Ganjue / Strigoi

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

― Aristotle

Parasitic manipulators spreading through all they see. Chinese.

Quick Look

Magic

  • Strigoi are especially talented in manipulation and falsehoods - and this extends of course to their dealings with Spirits also.

  • This has obvious applications, such as severing Medium Contracts, shattering Spiritual goodwill, and redirecting power.

  • More importantly, with the right preparations, Strigoi are also able to alter or assume entire identities.

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Strigoi are a race of Sun-averse Mortals who fall under the influence of Tsagai Lai / Autumn.

Obsessed with the many pleasures of life, Strigoi seek to intermingle with as many other species as possible. And once they are satisfied, they subsume the identities of their partners.

First Era

The Original Strigoi, Carmilla Karnstein, once befriended and subsequently attempted to subsume the goddess Xurhuan Zhi / Elysia. Gurang Zhi / Solane intervened: scattering Carmilla to ashes and turning against all her descendents.

Second Era

Incredibly charismatic and charming; Strigoi thrived under the predominantly Human/Elven societies as politicians and advisors. Additionally, higher-density construction brought additional ways for Strigoi to avoid Sunlight.

Society

Strigoi are, generally speaking, almost entirely focused on the pursuit of hedonistic outcomes and/or simple pleasures. Their roles in society reflect this: with many Strigoi taking positions as wealthy aristocrats, artists, and politicians.

Appearance

Notes

  • Due to the Original Strigoi, modern Strigoi are repelled by symbols of Gurang Zhi / Solane.

    • First and foremost, obviously, they are harmed by the Sun and cast no shadows.

    • Additionally, they are repelled by certain plants and flowers.

    • Strigoi are unable to enter households or buildings with strong ties to Gurang Zhi / Solane - such as Somnic households, churches, and etc.

      • This can be circumvented some by obtaining explicit permission from the owners of these buildings.

  • Once a Strigoi has subsumed another being, that other being essentially becomes part of a localized hivemind. Knowledge, senses, and experiences are shared between it and the Strigoi.

    • Typically, the process of subsuming another being involves an exchange of bodily fluids.

      • Mixing saliva into a target's bloodstream - generally by biting into a vein - is the typical method.

      • Through mixing Ichor and fluids, Spirits are essentially tricked into viewing the target as an extension of the assailing Strigoi.

    • Strigoi reproduce by fracturing their hiveminds amongst the hosts.

      • The released beings still share all features and memories of the original colony, but are now fully independent and no longer linked.