Yludih


Fast Facts

Height........................ 5'6"-6'2"
Weight 168-225 lbs.
Life Span 50-70 arcs
Creator Syroa and Aelig
Notable Features Many and None
Leader Omezih
Mostly Live In Anywhere
Racial Ability Race/Animal Shift
Racial Bonus One non-arcana skill +25
Fast Track Skills Player choice of one non-arcana skill
Notable NPCs Yludih NPCs
Player Characters Yludih PCs

History

The Immortals resurrected the humans that were left dying from neglect. When the humans were resurrected, many did not come back the same. Indeed, this is how the many races of Idalos came to be. The power to create life itself is far greater than the power to destroy. Thus, in this process of resurrection, a domino effect of consequences came about, to create a new race that was unintended, unwanted and feared - The Yludih.

A cloud formed. Blackness, like ink, stained the sky, spreading its corruption from horizon to horizon. Each and every human that had been resurrected, that had come back as a different race – Aukari, Ellune, Naerikk, Raskithecal – had allowed a small amount of residue energy to escape and drift away. These energies soon coalesced, into a dark cloud made up of fragments of the genetic code of all the races of Idalos. A cloud swelled with a low rumble. A storm brewed with thunderous cries of anguish, fear and pain.

One by one, the Immortals began to take notice. With little understanding of what the cloud was, most were wary to tamper with the strange darkness. But not Syroa. The Immortal of transformation watched the cloud swell and she did not see danger – she saw opportunity…

Syroa took her chance with impulse, knowing that control of the cloud would give her power beyond her siblings. For once, all would recognize her true power and not view her as a mere mistake. As she began to transform the cloud from its abominable form to that of a humanoid race that would serve her, the cloud grew violent and lashed out at her. The newly created creatures swarmed and engulfed Syroa. They were too powerful and they began to consume her.

Suddenly, the creatures were thrown away from her with such force that the evil within the creatures was destroyed. The result were a pure, crystalline humanoid race. A faceless man had then appeared in front of Syroa with his hands outstretched to the heavens. Syroa knew who he was. The Immortal of Illusion, Mimicry and Chaos was always watching. It was Ælig

Striking his hands down, he thrust every ounce of his power upon the creatures. Their pure crystal bodies were blanketed with every conceivable color. He had placed upon them the power to shape shift through the power of illusion. This new race, the Yludih, immediately began to change their appearance into the various races of Idalos.

The partial result of Syroa's magic, filtered of evil residue, left Syroa disgusted as she came to view what had happened and she disowned her half-children, claiming they were not of her magic. At the same time, the Yludih and their ability to change appearance left Ælig in shock. He watched as they turned about lost and afraid. He watched as they scattered in all directions to the various cities of Idalos. He did not know what to say or do with them and so, as was usual in times of confusion, he disappeared.

In the cities of Idalos, many races were afraid of the Yludih, finding it too difficult to trust a being that had the ability to change face. Their attempt to filter and even persecute the Yludih had easily failed, driving the Yludih to disappear even more. The persecution was enough however to foster the beginnings of a secret web of an organization, for which all the Yludih would belong and communicate incognito.

Biology

The Yludih compose of crystalline fragments, brought together by the gravity of a central six point star shape on their chest - the 'asterism'. The asterism is an energy container, similar to a black body, taking in light and absorbing power, dispersing it to every part of their body. The crystal formations shift to catch, reflect and refract this light to create an illusion so desired - that illusion being the appearance of one of the many races of Idalos. The next set of skills is the manipulation of the crystals to change form into a different structure, such as an animal. All of this is operated by the involuntary parts of the brain, except the choice of what race or animal to become.

The Yludih are in their crystal form - always. They are never seen in their crystal form as their outer body will always manipulate light to take the illusion of race or animal and do not possess the know-how to 'switch' this off. Low light, or shadows, also do not break the illusion, as even these absent areas of light are not 'true' shadows, allowing the crystals to absorb light bounced from other surfaces and maintain the illusion. Only in complete and utter darkness are the Yludih seen for what they really are - the only trouble is, in darkness, one cannot see anything.

Changing Appearances to a different Race

Yludih begin at an early age with little knowledge of what they are. When they are born, they will assume the appearance (naked appearance - clothing must be worn) that the 'pregnant' mother assumes during birth and will remain this way for many years. During this stage, little attempt is made to change form if the child is not taught - and to minimize risk, children are not told that they are Yludih. When they are taught the truth, they will gain access to Uleuda where they will learn how to change their appearance and even shape to become different races and animals.

Note: Starting characters can begin to change into two different races.

Changing appearance to an Animal

The Yludih can also be taught with much lengthy teaching, the ability to assume the appearance and shape of an animal. This changing of shape is a secondary and more difficult skill to master and involves the study of the animal. This usually involves the capture of the subject animal in which the Yludih can use trial and error to replicate the exact anatomy of that animal. The Yludih have the ability to manipulate their crystals, via absorption of light and the rapid heating and cooling of the crystals, to amend the shape of the Yludih's body to the anatomy of an animal. It only takes a few seconds for the Yludih to change into the shape and appearance of a particular animal. It must be noted that the Yludih can not create nor destroy its own mass and that the Yludih can only change into an animal of similar mass. Morphing into an ant, for example, will merely create a large ant. The inverse is also true, if the Yludih wished to replicate an elephant, then that elephant would be quite small indeed. A significant amount of training is required to master changing into an animal, and less training is required for subsequent animals, especially those of similar species.

Appearance in Uleuda

In Uleuda, the Yludih are seen for what they really are - crystal in form and glimmering like quartz. Illusions and changing of form cannot be done here. As a child in Uleuda, the Yludih are almost faceless and unformed. As they grow older, they begin to assume a look as they begin to form their own identity. Once they age, they can even show color in their bodies and clothing. Once dead, they can be dazzling in color.

Psychology

The Yludih are a race born on the back-foot, abandoned and left to survive. The only thing that serves as both a curse and a blessing, is the ability to shape shift, forcing the Yludih to use this ability to survive at the cost of their livelihood. They are a race that is both afraid of the persecution of their race and determined to fight to survive among the other races.

The Yludih are masters at the subtleties of exchange between people, learning at an early age to mimic the mannerisms of certain races as they lead their way through life. They collectively have issues with trusting others and are a very suspicious people, looking always between the lines, and behind every word for double meanings. At the same time, they find it difficult to communicate truthfully, and live built on lies upon lies, like a defense system. The defenses stripped away, leave most Yludih a vulnerable and afraid.

The Yludih consist of a variety of attitudes. Some have a victim mentality, seeing the others races as oppressors. Others are strong in the belief of themselves and in the rising of their own people, accepting the other races as merely fearful and ill-informed. Then there are those that cultivate the good points of the other races, working with them, some even becoming one of them. Finally, a smaller portion simply want to see the other races die, selling their skills to the underground, thievery, murder or worse.

Transformation to Animal Form

A Yludih who wishes to undergo the transformation into animal form must first recognize that such an undertaking is not without challenge. The masters of the Yludih have broken down the process of transformation into six key stages, of which require considerable study, meditation and practice. Before any of the six stage can begin, the Yludih must choose an animal who they feel resembles their personality in order to increase the success of the transformation.

Please note that the minimum time spent to fully transform into an animal is two seasons. Each stage has a specified amount of RP threads, similar to Job Threads, are to be at least 1500 word minimum. It is important that these threads involve spending time working on the animal transformation rather than filling the thread up with 'fluff' such as a lot of unnecessary travel and interactions. These threads can also be completed with other people as long as each player participating in the thread manages to write the minimum word requirement. These threads can be submitted to grading similar to any other thread and rewards, like skills, can be obtained from them.

The Stages are as follows:

  1. Knowledge.
    The Yludih must first gather secondary knowledge of the chosen animal, whether it be by books, spoken word and so on. This will give them an initial point of reference on their animal and whether it is indeed a perfect fit for them. They can then understand the whereabouts, the population size (rare or common?) and whether it is possible to access one in captivity for further study.
    Minimum 1 thread
  2. Observation
    The Yludih must then gather first hand knowledge of the animal from direct observation of the creature whether in the wild or in captivity. Recording detail of physiology, behavior, eating habits, where they live and so on, enable the Yludih to gain critical information in order to attempt initial transformations.
    Minimum 2 threads
  3. Meditation
    The Yludih must use meditation to internalize the observations made of their animal. This stage involves sitting in a quiet place and beginning to de-solidify their bodies. Once they are comfortable at liquifying their body and taking certain rough forms, they are ready to proceed in transforming partially into their chosen animal.
    Minimum 1 thread
  4. Transformation
    Like the sculpture that chisels away the block, the Yludih will start with rough shapes that will barely resemble the animal. At the same time, the general colors of the animal will be overlaid upon the rough shape in an attempt to create the appearance of the animal. This may go on for some time.
    Minimum 1 thread
  5. Detailing
    The Yludih, now will begin to hone down their general form and appearance, to resemble the shape of the animal. They will concentrate now, not only the finer details of the appearance but now upon putting into practice the mechanics of their movement. As they begin to move about as their animal, their bodies will make fine adjustments almost unconsciously in order to achieve the familiar movements of the animal.
    Minimum 2 threads
  6. Refining
    The Yludih must now refine their new form to the point where they can consistently change into their form quickly and almost unconsciously taking into account the multitude of details where it becomes almost second nature. Following this stage, it can take a further few years to perfect their animal transformation.
    Minimum 1 thread

General Society and Culture

Art

Yludih art style tends to mimic other cultures due to their immersion into those cultures. Through this has led to a retrospective movement of art that focuses on issues of abandonment, anguish, identity issues.

Music

The Yludih can hit parts of their arms that cause low dings, the deeply hum prayers of the Uleuda elders, the effect is fairly peaceful and even ephemeral, used when they pray and gain peace, through meditation.

Clothing

The Yludih wear crystal translucent sheets upon their bodies, ethereal and billowing when they walk through the Uleuda world. As they reach toward dead, they begin to gain small amounts of color on their bodies and clothing.

Writing

The Yludih write beautiful coded books, filled with between the lines and double even triple meanings as they describe life, history and fiction - though there is no telling what is true or not. The enjoyment from the Yludih is to understand the thoughts behind the author and reading helps to hone their abilities.

Architecture

The Yludih of old and the Yludih of new collaborate on the architecture of Uleuda, to create a city for both. The style is an organic twisted style, based on the properties of the crystals they work with.

Food

The Asterism, a hollow star shape imbedded into the chest of male or female, serves also to break down food and spread energy to the crystal body. Yludih eat all foods, especially carbohydrates. Consumption of high energy foods light in sugar, is enjoyed immensely by the Yludih as they enjoy the energy gained from this. Alcohol too is consumed in copious amounts, as they cannot get drunk from it, and provides large amounts of energy burned in the Asterism.

Education

When the time seems right, a child is told they are a Yludih, taught entry into Uleuda and inducted with the other children to the beginnings of their education. In Uleuda, they are instructed to control their power, taught the way of subtly and subterfuge and given assignments to undertake in the real world. Race and region specific skills are also taught to better help their immersion into their role.

Cities Occupied

The Yludih are found in all cities, with far smaller communities in extremely cold climates experienced in the cities of Viden and Treidhart which requires more energy to be used to keep their crystals pliable for maintaining their illusions.

Uleuda

The Yludih are, in some ways, made up of individuals and families scattered about Idalos. Some of these are involved in positions of great power in the cities, others not so fortunate. During the early days, the Yludih developed a network among themselves to aid each other during their hardship. Defectors within the webs lead to entire chains of Yludih being discovered by the authorities. Many Yludih, men, women and children, were discovered and murdered. It was then that Uleuda was discovered and what came to be Yludih culture.

Uleuda is a dimensional gathering place of all Yludih, accessed through their connection of the crystal mass that they once were a part of. In the Yludih kingdom, the Yludih can move about freely as their crystal bodies. But they cannot remain in this form, nor the kingdom of Uleuda for that matter, for long periods of time. It is usually at night when the Yludih make the ascent into this plane of mind, leaving their body behind.

The Yludih kindom is made of a crystal city, where halls, seats and tables are located. Here, the Yludih congregate like any other city. In their thousands, they sit in the hall, where leaders will speak. Because all Yludih are in their crystal form, no one knows what their race forms are and so they remain anonymous, so to speak.

Uleuda is constantly under construction by the deceased Yludih who work to better Uleuda for the next generations. Uleuda began as a mess of crystals laid upon each other under a starlit sky. This is the collective imaginings of the Yludih. Uleuda lives within the minds of the Yludih people, dead or alive.

Religion

Yludih religion is based upon unlocking the binding races, to create a self-identity and remain in Uleuda longer, until once dead, passage to Uleuda is permanent. To die and go to Uleuda is called being freed. But one who dies early will never reach Uleuda and so it becomes very important to survive. But in order to gain passage to Uleuda, one must undergo the necessary suffering and discovery of themselves and their identity.

Yludih religion is headed by monk like leaders who lead the 'Order of Keys' - they consist of mostly freed monks who are almost ready to enter Uleuda. They pass down their ways: meditations conducted in Uleuda with a congregation of others who are all at certain 'gates' that must be slowly unlocked. Each gate represents each essence of every race to become a true and free Yludih. A Yludih that is free, will lead to their crystals growing to reveal the actual and true form of a Yludih, not a blank slate of crystal. As they grow older, they will have a crystal face, eyes and hair, colored in pale beautiful colors.

Reproduction, Aging, and Death

The Yludih procreate by melding their bodies, through the manipulation of the crystal bodies, to mix together and become 'one'. The asterisms - like two hearts - join and lock together. Genetic material is combined into the asterism. If successful, a small asterism will grow with that of the mother's asterism. From this minute asterism, the child Yludih's body slowly forms outwards and curls outward like a growing flower. When the child is the size of a fist, trained Yludih physicians must bring the child out of the mother's asterism. The child will, upon seeing the mother, usually transform into that of their mother's race. This form is always a naked version of the default race - clothes are to be worn. This default form remains until the particular Yludih learns to manipulate the illusion to change appearance. This skill requires instruction, mainly through the schooling received in Uleuda.

As they age, focusing on unlocking the gates to their true selves will slowly occur. In Uleuda, their facial features and body on their crystal body will begin to become more defined, along with hints of color.

Once they are quite old, they will have distinguishing features and some color on their bodies.

Finally, when they die, those that have unlocked the gates to their true selves, will have the illusion surrounding their body in the physical world disappear and the crystals of the body crumble into crystal fragments. They will gain passage to stay an eternity in Uleuda to serve their people. In Uleuda, their crystal faces and bodies are fully formed and they are covered with a rainbow of colors.

For those who die without unlocking these gates, their crystal bodies will not crumble but will remain solid crystal and the illusion of their body will flicker and disappear, revealing a crystal, motionless body of the dead Yludih.

Language, Script, and Names

Yludih language is mostly spoken in Uleuda. This is required to receive an education. A Yludih will learn a native language of another race to truly blend into society. An optional language spoken is Qa in which is a coded language used in the various languages throughout Idalos.

Script

Yludih script is written in an angular, slash-like script, similar to runes.

Numbers

Yanah (One)
Buh (Two)
Qibah (Three)
Gibah (Four)
Vordah (Five)
Tabah (Six)
Jurgah (Seven)
Dolgah (Eight)
Manih (Nine)
Yudih (Ten)
Abruh (Twenty)
Orjuh (Thirty)
Dorjuh (Forty)
Torjuh (Fifty)
Vayan (Sixty)
Yagan (Seventy)
Torjan (Eighty)
Lorgun (Ninety)
Zih (One Hundred)

Common Name - Elements

Vluh (fire)
Ome (Eternal)
Osigur (Wisdom)
Sanuh (Life)
Quh (Peace)
Gur (Steel)
Dene (Jewel)
Kaboh (Strong)
Kinteh (Great)
Aqih (Truth)
Slanih (Lion)
Alqah (Flower)
Genuh (Loyal)
Ylanih (Joy)
Vah (Lighting)
Qada (Sword)

Colors

Onih (Red)
Sintih (Gold)
Arqih (Black)
Morquh (White)
Ekoh (Blue)
Gedzh (Grey)
Obri (Silver)
Risah (Yellow)

Possession

Zun
Lun
Tuih
Gan
Atih

Of

Uid
Geh
Quih
Qah
Quih
Guih
Bah
Gah
Bih
Gih
Lih
Vah

Names

Yludih will have multiple names for each race they take the appearance of. In Uleuda, their true name is unique only to them.

Please note that there is very little distinction between male and female names. Often small changes to suffixes are made by the parents who name their child to provide the extra femininity or masculinity so desired.

There are no surnames among the Yludih. Names are divided into two meanings, which are descriptive and usually nouns and adjectives. The primary name are colours (gold, red and so on), objects (sword, silver, diamond, stone) and words with meaning (forever, strong, loyal, eternal). Sometimes they can relate to the environment (lightning, fire, thunder) and numbers (thirty, forty, ninety).

The suffix, Uid, means 'of' and for the name Vah meaning 'lighting', Vahuid means 'of lighting'. The other suffix that carries a meaning is 'Zun' and there are variations: Zih, Lih, Tuih, Gan, Atih. All of these mean possession. Thus, the name starting with the word 'Ome' which means 'Eternal', would in combination with 'Zih', be Omezih, meaning 'He who is Eternal' (Note, this is the name of the current leader of the Yludih).

There are rules with naming: that combined names must make some sense and that names are not combined with two words that mean something similar, such as 'Lightning Thunder', rather it would be 'White Thunder'.

Examples:

Qadih (Two Swords)
Denekoh (Blue Jewel)
Ylanisintih (Golden Joy)
Vaharquih (Black Steel)
Kabotorjuh (Fifty Strong)
Vlunih (Red Fire)
Sanugeh (Of life)

Player Notes

This section contains information For Yludih players. We have compiled this in order to ensure that there is clear information for all players, on all races. The information contained here is the up to date and accurate information and has been agreed among all staff.

The Yludih True Form

  • The Yludih true form is of a crystalline being. They are always this, but are usually covered by their illusion. When not covered by the illusion:
    • Yludih do not need to breathe.
    • Yludih in their true form do not need to eat / drink. Many choose to, even in this form, and this is one way which they can gain sustenance.
    • Yludih emit a glowing light from injuries. If in pitch darkness, this light does not stop the Yludih from being seen as they are.

The Yludih Illusion

  • The Yludih illusion is just that - an illusion. How it works is unknown, as it is so powerful that it is all encompassing.
  • Some Yludih have been known to use magic items which create total darkness in order to always be able to revert to their natural form.
  • The illusion:
    • Emits light when the Yludih is injured - this is proportional to the injury.
    • Does not work in pitch blackness. However, most people can not see in pitch blackness. The only light which does not serve to "break" this pitch blackness is the light the Yludih emit when injured.
    • Is a full-form all senses illusion. So they look, feel, smell etc completely like the race they are. This is so good that even the Yludih themselves are "fooled" by it during their childhood. Once they are aware of their true nature, they begin to learn how to control it. As yet, no Yludih is known to have learned to switch it off at will.
    • Does not require concentration on the part of the Yludih to maintain. This means that it is “on” all the time unless they change the illusion they are using. It is unconscious and, therefore, responds “normally” for that race. A human-illusion will blush, a biqaj-illusion will bleed silver, etc.
    • Does not have an area of effect - It is them only. So, they make the illusion of wounds / blood - however if the blood leaves them, it will slowly (over the course of 4 - 5 hours) revert to crystal. Until covered / stitched / healed up, the wound emits light.
    • Maintains when unconscious or asleep.
    • Can disguise as any gender without limitation
    • Does not give any advantage in terms of being harder / easier to kill or wound. If a Yludih is injured, they take the same amount of damage as anyone else. If they are in the form of a human, or any race with internal organs, the illusion is 100% and manifests the damage they take as appearing to be exactly as it would if they were that race.

While Wearing the illusion

  • They weigh the same as the race they are currently "wearing". Swimming is normal.
  • They breathe in the same way that their illusion-race does. While in that race, they need oxygen in the same way that the illusion-race does.
  • Damage to sensory organs is permanent. If they get stabbed in the eye, they're blind now.
  • They need to eat and drink and perform all the normal human bodily functions. While the Yludih experiences these normally, excrement and urine also degenerate into crystals 4 - 5 hours after they’ve left the body.
  • The illusion extends to any physical traits that race has. So, a Yludih wearing a Mer illusion could breathe underwater. They need to transform in the way other Mer do. Avriel have wings. However, they do not suddenly develop telepathy, nor do they have a sudden, innate flight skill. Physical traits only.
  • Ordinary Yludih are limited to imitating non-magical creatures and beings of Idalos. Nothing from Emea, the Beneath, the Misty Miasma, etc. Yludih can not take the form of ghosts.

Controlling the Illusion

  • Ordinary Yludih can not switch "off" their illusion.

Uleuda

  • Functions like Emea for Yludih ONLY in so far as it is where they access when they sleep. It is not a dream realm in the same way. It can not be entered in a "non-lucid" way.
  • Does not require Dreamwalking to access.
  • The existing Lore on Uleuda's function and genesis is one version / one legend. There are others.
  • Uleda is not a changing place - it is not a dreamscape. It is unique and specific to the Yludih.
  • Yludih are the only known race to be able to access Uleuda. They can also access Emea and may learn Dreamwalking etc. Emea functions as normal for them.

Magic Restrictions

  • A Yludih is capable of learning any and all magics. However, their unique physiology means the following restrictions are in place:
    • Abrogation: No restriction
    • Attunement: No restriction
    • Becoming: The Sovereign Substances for a Yludih - and a self-totem - are tricky. While a Yludih can learn Becoming, the plot line for it may need to be discussed, so Yludih players are asked to PSF any story line for Becoming initiation before it begins. Therefore, a Yludih can not start with Becoming at set up.
    • Defiance: No restriction
    • Empathy: No restriction
    • Graft: No restriction on use, but if someone is using Graft ON a Yludih, this will reveal their race as their enervation is specific and unique.
    • Hone: Runes which work on skin only work for the time that the Yludih maintains the form which the runes were placed on. If they shift back, the runes are gone.
    • Necromancy: No restriction
    • Rupturing: No restriction
    • Transmutation: No restriction

Immortals

Subcategories

This category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total.

Y

Retrieved from "https://www.standingtrials.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Yludih&oldid=19045"