Chymerian

## What it Means to Be Chymerian

The Cursed-Ones. Thought to be a mixed breed of sorts between the Scurotsuma and Chiaras, these split-skinned people are comfortable in both sunlight and moonlight. Chymerian are strangely resilient and something about their dual heritage allows them to displace certain attacks.

## We Shall Ascend

Chymerians visually appear to be some kind of cursed or magic addled version of both the origin of Chiaran and Scurotsuma. They have been known to have been born of both origins. Their skin and hair are split between black and white, light and dark. Some actually believe that these "abominations" are a curse from the Null itself. Cross origin procreation does not lead to the creation of a child of this type which is a common misconception. These creatures have only been known to be born of parents of the same origin. It is widely known that Chymerians cannot themselves reproduce. How they have come to be is a mystery in itself. Some speak of an ancient curse, tied to the blood of clans long dead and misdeeds forgotten many moons ago. Chymerians are considered outcast from the rest of the Island, one of the few things the other origins can all seem to agree on.

The Cursed Ones, as they are called by many of the natives of Scurr, display all of the positive traits of their supposed bloodlines. They also appear to enjoy a life unhindered by the inherent weaknesses of the same. Though they are outcast, they are strong, fast, intelligent, and often deadly. At least, those who survive into adulthood tend to be. It is believed that few Chymerians survive past adolescence, though they are not so hard to find on Imperium. On the island some are hidden by their families, for as long as they can get away with it. Many more are slain or cast out into the elements at birth. There are very few communities where Cursed Ones are tolerated, but they do exist. It is whispered that an ancient Chymerian, truly accursed, has carved out a place for his people deep in the forests of Scurr. A place called the Ascent, whispers speak of a resplendent city hidden somewhere on the western face of Mount Ioz in the North of Scurr.

## Choosing your Lineage and Profession

Chymerians have no real place on Scurr, and no “nation” to speak of. It has been noticed however that Chymerians tend to fall into positions where they find themselves able to teach. They are commonly found to be instructors, and trainers of various sorts. There is a College in Imperium at which a Chymerian sits as Professor of Alchemical Studies as well as Dean of Admissions, always on the lookout for the finest young minds in the city. Chymerians can also be found working in just about any trade at least long enough to master it before moving on to something else. It’s not that they’re capricious, they are simply driven toward constantly bettering themselves, and the more they know the more value and self-worth they maintain. Off of the island, most Chymerians do rather well for themselves. While they are often found in rags on Scurr it is unlikely to ever find a Chymerian in Imperium that is not living comfortably unless they do so by choice.

## Advantages and Disadvantages

**Advantages**- Due to the duality of their composition, all Chymerians are only half affected by timed effects. Thus, any effect with a standard 1-minute duration, will actually only affect them for 30 seconds. They also have an ability which, after they spend time focusing their duality, allows them to double the effectiveness of a single attack.

**Disadvantages**- Their seemingly split metabolism is also a curse. As it applies to any effect with a duration of 1 minute, this means it also includes Dying. Should they fall Dying, they will be dead in only 30 seconds.

## Common Knowledge

Despite the harsh treatment they tend to receive from the natives of Scurr most Chymerians are very welcoming and friendly individuals. The Cursed Ones hail from all corners of Scurr, and there are even rumors that some have now been born on Imperium. They have no connection to the island, and yet they all seem to come together in this. They are known to build small meeting halls in which they gather to reflect and learn new strengths from one another. Any and all are welcome, though few non-Chymerians tend to appear.

## Theology

Chymerians practice a religion of self-reliance, looking to no god nor spirit for guidance, acceptance, love, or strength. Instead they look within, and to their fellow man. They are a origin of survivors, in spite of the circumstances of their birth, and are always interested in learning something new. Betterment of oneself is at the core of the Chymerian belief system. It is a system of belief that most Chymerians adhere to, though it is unclear how they all come into it. Some buy into their name, believing themselves to be cursed and live a life in hopes of making amends. Others believe that they are chosen and are simply waiting, preparing, for whatever task they may have been chosen for, be it a personal calling or a cultural birthright.

## Thoughts on the other origins of Scurrs

Having not been accepted by those who bear them, the Chymerian force themselves to accept what they are and strive to do the best they can with the hand they have been dealt.

Scurotsuma "Scurotsuma are dangerous and should be avoided. They will hunt you in the darkness, and if you make one wrong move, they will take your life. They will consider it a kindness, and there will be nothing you can do to change their mind. Avoid them, even if you weren’t born on Scurr. They do not know you, and they do not care to. Strict adherence to duty makes sinners of them all."

Chiaras "For all their talk of the light of Inbrion, for all their open debate and acceptance of differing philosophies the Chiaran are likely the most close-minded of all the people of Scurr. Perhaps one day they will grow and become open to true learning, and we will as always be ready to offer instruction."

Scuras "A very self-reliant people. Though they pay homage to the spirits they see in the smoke and fog, they have only to look to themselves to see the source of both their strength and their struggles. They are, odd as it may seem, some of the kindest people I have ever met."

*Origin Story By: Miles Kanode*