Empyrean
Empyreans are a humanoid-fungi hybrid species native to Empyrium. They are the innate species of the Republic of Empyrium.
Origin and Physiology[edit | edit source]
Empyreans live on a humid and comfortable planet, rife with minerals, resources and life. At a very early stage after the inception of life, a primate species discovered a particular kind of Fungus, “Penicillium Empyrium”. According to Empyrean scholars, this union began a symbiotic relationship between the Saprotrophic fungus and the primate species. The fungus, feeding off of the organic waste, microscopic organisms and sunlight protected the primates from disease, cold and environmental hazards and providing nutrients back. The Empyreans associate this with the first sparks of intellect and Empyrean religions have long since considered this, as in many myths, their “Gift of Fire”. This fungus has become a fully integrated symbiotic organism, much like the mitochondria in our cells and has become a part of the species. Though an empyrean infant is born smooth and pale, once they start breastfeeding, fungus from the mother’s teat will transfer to the infant, slowly growing over their skin. Most Empyrean children have a fully grown fungus before they reach the first signs of puberty and they first get their purple and green colors. In very rare cases, some Empyreans may be born unable to merge with the fungus, what is also known as “Empyrean Albinism” Another rare extreme on the opposite end is known as “Empyrean Melanoma” Is when the fungus becomes too aggressive and begins to grow out of control, weakening the host and attempting to consume it. Interestingly enough, due to the protection of the Fungus, Empyreans are completely immune to all regular types of skin cancer and other types of sun damage, as the fungus absorbs all of the harmful radiation and turns it into nutrients. Prolonged exposure to bright UV radiation can cause Empyrean eyes to appear bioluminescent.
Ecology, Society, Culture[edit | edit source]
Due to their ability to work in hazardous conditions relatively unscathed, Empyreans are the blue collar workers of the Alliance, their ecology, society and culture are heavily influenced by their fellows In the alliance. They specialize in manufacturing, maintaining and production.