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This is an overview of the Closed Species, Passengers. See below useful links to help you navigate:
Glossary of Terms (Alphabetized)
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Protos are humanoid beings defined by their magical horns, which serve as the source and conduit of their abilities. These horns are sensitive, vital structures that shape how a Proto interacts with magic and the world around them.
Passengers are the living expressions of a Proto’s inner self. They form from the Proto’s emotional and mental essence but develop their own personality and consciousness. A Passenger remains linked to its Proto through a tether that sustains both partners.
Together, the Proto and Passenger form a Collective. This dual being functions as a single entity made of two minds working in constant connection. Collectives are rare but influential, known for their telepathic and telekinetic talents and for the creative insight that comes from their shared perspectives.
Their relationship with humans is complex, shaped by old mistrust and ongoing fascination. Efforts to reproduce their abilities have led to the creation of artificial Proto-Consciences, although these imitations lack the stability and unity of natural Collectives.
Specialized guilds exist to train and support Collectives, guiding them as they refine their magic and learn to maintain balance within their shared existence.
For a deeper understanding of their nature, biology, and place in the world, please explore the information below and the sections that follow.
Passengers are symbiotic entities that are both an extension and a manifestation of the Proto-Conscience's psyche. They possess their own autonomy, intelligence, and sentience, though they remain tethered to their Proto. Passengers vary greatly in appearance, reflecting aspects of the Proto’s subconscious or even unexpressed desires. Their personalities may starkly contrast or complement the Proto, leading to complex internal dynamics between the two.
Unlike typical physical beings, Passengers are not bound by the laws of biology. They do not need to eat, drink, or sleep, though they maintain a tangible form. This tangibility is maintained through their connection to the Proto, facilitated by a magical tether. The nature of this tether varies, but it is the lifeline between the Proto and the Passenger, allowing them to coexist. Should the tether be damaged or severed, it could lead to catastrophic effects for both, such as a breakdown in their shared consciousness or the sudden withdrawal of the Passenger back into the Proto’s psyche.
A Passenger's appearance reflects the Proto-Conscience’s inner psyche and emotional state. Passengers can take on various forms, from abstract shapes to more humanoid or animal-like features. Their looks are highly symbolic, often embodying specific elements of the Proto’s personality, fears, desires, or memories. Some may have multiple eyes, wings, or other fantastical features, with colors, textures, and styles that mirror the Proto’s mood or development.
The size of a Passenger varies depending on the individual Proto-Conscience they are connected to, but most tend to be larger than their Proto counterpart, often roughly over half their size. Their forms can change over time as they evolve alongside the Proto.
Passengers are made up of both physical and magical components. Though tangible, their bodies are magical constructs that draw sustenance from their tethered relationship with the Proto-Conscience. Passengers do not require food or rest but can be affected by magical fatigue or emotional strain.
The Proto-Conscience and their Passengers may refer to themselves as a “Collective”, usually speaking and referring to themselves as “we” or “us”- though this isn’t the case for all. Some choose to identify in a variety of ways and all are welcome.
Passengers are not just extensions of the psyche, but are beings capable of their own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Their mindset may or may not be completely different from that which originally conceptualized their existence, and are not contained to the mental boundaries of the Proto-Conscience they are bound to. Experiences may be shared between the two, but how they might feel about certain events or situations can and will be entirely different, as they maintain a sense of individuality and independence.
Though many might refer to their Collective by a singular name, some may consider each conscious component as a separate entity. It is an entirely personal convention that is determined by the consciences themselves, and should be respected as such.
Passengers possess unique and distinct personalities, but they always reflect some aspect of the Proto-Conscience they belong to. They can be more outgoing, reserved, mischievous, protective, or empathetic, depending on which traits of the Proto are dominant.
The tether, commonly referred to as a "tail," is the magical and emotional link between the Proto-Conscience and the Passenger. This connection allows for the transfer of energy, thoughts, and emotions between the two entities.
Passengers come in many types and forms, each reflecting different aspects of their Proto-Conscience’s identity.