Gelum

Gelum

Information
Homeworld	Singulon
Habitats	Deserts and rocky plains, maintained facilities
Unique Traits	Gelatinous bodies
Writer(s)	Jonathan, Sera, Kareena, and Chardybis

"I work in research, of course they love me!" - Gelum Researcher

Once comprised of more conventional beings, generations of intense arcane experimentation and prolonged exposure to unstable energies reshaped the Gelum into fluid, slime-based entities, their bodies no longer bound to fixed structures, although most retain humanoid shapes and floating bones and organs within. This provides the Gelum with extraordinary adaptability and a unique relationship with magic, but at the cost of physical stability. To survive, many Gelum rely on external frameworks, whether mechanical or arcane, to maintain cohesion in environments not attuned to their altered state. This can be something as simple as wearing arcane supports. Many are semi-transparent, but some are known to be opaque. Native to the inner reaches of Singulon, they are the architects behind one of the most audacious feats in known space: the creation and containment of an artificial singularity, which they harness as both a power source and a focus for advanced magical study. Among other species, the Gelum are often regarded with a mix of awe and unease. They embody both the potential and the danger of pushing beyond natural limits, living proof that mastery over reality can unmake one’s self just as easily as it can elevate it.

Core Worldview

Due to the species’ longevity most Gelum spend their younger years exploring and finding what they are passionate in before spending hundreds of years specializing in that topic and becoming a master. Their longevity affects all aspects of their lives and they tend to view shorter lived species with sorrow as they don’t have as much time to enjoy their lives. It is not uncommon for Gelum to get dissatisfied later in their lives causing another period of exploration and starting the cycle anew. Most Gelum view new ideas, technologies, and magic as interesting and promising leading them to be one of the more tolerant species. Gelum also place a huge value on community and the worst punishment amongst the Gelum is to be made an outcast.

Physiology and Design

Gelum have a very unique biology. They appear to have a somewhat normal organ structure, though some, like lungs, are vestigial. and they have extremely thick yet flexible skin. They can expand at will and lose most of their rigid structure. They don't have traditional muscles, but have nearly invisible tendons that connect to small rigid organs in their “joints.” Gelum are composed of a gelatinous substance, dense enough to hold organs without a skeletal structure in certain atmospheres. Their artificial singularity has slowly been warping them to favor more high pressure conditions. Their joints are filled with a viscous fluid that allows them to bend at those specific points more easily. Due to the nature of their physiology, Gelum are extremely long lived with some of the oldest Gelum in recorded history living over a millennium although the typical Gelum lifespan usually is closer to 500 years.

Magic

Their organs are very similarly composed to that of the common Aurelian, aside from a spiky organ attached to their heart called the Aursin. This organ allows them to accumulate magical energy from the surrounding area and their own bodies to expel as spells. This does not mean Gelum are naturally gifted at magic though and they have to work said organ in order for it to be usable. They have the same magic capabilities as other species and do not have any particular advantage with this innate ability provided other than a slightly easier time initially accessing their magic.

Diet and Bodily Functions

Gelum are omnivores, and will eat any carbon-rich foods. They don't necessarily need to eat through their mouth, as they can absorb nutrients through most parts of their skin. “Breathing” oxygen works in a similar way, meaning their lungs aren't necessary. Some Gelum will pretend to breathe, though, as other species can sometimes find their stillness off-putting. When it comes to waste, they don't defecate normally, rather, any waste from foods they eat is compressed into scentless, nutrient-less pellets that they can expunge from any part of their skin.

Reproduction

Gelum reproduce asexually, essentially creating a genetic duplicate of themselves, and lack traditional sex organs. Due to this, there are no families or relatives, which leads Gelum to form multiple relationships with each other rather freely. This also results in all Gelum technically being the same gender, or more specifically lack of gender, however they typically pick pronouns for themselves as a convenience for themselves and others. An unfortunate side effect of their reproduction is that is leaves the parent’s immune system in an incredibly vulnerable state meaning that fatality rate of reproduction is much higher than any other species. This makes the decision to reproduce all the more difficult and it is a rather sensitive topic to most Gelum.

Social Structures and Community

Gelum are very dependent on each other, and rely on their community. Their government/economic structure, or lack thereof is fairly laissez-faire. Though this government structure has evolved into a pseudo-communist structure which has the resulting dependence that is present currently. They form small communities, attune to villages, and they tend to trade between said villages. In times of trouble or conflict councils are formed with representatives from each of the villagers involved to attempt to resolve things diplomatically as life is hard enough without conflicts to make things worse.

Government

Within these communities a wide range of different government structures are used however in most them there tends to be anywhere from 1-5 elected officials from the elders or academics of the community who act as representatives in inter-community councils and leaders for community meetings where decisions are made. While currency is used, in many communities trade is conducted more through a system of ongoing favors and partnerships with a general purpose of ensuring everyone in the community has what they need and is providing for others acting under the philosophy that it all roughly balanced out so no need to stress over exact currency transactions. In inter-community or inter-species transactions this is where currency tends to be used more often and Gelum are much more careful to make sure their goods and services are properly paid for.

If a member of a community is deemed to be a problem or unfit to be part of the community they are cast out and either must beg for another community to accept them or try to live in the wildnesses alone which is a dangerous prospect. There are some Gelum who have managed very successful lives as outcasts but due to their very community based culture most would find such a life to be torture.

Religion and Spirituality

Gelum are devoid of a common religion. Some are very spirtual though and believe in the power of souls and their linkage to magic as well as each other. These Gelum believe in the afterlife, and that the soul is released after death into a common sphere where there is an optional reincarnation . They believe in the power of free will over destiny due to their very free-spirited nature.

Technology and Science

Most Gelum are interested in the concept of progression and technological advancements. For those who participate in research, they are well regarded and tend to help advance the societal development for Gelum as a whole. Those who do participate are primarily tasked with the instability of Gelum physiology and finding technological and magical solutions to make up for such issues.

Traditional Clothing and Fashion

Gelum mostly wear cottage core or nature esque outfits taking inspiration from all aspects of the natural world including plants, animals, space, landscapes, etc. Some adorn themselves with their natural environment as well with flowers and vines. Gelum clothes are varied as while Gelum are majority community-based, many choose to express their individuality in clothing. Oftentimes Gelum choose their outfits to reflect their interests or careers. For example, an astronomer may wear outfits covered in constellations one day and a farmer may wear a cottagecore outfit covered in flowers.

Occupations

Gelum live simple lifestyles, picking up occupations that fit the niches needed by their village. Typically occupations include: farmer, researcher/scientist, hunter, technician, etc. Some are not employed in the traditional sense but contribute in other ways and assist their family within their careers, everybody contributes.

One occupation that is much more common amongst Gelum than in other species is a mage. While Gelum don’t have any advantages in magic their culture is generally much more accepting of it and as such a fair few Gelum have dedicated their lives to the study of it. While few are generalist mages as seen in other species many Gelum specialize in one field of magic to compliment their other career with some estimates suggesting upwards of 25% of all Gelum use some form of magic daily.

Starships and Space Travel

Gelum don't typically travel off their planetary body not due to the lack of research in interplanetary travel, but a lack of interest or need to. Those who have traveled off the planet have to have some roundabout way to get off the planet, either being a researcher themselves, having connections, sneaking aboard a ship, etc.

For those few Gelum who have dedicated time to creating space vessels, they typically utilize magic or experimental technologies as their primary methods of operating them. One notable example is the experimental vessel known as the Nebula which is a craft fully powered by the energy of a minuscule sample of the Gelum’s artificial singularity and the gravitational forces that come from it.

Cultural Quirks and Daily Life

Gelum are typically used to metalworking due to the abundance within the planet and the usage within most structures. They use a very post-modern, near futuristic architecture. Gelum tend to have a immense dedication to their career and enjoy their busy lives.

Notable Locations

The Singularity

An artificial singularity that represents the cumulative efforts of thousands of Gelum experts in magic, technology, and science. The singularity acts as a source of incredible gravitational energy that the Gelum are currently experimenting with using as a source for both electrical and magical energy. Currently there is a construction project of a large power plant nearby that once completed will provide immense amounts of clean energy that can provide power to the entire Gelum population. Academic work is also done using the singularity and it is currently the centerpiece in many studies being run by Gelum scholars.

Singulon University

Singulon University, or SU for short, is the largest university on Singulon and the crown gem of Gelum culture. They have a staff of hundreds of expert professors, most of whom are engaged in research in their fields as well as teaching. They have a wide variety of programs available in the sciences, arts, and even in magic. Their magic program is arguably the best in the universe (although some may disagree) and their graduates often go on to make great strides in magical research. As of late, their has been some pressure on the university to place greater restrictions on their magic programs as one of their graduates recently caused a magical explosion taking her own life and the life of seventeen innocent Gelum.

Harmony

One of the largest Gelum communities; Harmony is the size of a small city. Despite the large number of Gelum here, most inhabitants of Harmony still treat their fellow citizens as one big family just as they would in a smaller community. Harmony is a rather wealthy community with significant industry in metalworking, manufacturing, and technology. Harmony is run by a rotating council of nine representatives each elected from one of the nine sectors of the community. In inter-species politics, a representative from Harmony is almost always present when the Gelum are involved and many Gelum would consider it a sort of “capital” of the Gelum people.

Second Chance

A nomadic community of Gelum who have been outcast from their communities. Many of the Gelum here are just normal people who made some mistakes however there is a significant criminal population present too. Since this community accepts anyone who comes to their camp it has become known as a bit of a black sheep amongst the Gelum communities and they typically aren’t allowed to camp near any other communities. Due to the large number of criminals here they also have a bustling black market that sells just about anything you could want, for a hefty price. There is a movement of some of the more law-abiding Gelum of Second Chance to try and clean up the communities’ criminals and improve their reputation with the other communities.

Interactions With Other Species

As Gelum typically don't travel off their planetary body much, most only have interacted with Ferrans and other Gelum on Singulon. Most are indifferent to the Ferrans due to the lack of interaction between the species, especially its lower class, and the carefree nature of Gelum causing a lack of interest in interaction.

Concept Art and Inspiration Images