Unreviewed Paperfolk | Neti Ghosts

[Big Nick]

PAPERFOLK
NETI GHOSTS

​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a species for a character concept.
• Image Credit: Google Labs, edited in Photoshop
• Canon: N/A
• Permissions: N/A
• Links: N/A

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Name: Paperfolk
• Designation: Sentient
• Origins: Myrkr
• Average Lifespan: 350 years
• Estimated Population: Semi-Unique
• Description: When a Neti dies and casts off its bark, it's Force energy may transfer into it if they were of sufficient strength. After a 50 year stasis, this bark will form into a paper-like being that sports a softer body than the Neti they originate from. During this developmental period the Paperfolk will have the freedom to shape themselves into what form they desire, much like the shape-shifting abilities of the Neti. When they complete their stasis, however, their body will be rigid and unchanging. They resemble paper mache.

PHYSICAL INFORMATION

• Breathes: Types 1, 2, and 3
• Average Height of Adults: 6 ft
• Average Length of Adults: N/A
• Skin color: Whites, tans, and greys.
• Hair color: Whites, tans, and greys.
• Distinctions: Plant based bodies entirely made of a paper-like substance, shed from a dead Neti. They can assume many shapes, but most often form into the shapes of beings that the Neti they are born from remember so strongly it leaves an impression in the Force. Some may look eerilee like other species, though are not biologically related. The Paperfolk created from a Neti is a new being that does not inherit the memories of their originator.
• Races: N/A
• Force Sensitivity: All

Strengths:

• Strong in the force by nature.
• Photosynthesis: Does not require traditional food.
• Natural immunity to toxins.
• Natural immunity to Force-based abilities.
• High wisdom after a 50 year development cycle.

Weaknesses:

• Weak to fire.
• More susceptible to blunt/physical damage.
• Weakened greatly by Force suppressants (Ysalamiri, Void Stone, etc.)
• Slow to anger, slow to fight. Few Paperfolk will ever take up arms.

CULTURE

• Diet: Photosynthesis.
• Communication: Verbally (Basic)
• Technology level: Below Galactic Standard
• Religion/Beliefs: Reverence for the balance of life, nature, and a strong adherence to the Living Force.
• General behavior: The Paperfolk are monk-like beings with a gentle disposition. They are typically kind, well spoken, and scholarly. Due to their long period of development, Paperfolk have plenty of time to meditate on the deeper intricacies of life and better feel their place in the Cosmic Force. Since they are few in numbers, it is unclear what they strive to do once they have their own agency. A few have been known to remain on Myrkr and wander the forests as mystics, revered by their Neti cousins. The occasional Paperfolk may depart and fit in with the likes of the Jedi Order, though few have been recorded in the last thousand years. It is unclear if a Paperfolk can give rise to another of their kind, but it is theorized that if one passes and is powerful enough their remnants may form into a brand new being once again to continue the cycle.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

There is no death, there is the Force.

When powerful Neti pass in places filled with abundant Force energy there is a chance that new life will spring forth from their husk. The bark of the Neti will peel off and form a new biomass, one that develops a separate consciousness from the originating individual. This mass will gather up into a cocoon and begin to develop into a Paperfolk, a sentient being that resembles paper mache. Over 50 long years, the Paperfolk 'larva' will be malleable and shapeshift into a desired form, an ability much like that of the Neti. They spend this time in deep thought, meditating on the intricacies of life and the universe. It is said that this meditation is what gives the increadibly rare species their sage-like wisdom. When the Paperfolk emerges from their cocoon their shape is solidified, ending their state of malleability. From there they begin to wander Myrkr, or perhaps even beyond.

Little instances of Paperfolk are recorded throughout the galaxy. They rarely depart from their homeworld, and are in very low numbers even on Myrkr. Experts estimate that the species may at most be made up of seven to ten individuals at any given time. Because they are born from the husks of dead Neti, the species can return even after all living individuals perish. This strange line they tow between life and death has given them a status amongs the Neti as 'ghosts' or 'spirits' of sorts, and they are held in the highest regard. A lone Paperfolk that chooses to offer wisdom to the people of Myrkr may be later remembered as a great sage or prophet.

As of the 900s ABY some are still unsure if these beings are real or mythological. Most, however, have never even heard the name of the species in their life.