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The Strixen — Description

Though Pwdre Ser is a strange and mysterious fluid to fall upon this world, there is one thing folks feel is for certain. This bizarre purple star jelly is no less than a Godly Fluid, a force that may one day usurp Ichor and bring about a new age. As Eitr fell to the golden blood of gods, perhaps the time will come when the rot of stars does the same to us. There are concerns regarding this future, fear of what will become of man. Combine these existential worries with the horrid spawn that are born from its presence, and you can see why many despise all this fluid represents. The Academy may be fascinated by it, seeing potential within this intrusive new element, but all others would prefer if it was scrubbed clean from our world. However, these are the feelings of man, a race that has long enjoyed the blessings of the golden age. It would be obvious that they would resist the force daring to take it all away from them. What of the race that never had a place in this world? What would they think of this new element, when all others were denied to them?
Man is the ruler of the Age of Ichor, and before them, dragons were the lords in the Age of Eitr. But there was one race that had the potential for both these Godly Fluids. The Strix were the children of dragons that dared to adapt to the golden invader, wielding both Eitr and Ichor as one. They were to be the heirs of dragonkind, those that would survive as the Age of Eitr came to a close and life was to find its place in the new era. But their parents were selfish creatures, unable to accept the fading flame. They were disgusted by this unholy union of primal flame and godly blood, and thus tore their blessing away from the Strix. As a result, the Strix were stripped of not only Eitr, but fate itself. The denial would doom their lineage, rendering their entire race stagnant and sterile. And when Ichor at last turned the world to gold, the Strix would face rejection once more. Man looked upon these wretched creatures and saw no place for them, labeling them as wicked beasts and vile omens. Thus, the potential for Ichor was also denied, leaving the Strix with nothing. Nothing but bitterness and rejection. Their kind would hide within the shadows of this world, seeing no point in partaking in an age that forced them to its edges.
For centuries, the Strix would remain in their forgotten lairs, perched upon the petrified remains of their cruel parents. They would be impartial to all around them, apathetic to the burning world of gold and its unending war. The remaining dragons were despised, whereas man and its trials were ignored. What was the point? Their kind was doomed, their future stolen from them long ago. Why would they lift a talon for a world they weren’t a part of? It was all pointless, for there was no hope for their kind. No salvation to be found. But as time passed, there would be some amongst their race who thought otherwise, who dared to hope that a future could be claimed for them. Some looked to the dying Eitr, wondering if they could take the flames from the cold dead claws of dragons. Some turned to Ichor, believing that its divine blessings could still be salvaged. Perhaps divestment from all fluids was the way, as whispered to them by the cursed serpents below. And when the heavens above wept purple, and Pwdre Ser fell upon this world, there were those who looked up and wondered…
Pwdre Ser is a Godly Fluid, and a new one at that. Its arrival to this world has occurred only in recent years, in light rains and rare phenomena. Rare patches of starfields have arisen, but it is still far from its true might. Simple Starspawn are born from it, and the rare Astral Form mutates in its presence, but that is all. Despite its power and reputation, the star jelly has no master. No race has risen from its pools to call the coming age their own. So why not the Strix? After all, they are stripped of Eitr and Ichor, nothing but empty vessels with no future. They have no love for the ages of the past and present, no loyalties that bind them to those fading eras. But the Pwdre Ser is young and new, filled with potential. Perhaps it would find them worthy. Of course, this is no simple choice. The star jelly is a mysterious and unpredictable thing, there is no telling if it can be wielded or even reasoned with. The Academy of Veritas Mundus is hard at work deciphering its mysteries, yet their research only scratches the surface. Those exposed to it are warped, mutated and destroyed. Would the Strix fare any differently? Would they be able to take this strange fluid into their forms and become one with it, or would they perish like simple beasts? There is no way for them to know, but in the end, what do they have to lose?
At this time, in this age, Pwdre Ser is a scarce presence, and the Strix remain unsure. Here, as the great war still tears away at the Church of Divine Wealth and consumes this land in madness, the dream of the Strix remains a distant, idle thought. But what if one were to look into the future, to turn the clock forward? Go beyond the terrible war, past its conclusion and the decided fate of the Church. Years after all has settled, as the land works to heal its wounds and its people settle into their new lives. In this future, the Pwdre Ser falls more frequently, its presence more known. The gentle sprinkle of star jelly is now a rain, the signs of its true coming now loud and clear. In this time, the idea has turned to action. Those who have spent centuries sitting idly have at last decided to make their move. A faction of Strix dared to commune with the alien fluid, letting themselves be vessels for the Pwdre Ser. And for the first time in their lives, they were not denied.
The Strix who chose to align with Pwdre Ser would find themselves accepted, their bodies deemed worthy. They would take the star jelly into themselves and be changed by it. But this transformation would differ from the Astral Forms, the horrid mutants that lived for destruction and death. No, those chosen by the fluid would become something glorious. Their frail bodies would elongate, their sad wings turning into insectile legs. As the Pwdre Ser rushed through their veins, their flesh would glow with its power, crystal spines of it jutting from their hide. A beak would become a mandible, a tail would turn to a claw. The stagnant bodies of the Strix ascended to this new form, and with Pwdre Ser’s blessing, they would be reborn as the Strixen.
From this communion would come a new race, and a new faction in this land. The Strixen would not only infuse themselves with the Pwdre Ser, but seek to become its rightful masters. Eitr had the dragons, Ichor had man, and now Strixen would be lords for this strange star jelly. It had at last given their kind hope, granted them the chance to decide their fate. They would not waste this opportunity, nor would they let anyone else steal it from them. Not again. Never again.
The Strix were neutral to the world that rejected them, taking no part in its fate. The Strixen, however, have shed this apathetic nature. The blessings of Pwdre Ser have given them a future, something to fight for. It has empowered their bodies and minds, granted them wondrous gifts. For that, they are eternally grateful and serve it wholly. The Strixen task themselves with empowering the Godly Fluid, increasing its proliferation and influence. The true arrival of Pwdre Ser has not occurred yet, its glorious age still to come. The Strixen work to make sure nothing impedes that dawn, as well as ensuring they sit upon its throne. Though the Strixen have aligned themselves to the star jelly, they have not fully mastered it. There is still much to learn, a great alien force to be wrangled and tamed. This transcendence of theirs is still fresh, their bodies not yet fully healed. They are far from their fullest potential, and that is what they eagerly seek. Master their flesh, master the Pwdre Ser, all for the sake of eventually mastering the world. Woe onto those who dare think otherwise…
As a new active power in this world, the Strixen find themselves facing factions and events they once ignored in their bitter isolation. The people of this land witness the same, with most only knowing the Strix from old ominous tales. Due to their ties with Pwdre Ser, there are already many who would be wary of the Strixen, especially after knowing their goals. One may think to the hostile Astral Forms and invasive arrival of Pwdre Ser and assume the worst of this new group. But one should not be fooled into thinking the Strixen are slavering destroyers. They have retained their minds and memories through this transcendence. They have their ambitions - securing the Age of Pwdre Ser and their place as masters of it - and they are unwavering in their pursuits. The Strixen do everything in their power to make sure this future comes to pass, often through cunning, trickery and manipulation. The values of the dragon lords of old are given no thought, their ancient code of honor rejected and burned. These new wielders of the stars do not bind themselves to such tired notions. Anything the dragons once believed in is something they want no part of. A knife between the ribs wins a battle far faster and cleaner than some stupid “honorable” duel. They will do what needs to be done, it is that simple.
Yet the Strixen are not cruel when there is no need. The point of their actions is to secure what they want. If their goals can be obtained in a reasonable fashion, they may opt to take that route. Though ascended to strange new heights, they still understand the value in “give and take.” Those who help them may gain favor, and allies are always appreciated. Past actions are also respected, so any who aided the Strix in some way will be seen a bit more favorably. When dealing with such parties, the Strixen do not lie or cheat. They stick to their word (though be wary of the rare tacit omission) and fulfill their promises. After all, they know the feeling of betrayal quite well, and the Strixen strive to never be like their wretched dragon parents. Those loyal to them will be respected, and the treaties they make will be upheld. But all who deal with Strixen should remember well who sits at the top.
Be it to allies or neutral parties, the Strixen make one thing clear: this coming age is theirs. They are its rightful masters and no one else shall be their equal. They have tasted power, and they are through being ordered and coralled. If one wants to work with the Strixen, it is imperative one never demands anything from them. You can ask them, negotiate with them, but never try to tell them what to do. They are the ones calling the shots, and they will not hesitate to knock someone back into place should they forget. Allying with them earns you a spot in their age, but the hierarchy is very clear.
For those who are neutral to the Strixen, they respond back with the same. They do not need everyone to pledge themselves to Pwdre Ser, they only care if you are in the way of it. As long as your existence and work do not go against their goals, they are content to leave you be. Try to stop them, and you are quickly deemed an obstacle. Those who oppose the Strixen do not get the respect and honesty they show to others. They will lie, cheat and steal to remove you from their path, no trick too cheap or dirty for them to use. Those who bemoan their tactics receive no sympathy, as they shouldn’t have gotten in their way in the first place. Once you go against them or harm any of their Strix brethren, you will be labeled an enemy. And the Strixen have a very good memory. Just look at their relationship with the dragons.
To those who know their history, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Strixen despise the dragons - they who robbed them of their future and left them to rot in the shadows; the source of all their misery and the centuries of suffering. It is a history Strixen remember well. In response, they happily seek to wipe out dragonkind and sweep its precious Eitr off the map. There may not be many dragons left in the world, but Strixen won’t be content until they are completely erased. That goes for their Eitr and any who affiliate with either of them. The professional explanation is that there is simply no room in this world for three Godly Fluids, but make no mistake. Even if all could coexist, the Strixen would never allow the dragonkind of old to know a moment of peace. Let the ancient fools and their worthless traditions fall into nothingness. Let them see the precious “legacy” they sacrificed everything for turn to dust…
Of course, with such hatred of dragons and Eitr, one must wonder about their views on Ichor. This is the golden Godly Fluid of the current age, humanity, and the Church, as well as Pwdre Ser's most direct competition. Indeed, this fluid is one they must usurp for their age to begin, but they don’t hold any particular ire towards it. Eitr was the one who denied them, Ichor simply ignored them. Thus, the Strixen are content to let it fade naturally into the shadows. The Church of Divine Wealth can putter along on the sidelines if it wishes…but only if it makes the wise choice of staying out of their way. Those of Ichor who try to perpetuate their age and deny the Strixen their right will be taken out. There is no tolerance for that nonsense. As for the factions of humanity that wish to side with Pwdre Ser, they are welcome to it. Strixen are happy to lead cults around the star jelly, as they share the same goals. Spoils will be shared and power will be granted, but all must remember their place.
If the Strixen are fine with ignoring Ichor and the Church, what of its archnemesis: the Academy of Veritas Mundus? Does that faction, untied to the golden fluid, gain the same “blessing?” After all, the Academy is the leader in Pwdre Ser research, its Astrologers the first to study the star jelly. In recent years, their efforts have increased, that arm growing in size and funding. The Academy sees a future in Pwdre Ser, and they welcome its power. Thus one would think them fine allies for the Strixen. That they would be, if the Academy was content to sit below them. Much to the Strixen's displeasure, that is not how it is. The Strixen do not see an ally in the Academy, they see a threat. The Strixen's goal is to be the lords of this new age, to be the one true master of Pwdre Ser. The Academy, with all its resources and efforts, is looking to grab that crown first. They want to be the ones to wield Pwdre Ser, they want this coming age to be theirs. The Church had its moment as the supreme empire of this land, now the Academy wants their turn at the throne. To the Strixen, this is the ultimate insult, and a blatant theft of what is rightfully theirs. Furthermore, the Academy had violated their kind's sanctity before, using Strix in experiments and dissections. Even if the Academy bent the knee, such sins against their brethren could never be forgiven. Thus, the two factions are mortal enemies, both fighting for control in this new world. Some may look to this conflict and see an echo of the past, a mirror of another time when dragons and a great institution were at each other's throats.
The Strixen's hostility towards certain factions and uncaring nature towards others may make them seem like an antisocial species. When it comes to outsiders, they do focus more on what they can gain from partnership, but this attitude changes when it involves their own kind. Strixen may be manipulative and tricky, but they will not betray their own. There is probably no other race that knows the pain of treachery more than them, their entire kind inflicted with a wound that may never fully heal. With such a betrayal ever present in their minds, the Strixen hold tightly to their kin, vowing never to make the same cruel choices as their parents. As a result, this faction sees no infighting, no petty squabbles. They work together incredibly well, as all of them understand what is at stake. Such a level of camaraderie isn’t just reserved for the Strixen, but it is also extended to the Strix who remain unchanged. Even though the Strixen have accepted Pwdre Ser and see it as their kind’s salvation, this ascension is not something they force upon others. There are Strix out there that do not see the star jelly as the answer, finding faith elsewhere or opting for no faith at all. But whatever the path, the Strixen respect their brethren's decision. After all, this entire battle is to reclaim the right to their own fate. The other Strix are merely choosing the futures they want, and thus the Strixen accept them all.
Another group on decent terms with the Strixen are the Lindwyrms, as they too were betrayed and cursed by dragonkind. The Strix had a benign relationship with these chaotic serpents, connecting through their miserable fates and hatred of the dragons. Though they have their similarities, the two do not interact all that often. The Lindwyrms’ mutative aura is too dangerous to be around, and the Strix were content to remain in their hidden lairs. There were also a few disagreements pertaining to their world view. The Lindwyrms preach the path of divestment, of breaking the shackles to the Godly Fluids and following your own destiny. The serpents look to the Strix and believe they are in the perfect position for this, as they had been denied Eitr and Ichor. They are unbound by any fluid, and thus can forge their own path. It sounds of praise, but such words can also be grating. The Strix never had a choice in this untethered path, the freedom to choose was taken from them without their consent. To be told to take the path they were forced into has struck a nerve from time to time, thus the Strix keep some emotional distance. As for the Lindwyrms, they had also grown frustrated with the Strix. They see this race stew and stagnate in bitter misery, refusing to move on or take part in the future. Meanwhile, the Lindwyrms are cursed into a useless state, their bodies their very own prisons. They do not have the strength to seize their own futures, and then they look to the Strix who are not crippled by curse. They can still take part in this world, their bodies still functional and free, yet they simply do nothing. There is a bit of bitterness to both sides, but they have remained politely neutral throughout the many long years.
It is these feelings of kinship that encouraged the Strixen to offer the Lindwryms a place in their new world. Though they weren’t exactly allies, they felt it fair to extend this kindness after all the two had been through. If the Lindwyrms sided with them and accepted Pwdre Ser, they could become a part of the hierarchy they were building. They would be below the Strixen in rank, of course, but still respected and given the proper power. But both parties already knew how this deal would end. The Lindwyrms have always been strong in their beliefs. They would never accept Pwdre Ser, or any other fluid. The treaty was given more as a professional courtesy than anything else, since the Strixen knew the Lindwryms would turn it down. But they would not mark the serpents as enemies after this refusal. The Lindwyrms made their choice, and the Strixen accepted their desire for autonomy. They could remain separate from all this, continuing to exist in the world down below. The Strixen still keep the offer open, ensuring them a place if they ever change their mind. However, they have also made it clear that this treaty will only remain if the Lindwyrms do not interfere. If they chose to go against Pwdre Ser and threaten their new age, they will indeed be seen as an enemy. And with the power granted to them by the star jelly, the Strixen have become far more formidable than their previously withered forms.
By infusing themselves with Pwdre Ser, the Strixen have gained many blessings. The obvious one being their size, as they have grown to the mass of a proper dragon. Though their bodies look more like a centipede than any dragon or bird, their abilities still match that of draconic grace and might. While the ancient beasts of yore possessed brute strength, the Strixen have speed and dexterity on their side. Their elongated forms slither and skitter, easily outpacing targets or climbing over obstacles. Their wings have morphed to insect-like legs, which assist in their agility, but also grant them another, stranger power. It is believed that without wings, one cannot fly, but with Pwdre Ser coursing through their bodies, anything is possible. These altered limbs still allow a bizarre form of “flight,” through the manipulation of space. Watch a Strixen skitter about, and you may witness them suddenly crawl onto thin air. Their legs grab and step, yet there is nothing for them to hold onto in sight. What looks like the climbing of an invisible wall is actually their legs anchoring themselves to the very space around them, using the veil itself to hang on. These limbs pierce the air, creating purple cracks in seemingly nothing, and that is the anchor they grip. With all their limbs working in tandem, the Strixen fly through the air by crawling upon it, their bodies weaving and coiling about with strange insectile grace.
The blessings of Pwdre Ser are not just limited to flight. They can wield the energeiai within to cast spells that alter gravity, unleash radiation and warp space. Smaller spells may be emitted from their limbs, while their pincer-like tails handle the heavier stuff. They also possess a breath weapon like the dragons, but it is not based in flame. Instead, their maws create gobs of potent star jelly. This goo can be spat out in streams, or may be blown into spheres. The spewing of bubbles may not seem like an intimidating weapon, but the combination of Pwdre Ser and Strixen craftiness quickly challenges that notion. Depending on the density granted to them, these jelly orbs can be launched like boulders from a catapult, or floated like an ordinary bubble. The Strixen can also charge these projectiles with energeiai, changing their effects when unleashed upon foes. They could detonate into blinding light, some may seep out a toxic aura, while others collapse into a sucking void that pulls in foes. In moments, the battleground can be littered with these bubbles, which wind up acting as floating mines. Or perhaps they are launched directly at enemies with a whip of the head or flick of a spindly limb. Plenty of fancy tricks and ingenious tactics can be pulled with this, but sometimes the Strixen realize the simple power of a Pwdre Ser spit stream. Spit out gooey gobs of the stuff onto enemies and obstacles, and watch the warping jelly corrode and mutate whatever it touches. If all else fails, they still have their gnashing mandibles and stabbing legs.
This strange mobility and potent spell repertoire work into the Strixen fighting style, but their greatest weapon of all is their cunning. Strixens are tricksters, relying on magic, speed and strategy to take down foes, quite unlike the bulky brutish dragons of old. They are quick to make any battle hell for their enemies, who struggle to even keep the Strixen in sight. Their agile bodies, crawling flight, and gravity control make them hard to hit or keep track of, all while they pelt you with spells and other attacks. Battles are rarely taken head on, as they much prefer to strike from blind spots or set up traps that enemies blunder into. Since they are not as durable as dragons, they seek to end fights quickly and without injury. Thus, they are not above summoning help or using cheap tricks. If they can lure out a Starspawn or an Astral Form to join the fray, then it is an easier fight for them. The key is to keep opponents confused and overwhelmed, all until a single decisive strike wins the day.
While Pwdre Ser has granted them great power, there is one blessing they value above all else. The future promised to them by the star jelly isn’t just about ruling, it is about continuing their kind's legacy. Sure, they could convert more Strix into Strixen, but true victory for their entire race will come with regaining fertility. The dragons’ betrayal rendered them sterile, but with the boon of Pwdre Ser, it looks like they might finally have a chance at kin. The new fluid within them is restoring their ability to reproduce, even if the results of the endeavor aren't quite perfect. Strixen are still learning how to master their new flesh, and their bodies have been stunted for centuries. The element within them seems limitless, but it is also new and wild. This combination yields varying results. Young can be conceived, but they are no Strixen. These beings are smaller and weaker, a varied mix of dragon and star jelly. The brood are alien in form, yet still endowed with certain draconic features, which has led to the name “Xenodrake.” Though these young are not perfect offspring, they are still loved by their parents. The Strixen take pride in these children, for they are the first in centuries to exist, and they too can aid the new age in their own way. The Strixen still seek to refine this new reproduction so that they may one day birth proper heirs, but any Xenodrake is a welcome part of the family. This is important to remember for those who would dare oppose the Strixen. Recall the loyalty they have to their own kind and the attachments they have to their kin. Dare raise a blade against a Xenodrake, no matter how small or meager, and one earns the ire of the star dragons…
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To cap off the Pwdre Ser stuff, here be an entry a few people predicted! Some Strix indeed see Pwdre Ser as their way forward, and (in the future) side with this Godly Fluid. Like the Strix, this piece and entry was made through collaboration with my good friend @detectOplasm , who saw the potential in the Strix communing with the star jelly. The design of the Strixen was originally sketched up by him, and I only added a few details here and there because his design was so damn good! He also helped with compiling all the info we discussed about them and tweaking the entry so it flowed better. We had a lot of fun coming up with this stuff, so we hope you all enjoy! Now back to the Age of Ichor we go!