Shien: Difference between revisions

The official GemStone IV encyclopedia.
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
 
(28 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
The '''shien''' is a [[demon archetype]] which originates from the [[Shien'tyr]] [[valence]]. It has two subtypes, darklings and shadowlings. They are both classified as [[minor demon]]s, and as such, can be summoned through the use of [[Minor Summoning (725)]].
The '''shien''' is a [[demon archetype]] which originates from the [[Shien'tyr]] [[valence]]. The two subtypes of shien are '''darkling''' and '''shadowling'''. They are both classified as [[minor demon]]s and can be summoned through the use of [[Minor Summoning (725)]].


=== Physical Description ===
=== Physical Description ===


The shien is humanoid, hazy enshrouded being which closely resembles [[Grik'tyr]]'s [[Imp]]s. Their bodies are cloaked by a swirling shroud of shadowy haze that is quite similar to the haze that is present in Shien'tyr. This haze is what differentiates the two subtypes of shien, the darklings having a blacker haze, while the shadowlings possess more of a grey haze. Both types can be found with a bluish hue in their haze, but this is simply a shared variation of both subtypes. The body and the haze of the shien seem closely linked, and both possess a certain impermanence. Parts of the shien's body often spontaneously vanish, only to be replaced by another seconds later. This also gives the shien the ability to simply move through physical obstacles, as their haze drifts past, their body seemingly is absorbed into the haze and reappears on the other side of the object. The shien are also capable of exceptional control over sound, most likely due to their existance in the sightless Shien'tyr. They are able to perfectly mimic noise, repeating even whole conversations flawlessly. Even using the sound offensively is within their abilities. The shien are able to generate sound through their shroud, and often will separate a cylinder of their shroud which will carry sound to its designated target. Like their imp cousins, their faceless heads will occasionally mimic the faces of those around them, leaving an impression temporarily upon the haze. The origin of the similarities between imps and shien is unknown, but it is clear that they share some connection.
The shien are hazily enshrouded humanoid forms which closely resemble [[Grik'tyr]]'s [[imp]]s. Their bodies are cloaked by a swirling shroud of shadowy haze that is reminiscent of Shien'tyr's own makeup. Darklings tend to possess a blacker haze, while the shadowlings are typically grey. Each sub-type has been witnessed in a bluish hue, likely a common variation shared by both. The incorporeal form of the shien is noted to possess a certain impermanence. Fragments of their forms often vanish spontaneously, only to be reconstituted seconds later. This affords them the ability to simply move through physical obstacles, their bodies absorb into the object and reform on the other side.

Shien are also capable of exceptional manipulation and response to sound, possibly as a replacement for sight in the darkness of Shien'tyr. They can mimic noises perfectly, reproducing entire conversations flawlessly. Even using the sound offensively is within their ability. Shien use their shroud to emit sounds, and often will separate a cylinder of their haze which will carry the audio to its designated target. Like their imp cousins, their faceless heads can mimic the faces of others, leaving the visage upon their haze temporarily. The origin of the similarities between imps and shien is unknown, but it is clear that they share some connection.


=== Society and Behavior ===
=== Society and Behavior ===


There has been no observation of the shien in its natural valence, therefore, all conclusions about it are drawn from how it acts in [[Elanthia]]. Through this, it has been seen that the shien do not seem to be concerned at all with their surroundings. Even threat of danger does not seem to catch the attention of the shien, and it will continue to stand seemingly unaware of its surroundings.
The behavior of shien in their natural valence has never been observed, thus all conclusions about their society are deduced from its actions in our world. Shien do not seem to be concerned at all with their surroundings. Even threats rarely catch the attention of the shien, and it will continue to stand seemingly unaware of its surroundings. Considering their fine control of sound, it seems possible that interaction with other shien seems likely, though there has never been proof.
Taking the shien's skill in manipulating sound into consideration, it seems possible that interaction with others within its species seems likely, but there is no proof for this.



=== Mechanical Benefits and Flaws ===
=== Mechanical Benefits and Flaws ===


The shien's strongest ability is that of [[Minor Summoning (725)#Mana Sharing|holding mana]]. The shien have a base mana capacity of 24, higher than any other, and have a decent growth rate. Their capacity for [[Minor Summoning (725)#Holding Coins|holding coins]] is quite low, a base of only 300. They are notably slow in completing tasks. The shien possess a special ability when [[Minor Summoning (725)#Deliver a Message|delivering messages]]. When instructed to deliver a message in a dark room, a shien will emit a cylinder of haze which carries the message to the recipient. The recipient can then WHISPER HAZE (message) and the response will be returned. The summoner of the shien can then do likewise to send an additional message. Unlike other demons, this method can be used to hold a continous conversation, with no downtime between each set of messages.
The shien are the most capable [[Minor Summoning (725)#Mana Sharing|mana sharing]] minor demons. They are poor at [[Minor Summoning (725)#Holding Coins|holding coins]], and slow at [[Minor Summoning (725)#Find a Character|finding]] and [[Minor Summoning (725)#Scout|scouting]]. Shien possess a special ability when [[Minor Summoning (725)#Deliver a Message|delivering messages]]. If the summoner's room is dark (either naturally, or by evoking [[Light]]) when instructed to deliver, a mist will appear in both the room of the master and target. Both parties can then freely < WHISPER MIST {message} > to communicate between each other in real-time.

=== Roleplaying Verbs ===

''SLAP'' - You move toward an indistinct dark black darkling in a threatening fashion. The dark black darkling doesn't even seem to notice.

''CLENCH/POKE/PUSH/RUB/TOUCH'' - Your hand sinks through the layer of haze surrounding the dark black darkling. Although you know you have touched the darkling, you cannot feel anything except for a peculiar, distinctly unpleasant tingling. The tingling fades when you withdraw your hand.

''STARE/GAZE'' - You stare/gaze at an indistinct dark black darkling. The darkling doesn't respond in any way.

=== Possible Adjectives ===

Shien summoned by Minor Summoning may have the following appearances. The description of each will follow this format: "a/an {descriptor} {color} darkling/shadowling," with the options possible displayed in the following table.

{| {{prettytable}}
!Descriptor
!Color
|-
|blurred
|ashen
|-
|hazy
|black
|-
|indistinct
|charcoal grey
|-
|misty
|coal black
|-
|nebulous
|cobalt
|-
|shifting
|dark black
|-
|vaporous
|deep blue
|-
|
|grey
|-
|
|greyish blue
|-
|
|light grey
|-
|
|marine blue
|-
|
|midnight black
|-
|
|midnight blue
|-
|
|pearly grey
|-
|
|pitch black
|-
|
|sapphire blue
|-
|
|shadowy black
|-
|
|slate blue
|-
|
|stone grey
|-
|
|twilight grey
|}


=== Illusion Possibilities ===
{| {{prettytable}}
!Illusions
|-
|an aging dusty gnoll
|-
|a haggard grey-haired gnoll
|-
|a stooped and wizened gnoll
|-
| a portly wrinkled gnoll
|-
|an old fork-bearded gnoll
|}


=== Sorcerers With This Uncommon Rune ===
*Mekthros
*Missoni
*Kilaya
*Desmonique
*Rozy (darkling)
*Kaldonis
[[Category:Demons]]
[[Category:Demons]]

Latest revision as of 18:15, 28 December 2016

The shien is a demon archetype which originates from the Shien'tyr valence. The two subtypes of shien are darkling and shadowling. They are both classified as minor demons and can be summoned through the use of Minor Summoning (725).

Physical Description

The shien are hazily enshrouded humanoid forms which closely resemble Grik'tyr's imps. Their bodies are cloaked by a swirling shroud of shadowy haze that is reminiscent of Shien'tyr's own makeup. Darklings tend to possess a blacker haze, while the shadowlings are typically grey. Each sub-type has been witnessed in a bluish hue, likely a common variation shared by both. The incorporeal form of the shien is noted to possess a certain impermanence. Fragments of their forms often vanish spontaneously, only to be reconstituted seconds later. This affords them the ability to simply move through physical obstacles, their bodies absorb into the object and reform on the other side.

Shien are also capable of exceptional manipulation and response to sound, possibly as a replacement for sight in the darkness of Shien'tyr. They can mimic noises perfectly, reproducing entire conversations flawlessly. Even using the sound offensively is within their ability. Shien use their shroud to emit sounds, and often will separate a cylinder of their haze which will carry the audio to its designated target. Like their imp cousins, their faceless heads can mimic the faces of others, leaving the visage upon their haze temporarily. The origin of the similarities between imps and shien is unknown, but it is clear that they share some connection.

Society and Behavior

The behavior of shien in their natural valence has never been observed, thus all conclusions about their society are deduced from its actions in our world. Shien do not seem to be concerned at all with their surroundings. Even threats rarely catch the attention of the shien, and it will continue to stand seemingly unaware of its surroundings. Considering their fine control of sound, it seems possible that interaction with other shien seems likely, though there has never been proof.

Mechanical Benefits and Flaws

The shien are the most capable mana sharing minor demons. They are poor at holding coins, and slow at finding and scouting. Shien possess a special ability when delivering messages. If the summoner's room is dark (either naturally, or by evoking Light) when instructed to deliver, a mist will appear in both the room of the master and target. Both parties can then freely < WHISPER MIST {message} > to communicate between each other in real-time.

Roleplaying Verbs

SLAP - You move toward an indistinct dark black darkling in a threatening fashion. The dark black darkling doesn't even seem to notice.

CLENCH/POKE/PUSH/RUB/TOUCH - Your hand sinks through the layer of haze surrounding the dark black darkling. Although you know you have touched the darkling, you cannot feel anything except for a peculiar, distinctly unpleasant tingling. The tingling fades when you withdraw your hand.

STARE/GAZE - You stare/gaze at an indistinct dark black darkling. The darkling doesn't respond in any way.

Possible Adjectives

Shien summoned by Minor Summoning may have the following appearances. The description of each will follow this format: "a/an {descriptor} {color} darkling/shadowling," with the options possible displayed in the following table.

Descriptor Color
blurred ashen
hazy black
indistinct charcoal grey
misty coal black
nebulous cobalt
shifting dark black
vaporous deep blue
grey
greyish blue
light grey
marine blue
midnight black
midnight blue
pearly grey
pitch black
sapphire blue
shadowy black
slate blue
stone grey
twilight grey

Illusion Possibilities

Illusions
an aging dusty gnoll
a haggard grey-haired gnoll
a stooped and wizened gnoll
a portly wrinkled gnoll
an old fork-bearded gnoll

Sorcerers With This Uncommon Rune

  • Mekthros
  • Missoni
  • Kilaya
  • Desmonique
  • Rozy (darkling)
  • Kaldonis