Sarkaz Bloodline Power

Lore & Background

The origins of this affliction trace back to a forgotten era defined by the legacy of the Witch King rather than civilizational development. Unlike other races, Sarkaz do not succumb to old age; their bodies repair fatal injuries through an unknown mechanism tied directly to their bloodline. However, this resilience comes with a heavy toll known as the 'Sarkaz Curse.' Over centuries, the accumulated trauma and endless existence erode a Sarkaz's mind, often leading them to lose their memories, emotions, and humanity, eventually succumbing to Withering. Factions within the race have diverged based on how they handle this power. Some clans embrace the degradation, viewing it as evolution toward a darker state of being. Others, including medical researchers and allied operators, strive to find a way to end their suffering or manage the side effects, though no true cure exists. The struggle against this innate curse defines much of the Sarkaz diaspora's political landscape, creating tension between those who wish to die peacefully and those who seek to dominate Terra using their endless endurance.

In Their Own Story

The wound in his shoulder should have killed him. Any other man would be dead on the cold stone floor by now, blood pooling beneath a broken body. But he did not fall. He stood, the flesh knitting together with a sickening wet sound, red light pulsing beneath his skin like a second heartbeat. He looked at his hands, trembling slightly. The memories of his home were fading again, slipping away like water through clenched fingers. Was it worth it? To live forever while forgetting why you wanted to survive? He gripped his sword tighter, the metal cold against palm that felt too hot. 'Not yet,' he whispered to the silence. 'I am still me.' But as the red glow in his eyes deepened, even he wasn't sure if that was true anymore.

Reader's Guide

The Sarkaz Bloodline Power functions as a passive biological and metaphysical system intrinsic to every member of the race. It automatically initiates regeneration when vital organs are damaged or limbs are severed, allowing Sarkaz to survive injuries that would be instantly fatal to other Terrans. However, this process is not free. Each activation draws upon the bearer's mental stability. Prolonged use without containment measures accelerates the degradation of their psyche, eventually leading to a state where they retain combat instincts but lose personal identity. This makes them dangerous unpredictables in battle, capable of fighting past logical limits. Wielders include all native Sarkaz, ranging from allied Rhodes Island operators who manage the condition through medical supervision to hostile enemies who have fully surrendered to the curse. Specialized training can help channel this power into Arts usage, enhancing combat effectiveness while attempting to delay the inevitable mental decline.

Did You Know?

• Some Sarkaz actively seek death because they view their immortality as a prison rather than a blessing.
• The physical appearance of a Sarkaz changes due to the effects of the Sarkaz Curse and Withering, not biological aging, as they do not age naturally.
• Unlike Oripathy, there are no medical treatments capable of suppressing or curing the Sarkaz Curse; it is an inescapable fate for all native Sarkaz.
• Not all Sarkaz possess equal control over this power; some are born with stronger resistance to Withering than others.