Xing

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The Xing are a pseudo-alien terrestrial species of extremely ancient origin, which are descended from the fragments of a meteor which fell to Earth during the early Jurassic Period. They are named for the Element Cycle of ancient Chinese philosophy.

All members of the species are referred to as Elementals, due to the fact that they, without exception, possess near-magical abilities to manipulate a specific "element". These "elements" typically fall somewhere on the classical Element Cycle, though a number of exceptions do exist. Determining the element of a Xing is not difficult, as their entire physical form is composed of this substance, with a highly concentrated mass serving as a sort of heart/brain analogue, referred to as their Core.

"Biology"[edit | edit source]

Being inherently inorganic creatures, Xing lack a proper "biology" in the traditional sense, though all members of the species possess variations on common aspects, such as their Core and Element.

Xing are perfectly capable of existing without a physical body, requiring only an intact core to survive, and trauma to the former has no detrimental effect on the latter. However, if and when a Xing chooses to manifest a body to house their core, it is typically hominid in form. Whether this is due to some inherent instinct or simply is them imitating the local dominant species is unknown, but it is nonetheless notable.

While immune to the effects of aging, which is fortunate as the species takes several million years to reach a state where they become functional beings, Xing are quite capable of being killed. Damage to a Core is the only known way to permanently terminate a Xing's existence, which has happened at least once. They are also immune to a wide variety of environmental conditions, though some elements may compromise this ability due to their own nature, such as Water Xing being vulnerable to temperature extremes.

The entire species is asexual, completely lacking anything resembling a physical gender, but Xing are capable of propagation via a process known as "germinating". Doing so involves locating an inert fragment of the original meteor of sufficient size, then immersing it in an element of choice for several million years. Only three Xing are known to have germinated naturally. Artificial means of speeding up the process have been employed on numerous occasions, usually involving Arbitrarium and the exploitation of it's unique 4th dimension distorting properties.

Known Variations[edit | edit source]

  • Earth: The oldest known elemental type, Earth Xing are capable of manipulating rocks, soil, minerals, and magma.
    • Earthshaper: The first discovered Xing, and to date, the only known Earth element.
  • Metal: Believed to be an amplified derivative of the Earth Xing, Metal Elementals are able to manipulate refined ores and alloys.
    • Jin: The second publicly known Xing, Jin was one of the first threats faced by the Landshark Legion.
  • Fire: An uncommon variety, Fire Xing can control temperatures and radiant energy in the form of plasma.
  • Electric: A purely artificial variety, which is capable of anything from simple blasts of electrons to manipulating machinery and electrical systems.
    • Tesla: The first confirmed artificial Xing, who is a high ranking member of HALO's technology division.
  • Water: The most common type, Water Xing abilities are fairly self-evident.
    • Charybdis: One of the largest lifeforms on Earth, a completely docile creature which lives in the Gulf of Mexico.
    • Watershaper: A recently germinated Elemental, who is very laid back and seems to regard Earthshaper as a father.
  • Air: The newest breed, Air seem to possess very few abilities beyond flight and pressure control.
    • Airshaper: Another recent germination, he's extremely flighty in both actual fact and personality.
  • Wood: A variety so rare, none have been found on Earth. Wood Xing can control plant life.
    • In the spin-off comic Doud Hunters, an unnamed Wood Xing was discovered to be in control of an entire planet's ecosystem.
  • Aether: Only a single one of this element may exist at any time, and it appears to have some form of divine influence on the universe.
    • Serenity: A nearly godlike being, he claims that he sent the meteor to Earth in the first place, and will be the last Xing ever germinated, beginning the cycle of their species anew.
  • Gravity: A non-sentient element, this type is the only one to have been germinated on another planet.
    • HARVEST Elementals: Mass produced Xing which were non-sentient, having been created and employed by HARVEST as disposable labor and combat troops.