Ríxtan (reeks-TAHN)

Ríxtan are a species of synthetic symbiotic organisms developed by dwarves under contract by the Kédalikín High Command. Under constant threat from planetary neighbors such as the elves, and from religious fanatics within their own society, the Kédalikíns sought to arm themselves with a weapon uniquely suited to their shape-shifting species.

Ríxtan, like the species they were developed to serve, are shape-shifters. They bend to the will of the individual they are bonded with, typically forming a hardened exosuit that is impenetrable by most known weapons. They are remarkable creatures, incredibly loyal to their bond-partner—but also incredibly resistant to committing acts which the ríxtan as a species have been programmed to consider evil.

And it was this last characteristic which almost led to their ultimate demise. Because when they would not bend to the nefarious will of the most bold of kíndallan ne’er-do-wells, the ríxtan came under incredible scrutiny.

Upon discovering that this species was developed in part by studying kíndallan DNA, the aforementioned group of religious fanatics—The Cult of the Lord—who consider kíndallan genetic material sacred, sought to exterminate all ríxtan in a fit of genocidal rage.

Sadly, they nearly succeeded, and ríxtan are considered an endangered species as a result.

Basic Information

Anatomy

In its natural state, a ríxtan appears as floating ebony orb. When bonded with another being, they typically appear as a kind of second skin—sometimes shaped into the form of armor—in the color or colors of their wearer’s choice.

Genetics and Reproduction

All known ríxtan were generated in dwarven laboratories, but you never know if another form of reproduction might be possible. As Dr. Ian Malcolm tells us in the film Jurassic Park, “Life finds a way.”

Dietary Needs and Habits

Ríxtan are designed to feed off of the bioelectrical energy of the beings they are bonded with. This makes it difficult for a ríxtan to survive for very long after its wearer has died, which is why they will seek out a new bond-partner with single-minded determination after their old one is gone.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Ríxtan enable their wearers to generate and project a wide variety of energies as ranged weapons. The nature of the energy and the side-effects of being hit with a blast of it are highly variable. Fire, ice, and electrical energy are most common, but the Earth-668 vigilante Nightmare was notable for his “nightmare beam,” which was an amplification of an innate ability to draw on the energy given off by REM sleep.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Kíndalla

Origin/Ancestry

A laboratory on the dwarven homeworld.