They travel the galaxy feeding on stellar energy; some wander from star to star, others settle around a single sun. They're not gods. They don't rule. They exist in balance with the cosmos.

Despite appearing feminine, Celestial Dryads don't reproduce sexually. They can create new beings, including other Celestial Dryads, by channeling the stellar energy they consume. This process drains their essence significantly. If a Celestial Dryad runs out of energy, it dies.

Gaia is one such Celestial Dryad. She chose Earth and fostered life here in all its forms, including the Kijikaiaku, nature spirits who protect the planet's energy cycle. But not all Celestial Dryads share her goals. Yile, another Celestial Dryad, wants to claim Earth's energy (and Gaia's) for herself. She created the Subtalleons, spirit beings similar to the Kiji, to help drain energy from the planet.

Both Kiji and Tallies are pure spirit - they have no true physical form. Like Celestial Dryads, they absorb ambient energy, but they can't create new beings on their own. Most people can't see them. Those with greater mass can interact with the physical world like poltergeists. Magically sensitive individuals might perceive them. As we continue below, we will share more about the unique characteristics of the Kiji and Tallies.

Height Charts

Toggle the spoiler below to view the height charts for Kiji and Tallies compared to each other and IRL species! Right click and open an image in a new tab to view it larger!

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Kijikaiaku Species Info

The Kiji draw inspiration from lions, foxes, and eastern dragons. They embody nature's spirit and the element of fire and serve as earth's protectors.

Origin

Kiji aren't born, they're summoned. The first few Kiji came directly from Gaia's essence. After that, new Kiji were and are created through a process where existing Kiji channel world energy mixed with their own essence to form a new being. It is a collaborative effort, often involving multiple summoners. Each contributes energy to the new Kiji, who often inherits traits from its creators. There's no limit to how many can participate or how much each contributes, but balanced, abundant energy creates stronger, more stable Kiji.

While summoning can happen anywhere on Earth, most Kiji are created in the Core, a place of immense energy that serves as their wellspring. This gives new Kiji a strong foundation and deep connection to Gaia. If energy from a fallen Kiji is used in summoning, the new Kiji might retain fragments of past-life memories. The type of energy used shapes the new Kiji's abilities and personality. Even the season affects their appearance and temperament.

Kiji don't view this as reincarnation. A summoned Kiji is entirely new, just infused with echoes of the past. They respect fallen Kiji since their essence helps continue the species. Kiji can only summon other Kiji—they can't directly create other beings, though they can assist in creating Tallies.

All Kiji can summon, but inexperienced ones hesitate at first. The process requires focus and understanding energy flow. The basics are instinctive, but mastery takes practice. Summons fail if there's insufficient energy or if summoners lose control. Creating a new Kiji is a celebration of life woven from the planet itself.

Appearance

Kiji are made of pure energy, not flesh. Their sleek, serpentine bodies look like skin over lean muscle, but they have no skeleton. Extremely flexible, they can squeeze through tiny openings like liquid. Their long, powerful tails help with balance and work as both defensive whips and manipulation tools.

Each tail ends in a plume of luxurious fur used for play, dusting, or just looking impressive. A similar mane rings their necks. Both mane and tail come in endless colors, styles, and sizes- no two Kiji look alike. Their heads resemble foxes despite their snake-like bodies. Sharp teeth are used for dominance displays, playful sparring, or gripping soul energy wisps as they gather them for Gaia's core. Long, fleshy whiskers around their muzzles act as sensory organs and energy conduits. These whiskers vary in length and have decorative tips. Long, pointed ears catch the slightest sound. Because Kiji are spirits, their fur cannot grow or get cut, and their appearance remains unchanged, however their physical traits can change with evolution, a process known as rebirthing.

Their eyes, usually red from Gaia's core energy, see into the unseen world. Each paw has three sharp-clawed toes resembling ostrich or emu feet, perfect for silent, swift movement. Their front legs, while fox-inspired, have flexible wrists with opposable thumbs alongside three fingers. This lets them manipulate objects and perform delicate tasks. Their feline noses can detect subtle nuances in the environment.

Kiji range from Labrador retriever size to draft horse size, though most average around brown bear dimensions—roughly 4-5 feet tall at the shoulder. The odd Kiji or two can be larger or smaller than this range, however it is very rare.

Each Kiji has unique markings and traits that appear when they're summoned. Their coats span the entire color spectrum, but most people can't see them anyway. They move through the world as invisible guardians.

Abilities and Limits

Kiji exist as long as they have energy. If they are away from Gaia's core too long without replenishing themselves, they fade and their energy dissipates to eventually be collected by others. Kokoro, the first Kiji, has existed since the beginning by staying connected to the core. Visiting the core and collecting energy is as normal to them as breathing to humans, instinctual and nearly impossible to prevent doing in the long term.

Though invisible to most, Kiji have exceptional senses. They hear sounds over ten miles away and detect subtle environmental changes through smell. They perceive energies and phenomena beyond the physical world. Combined with their intelligence, this makes them ideal guardians and bridges between species. They can communicate with virtually any being.

But they're not invincible. Unless possessing wings, most can't fly without help from Gaia's energy or enchanted tools. Some powerful Kiji can manipulate energy for flight, but it's rare. Despite their connection to the core, Kiji are not immune to physical harm. While unable to be wounded, attacks drain their energy reserves and they can fade if it gets too low. They're not inherently magical either and can't cast spells, though some can unleash elemental breaths or have magical effects radiating naturally off them, particularly fire, reflecting the core's nature.

Kiji do not require sustenance in the traditional sense. They can, however, directly consume organic material, converting it into the energy they transport to Gaia's core. Inorganic substances, on the other hand, are useless to them and eventually expelled. Additionally, while Kiji don't require sleep in the same way biological creatures do, they can enter a meditative state for rejuvenation and focus. Unlike most living things, they are also immune to natural diseases but vulnerable to magical ones and mental illness.

The amount of energy a Kiji can carry depends on their individual reserves. These reserves are manifested as a usually luminescent marking on their skin, the more that shows, the greater the energy they can hold and transport. Their internal reserves and the energy they absorb for transport are seperate- they can't store energy to replenish themselves; only Gaia's core can do that. While they can release absorbed energy outside the core, there's little reason to.

Their ability to interact physically varies by mass. High-mass Kiji can manipulate objects like poltergeists. Low-mass Kiji are completely intangible. All Kiji can sense and communicate with other energy beings, forming a hidden network that coordinates their protective efforts.

Relationship with Others

Despite their unseen nature, Kiji are far from solitary creatures. Kiji are naturally easygoing, playful, and curious. They love games, discovery, and exploration, especially outdoors where they can absorb raw energy. Their invisibility, however, can be a source of loneliness. Unable to interact with most beings, they crave companionship and sometimes resort to mischief. However, when presented with the opportunity to interact with those who can perceive them, Kiji become ecstatic playmates, eager to engage in games and share their unique perspective.

But they take their guardian work seriously. Maintaining the energy cycle is as fundamental to them as sleep is to mortals. They'll always prioritize work over play.

Kiji have their own language of sounds and gestures, but they understand all languages, spoken and written. They can communicate with every living being on the planet. This goes deeper than just understanding words; they grasp the essence of communication, interpreting will, needs, and desires. They're exceptional interpreters who foster harmony between species. Their sharp hearing lets them detect lies by listening to the rhythm of a physical creature's heart.

Furthermore, Kiji form close bonds with any creature, sapient or not. While most relationships resemble friendship or family, deep connections are common. Romantic or sexual relationships aren't part of Kiji experience. Kiji society has structure. They respect elders and form hierarchies based on experience and wisdom. These silent observers maintain the world's harmony, their playful nature masking deep responsibility.

Subtalleon Species Info

The Tallies draw inspiration from butterflies, horses, and aquatic mammals and fish. They embody nature's unpredictability and the element of water and serve as Yile's soldiers.

Origin

Unlike Kiji, Tallies aren't woven from the world's essence. Yile created them. Inspired by Gaia's diverse life forms, Yile wanted servants who could siphon energy from Gaia, slowly tilting the balance in her favor.

The first generation came directly from Yile's power- potent and bound to her will. But sustaining that was taxing. Yile started using the energy she was stealing from Gaia to create new generations. This had an unintended consequence: as generations passed, Gaia's influence grew stronger in Tallies, diluting Yile's control. Younger Tallies, while still bound to Yile, echo Gaia's influence more than their predecessors.

Tally creation differs from Kiji summoning. Tallies channel energy into a vessel, an egg. Fertilized or not, the egg becomes a container for the Tally's essence. The egg type doesn't matter, bird, monotreme, or reptile all work. What matters is the essence poured into it. Most fish eggs don't work because they lack thick enough membranes. Incubation time depends on energy invested; more energy means faster hatching. Other energy-manipulating creatures can also assist in the process, adding their own touch to the nascent Tally. This collaborative effort influences the result. Energy collected from someone dying in war might create a battle-hardened Tally. Energy from blooming flowers might inspire focus on growth. The possibilities are endless.

While Tally eggs can be incubated and hatched anywhere, most are incubated at Meld's Nest, a well-protected and hidden location near the Abyss entrance (Yile's domain). Meld, a powerful Tally, oversees the process. The nest has subtle energy that nourishes and protects eggs. Tallies hatched and raised there develop stronger loyalty to Yile and her cause.

It's important to understand that both Tallies and Yile are not inherently malicious. They operate from a different perspective, one driven by their own needs and desires. Tallies, bound to Yile by their very creation, view their role as a form of service, a necessary function in the grand scheme of things. Yile, in turn, seeks to secure her own existence and power. These contrasting goals bring them into conflict with Gaia and the Kiji, who strive to maintain the world's natural balance.

Appearance

Like Kiji, Tallies are energy beings. But their appearance reflects different aspects of nature. They have sleek, muscular forms with shimmering scale-like skin (though not traditional flesh and bone).

Tallies possess powerful, finned tails that propel them through water with remarkable speed and agility. These fish-like or aquatic mammal-like fins transition into a single pair of hooved front legs, with wing-like fins on their shoulders capable of flight. Their front half resembles a horse, complete with a flowing mane and a powerful build. This combination lets them navigate water, land, and air, making them elusive and unpredictable.

Like Kiji, Tallies vary in size from miniature horse (3 feet at withers) to draft horse (7 feet at withers). Average Tallies are thoroughbred-sized, roughly 5.5 feet at withers. Tallies also come in all colors, but their wings and tail fins glow with colors that reflect the energy that was used to create them. Unlike Kijis whose colors shift, Tallies' energy is static, though it can bleed onto the body. Each Tally has unique markings and traits that appear at creation. No two are identical.

Despite their size and beauty, Tallies remain unseen by most, leaving only fleeting glimpses for those attuned to the unseen world.

Abilities and Limits

Unlike Kiji, Tallies possess a greater degree of control over their visibility. They can appear as shimmering creatures or remain hidden by manipulating energy flow around them.

Tallies aren't strictly immortal but live very long lives. Their lifespan ties to their energy reserves. Low energy makes them sluggish and disoriented. Unlike Kiji essence that lingers after death, Tally energy dissipates quickly, making revival nearly impossible. However, unlike Kiji who rely on Gaia to replenish their internal reserves, Tallies can use the energy they collect to replenish their's, meaning they do not have to visit Yile, but also makes them harder to kill.

Tallies have keen senses, though not as sharp as Kiji. They hear exceptionally well underwater (3-5 mile radius) but less impressively on land. They prioritize self-preservation and have strong aversion to pain, unlike resilient Kiji. Tallies can't communicate with as many beings as Kiji. Their connection is mainly to the unseen world and other energy entities. They dislike comparisons to lesser creatures and avoid non-sentient beings.

Naturally, Tallies possess the ability to fly. Their wings and powerful builds grant them incredible aerial and aquatic maneuverability, allowing them to navigate the skies and seas with ease. Their aquatic features make them formidable underwater predators. Unlike Kiji who convert organic material to energy, Tallies lack this ability. Anything they attempt to consume will be promptly expelled as they have no proper digestive system, being spirits.

Despite their parasitic nature, Tallies play a role in the world's ecosystem. Their presence subtly influences the flow of energy.

Relationship with Others

Tallies are contradictions, their behavior flicking between duty and resentment. Unlike playful Kiji, Tallies brood. They resent the world and Yile's ever-present influence. This negativity makes them view their role as burden rather than privilege. But glimpses of amusement and potential bonds flicker beneath, especially in younger generations who question the established order.

Tallies prefer solitude. These fiercely independent creatures crave peace and quiet, finding the world's chaos unsettling. This makes forming bonds challenging. They don't actively seek companionship but aren't entirely averse to interaction, especially with those who share their cynicism or question their role. Some Tallies, particularly those with internal conflicts, show begrudging tolerance for others.

Tallies have their own language of sounds and gestures. They possess innate understanding of living creatures' basic intentions and desires. While not as sophisticated as Kiji's "language of the heart," it lets them gather valuable information. This talent, combined with exceptional hearing, makes them adept eavesdroppers. Unlike Kiji who use knowledge for the world's betterment, Tallies use it for self-preservation or advancing Yile's agenda. While Tallies communicate with other beings, their understanding pales compared to Kiji. Reliance on interpretation makes genuine connection difficult, requiring prolonged interaction for basic understanding. This isolates them further, creating lonely existence even for social Tallies.

Despite their introversion and distrust, they form deep bonds with each other. These transcend friendship, encompassing loyalty and romantic love (though not sexual). The shared burden of existence and constant struggle against Yile's influence creates powerful connection. Loyalty, however, is a double-edged sword for Tallies. Those loyal to Yile view all living beings as inferior, destined to serve. They don't tolerate defiance. But Tallies questioning their role are open to liberal ideas. They see others as equals and understand not all beings welcome Yile's influence. This divide extends beyond Yile loyalty. Different generations have varying perspectives. Older generations, hardened by service, see their task as unwavering duty. Younger generations are more susceptible to the world around them. They show nascent empathy that challenges the established order.

The future of Tallies remains uncertain. Will they continue as Yile's servants, or will rebellion transform their society? The answer lies within these complex creatures, caught between duty and empathy, resentment and potential connection.

Other Species Information

Earth teems with life, a blend of real and fantastical. Humans are just one thread in the tapestry. They're vastly outnumbered by sentient and sapient species that call Earth home. These beings have remarkable diversity in communication, with each species having unique languages or thought-exchange methods. Many can even manipulate the world's essence, they wield magic.

All creatures native to Earth, from forest giants to tiny insects, owe existence to Gaia. Her creative touch is evident in staggering biodiversity. But there are exceptions.

Eris, Gaia's beloved sister, once possessed a world teeming with life. Tragically, a devastating illness ravaged her domain. Some of her creations fled to Earth for refuge. These refugees, though few, add another facet to Earth's biosphere.

While winged humanoids are Gaia's creations, true angels and demons come from different planes of existence. These celestial beings rarely visit Earth. Even rarer are dimensional drifters, creatures who traverse boundaries between worlds.

Here's a brief look at common creatures and sophonts:

Talking Animals: Many species possess sentience and communication ability—wise owls, mischievous foxes, playful dolphins.
Forest Folk: Sprites, pixies, and dryads add a touch of magic to the woodlands, their connection to nature granting them sentience and unique abilities.
Aquatic Peoples: Merfolk dwell in the shimmering depths, while intelligent cephalopods like octopuses and nautiluses possess remarkable intelligence.
Giants: Powerful and wise, these beings, whether gentle mountain giants or cunning trolls, have a long history on Earth and possess advanced cultures.
Dwarves: Masters of stone and metal, these stout creatures dwell in underground cities, their ingenuity rivaled only by their stubbornness.
Elves: Graceful and long-lived, elves possess a deep connection to nature and a mastery of magic.
Sentient Flora: Talking trees, sentient flowers, mobile plant lifeforms all contribute to the biosphere.
Therianthropes: Shapeshifters who can assume the form of animals possess a deep connection to the natural world.
Avian Kin: Sirens soar through the skies alongside the noble gryphons, and wise perytons.
Dragons: These majestic creatures, fire-breathing or not, inspire awe and fear in equal measure. Their immense power and long lifespans make them formidable forces in the world.
Undead: Creatures denied the sweet release of death, the undead exist in a variety of forms, from shambling skeletons to powerful vampires. Their presence can be a constant threat to the living. Many but not all undead were created or evolved from Eris's creations.
Monsters: From the terrifying krakens of the deep to the mischievous imps that plague the fringes of civilization, monsters come in all shapes and sizes, and their motivations range from simple predation to pure chaos. Many but not all monsters were created or evolved from Eris's creations.
Other Mythological Beings: Earth is steeped in myth and legend, reflected in creatures that roam the world- centaurs, sphinxes, and more.
Humans: Though not as numerous as some other species, and with a strong presence of mixed bloodlines, humans are a diverse and adaptable bunch. Their ingenuity and capacity for both creation and destruction make them a significant force on Earth.