Woven from the very essence of the planet, Kiji are ethereal guardians who flit unseen through the natural world. Unlike species of flesh and bone, these beings lack a reproductive system, existing in a state of perpetual being as long as their energy reserves hold out. Should a Kiji stray too far from Gaia's core, the wellspring of their existence, and neglect to replenish their essence, they eventually fade, their energy dissipating into the world until rediscovered by others. The first Kiji, Kokoro, stands as a testament to their longevity, a constant presence drawing upon the core's power.
While invisible to most, Kiji possess senses that dwarf those of any human. Their keen hearing can detect sounds over ten miles away, and their sense of smell allows them to perceive subtle nuances in the environment. They are not limited solely to the physical world, possessing the ability to detect subtle energies and unseen phenomena. This exceptional awareness, coupled with their impressive intellect, makes them ideal guardians, bridging the gap between species and fostering harmony in the natural world. Kiji possess the remarkable ability to communicate with a vast array of beings, their voices a bridge between the physical and the ethereal.
However, these guardians aren't invincible. Most Kiji lack the ability to fly independently, relying on either the assistance of Gaia's energy or enchanted tools to take to the skies. While some exceptionally powerful members can manipulate their energy for flight, such feats are rare. Despite their connection to the core's immense heat, Kiji are not immune to physical harm. They are not inherently magical either, lacking the ability to manipulate the world through spells or conventional magic. However, some Kiji possess the extraordinary ability to unleash elemental breaths, a testament to their deep connection with the natural world. Interestingly, Kiji tend to have a stronger affinity for fire than other elements, perhaps reflecting the core's own fiery essence.
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. 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 most natural diseases, those of which of magical nature still being able to effect them. However, they are susceptible to mental ailments, a vulnerability that can be just as debilitating as any physical illness.
The amount of energy a Kiji can carry depends on their individual reserves. These reserves are manifested as a subtle luminescence on their skin, the more that shows, the greater the energy they can hold and transport. Interestingly, Kiji cannot store energy within themselves to replenish their reserves. This vital act can only be performed by Gaia's core, the source of their being. While they can release the energy they have absorbed, there's not much practical use for doing so.
Further complicating matters, Kiji's ability to interact with the physical world varies. Those with a greater mass possess a limited ability to manipulate objects, similar to a mischievous poltergeist. Those with less mass are entirely invisible and intangible. Despite this limitation, Kiji can sense and communicate with other beings of pure energy, a hidden network that allows them to share information and coordinate their efforts in protecting the world. These silent guardians, unseen by most, ensure the delicate balance of nature remains intact, their existence a testament to the interconnectedness of all things.