Elsen
Physiology
The Elsen are an alien species, resembling massive, four-armed crab-like creatures that stand between five to six feet tall. Their bodies are covered in thick, segmented exoskeletons that provide protection from the harsh environments of the Void Realm, as well as from physical damage.
At the core of Elsen physiology is their unique connection to a substance known as Arcane Miasma. A gift from their Eldritch Patron Yog-Sangoth, Arcane Miasma empowers an Elsen's very soul. It flows through their veins, amplifying their abilities in ways that mere biology cannot. It sharpens their senses, boosts their strength, and enhances their perception of the world. On a deeper, more metaphysical level, Miasma connects the Elsen to Yog-Sangoth, the eldritch god they now revere. Through this bond, they can tap into greater powers, reaching beyond their physical form to influence the fabric of reality itself.
So great has their dependency on this substance run, that when the flow of Miasma is disrupted, Elsen begin to show signs of profound physical and mental degradation, their once-pristine forms slowly corroding.
Age of Hedonism
At the zenith of their empire, the Elsen plunged into a period of excess known as the Age of Hedonism. With the Machine Divine tirelessly maintaining their cities and an enslaved underclass catering to their every need, the Elsen abandoned restraint in pursuit of ultimate pleasure and power.
Arcane Miasma, gifted by their patron Yog-Sangoth, became their obsession. The Elsen consumed it in staggering quantities—not just to sustain their bodies or enhance their abilities, but to indulge in fantasies of invincibility and perfection. They used Miasma to amplify their physical prowess, extend their lifespans, and delve into experiences that defied natural boundaries. This unbridled indulgence defined every facet of their society, from their politics to their arts.
However, their addiction came at a cost. The prolonged overconsumption of Miasma warped their bodies and corrupted their souls. Over generations, the effects of this dependency imprinted on their very being, passing the addiction to their offspring.
A Brief Elsen History
Originating Beyond the Stars
The Elsen hail from a forgotten corner of the universe, a place now hidden beneath the fabric of time itself. Their origins are so ancient they have faded into myth.
Conquest in the Void Realm
Seeking conquest rather than mysticism, the Elsen arrived in the Void Realm aboard their Voidgalleons—massive ships capable of traversing both space and reality. Their goal was expansion, not enlightenment.
The Encounter with Yog-Sangoth
In their quest for power, the Elsen encountered the eldritch god Yog-Sangoth. In exchange for their worship, he granted them Arcane Miasma, a gift that empowered their bodies and souls, tying them ever closer to his eldritch power.
Rise of the Elsen Empire
Once masters of a sprawling intergalactic empire, the Elsen used their Voidgalleons to conquer realms and enslave lesser species. Their technology and influence were unmatched, and their reach extended across countless worlds.
Dependence on the Machine Divine
As their empire grew, so did their dependence on the Machine Divine—ancient sentient constructs that governed their cities, fleets, and social structures. Over time they began to rely more and more heavily on these great machines, freeing them for more leisurely pursuits.
Slave Revolts and Psion Sabotage
The stability of the Elsen Empire began to crumble as Psions, former slaves, hacked and corrupted the Machine Divine. Rebellions became commonplace, and the technological systems that held the empire together began to fail.
The Collapse After the Great War
The Elsen’s downfall came with the Great War, where they suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of humanity. Many of their greatest warriors perished, and the once-mighty empire collapsed. Knowledge was lost, and the surviving Elsen scattered into smaller crews and tribes, their former glory now a fading memory.
Culture: A People in Decline
In the wake of their empire’s fall, the Elsen face a grim reality. Once self-sufficient and unchallenged, they now scrape by in a universe that has grown increasingly hostile. Their reliance on Arcane Miasma has left them vulnerable, as the substance that once flowed freely through their empire is now scarce and difficult to obtain. Their once-dependable technologies have degraded, and without the Machine Divine, their cities and fleets lie in ruin. The Elsen are no longer grand conquerors, they are merely a people trying to survive.
Elsen culture is now a fractured, shifting amalgamation of beliefs, traditions, and practices. With the downfall of their empire, the structure of their society has dissolved, and different factions have risen, each following the leadership of those who can seize power. Some look to the ancient ways, following shamans and priests who continue to worship Yog-Sangoth and harness the arcane energies of Miasma, while others abandon tradition in favor of more pragmatic pursuits, such as piracy, mercenary work, or the quest to repair and master the technologies of the past.
Miasma Scarcity:
The scarcity of Miasma is one of the most pressing challenges facing the Elsen. Once a virtually inexhaustible resource, the flow of Miasma has dwindled, leaving factions to fight over what little remains. The substance is integral to Elsen biology, and without it the Elsen are but weak shells of their former selves. Those who control the Miasma hold power over the rest, and as such, alliances are often fragile, forged out of necessity rather than loyalty.
Grudges and Hostility:
Elsen history is marked by conquest, enslavement, and indulgence, and many species across the multiverse still bear the scars of the Elsen's brutal rule. The Elsen are feared and mistrusted by many, their reputation as ruthless conquerors and hedonistic overlords preceding them. Even now, remnants of old rebel factions continue to sabotage Elsen efforts to unify, undermining any attempts to restore the empire to its former state. With few allies and countless enemies, the Elsen face a difficult road ahead as they attempt to rebuild, knowing that old grudges die hard and that they may never be able to escape the shadow of their past.
Elsen Factions
Cultists of the God of Secrets
Some Elsen factions remain deeply tied to their ancient faith, worshiping Yog-Sangoth as their divine patron. These groups are often led by powerful Shamans who wield Miasma to perform soul magic, manipulating the energies of the cosmos for divine purposes. Their rituals are sacred, deeply ingrained in their culture, and aimed at reclaiming the lost knowledge of their once-great empire. They believe that through their devotion to Yog-Sangoth, they can restore their people to their former glory, viewing Miasma not only as a vital substance but as a conduit to a divine future.
Corsair and Huskar Crews
Many Elsen have abandoned their ancient ways in favor of a more survival-driven lifestyle. These factions have turned to piracy, raiding, and mercenary work to stay afloat in a universe that no longer offers them the luxuries of old. Led by ruthless Baron Captains, these crews live by a cutthroat code, selling their services to the highest bidder and ensuring loyalty through Miasma rationing. Their reliance on the substance, however, is both a strength and a weakness, as the constant struggle to maintain resources fuels internal power struggles and distrust. Theirs is a brutal existence, where survival is paramount and alliances are fragile.
Salvagers of the Machine Divine
A more technologically driven faction of Elsen has begun to seek independence from their biological dependency on Miasma. These groups, often led by cybernetically enhanced leaders or even sentient Machine Divine, believe that the future of their species lies in the reclamation and repurposing of lost technologies. They seek to restore the Machine Divine network that once powered their empire, hoping to replace their reliance on Miasma with advanced technology. These Elsen are obsessed with recovering old relics and lost machines, and they see the restoration of their technological supremacy as the key to their future survival.
Perspective: Blood for Blood
The cargo bay of the Fulxca was cold and silent, save for the low hum of arcane engines. Bathed in dim, purple light, the Voidmate stood before the remnants of the crew. His two left arms clutched the bloodied remains of a comrade’s insignia—one of many who had fallen in the ambush. His upper right hand was clenched into a trembling fist, while his lower right arm dripped from the wound suffered in the raid. This voidmate's luminous eyes locked on the Tidemaster standing above him on the observation deck.
“This is your fault,” the Voidmate snarled, his voice echoing with fury. “You led us into a slaughter.”
The Tidemaster’s mandibles clicked in amusement, though a flicker of annoyance flashed across his pale, segmented face. “And you ran, coward. If I had the luxury of executions for every failure, I would have begun with you.”
The Voidmate dropped the insignia, taking a step forward. “Coward? I retreated so that we’d have someone left to warn the others. That’s the only reason you still have a crew, Tidemaster.” His voice dripped with contempt, the title twisted into mockery.
Gasps echoed from the gathered Void crew as the Voidmate raised his 3 remaining arms in a formal combat gesture. “I challenge you to a duel. Face me, or prove yourself the coward you think me to be.”
The Tidemaster’s laugh was cold and dismissive. “No. Your insolence ends here.” He waved a hand toward the deck guards. “Kill him, then clean this filth from my deck—”
“Enough!”
The voice came from above, sharp and commanding. The Baron Prince, draped in violet silk, descended the stairs with calculated elegance. Her four golden eyes gleamed as she spoke, her voice carrying the weight of Miasma-infused authority.
“Let the duel proceed,” she ordered, a smile curling across her face. “We’ve all suffered losses. Let us have... entertainment.” She paused, her gaze flicking to the Tidemaster. “Unless, of course, you fear death Tiraxin?”
The Tidemaster's mandibles clicked again, this time in irritation. “As you command, my prince,” he hissed.
The duel began in a blur of motion. The Voidmate lunged first, his twin blades whirling in a flurry of strikes aimed at the Tidemaster’s exposed joints. Sparks flew as energy blade met the Tidemaster’s reinforced carapace. The Voidmate’s blows were wild, fueled by desperation and rage, while the Tidemaster moved with the precision of a seasoned predator.
The Tidemaster countered with a savage miasma empowered backhand that sent the Voidmate sprawling. He stalked forward, his particle harpoon crackling with unstable energy as he loomed over his opponent.
“Pathetic,” the Tidemaster sneered. “You think you can challenge me? I’ll end this quickly.”
The Voidmate rolled to his feet, narrowly avoiding a sweeping strike from the harpoon. He darted in close, driving one of his blades into the Tidemaster’s side. The weapon found a seam in the armor, and bright blue ichor spilled onto the deck. The Tidemaster howled in fury and drove his harpoon’s stock into the Voidmate’s face, sending him crashing to the ground.
The Voidmate struggled to rise, his glowing blood dripping from cracked mandibles. His arms shook under the strain of his own weight. Around him, the crew watched in grim silence.
“This ends now,” the Tidemaster snarled, leveling his particle harpoon. The weapon pulsed with light, its crystalline core glowing brighter as it charged for the killing blow.
The Voidmate stared up, his chest heaving, preparing himself for the inevitable.
Then the harpoon exploded.
A blinding flash of light filled the bay, followed by the deafening roar of shattering metal. The Tidemaster screamed as the weapon’s energy core detonated, sending shards of crystal and molten metal ripping through his chest. His body spasmed, then collapsed in a smoking heap.
The Voidmate stared in shock, his arms slack at his sides.
The Baron Prince stepped forward, her expression one of detached amusement. “Congratulations, Tidemaster,” she said, her voice smooth as silk. “It seems the problem has resolved itself.” She leaned in slightly, her tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “But I will not tolerate failure again. Do you understand?”
The Voidmate—no, the new Tidemaster—nodded, the weight of his survival and his promotion settling heavily on his shoulders.
Had she sabotaged the harpoon? The idea was as chilling as it was plausible. He glanced at the smoldering remains of the weapon, then at the Baron Prince’s retreating figure.
Her smile lingered like a shadow.
Elsen Names
Tiraxin Vhulnath
Zorynth Alshakra
Myraxil Vorqueth
Ulrenyth Kalnaxis
Sylothrax Drenvir
Vorshak Tyrenath
Elynnith Korrathos
Yhraxis Thaloren
Kryllith Orvos
Vandros Malithen
Xynareth Volkaith
Qyrelis Dorranath
Thrixon Valoris
Ryshalth Vharnak
Zyrakth Morlathar
Lorynthra Syll’voth
Voktharn Erynlis
Nalthor Qrysmek
Delyss Vhorathis
Fylkaros Ynathrin
