Master of the Spiral Way
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To flesh out the Hylsarian species.
- Image Credit: ChatGPT
- Canon: Canon | Legends
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Canon | Legends | N'Kata Del Gormo | The Spiral Way | Hysalria | Issar Rae'Velis
- Name: Hylsarian
- Designation: Sentient
- Origins: Hylsaria
- Average Lifespan: 300 Galactic Standard Years
- Estimated Population: Rare
- Description: Hysalrians are serpentine, amphibious beings with powerful, coiling lower bodies, four arms, and broad, expressive faces adorned with four glossy black eyes. Their pale, textured skin often bears swirling ritualistic markings. To outsiders, they appear alien and intimidating, but to those who know them, Hysalrians are a deeply spiritual, introspective species that speaks slowly, listens completely, and moves with purpose.
- Breathes: Type I
- Average Height of Adults: 2.3 – 2.6 meters (upper body rise)
- Average Length of Adults: 5 to 7 meters (full tail extension)
- Skin color: Pale blue, moss green, slate grey
- Hair color: N/A
- Distinctions:
- Serpentine lower half instead of legs
- Four arms
- Four eyes, arranged in vertical pairs: two for light, two for shadow (low-light vision is exceptional)
- Broad ridged heads with small head flaps, used for sensing vibrations in the air and water
- Spiritual tattoos and markings often develop over age, received during specific rites of passage
- Races:
- Stillwater Clade: Monastic and reclusive, tending to stay hidden in submerged enclaves and communities, known for deep meditation and Force traditions, tend to be exhibit more pale blues and grey skin.
- Rootdrift Clade: Nomadic, more physically adapted to travelling across tree canopies and riverbanks, tend to exhibit more green skin, but have been largely wiped out.
- Force Sensitivity: All
- Exceptional Coordination: Their four arms and serpentine balance allow for astonishing martial precision and multitasking.
- Spiritual Sensitivity: Naturally attuned to the Force, especially memory, emotion, and environmental resonance.
- Xenophobia from Others: Their appearance and unusual speech often invite fear or suspicion from other species, leading many to isolation.
- Slow-Burning Temperament: While rarely aggressive, Hysalrians often act slowly and deliberate, which can be a drawback in fast-moving situations.
- Diet: Omnivorous – Hysalrians eat root vegetables, mosses, soft-bodied fish, and fungal proteins. They ferment swamp teas and consider sharing a meal a sacred act.
- Communication:
- Spoken language called Hysara, a melodic, low-vibration tongue felt in the chest and often accompanied by body movement.
- Capable of speaking Galactic Basic, albeit slowly.
- Elder mystics may also communicate via Force-sensory impressions, opting to speak very little Hysara.
- Technology level: Just below Galactic Standard (culturally minimalist; technology is rarely flashy and often grown from bio-integrated systems)
- Religion/Beliefs:
- Practitioners of the Spiral Way, a native Force tradition rooted in memory, water, stillness, and spiritual surrender. The Spiral Way is a fundamental part of Hyslarian life, though not all will feel the call to study and practice it seriously. Those who take the solemn oaths of sincere, lifelong monasticism and priesthood are considered extremely sacred and special individuals worthy of the utmost respect.
- Hysalrians believe all things spiral inward to know themselves, then spiral outward again to serve the galaxy.
- General behavior:
- Communal, soft-spoken, and deeply ceremonial
- Young Hysalrians are raised by clade groups, not individuals, and trained in reflection and discipline from a young age
- Elders rarely speak but when they do, their words are considered prophecy
- Mate rarely, live long, and value legacy of spirit over physical family
- Tend toward meditation, craftsmanship, healing, and song
The Hysalrians have existed in the stillwaters of Hylsaria for time immemorial, seldom believed by others to exist at all, or even known about to begin with. Long ago, a Jedi exploration vessel discovered the submerged enclave of Velis-Tha, where Hysalrian mystics trained in the Spiral Way, a native spiritual Force tradition.
During the era of the Old Republic, the enclave was destroyed by Sith seeking hidden holocrons. Few Hysalrians survived the ordeal, and the remaining survivors have since turned inward, viewing the outside galaxy as turbulent and shallow. But a rare few still rise from the depths to walk among the stars, embodying the Spiral and reminding others of the power in stillness, memory, and return.
In recent years, the planet of Hysalria has fallen into the control of The Sith Order, and whilst the Hysalrians enjoy do being cut off from the rest of the galaxy, they hold the Sith in contempt, especially on account of now being trapped behind the Blackwall without their consent. They have since retreated further into the depths of the planet to avoid making themselves known any further than they are already, and to protect the sanctity of their already dwindling traditions.