Heillige

[hī-lig-uh]

Basic Information

Anatomy

The heillige are taller than humans, ranging from well above 6 feet to nearly 8 feet. Their coloration and features mirror that of their human carrier, though they share no genetic similarities and have clearly inhuman features. Their eyes have no pupils, glowing irises, and some gods may give their heillige dark sclera. Their blood takes on a metallic, sparkling gold hue, and is alleged to have magical properties. Heillige cannot contract human disease and do not require standard medical care.

Biological Traits

It is not uncommon for heillige to be born or progressively become blind.

Genetics and Reproduction

All heillige are infertile.

Growth Rate & Stages

Heillige age to adulthood at the same rate as humans, though much physically larger, and age much slower after reaching full maturity.

Ecology and Habitats

Heillige may be more sensitive to cold or heat, depending on their divine heritage, and may prefer a warmer or cooler climate to suit their needs.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Heillige eat as humans do, though often much more in volume to suit their larger, more energy-consuming frames.

Biological Cycle

Helligean wings do require a molting cycle, most often in the fall. Depending on wing size and usage, a second molting cycle may be necessary.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

While heillige can be born to any human parents across Sacros, they are only raised within Remiscua, according to ancient holy law, and many stay there in adulthood.

Average Intelligence

Brilliant, often with minds geared towards a purpose within their god-parent's domain. Most heillige show a natural aptitude for strategy.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Blind heillige gain the use of a type of blindsight, giving them a colorless perception of their surroundings. This is an activated power, and is not able to be used without interruption.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Human naming traditions, as their birth parents usually name them, though they will not take a family name in favor of the name of their god-parent.

Gender Ideals

Heillige often have as fickle a relationship with gender as the gods themselves, and most identify outside of the human binary. Heillige have a unique ability to influence the development of certain secondary sex characteristics at the time of puberty, as with their wings, and may adjust their form to suit their gender at this time.

Relationship Ideals

It is considered taboo to form relationships with a heillige, but they have the same range of romantic and sexual urges as any other race of Sacros, and many have secret partners.

Interpersonal relationships between the heillige are often more familial in nature, but this is not as much instinctual as it is necessary, as heillige infants and children are difficult to care for. Two heillige in a romantic relationship is rare but not completely unheard of, and without a prior connection, only carries the same taboo as a relationship with other species.

Average Technological Level

Each heillige has magical ability, though the extent and realm of such is limited to the domain of their god-parent. No matter their lineage, all heillige from birth are able to sprout wings at will, though most choose to not develop this trait at the time of puberty and cannot gain flight in adulthood. The heillige radiate a holy beauty and charm. Heillige are able to regenerate from most injuries over a short period of time, though they cannot regrow a body part. If deemed necessary, a god may possess their heillige, and use them as a direct mouthpiece to the people. This is physically draining and highly dangerous to the vessel, and is only used in an emergency.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common, Celestial, and High Celestial

History

Created to battle the draconic onslaught and protect the people of Sacros.

Historical Figures

Ashiah, Thevá, Kamani, Serin, Alanaek

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The heillige are regarded extremely well in all Sacrosian society, as direct avatars of the gods and regular saviors of the realm. They are the only outsiders permitted within Ishaserine.

Genetic Descendants

• Demigods

Lifespan

125 years

Average Height

6'8 - 7'3

Average Physique

Heillige are usually toned and strong, though this is simply the result of a combat-oriented existence.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their skin appears flawless, as if they were carved from stone, and often has a sallow cast to it. Scars on heillige have a distinct golden sheen, and they often have strange markings, scarring patterns, or skin discolorations.