Galatea

Living Constructs of Art Itself

The Galatea are created beings, a young race from the past 500 years or so. Beings of pure artistic essence brought to life by the passion of their creators and mysterious forces of the world, Galatea have since learned to procreate themselves, though they still always embody one special piece of art. They are passionate, resilient beings and many take on a life of adventure.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Galatea are symbolic creatures made from the metaphysical idea of "art" given constructed flesh. Each one has two forms.
Their 'symbol' form takes the shape of a regular looking object that appears as some basic representation or tool of their representative art. These forms are as varied as cultural ideas about art, but some of the more common 'symbols' include musical instruments, novels, sheet music, paintings, sculptures, or jewelry. Meanwhile more exotic symbols have been known to include balls of yarn or a bottle of alcohol.
Their "humanoid" form typically takes the shape of the parent race that created them (Either humans, elves, or dwarfs). They tend towards appearing as attractive and desirable according to the standards of the culture that made them, though this is not always the case.
Galatea may shift back and forth between forms at will. When injured in symbol form, a Galatea will shift back to its humanoid form instinctively. Any wounds a galatea takes in humanoid form will 'bleed' some sort of strange liquid such as paint, paste, ink, or wet clay. The particular liquid will vary from galatea to galatea.

Genetics and Reproduction

The secrets of the first creation of galatea have been lost to time. They are still known to occasionally appear spontaneously in the homes of artistic prodigy and other talented artisans.
A single galatea can only ever 'reproduce' once in it's lifetime, through the following method.

1. They must inscribe a spell circle in a place special to Galatea enacting the ritual, normally it's birthplace or another place of significance.
2. They must place the object to become the "symbol" form in the center of the circle.
3. They must make a valuable sacrifice worth of whatever art the new galatea is meant to represent. Sacrifice means it can no longer be enjoyed. Pouring expensive alcohol onto the ground or burning fine art and scattering the ashes are some examples of appropriate sacrifices
4. They must whisper a deep secret to the symbol, something they believe is known only to them. The new galatea will be born knowing this secret.
5. Finally, some life giving magic such as a resurrection or raise dead spell must be channeled into the circle by either the parent galatea or someone they trust with their own life.

Intent and faith are important to the process. The galatea must be faithful that the ritual will work, must believe the art sacrificed is valuable, and must trust the one casting the spell with their own life
If all steps are completed, a new, fully grown, independent galatea is born, with it's own personality and goals. Those born knowing dark or depraved secrets may be jaded or distrustful of their 'parent'.

Growth Rate & Stages

Galatea are made fully grown, but can appear as any adult version of the species that produced them. They don't die through natural means or age.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Galatea have no need to eat or sleep. However, they do seem to have a need for 'community', as solitary galatea sometimes spontaneously disappear. While they have no biological need for food, water, or rest, they seem to complain of these things if their close companions or family do as well. If they aren't nearby someone or something who eats or sleeps, they will begin to fade or become withered and agitated.
Two or more galatea can sustain themselves on long-winded philosophical arguments about art, but must argue at least once a day or risk beginning to starve.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Galatea can always sense the world around them through unknown means. They have no brain or other internal organs that sensory and perception typically rely on, though they can 'see' in the dark and maintain perception of their surroundings while in symbol form. Despite these unusual sensory capabilities, Galatea are still bound by some traditional restrictions of visual sight and can be surprised by invisible creatures.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dwarves
• Elves
• Humans