Voices of The Deep
◈ A Z U R E ◈
Name: Sheikah
Pronunciation: (She- eek- ah)
Designation: Sentient
Homeworld: Nocturne
Language: Sheikan - Galactic Standard
Average height of adults:
- 6ft11 (Tallest)
- 5ft5 (Shortest)
Skin color: Pale White (Most Common) - Blue (Rare) - Red (Very Rare) - Purple (Extremely Exotic)
Hair color: Varies
Breathes: Type I -II - III - IV
Strengths
- Air Types: While is still unknown to most how the Sheikah's biology allows it, the demonstrate the odd ability to breath in all forms of atmosphere. Capable of surviving extended periods of time underwater, above ground, and even in the vacuum of space because their organs support such punishing environments similar to another species with the same ability.
- Regenerative Cells: Not considered much of a strength, the Sheikah have cells that allow wounds to heal much more effectively than that of a human. While they cannot heal faster than any other species, their wounds tend to heal flawlessly and leave behind no scarred tissue. Similar to lizards, if a limb were to be removed, a Sheikah could eventually regrow the limb after several months (Depending on the limb). While the loss of a hand may need a months worth of healing, the loss of the arm below the elbow would require three months. While the full arm below the shoulder would need five months. Same principle applies with their legs and ect. Smaller wounds normally only take several days or weeks to heal, while internal organs take about the same time. However, despite this healing factor, should the brain or heart be destroyed the regenerative cells cease to function and they can no longer heal.
- Exceptionally Powerful in Witchcraft: Sheikah have a high aptitude for the supernatural aspect of the force and are capable of maintaining difficult spells for extended periods of time almost tirelessly. This is also probably due to the trace amount of force sensitive crystals found in their bones which could explain such things. Regardless, this strength can also be considered a weakness as Sheikah are incapable of utilizing common or non-magical force powers.
Weaknesses
- Inability to use non-magic Force Powers: As stated above, Sheikah have no aptitude for Force Powers that some would considered easy or simplistic. The only exception being Telekinesis which they begin to utilize more around the time they become a thousand years of age in order to direct themselves when the organ in their bodies fully develop that allow them to levitate and float. Abilities such as force jump, strength, telepathy, concealment, and other similar powers are mysterious to them. Even their Telekinesis is limited as they can ONLY use it to direct themselves so they don't float off somewhere. The very rare few who are not force sensitive often get these organs surgically removed and do something to the organ to prevent it from healing back. Allowing them to lead normal lives on the surface again.
- Indifference Towards Others: The Sheikah have rarely every concerned themselves with the affairs of others as they simply 'do not care' or it does not 'benefit them'. They often see the day to day struggles of others as mundane and uninteresting given their long lifespans normally result in them seeing it all.
- Cold & Forboding Personalities: A trait that has often lead others to dislike the species, Sheikah are known for their emotionless and stoic personalities. Unable to show empathy or apathy towards others of their species or others. While this is perfectly fine among their own, to other species it makes it hard for them to form alliances and friendships because they are so foreboding and wrathful.
- Unfeeling & Logical: Sheikah are Machiavellian. Unafraid to do the atrocious or unthinkable if it means gaining results. If a few thousand must die so several million can live, then they have no qualms with committing genocide and other unthinkable acts other species would condemn them for.
Distinctions:
- Bright Vibrant Eyes
- Vibrant Colored Hair
- Tribal Markings
- Hypnotic Mystic Voices
- Natural Repulserlifts (Matron)
- All Female Species
- Survival in All Atmospheres
Average Lifespan: 1-50 (Youngling) 50-500 (Teenager) 500-1000 (Maiden) 1000-5000 (Matron) 5000 - 10'000+ (Matriarch/Elder)
Races: N/A
Estimated Population: 900'000
Diet:
- Fruits & Vegetables: (Primary Consumption)
- Meat: (Helps Digestive Track)
- Starch: (Damages Digestive Track)
- Sugary Foods: (Causes Nausea and other sicknesses)
Biology: Sheikah resemble humans in terms of basic skeletal structure with five fingers on each hand and other features others have come to recognize as 'common' in most species. This similarity allows them to often pass as humans themselves. A typical Sheikah has a pale complexion while more exotic ones are shown to have purple complexion (I.E The Sovereign Royal Family). Some Sheikah, who have been around for at least a ten decades or twenty have odd tribal type markings, which are unique colored patterns that vary for every Sheikah. Every Sheikah has rather vibrant and powerfully colored hair ranging to crimson red, crystalline blue, snow white, or obsidian black. Those who have brown or even blonde hair are considered oddities among the species. Sheikah also have a robust cellular regenerative system; while they do not heal faster than other species, overtime they can regenerate full limbs if they wait long enough (Normally a month or two) and do not possess scarring from previous wounds. They are known to reach over several hundred thousand years of age. Making many believe that the species are semi-immortal. Sheikah blood is also known to be purple rather than red.
The Sheikah are a mono-gendered species with no concept of gender differences and are viewed as an all-female race, They also bear feminine titles like “huntress” and “matriarch” and their offspring are usually referred to as “daughters.”
However Sheikah gender is defined, they are innately different from humans, for Sheikah can mate and successfully reproduce with any other gender or species. Although they have one gender, they are not asexual and do in fact require a partner to reproduce. However, Sheikah reproduction is very different from other forms of sexual reproduction. An Sheikah provides two copies of her own genes to her offspring, one of which is passed on unaltered. The second set of genes is altered in a unique process called melding, also known as the joining. During melding, the eyes of the Sheikah initiating the meld dilate as she consciously attunes her nervous system to her partner's, sending and receiving electrical impulses directly through the skin. A common phrase used before melding is "embrace eternity", presumably to help focus the partner's mind. Effectively, the Sheikah and her partner briefly become one unified nervous system, sharing memories, thoughts, and feelings. The offspring is always an Sheikah female, regardless of the species or sex of the "father" and in the case that the offspring is of two Sheikah, the father is the one who does not give birth. A Sheikah's development period last only about eight months, and they are known to give birth to at least four children at a time which can be commonly referred to as 'litters'.
Uniquely, the Sheikah are known to be perceived as attractive to many other species. This may be because of shared physical characteristics (e.g., body shape for humans & semi humans, skin color for for other species, in-human traits for others). The offspring resulting from such inter-species pairings are always Sheikah as very little DNA is taken from the partner. Instead, the Sheikah uses the meld to explore her partner's genetic heritage and pass desirable traits on to any offspring and as a "map" to randomize the genes of the offspring.
It is also possible for an Sheikah to meld with another for the sole purpose of transferring thoughts, without reproduction. The Sheikah initiating the meld can both send and receive information. This connection can only be made via Kissing and exchanging DNA, cutting both partners hands and connecting their hands (Like a handshake) to exchange blood (Not recommended), and most obviously. Sexual intercourse. Many Sheikah states that the melding of minds is a sign of a deep connection between two individuals, something often reserved for friends and family members. It is not unusual for a mother to engage in a deep kiss with a child to transfer memories to their offspring before they pass away. In fact, incest is often considered normal among the species given their distaste for other species and the fact they form powerful family bonds that often result in such actions.
The Sheikah also have a rather odd organic biology that makes them mysterious to outside species. One of them was their internal organs that acted similar to repulsorlifts. Allowing them to levitate and sometimes fly. However, this organ develops EXTREMELY slowly and does not really trigger until after mature puberty of about 500 years of age. Plus, considering it is VERY rare for a Sheikah to be born as a Non Force Sensitive, it only becomes a burden because without use of The Force a Sheikah will often just float around with no sense or general direction. Resulting in the organ being amputated to restore the ability to walk on the surface.
The second ability is the fact that their organs are so complex and their immune systems are so powerful, that they can breath any form of air and survive in the vacuum of space for days, weeks, months, and even years without any repercussions. Similarly, wounds of a Sheikah could heal completely with no scarring of the tissue. While they do not heal faster than any other species,
Sheikah pass through three climacteric life stages, marked by biochemical and physiological changes:
- The Maiden stage begins at puberty and is marked by the drive to explore and experience. Most young Sheikah are curious and restless, and it is not uncommon for many to try their hand at exploring space, mercenary work, and other hobbies.
- The Matron stage of life begins around the age of 100, though it can be triggered earlier if the individual melds frequently. This period is marked by a desire to settle in one area and raise children and develop family trees.
- The Matriarch stage begins around 5000 years of age, or earlier if the individual melds rarely. Matriarchs become active in their community as sages and councilors, dispensing wisdom from centuries of experience. Their knowledge and guidance may be one reason why Matriarchs are rarely seen outside wandering space considering they like to stay in one area where others can seek them easily.
However, it should be noted that each stage can be started whenever an Sheikah feels that she has reached the correct level of maturity. While each stage of life is marked by strong biological tendencies, individuals do make unexpected life choices. For example, there are Maidens who stay close to home rather than explore, Matrons who would rather work than build a family, and Matriarchs who have no interest in community affairs.
Communication: The Sheikah communicate via language like most other races. However, they normally prefer their own ancient tongue which is derived from several other languages. But more often than not they utilize galactic common tongue.
Culture:
The Sheikah were some of the first species born within the galaxy and are often refereed to as the 'Ancient Ones' right alongside the Gree. Because of their long lifespan, The Sheikah tend to have a "long view" not common in other races. When they encounter a new species or situation, the Sheikah are more comfortable with an extended period of passive observation and study than immediate action. They are unfazed that some of their investments or decisions may not pay off for decades or centuries. Matriarchs can seem to make incomprehensible decisions, but their insight is evident when their carefully-laid plans come to fruition. In interstellar relations, this long view manifests in the unspoken policy of centrism. The Sheikah instinctively seek to maintain stable balances of economic, political, and Force power.
Traditionally, Sheikah spread their influence through cultural domination and intellectual superiority. They invite new species of advanced development to join their rather closed community, knowing that their ideals and beliefs will inevitably influence the existing culture. The Sheikah tend toward communal, consensus attitudes among themselves too: for example, they prefer to live in shared spaces aboard star cruisers even if there are alternatives available. However, contrary to the Gree, who favored advanced technology, the Sheikah were much more grounded to their 'ancient' way of primitive life. Choosing to gain wisdom and peace of mind rather than exploring technology.
Sheikah believe that their offspring acquire the best qualities of the "father" from the melded genes, but evidence is anecdotal. They frown upon intraspecies conception, since genetic traits and cultural insight is gained from mating outside their species, so it's considered wasteful for Sheikah to reproduce together. The results of such unions are occasionally referred to as "purebloods", a great insult among contemporary Sheikah. A rare genetic defect known as Purging, which makes Sheikah destroy the partner's mind during melding, occurs much more frequently among the daughters of purebloods as their DNA rejects that of their partner which causes reaction.
Sheikah are well aware they tend to be attractive, and are comfortable expressing their sexuality since they prefer to live 'free' without restrictions. Young males of other races tend to have a fascination with the Sheikah. Given how they are eternally young, most species find them rather interesting to observe as they grow.
Because of their natural sensuality and ability to mate with any species, Sheikah are sometimes rumored to be promiscuous. These rumors are mostly a result of misinformation (or wishful thinking). In fact, Sheikah have to accept that if they mate outside their own species, they will almost inevitably outlive their partner (with the notable exception of other species that have a similarly immense longevity). Therefore, they have had to apply their philosophical "long view" to relationships as well, savoring the time they spend with their partners rather than focusing on their inevitable loss. Often searching for objects with their partners to make a good memento. As a result of the age difference many Sheikah raise their daughters alone, especially if the "father" species is short-lived. Despite their partner's death, a part of them will live within their other.
The Sheikah religion Xara, which translates roughly as "All is one". The faithful agreement on certain core truths: the universe is a consciousness, every life within it is an aspect of the greater whole, and death is a merging of one's spiritual energy back into greater universal consciousness. Xaraist don't specifically believe in reincarnation; they believe in spiritual energy returning to the universal consciousness upon death will eventually be used to fill new mortal vessels.
Xaraist became popular after the Sheikah left their homeworld and discovered their ability to "meld" with nearly any form of life. This ability is seen as proof that all life is fundamentally similar. Xaraist priestesses see their role as promoting unity between disparate shards of the universe's awareness.
Sheikah also favored truth above all. Technicality and intelligence was what they were known for, and often had little interest in things that were considered uncertain or untruthful. The species ultimately is Machiavellian, meaning that the ends justify the means and if something must be done that will benefit others for the greater good then they would gladly do it no matter how cold, heartless, or evil it may be. Not afraid of committing great evils to destroy greater evils.
This is further explored by their aptitude with Witchcraft and Alchemy. Being an extremely spiritual species tied to the supernatural aspect of The Force, most Sheikah are incapable of comprehending typical force powers such as Pyrokenisis and other forms of simplistic abilities aside from Telekinesis. It is said, that The Sheikah were the original founders of magic and that the Dathomir Witches are derived from their culture after species explored the planet and commuted with The Sheikah and went to explore the galaxy. Eventually bringing the study of witchcraft to Dathomir. Thus the conception of the 'Nightsisters', a common all female clan of witches.
The Sheikah Witches were far more...connected with their studies of witchcraft. Having a high connection to the force from a very young age. Witchcraft is considered a very noble and philosophical art that was considered holy by most. They Sheikah had organized a Witch Council which maintained superiority over other clans of Sheikah who studied different forms of elemental magic which derived from the Royal Sovereign Family who were the first to master the art. It was said, that when a young Sheikah reached the appropriate age, young women were eventually given different forms of helmets that represented their coming of age and mastery of Witchcraft. A day that many young women dream about in their early years.
Technology level: The Sheikah, as it stands now. Does not revel in the idea of technology and in fact prefer much more primitive forms of such. Very few of them use forms of Lightsabre, Blasters, ships or even vibroswords and normally decide to stay on their home planet. Using weaponry similar to broadswords, Katanas, Rapiers, and ect. Some refusing to use weapons at all and simply deciding to use magic as their form of defense. The Sheikah also favor alchemy and enchantment, often doing so with their weapons in order to combat the usage of advanced weapons used by other cultures. This is what made them so different from the Gree, who created the Hypergates and other forms of tech while The Sheikah were pleased with spiritual completion and the wisdom to do the incredible. While The Gree & The Sheikah were close to each other, the Gree being scientist and geniuses while The Sheikah were known as philosophical and spiritual, the two often got along with one another because of their high levels of intelligence that they used in different ways.
Now a days, The Sheikah have become more accepting of technology as the age they now live in is violent and ruthless. And as a result they rely on other species to assist them when it comes to technology.
General behavior: Sheikah are often described as cold, technical, and rather mysterious. A very secretive and private species when it comes to the inner workings of their culture. They are often called the 'Perfect Leaders' as they are not driven by worldly desires such as power, peace, war, vengeance, or ect. Favoring intelligence and results above most other things, a Sheikah is not afraid to do the unthinkable if it is beneficial to them. Because of their broad view of life, Sheikah are considered some of the wisest in the galaxy, their views of the force deriving from the Celestials before their disappearance from the galaxy. Their wisdom is of course rivaled by others who have been around as long as them as well. Overall, Sheikah are cold and foreboding. But often have motherly tendencies after the birth of offspring which makes them more receptive to emotions that they often have trouble comprehending. Becoming horrifically protective of their children and caring towards their daughters.
When it comes to The Force, Sheikah are highly attuned with its connection but oddly enough do not care for the 'sides' of the force such as Light or Dark. Straddling the middle and thus, are unaffected by Dark Side corruption and ect. While most species 'fall to the dark side', it is generally difficult for a Sheikah to do so because of the fact their biology prevents them from feeling such powerful forms of emotion to do so. While they can imitate emotions perfectly, they are normally mask worn and thus they can use both sides of the force as one and the same.
History: Being one of the original species in the galaxy alongside the Celestials, the Gree, and Humans. The Sheikah have somehow managed to keep themselves out of trouble by staying on their home planet and out of the affairs of others. Living in the far reaches of the Outer Rim deep in unknown space, they managed to remained illusive to most other species aside from those who wandered too far and stumbled upon their planet.
Despite this however, among the early years of the species, it was known early on that they shared a very strong connection to the supernatural aspect of The Force, and thus the conception of witchcraft came from the sacred spirits who had taught it to them, where they later perfected it. The first to do this were known as the royal Sovereign Family, or more commonly known as 'The Originals' by other Sheikah. The Sovereign clan is said to be the ones who developed the art to the what it is known as today. Influencing the Dathomir Witches & the Kro Var several thousand years later.
The Sovereign Family were the first 'purebloods' to be conceived, born from Matriarch Osiris mother of The Sun & Matriarch Lunestra Mother of The Moon. When the Moon & Sun came together and bonded they gave birth to their first child Terra, meaning 'earth'. This theme in naming would be continued generations later as The Sovereign family has been around for several thousand years. Terra eventually had four daughters, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Who would later go on to also have children that they name after elements based on fire, water, ice, and ect. These conventions of naming became a theme for the Sovereign Family and has been maintained to this day. It is from them, the other clans were eventually designed based on certain elements and classifications that they came to see as sacred. The Royal Family continue to reign supreme over their species as a while as they were the first and original Sheikah to develop the art of witchcraft.
As time passed, the species became very attuned with art and architecture. Creating beautiful cities and such rather than keeping in the forest or caves. They became known for their beauty and grace among outside species and mysterious and secretive to others. Maintaining a certain state of allusiveness that has kept them out of the spotlight this long. Over the years, the Sheikah became content with their state of existence and very few ever bother to wander off their home planet. While other species have began to migrate there, they must either learn to abide by their rules of leave the planet as they would not have their precious resources tainted by those who desire them. While accepting the aspects of ships and weapons as trade for valuables, they rarely let outsiders to far into culture which has kept them in tact.
Now a days, the Sheikah are considered mysterious, unknown, and mystical beings who are very wise in a number of ways.
Notable Player-Characters: Queen Sovereign - Polaris Sovereign - Iceis Sovereign - Aurora Sovereign
Intent: To design a more unique and mysterious species in the galaxy aside from the common norm that others can enjoy and play with.
