Ex-Vessel
Formerly Vessels created by the Pale King and White Lady , Ex-Vessels have transcended their original specifications in one way or another.
Basic Information
Anatomy
An Ex-Vessel typically has two to four arms, two pointed legs, one head, and a natural biological structure resembling a cloak. An Ex-Vessel's body appears at first glance to be covered in a black carapace, but in reality all parts of their body save for their mask are formed from Hallownestian Void, a pitch-black liquid formed from memories, nightmares, and trapped souls. This material is focused into a solid form by the magical mask that acts as their head and skull. This mask can potentially be any color, but the one observed example so far has had a black mask with four glowing white eyes. As Void is technically hollow (or at least is a sort of material nothingness), Ex-Vessels tend to be much lighter than their size and appearance would suggest, often being half to a third of the weight of an organic creature of the same size.
If an Ex-Vessel's body takes sufficient physical damage, that focus can be disrupted, usually (but not always) leading to a dramatic evaporation of everything but their mask. The one known Ex-Vessel is able to naturally recover from this, with their Void supply regenerating and their body reforming after roughly 24 hours.
An Ex-Vessel's mask is critical to their cohesion, and they will come apart instantly if it is cracked completely open or shattered. Smaller cracks, broken horns, and other such lesser damages are believed to be survivable, if painful. Fortunately, despite the various changes Vessels undergo when they become Ex-Vessels, their masks are as resilient as ever, so it is rare for them to take meaningful damage unless they are specifically targeted.
Unlike Vessels, Ex-Vessels are naturally capable of speech. The sounds they emit are unlike any created by mundane means, however: Their voices are a cross between static and audible absence that somehow come together to form comprehensible speech.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like their predecessor species, Ex-Vessels are sexless and have no known reproductive organs. It is theoretically possible that they are capable of reproduction, but if so, the means to do so have not yet been discovered.
Growth Rate & Stages
The one known Ex-Vessel transitioned directly from the Vessel adult stage to being a fully formed Ex-Vessel during a mask replacement ritual. If other growth stages exist, they have not yet been discovered.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Ex-Vessels are capable of eating nearly anything, with them getting more value out of items that are more dense and were more fully alive in the past.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Ex-Vessels have human-equivalent senses in most cases. Their senses of smell and taste are unusual, with taste depending mostly on the density and degree of previous life in the subject.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Biologically immortal
Average Height
9'
Average Weight
100 lbs.
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