The et'Ata Race

[SerMordred]

The et'Ata Race​

The et’Ata were born from the Great Lord of Flame, whose domain was the molten heart of Cealdun. In the earliest days of creation, the Great Lord descended into the fiery depths of a caldera, drawing forth the raw power of magma and the intense energy of unbridled heat. From this churning inferno, they shaped the first of their creations, beings forged of liquid fire and molten stone. These early forms radiated with the volatile intensity of their birthplace, their bodies a living cascade of glowing magma encased in a thin crust that crackled and shifted with every movement. The Bracer, one of the Eldren, emerged as their silent guardian, watching over their creation with a resolve as steadfast as the flame itself. As the et’Ata ventured beyond their volcanic cradle, their forms began to change. The molten shells that once defined them cooled and hardened, transforming into surfaces that gleamed like polished porcelain. Over centuries, this exterior gave way to flesh that bore the rich hues of embers and ash, retaining a faint warmth as though their essence could never fully be contained. Though their physical forms adapted to the mortal plane, the et’Ata’s core remained tethered to their fiery origins. The Bracer ensured this connection endured, offering guidance from afar and intervening only in moments of existential peril to ensure their growth and survival. The Age of Silence scattered the et’Ata across Cealdun, forcing them to adapt to unfamiliar and often inhospitable lands. Some sought refuge in the barren deserts, where the relentless sun mirrored the heat within their cores. Others ventured into mountainous regions, finding solace in the volcanic vents that whispered of their origins. Despite the dispersal, the et’Ata’s collective identity remained unbroken, their connection to flame and heat uniting them across great distances. Even as their forms and lifestyles diversified, each et’Ata carried within them the smoldering essence of their creation, a constant echo of their Great Lord’s fiery will.

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Nature​

The et’Ata embody the relentless and consuming nature of fire. Their essence is one of passion and transformation, reflecting the duality of flame as both a force of creation and destruction. This intrinsic connection drives them to seek challenges, to forge new paths, and to rekindle hope in moments of despair. Their existence is one of perpetual motion, as they are instinctively drawn to places and circumstances that demand change or renewal. This unyielding drive stems from the primal energy that shaped them, a force that thrives on intensity and purpose. To the et’Ata, stagnation is anathema. They thrive in environments of flux, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This need for dynamism fosters a natural resilience, enabling them to adapt to hardship with an almost instinctual understanding that destruction often precedes growth. While their fiery nature imbues them with an intense vitality, it also necessitates balance, as the unrestrained force of their origin can lead to volatility if not tempered by discipline and self-awareness. This duality defines their interactions with the world around them, as they are both creators of beauty and harbingers of inevitable change.

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Terminology​

The et’Ata are often referred to as the "Children of Flame" by other races, a name that speaks to their fiery lineage. Among themselves, they use the term "K’thar," an ancient word that translates to "those who burn with purpose." This term encapsulates their intrinsic drive and the transformative energy that defines their existence. The Bracer’s influence echoes through their language, particularly in the titles they bestow upon their life stages. Newborns are known as "Kindlings," signifying the first spark of life. Young et’Ata are called "Pyres," representing their burgeoning energy and potential. Adults are referred to as "Infernos," a reflection of their full strength and capability, while elders are honored as "Embers," symbols of wisdom and enduring warmth. Their biology includes terms unique to their fiery heritage. The "Ashencore" is the central organ within each et’Ata, a pulsating sphere of energy that serves as the source of their inner heat and vitality. This core is believed to house fragments of the original flame that birthed their race, making it both a physical and spiritual nexus. The term "Ashen Aura" is used to describe the faint heat that radiates from an et’Ata’s body, a subtle yet constant manifestation of their elemental nature.

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Characteristics​

The et’Ata are defined by their striking physicality and the intense presence they bring to any environment. Their bodies retain a warmth that can be felt by those who stand close, and their skin often bears patterns reminiscent of flame, with hues ranging from pale pink to deep red to smoldering black. Their sharp, angular features echo the jagged tongues of fire that shaped their ancestors, lending them an air of both beauty and ferocity. This visual intensity is matched by their movements, which are deliberate yet fluid, reminiscent of the flickering unpredictability of flames. The et’Ata possess an innate sensitivity to the presence of heat and energy, a quiet resonance that shapes their awareness of the world. This connection enables them to feel the warmth of life and the shifting intensities of their environment, fostering a profound attunement to the forces around them. Their awareness often extends to the emotional currents of others, drawn to the fervor and intensity of passions, as if the fire within them seeks to connect with kindred sparks. Their fiery nature influences their temperament, imbuing them with a boldness and directness that can be both inspiring and intimidating.

Mentally, the et’Ata are creatures of focus and intensity. Their thoughts often mirror the qualities of fire, moving swiftly and with purpose. They are driven by a need to act, to affect change, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. While this determination can manifest as courage and creativity, it can also lead to impulsiveness and a tendency to overlook the consequences of their actions. Despite this, the et’Ata’s resilience and passion make them natural leaders and innovators, capable of igniting hope and rallying others in times of need. Socially, the et’Ata value strength and authenticity. They are drawn to individuals who share their drive and are often quick to form bonds with those who demonstrate courage and integrity. Their communities are close-knit, forged through shared struggles and a mutual commitment to growth. While they can be fiercely protective of their own, the et’Ata’s natural inclination toward openness and enthusiasm often extends to outsiders, making them both formidable allies and passionate advocates for causes they believe in. Despite their fiery intensity, they possess a deep respect for the cycles of destruction and renewal, a reflection of the flame’s eternal dance.

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Appearance​

The et’Ata’s appearance reflects their fiery origins and the refinement of their forms over millennia of adaptation and evolution. Their features carry distinct traits tied to their elemental heritage, with a wide spectrum of variation influenced by environmental and cultural factors. While the ranges below define typical characteristics, exceptions and deviations can occur but require approval from the Story Team to maintain consistency within the setting.

Build​

The et’Ata possess tall and elegant builds, typically ranging from 5'8" to 6'6" in height, with a lean and agile frame that emphasizes grace and flexibility. Their musculature is defined but not overly pronounced, giving them a refined appearance that suggests both power and fluidity. Variations in build occur depending on regional adaptations, with individuals in harsher climates sometimes exhibiting broader shoulders or more robust frames for endurance, while those in temperate regions may display more slender proportions suited to agility. Regardless of specific variations, their forms retain an inherent sense of balance and poise.

Face​

Facial features among the et’Ata are sharp and symmetrical, often marked by high cheekbones and well-defined jawlines. Their noses tend to be narrow and slightly pointed, though broader and flatter shapes are observed in populations closer to coastal or desert regions. Ears are often elongated and tapering, with lengths and angles varying by environmental influence. In forested or mountainous areas, longer, more pronounced ears are common, aiding in environmental awareness, while shorter, subtler forms are more prevalent in open plains and urbanized settings.

Skin​

The skin of the et’Ata is one of their most defining attributes, with tones ranging from pale porcelain and alabaster to richer shades of ember-like bronze and ash-gray. A faint luminescence is often present, particularly in lighter skin tones, giving them a subtle glow under certain lighting conditions. Their skin texture is smooth and fine, with a natural resilience that reflects their fiery origins. Freckles or speckles resembling ember patterns are common in certain lineages, particularly those with stronger ancestral ties to volcanic or arid regions. Scars, when present, often appear darker or more metallic in hue, integrating seamlessly into their overall complexion.

Hair​

Hair among the et’Ata is diverse in texture, ranging from straight and flowing to wavy or tightly coiled. Common colors include deep blacks, fiery reds, and golden blondes, often with an undertone that catches the light in warm or iridescent hues. Ashen silver and streaks of copper are rarer but considered particularly striking. Hair length and style are often influenced by cultural norms and individual preference, but biologically, their hair tends to grow thick and luxuriant. In some individuals, particularly those with close ties to volcanic regions, their hair may seem to shimmer faintly as though catching the light of a distant flame.

Eyes​

The eyes of the et’Ata are striking, with colors that reflect their fiery heritage. Shades of gold, amber, and deep crimson are most common, while rarer hues such as molten silver or smoldering copper appear in certain lineages. Their irises often possess a faint inner glow that becomes more noticeable in dim light or moments of intense emotion, giving the impression of a flickering flame. The sclera tends to be slightly darker than those of other races, further accentuating the vividness of their irises. Their gaze carries an intensity that reflects both their elemental origins and their focused nature, making their eyes a defining aspect of their appearance.

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Mechanics​

Inheritance
During character creation the Echo gains all of the et'Ata's Inheritance features.

• Inner Flame | The Echo, as a [Swift Action] once per Day, reduces their Toxicity by 3.
• Born of Fire | The Echo gains +1 Pyre Resistance.
• Bracer's Blood | The Echo gains a +2 Bonus to their first Defense Roll in Initiative.

Evolutionary
Whenever the Echo reaches Tier 1, and then again at Tier 3, they gain one of the et'Ata's Evolutionary features.

• Inner Inferno | When the Echo uses Inner Flame, they reduce their Toxicity by 5 instead.
• Bracer's Heart | The Echo gains the benefits of Bracer's Blood on their first two Defense Rolls in Initiative.
• Flame's Ire | The Echo can use a [Swift Action] to change the damage their next attack deals to Pyre Damage.
• Firewalker | The Echo is able to withstand locations of either extreme heat or cold, allowing exploration in extreme hot or extremely cold environments. Firewalker may be taken up to two times.
• Dancing Embers | The Echo, as a [Reaction] twice per Initiative, deals +1 Pyre Damage on an Attack.
• Combustion | When the Echo reaches Death's Door for the first time per Initiative, they deal damage equal to 1 + their Tier to all targets within 3 Blocks.
• Pass the Flame | While on Death's Door, the Echo can merge their spirit with a willing target. As a [Dynamic Action], the Echo and the target may perform the union, allowing the target to gain the Echo's memories and aspects of their mentality. The target increases an Attribute of their choosing by +1, up to their Maximum. The Echo's soul permanently merges with the target, making the Echo unable to return or be resurrected in any form. An Echo may only gain the benefits of Pass the Flame once in their existence.
• Brilliant Pyre | The Echo gains a use of the Flaming Soul Tag once per Day.
  
  
  • Flaming Soul | The Echo, after Initiative is declared, deals 1 Damage to all targets they can see at the start of their turn for 3 Rounds.

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