If You'll Pardon Me For Asking, Regarding Your Darkstalkers AU, Why Make Felicia A Wrestler Instead Of

If you'll pardon me for asking, regarding your Darkstalkers AU, why make Felicia a wrestler instead of a pop star? Is there any special reason why, or was it just for fun?

Oh no worries, I am happy to answer. 😄 In Cryas Darkstalkers, Felicia is fully intended to be Mexican: both her biological parents being of Mexican descent, but importantly her adopted mother, Ramona Rose, is a Mexican living in America. Thus, Felicia grew up with such a culture. As she grew up, she was an avid fan of the luchador, El Santo.

en.wikipedia.org

El Santo - Wikipedia

Collecting comics when she could afford to buy them with allowance and watching any film she could of him. He was basically her idol and hero, as he was for basically the country of Mexico. Dude was crazy famous. Through him, she gained a love for acting and the sport of lucha libre.

(Art by Mastermaindd) While she hoped to maybe one day meet the legendary luchador, he would pass away before she could reach adulthood. Into adulthood, she is primarily an actress. Not only for her passion to entertain, but as a way to eventually catch the hearts of all to show how the unity of humans and non-humans was possible considering the loving mother she has and the people of Taos, New Mexico that grew to accept her. However, her love for lucha libre still burned fiercely in her. Once she built the foundation of her career as an actress, she would also pursue her passion of lucha libre on the side for fun. That would catch the eyes of people in Mexico in time. As a luchadora, she goes by the name of La Santa, in honor of El Santo.

(Art by Alm) In the end, just wanted to give some further depth to my interpretation of her. Considering I myself am Mexican American, wanted to do a bit more for her other than just saying she is Mexican in my mythos. So, the luchador angle was a fun one to give to her. Plus, like wrestlers, they entertain. And actors/actresses entertain, so why not have El Santo, one of the most famous individuals in Mexican history, be the reason she was inspired to go down the path she went. I hope this answers your question. 🫡 Have this bonus art advertising a charity match between La Santa and a fellow luchdor from the motherland:

Art is made by my friend Tori.

Magic of the Spirit

This lore blog is to make an addendum towards this blog as after a rousing discussion with a great friend, I have completely considered a new clear-cut idea of what is aura magic.

The idea I have had with magic is the concept of manipulating energy or forces in the universe to lead to varying effects. Everything else was relatively clear, but aura felt a bit vague. In discussions with a friend, ze had asked me about the idea of soul magic in regard to Jedah since he has a big thing for it in the original Darkstalkers. And well, Jedah does play a big role in Cryas Darkstalkers. First of all, that had me consider the idea of what is a 'soul'. For both Cryas Darkstalkers and Cryas Chronicles, a soul is a cluster of energy that has tightly bonded in a bizarre, unknown manner that can lead to the ability for what we interpret as 'consciousness'. As an analogy, think of atoms: within an atom are particles that help create the atom and make up all different kinds of substances in the universe. Also within them is the potential for an immense amount of energy. Of course, playing recklessly with such stuff can lead to disastrous results.

Magic that uses this spiritual energy involves users weaving carefully through these bonds and siphoning the energy within the soul to use for varying purposes. What I've had as a spark of imagination is this idea: Soul and Aura magic use the same source of energy for their discipline of use. The difference is how they get this spiritual energy. Soul magic involves using the souls of others while Aura is the use of one's own soul. This plays on the idea I already had when it comes to Fire and Ice magic. Those forms of magic both use heat but involve moving heat in different manners to get the desired result. The precedent is there, and I don't like the idea of basically conjuring a new form of energy and just have that magic be the use of this made-up energy with no explanation. Make use of what exists and interpret it based on what I believe.

In essence the use of spiritual energy for magic exists in both realities, but the difference is generally more prevalent. Soul magic is without a doubt the most common form of spiritual manipulation in the Cryas Darkstalkers mythos, while Aura is prevalent in the Cryas Chronicles mythos. But both forms are capable in each.

With this epiphany, I do need to consider some ideas for Cryas Chronicles with this new knowledge. Soul magic is possible in it, but... the idea of souls is not a very prevailing concept that is widely accepted. That mythos is not as supernaturally crazy as what can go down in the Cryas Darkstalkers mythos. If Soul magic exists, and perhaps there are those who can use it, it would likely have a different name and such. Just differences in ideas and culture. Oooo, this is quite exciting! 😆

Happy Birthday!!

In Cryas Darkstalkers, Hsien-Ko and Mei-Ling were both born on February 17th, 1730. Today now marks their 294th birthday! Wish both of these wonderful women a Happy Birthday!🥹🥳💙💛

Cryas Darkstalkers Cast Bits

So, I only really have designs for the characters I have shown via lore blogs. However, I already do have thoughts for many of the other cast. So rather than wait till I have designs to make longer lore blogs, I'll give brief snippets about how each have changed for the mythos and their general role.

Jon Talbain:

He is still a werewolf, born in the wilderness of the northern forests of the United Kingdom.

His father is still Baraba Kreutz, while his mother now has a name: Cathwulf Talbain. Cathwulf has a pet dog, an Airedale Terrier known as Norward.

He still has an ordeal of being unable to fully control his werewolf form. It is via the help of many of the years that he eventually can learn to control his Qi and control his bestial form.

He will have a fairly northern accent thanks to his mother.

He does learn martial arts from a Japanese master he finds in the mountains of the main European continent. The master does go by the name of Gallon.

He does eventually become friends with Felicia and becomes a relative mainstay in the Rose household from his travels. Their relationship is strictly platonic, despite Ramona making sly remarks about Jon being a fine man for her daughter.

Victor Von Gerdenheim:

Victor's 'birth' year is changed to 1831. No current month or date as of yet.

Honestly, aspects of his lore are inspired by the story he had from the Udon mythos. One of the very few things I can praise about those comics.

Professor Gerdenheim sees Emily and Victor as not only his creations, but also his children. He wishes to use his knowledge to further improve them, especially Emily since her 'heart' is defective compared to Victor's.

He and Emily both speak fluent Germen, but eventually learn English. Victor does tend to talk in the third person, but eventually learns to better improve his speech over the decades.

After the events of Victor and Emily's introduction into the mythos, their goals both involve making their father proud in their own ways. Victor wishes to get strong to help protect the village and his big sister from those who would cause harm. Emily wishes to follow in her father's footsteps to continue his research so that one day his studies could be fully realized and help the people.

Demitri Maximoff:

He is born in Makai.

He plays an antagonistic role, generally being a menace and nuisance to the various protagonists in the Cryas Darkstalkers mythos and eventually to even a few individuals from the Cryas Chronicles reality.

After his failed coup against Belial, he, his castle, and those in it were banished to Earth as a sign of humiliation and contempt for the vampire lord. Not only that, but the vampires who remained in Makai were under heavy watch.

However, there was another added thing in Cryas Darkstalkers. Belial cursed Demitri that so long as he lived, Demitri's power would always never be able to reach its full potential no matter how blood he consumed. Not only that, but he couldn't pass through the Gate to return to Makai.

With no knowledge of the curse, Demitri's time on Earth is spent trying to feebly regain his power and more to once again rechallenge Belial. However, he does seek to try and make a base of operation on Earth.

Despite not being at his full power, he still proves to be quite a powerful creature of the night.

His hatred of Belial extends to Morrigan. In essence, those who bear the family name of Aensland are his mortal enemies and must be crushed under his heel so he can take the throne and power of the ruler of Makai.

He does still have his harem of women. They are Patricia, Elizabeth, Francoise and Angelica. They are the ones that he gives the best treatment to in regard to their duties him compared to all his 'loyal' subjects.

His clothing is gonna be changed. Despite my desire to make fun of Demitri and see him as this dumb onion head, I will take him seriously enough in my mythos. Thus, no skintight clothing. It was and still is stupid looking.

Despite being a Makain by birth, I will likely try to design him with some sense of coding to a region on Earth. For exactly where, I still need to think about that.

While he does speak in a way to give a sense of regality to his mannerisms, he is not above going more brutish and animalistic in his tone when the time calls for it.

Zabel Zarock:

His birth year will be completely different to better match the idea of when he rose to stardom as a metal musician. For now, a current year of 1968 is in mind.

He is born in Australia, but this time will have an accent and speech mannerism to match that along with his cultural love of metal.

He becomes a zombie at a relatively young age, in his early 20s.

Despite the short time span of becoming a zombie, he amasses power at an unbelievable rate.

He begrudgingly works under Ozom, with Le Malta being Ozom's middleman to insure Zabel upholds his end of the bargain.

Despite Le Malta's initial role, he actually grows to have a good friendly, brother like relation to Zabel. Zabel does treat him like he would anybody else but does grow to like his company.

Lord Raptor was his stage name when he performed. He still goes by that name a lot during his concerts as a zombie and when out killing for souls. Only a few people are aware of his real name of Zabel Zarock.

NO, he and Hsien-Ko are not a couple in this mythos. However, I would like to give an idea of what I plan. This next bullet point will be longer, but I need to stress this very badly.

Upon his first encounter with the sisters in the brush of Australia, he merely saw Hsien-Ko as just another jobber out to kill him. A buzzkill basically. Despite being stronger than her, something about her willingness to keep fighting despite being badly injured and losing sparked something in his heart and mind. Her ferocious fighting spirit lit a flame in him that made him respect her and even grow to find this sheila as quite the catch. He would throw the battle to let her 'win' and eventually make his escape after teasing her with his honest answer as to why he allowed her to live and win. I want to explore the idea of his crush on Hsien-Ko being built on his respect for her after that first encounter. While the sisters clearly would want him dead since he is a murderous menace, the dude proves to be too slippery to fully kill. If anything, he basically likes to annoy her when he can come across Hsien-Ko. Not only to see her react but catch more glimpses of her.

Zabel is basically a chaotic antagonist. While he generally is a terrible individual, he is quite the goober with how he just lives by his own rules. However, there will be times where he does lend a hand to Hsien-Ko based on the circumstances. It is not often but does occur.

After his first encounter with the Shao sisters, he has no intention to harm or kill Hsien-Ko. By proxy, this is the same for Mei-Ling, but only because she is related to Hsien-Ko.

He wants to gain enough power to kill Ozom so he can be free from him and just go about living his undead life his own way. He does hope that maybe in time, perhaps he could even somehow get his sheila to aid him in killing Ozom.

Sasquatch:

His father is the leader of their tribe and is known as Tundra.

Their tribe is located in the artic regions of northern Canada.

The Bigfoot race once lived in Makai, but eventually left via a gate that no longer is active. The original location of the gate that brought their ancestors to this land is regarded as a sacred place and holds major cultural significance.

I am still uncertain how big of a character and role he will play in the overall mythos, but the sisters do encounter him and the Bigfoot during their travels through the North American continent.

Rikuo:

I'll be honest, I don't really have anything in mind. He will get a redesign and his people will live near the region of Brazil. But overall, the merkin and Rikuo play no major role. Just will do things to build the world and stuff.

Oh, I guess I will refer to his race as Merkin. I could say Merfolk, but I already refer to Felicia's race as Catfolk. So, want to spread things out with my vernacular.

Anakaris:

Same as Rikuo, but I do at least have a story event in mind with him. But again, he is a minor character in the grand scheme of things.

Likely, time travel will be eliminated from his lore since I do not want to deal with such story elements. But still, Anakaris will be quite the powerful pharaoh.

And yes, he still has commandments.

Okay, I think I will stop here for now. Just give you a taste of lore cast bits. I'll give some more at a later date. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll be happy to elaborate. 😉

Cryas Darkstalkers Cast Bits 3

I figured for this one, I'd make it a bit shorter to talk about some individuals who have some big influence on aspects of Makai. They aren't in the primary role of characters, but they still are quite important to either world building or to some characters.

Belial Aensland:

Look, the lore makes him out to be this like omnipotent individual. Make no mistake, he is still a powerful individual in Cryas Darkstalkers, but he is more so specialized in certain aspects rather than being omnipotent in everything.

He still is quite the large demon. In a way, he is like a titan golem.

Due to the nature of his towering size and obsidian like body, he is physically strong and durable.

Magic wise, he has the ability to open the Gate with ease.

Belial also has a powerful spell known as Scalephoton. In essence, he concentrates raw energy into a projectile of varying size and intensity and fires it at blinding speed. He has perfected this spell to potentially catastrophic proportions.

The greatest extent of his magical abilities is the ability to bend spacetime in order to create portals to Earth or areas beyond the nexus.

Despite these traits, he is not invincible. While Demitri in the end didn't stand a chance, he still managed some good hits on the titan. Galnan, one who at one point had greater magical potential than Belial, would not challenge Belial's rule despite his dislike of the House of Aensland. While Jedah has a godly healing factor and the potential to overpower Belial if he can absorb enough souls, the amount needed would make it easily noticeable before he could even make 25% of his goal. In essence, with the exception of Demitri, all nobles see challenging Belial as tantamount to suicide.

He still has the general idea from the main lore of viewing Makai as an extension of his own body. He chooses not to be a proactive, iron fist ruler of the realm. Merely, he seeks to let things be, only intervening if things get out of hand with others trying to incite major disruptions.

Till his death, he wears the Ring of Isis. It plays a bigger role in Cryas Darkstalkers.

The reason for him dying is not because of his battle with Demitri or sending that onion head and his castle to Earth. It was because of the third Soul Shard he kept within himself.

Due to the bizarre nature of Morrigan's Soul, the Soul Shard did not sit well with staying in Belial. But he used his powers to keep it contained in him as he believed this one was safest in him while the other was in a special pocket dimension. However, the Soul Shard would fight back, effectively poisoning the Ruler of Makai.

Belial raised Morrigan with the same amount of attention that he had with ruling Makai. He only really intervenes if things get out of hand with her. He merely keeps her around to ensure the House of Aensland would have a new ruler.

The only people he converses with in regard to secret matters are his servants Mudo and Lucien. Those two demons have been loyal to the House of Aensland since sometime shortly before Belial became Ruler of Makai.

While he will punish Mudo and Lucien if they fail a task he ordered, he never threatens them with death or severe pain. Merely a minor punishment that is basically a slap on the wrist.

Zeruru Aensland:

Oh boy, since there is hardly anything about him beyond his name and being the first Ruler of Makai, I got my work cut out. However, there is quite a lot of important aspects about him in Cryas Darkstalkers in regard to the history of Makai.

2 million years ago, current records state that was the general time period when the current systems were set in place for society for generations to come. Under Zeruru's leadership, he and the nobles set up the general structure of society and rule that would be held for eons. However, there is more to this.

Before all of this, Zeruru Aensland was merely the ruler of a large tribe of many races, but primarily succubus and incubus. While the succubus and incubus were the original members of the Aensland Tribe, others were forced in through conquest or some via ensuring loyalty.

Once the discovery of souls and empowerment via the absorption of souls was discovered, Zeruru was the most vigorous among the leaders to hunt down the Sahrijinn as they had the most power.

While the Sahrijinn were able to mostly escape Makai, they couldn't take all their possessions. Chief among them was the Ring of Isis.

The Ring of Isis showed Zeruru visions of the nature of Makai as it did the Sahrijinn. However, this knowledge was ignored as heeding it would not allow for the quick acquisition of power that many sought from consuming souls.

After the foundation of society in Makai was formed, Zeruru would keep the Ring of Isis and repurpose it. It was to show the sign of those who would rule Makai as the Overlord.

Upon his death, his soul was absorbed by the ring. Future Aenslands who donned the ring would be unknowingly influenced by Zeruru's desire to keep the Aenslands in power and to adhere to his desires and will.

The nature and origins of Makai were kept hidden, only possible to be known in the realm of Inkai. However, that realm's nexus point has alluded the nobles for eons.

In time, the Sahrijinn were forgotten by many over the many millennia. All thanks to Zeruru.

Mudo and Lucien:

Loyal servants of the House of Aensland.

They were in the servitude of the father of Belial. Upon the proclamation of Belial's father, they were to serve Belial.

Despite their roles as servants and generally placid natures, these two are quite powerful demons.

They are not related by blood, but the two are inseparable.

They were the ones to proactively raise Morrigan since she was a baby. Despite her rather aloof nature, she genuinely cares for Mudo and Lucien as they are basically father figures to her. Plus, they understand her nature.

They handle the affairs of Castle Aensland. Ensuring all the other servants perform their tasks from guard duty, housekeeping, and meal prep.

During Morrigan's reign as Ruler of Makai, these two would also take to handling the political affairs while Morrigan was away. When she does return to rest, they are able to coerce to perform her duties, which she will do till she is bored and leaves again.

Galnan Voshtal:

Head of the Noble House of Voshtal.

Regarded as not only quite intelligent, but also cruel and callous. Even his own family are safe from his cruelty.

Late in his life, he had somehow stumbled upon the nexus point of Inkai far from the general Makaiin populace. Having access to a wealth of knowledge and souls, Galnan would keep this realm hidden from others.

In discovering Inkai, he also discovered the Inkai Beasts. Among the group of strange creatures was one who called themselves Ozom. He would come to serve under Voshtal for some time, acting as both a guide and interpreter of the Inkai Beasts.

Galnan's power was able to rival that of Belial. While he heavily desired to rule all of Makai, making his disdain of Belial known, he would not lift finger against him. Despite his great power, he was still dwarfed by the golem titan. Not only that, while Galnan knew more spells than Belial, whatever Belial had was enough to fatally wound the head of Voshtal.

While Voshtal at least acknowledged the intellect of Jedah, he found him to be nothing more than a childish whiner.

Voshtal's family despised him due to his blatant abusive behavior.

Even though he was several thousands of years old, his health slowly diminished till he died.

Ozom:

Ozom is originally from the Realm of Inkai. He is an Inkai Beast.

Unlike many of the beast there, Ozom is one of the most evolved Inkai Beasts with far more complex abilities to think.

He has the ability to control the Inkai Beast's nervous systems to make them bend to his will.

While not necessarily powerful, one of his most potent abilities is his ability to plan and manipulate individuals. He has an excellent sense of charisma and is excellent at stringing people along in conversation.

In a sense, Ozom is a full-blown sociopath.

Ozom was the one to orchestrate the death of Galnan. During servitude to Galnan, he found out how the Voshtal family loathed the patriarch.

In collaboration with the family of Voshtal, they would slowly poison Galnan. In return, they would gain control of the House and allow Ozom to consume the soul of Galnan.

In consuming Galnan's soul, his manipulative nature was amplified as was his desire for more power.

He would come to serve Jedah, with the full intent of controlling the House of Dohma. Jedah had no living family.

His charm worked on Jedah, but he wasn't able to fully fool Jedah's other closest confidant, Sierra De Gilman. Still, he took his time to not arouse suspicion.

Once he managed to kill Jedah in Inkai, he would come to control the House of Dohma. While Sierra was suspicious, nothing would be done as she was aware of how Belial worked.

Ozom would relish his time as the Head of Dohma. While he still kept to keeping to affairs regarding the lands and political affairs, he was a detriment to those in the lands of Dohma.

His actions and hunger nearly caused the extinction of the Soul Bees. However, he kept them around still as their honey was a valued export.

Taking in Zabel as his servant on Earth was merely a way for him satiate his hunger for souls as he had to make sure the Soul Bees were kept alive.

While he had plans to also kill Belial and take control of Makai, his ultimate goal, that would never come to be.

Though he was able to kill Jedah, he didn't know that the Shinigami individual was able to resurrect.

Helpless in Makai, he was killed easily by the silent, yet enraged Jedah.

Despite feigning enthusiasm for Jedah's philosophical and political ideology, he did find a genuine love for music.

I likely will try to redesign Ozom in some fashion.

Sierra Del Gilman:

Head of the Noble House of Gilman, her intellect is capable of rivaling that of Galnan.

Since she is only really named and has some description of her in the lore guide, I have full liberty regarding her design.

I will be going for some form of owl demon design to coalesce with her intellect. On top of that, will also look towards influence from Fecto Elfilis.

Magic wise, she knows all sorts of spells.

She is a close friend of Jedah Dohma. The two both agree on how the affairs of Makai are not ideal as it will lead to ruin overtime. Factors like Belial's general passive rule, the stagnant nature of society, and how the lands have slowly over millennia gotten slowly more hostile over time based on records.

She has made an effort to collect any historical records regarding Makai and from whatever can be obtained from Earth.

Due to her collection of knowledge of things from Earth, she caught the attention of the heir of Aensland, Morrigan.

Despite how different both are, Sierra and Morrigan managed to forge a friendship. This friendship would ignite a flame in Morrigan in fueling her desire to visit Earth for thrills and pleasure.

Not only would she bring souvenirs for Sierra, but she would ramble about what she did and found there.

She is well acquainted with Mudo and Lucien. They engage in civil and friendly chats.

Sierra was once called to Belial. He made it clear he is not happy with Morrigan's bouts to Earth and is aware her friendship with Sierra is the start of this. However, he makes doesn't punish Sierra for this but makes it clear that if Morrigan is killed on Earth, Sierra will have to answer to him.

While Ozom was in rule of the House of Dohma, she made efforts to help those in the land of Dohma, especially the Soul Bees when things were getting bad for them.

She is capable of flying of her own accord. However, she also can float and fly via magic.

She chooses to adhere to her power via treaties and discussions with others rather than general warfare. However, she still assures her armies are well trained in magic.

She has the power to open the Gate.

That should do it for now. Hope you enjoy this Makai addition to lore! As always, feel free to ask questions if you are curious. Till next time!😎✌️

Hsien-Ko and Mei-Ling Lore Bits 4

I had made mention of bringing up some new information that came to mind during my research. And now, I am ecstatic to share! 😄Brace yourself for not only cool additions to their lore, but some Mandarin Chinese script here and there. 🧧

The Igyou Tenshin no Jutsu (いぎょう-てんしん-の-じゅつ) was the name of the art used by their mother and them in the original lore. However, that name is Japanese. After finally getting a translation of this skill (Change Oneself to a Strange Form Technique) then finding a way to translate that into Mandarin, I finally have a name for the art in Cryas Darkstalkers!

異形變形術 (Yìxíng Biànxíng Shù) is the new official name of the art. In English, it means Irregular Shape Change Skill. Also for fun, the simplified script for ya'll: 异形变形术

Jiangshi can enter into a state known as 狂暴 (kuángbào). Basically, translating to 'frenzy', this is a state where a jiangshi is driven into an unpredictably violent rampage for Qì if they have gone too long without feeding.

Hsien-Ko is no different in terms of the requirements to enter kuángbào. However, as she still possesses a conscious, unlike most jiangshi that come into existence. When in frenzy, her body forces her mind to be locked deep away as the desire for Qì takes over.

Even if Qì is obtained, the frenzied Hsien-Ko would still go on a rampage as with her mind locked away, Mei-Ling can't influence Hsien-Ko. The only way to stop her is for Mei-Ling to reattach in her talisman form and bring back Hsien-Ko.

As she is also a jiangshi by nature of the Yìxíng Biànxíng Shù, Mei-Ling does require Qì. However, she doesn't enter into kuángbào via a hunger for Qì. Only via sufficiently strong magic interference can cause her to go frenzy.

When Mei-Ling does get hungry for Qì, she tends to get lethargic and irritable.

Mei-Ling can transform into a form known as 護身符 (hùshēnfú). With her role as 'the mind', she has to help regulate the flow of Qì in Hsien-Ko to allow 'the body' to function at full power while also having control of said power.

While the term hùshēnfú basically translates to amulet/talisman, the specific form she takes on is joss paper, 金紙.

金紙 (jīnzhǐ) translates to 'golden paper. The texture of her form is that of coarse bamboo paper, the traditional material for joss paper. Interestingly, the golden color is a signifier of being an offering for deities.

The script on her form translates to 'keep this on your body to keep you safe'.

While in her talisman form, Mei-Ling has a special enchantment on her granted by the Yìxíng Biànxíng Shù. This enchantment is known as 奇異守護 (Qíyì Shǒuhù).

Qíyì Shǒuhù, or Strange Protection, allows her to be able to perform her function as 'the mind' by granting her hùshēnfú form total immunity from practically any form of magic. The only real way to 'damage' her is to physically break her talisman form to force her back to her true form. Ripping, shredding, and cutting the form are the best ways.

Even when her form is attacked by physical means, Mei-Ling's true form doesn't suffer actual harm. However, she can't change back for some time as her Qì needs to reconstruct the form internally. This can not only leave her vulnerable to genuine harm but means that Hsien-Ko can't be at full strength for the time being.

Mei-Ling did attempt to reverse engineer the Qíyì Shǒuhù to provide Hsien-Ko with this form of protection. Years of tinkering, she eventually had to stop by the pleads of Hsien-Ko.

Despite the fruitless endeavor, her trying to figure out this enchantment did help her eventually craft one for Hsien-Ko that allowed for the phasing of her body through clothing, along with manipulation of it. Something that would be applied to the clothes that she would make for Hsien-Ko in the future.

轉生術 (Zhuǎnshēng Shù) is the final art taught to Xiānshùshī who have been recognized with the title of Shīfu. Translating to 'Reincarnation Skill', Zhuǎnshēng Shù is said to allow the caster's soul to be able to safely depart for the afterlife.

Because the Yìxíng Biànxíng Shù transformed them both to jiangshi, their souls have been tethered to their bodies as a fuel source to allow them to continue living and replace the metabolic functions of their bodies.

The sisters are incapable of passing on via natural causes. The only ways the sisters can truly die is either being killed or allowing their bodies to fully consume their souls. The first option is not a way that either sister wishes to die and the later would lead to their erasure. A true death in a way.

The Zhuǎnshēng Shù is the only means that allows the sisters to pass away peacefully. Once they save their mother and have a final conversation with her after awakening from a long coma, Mingxia bestows not only the mirror and necklace back as a gift to her daughters, but also the knowledge of the Zhuǎnshēng Shù to recognize them both as Shīfu.

As mentioned above, the Yìxíng Biànxíng Shù turned Hsien-Ko in the body of a jiangshi and Mei-Ling into the mind of a jiangshi. The rest of this Lore Bits shall be dedicated to what the Yìxíng Biànxíng Shù did to Hsien-Ko, to Mei-Ling, and to both. First, to both:

Metabolic functions ceased in both sisters. For all intents and purposes, they are dead.

Qì is required to not only satiate their bodies, but to allow for limited bodily functions, like their digestive systems, movement, and brain function.

Neither sister needs to breathe oxygen.

Innately, both sisters are granted the ability known as Qì Absorption. This art is executed by a focused deep breath that allows for spiritual energy to flow from the target into their bodies.

Both have a high tolerance for temperature variance. The only way they can feel hot or cold is via extremes of either.

They possess a sensitivity to the presence of living beings and of stray spiritual energy.

Both have the ability to walk on air for brief periods of time.

They age physically very slowly.

Food can be eaten, and liquids can be drunk and processed by their digestive systems. The energy obtained from this can be used, but since their bodies require Qì to make their digestive systems work in the first place, this can't be a substitute for consumption of Qì, only slow it down.

As for how Hsien-Ko is specifically affected:

Sunlight debuffs Hsien-ko, specifically during the times when the sun is up directly in the sky. The reason for this is that the amount of energy from direct sunlight disturbs the imbalance of Qì she suffers innately from.

Thankfully she is not harmed by the rays of light, but she can feel its effects on her.

Unlike when she was human, Hsien-Ko is incapable of properly controlling her Qì.

Thanks to the innate imbalance of Qì flow in her, Hsien-Ko requires the consumption of more Qì compared to Mei-Ling.

Being 'the body', Hsien-Ko possesses a healing factor. The more Qì she has in reserves, the better her regenerative abilities are.

Despite the lack of full control of her Qì, Hsien-Ko innately has greater physical strength than she could ever achieve with Qì control as a human.

Hsien-Ko's nails have the ability to grow to 152cm (5ft). They are very durable and can be used to slash or pierce particularly vulnerable targets.

Hsien-Ko's body can easily contort into very unnatural poses and directions.

Oddly, her tongue can extend her tongue by 92cm or roughly 3ft.

While the best way to consume Qì is via Qì Absorption, Hsien-Ko can also sap Qì via physical contact. But this is less efficient.

Hsien-Ko cannot enter REM sleep naturally. In fact, she hardly needs to sleep. While initially seen as cool, Hsien-Ko desperately wanted to experience sleep, especially during the times she must be in the coffin. With help from Mei-Ling, she found ways to be able to rest.

The only way Hsien-Ko can enter REM sleep is via talismans crafted by Mei-Ling with the enchantment to allow it.

As mentioned above, Hsien-Ko can enter kuángbào via a hunger for Qì. However, she also can enter the state via being too far away from Mei-Ling for too long or via a disturbance to her Qì at an extreme caliber.

If not in kuángbào, should any talisman be placed on Hsien-Ko, she will be left paralyzed. However, if commands written in Manchu or Chinese scripts are on the talismans, she will be forced to obey the commands against her will.

The only commands she will not obey are ones that bring harm to Mei-Ling, her 'mind' to her 'body'.

Hsien-Ko undergoes the most physical changes to her form. Her skin is now a shade of light blue. Her eyes are that of a golden yellow. Her hair color is now a deep blue violet color, along with a wilder style.

Moss does grow on Hsien-Ko. However, she does strive to get rid of it when grows sufficiently on her body.

Finally, how Mei-Ling was affected:

Unlike Hsien-Ko, Mei-Ling didn't experience many physical changes. Her hair changed style and color to of a more umber shade rather than her original near dark brown color. Her eyes changed to that of a brilliant jade green.

The only giveaway that Mei-Ling is not human to the average individual is her lack of body heat.

Mei-Ling in her talisman form can possess other individuals, the ability of control varying.

Being 'the mind', Mei-Ling has a deep sensitivity to Hsien-Ko's thoughts and emotions.

When she sleeps, often enough she will suffer nightmares, ranging from reliving the night her mother sacrificed herself to the time her frenzied sister nearly killed her.

However, some nightmares are the perspective of Hsien-Ko's fears and memories.

Not only does she serve to stabilize Hsien-Ko's Qì, but also her emotional state as to ensure Hsien-Ko can serve her function in combat. A negative filter in a way.

While she can and does strive to work through this, there are times where she will breakdown and require comfort from Hsien-Ko. In turn, Hsien-Ko does her best to maintain a cheerful mood that is born from her being in a good headspace and not because Mei-Ling had to absorb some of the brunt of her emotions. Plus, to also make her big sister feel better. 🥹

After being comforted, Mei-Ling generally is capable of experiencing pleasant dreams. Assuring both sisters are in a great mood.

Mei-Ling generally sleeps for about 7 hours.

That should end this Lore Bits. Quite a lot to go through, but finally happy to get this out! 😎 Hope you enjoy learning about Hsien-Ko and Mei-Ling of Cryas Darkstalkers. 😊