The Petalyths

The Petalyths and their biology.

Petalyths are created by Eve using mainly stardust, a flower and water from Elysium.

During their initial creation, one of the gods will 'gaze' upon them, blessing them and ensuring the proper creation of their core. When Petalyths are first made, the eye colour corresponds with the god that blessed them. It changes to their proper colour in a week.

Petalyths typically appear as felines in accordance to Serenym's vision. The older Petalyths who were created by Serenym sometimes possess traits such as horns, wings or multiple tails. Newer Petalyths created by Eve no longer possess any of these traits.

For most of their childhood, they remain within Eden where it's safe. By interacting with other Petalyths, they learn the basics of what it means to be a Petalyth, social cues and boundaries. Formal training, which includes combat training, starts in their preteen years. It may begin earlier for particularly gifted individuals.

Petalyths possess blood, flesh and a skeletal structure, but lack any organs (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive etc,). They possess a core that serves as their 'heart'. Destroying their core means certain death. They cannot reproduce, the only way to maintain their population is for Eve to create new spirits. Petalyths do not need food nor sleep to survive, but are still capable of doing so if they wish.

The only thing capable of causing permanent harm or death to a Petalyth are each other and the Absence. They are immune to everything else.

Fun fact: Despite having a skeleton, they're kinda like a squishmallow! They're very fun to poke and hug. Their bones are surprisingly flexible and very hard to break, giving them a wide range of mobility. These unique traits, alongside their lack of organs and any body systems, carry over to their human forms as well.

Another important detail to note is that spirits are completely genderless! They can choose to present themselves as a specific gender or none at all.

When a Petalyth reaches their mid teens, they may decide if they want to look human. In the beginning, their ears and tails may be visible. Their feet would also look more like paws. Once they reach their late teens, they normally would've mastered the skill and can usually flawlessly pass off as a regular human. Some Petalyths choose not to do this and stick their usual forms. Others change their mind down the path.