The Brak'thuul

The Brak'thuul are a unique non-hostile symbiotic species residing within the Omnium Theocracy, known for their remarkable ability to reanimate and inhabit deceased organic matter. Their primary settlement is the district of Morvuk'dhul, a vast necropolis where they maintain extensive repositories of preserved bodies and conduct their sacred practices of reanimation.

A Brak'thuul colony performing their sacred Rite of Continuation upon recently deceased subjects

Biology and Nature

The Brak'thuul exist as colonies of microscopic organisms that work in perfect synchronization to form a collective consciousness. Each colony manifests as a shimmering, opalescent mist that can enter and inhabit deceased organic matter, using their unique biological processes to restore and maintain the body's functions. Unlike parasitic organisms, the Brak'thuul form a true symbiotic relationship with their hosts, preserving and enhancing the original memories and personality of the deceased while adding their own consciousness to create a unified being.

The process of reanimation, known as the Rite of Continuation, is considered sacred by the Brak'thuul. During this ceremony, a colony will carefully enter a preserved body through its respiratory system, gradually spreading throughout the tissue and nervous system to restore functionality. This process can take anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on the condition and complexity of the host body.

Culture and Philosophy

The Brak'thuul view death not as an ending, but as a transition into a new form of existence. Their entire society is built around the concept of preserving and continuing life through their unique abilities. They maintain a complex philosophical system that sees consciousness as eternal and bodies as vessels that can be inhabited and renewed indefinitely. This belief system aligns well with the order-maintaining principles of Uzhyr, leading to their peaceful integration into the Theocracy.

Unlike many species in the Theocracy, the Brak'thuul organize themselves into distinct colonies rather than traditional social hierarchies. Each colony operates autonomously but remains in constant psychic communication with others through a network of specialized organisms called Nexus Strands. These biological communication channels allow colonies to share experiences, knowledge, and resources efficiently.

Role in the Theocracy

The Brak'thuul provide an invaluable service within the Theocracy by offering continuation of existence to those who wish it. Their abilities have garnered both fascination and respect from other species, though some remain wary of their practices. The Lawwatch maintains careful oversight of their activities to ensure all reanimations are conducted with proper consent and documentation.

During the War for Eternity, the Brak'thuul have proven instrumental in preserving knowledge and experience that would otherwise be lost to death. Their abilities allow veteran warriors and scholars to continue serving the Theocracy even after their original bodies have failed. However, they steadfastly refuse to reanimate those killed by aberrations, claiming that such bodies have been tainted by Nemithic energies that would corrupt their colonies.

Morvuk'dhul District

The Brak'thuul's primary district, Morvuk'dhul, is a marvel of biological architecture. Massive structures composed of preserved organic matter house countless colonies and their hosts. The district features vast preservation chambers where bodies are maintained in perfect condition until they can be inhabited. The architecture itself is partially alive, maintained by specialized Brak'thuul colonies that ensure the structural integrity and functionality of their home.

The district's unique appearance, with its pearlescent spires and bioluminescent pathways, reflects the Brak'thuul's own ethereal nature. Various chambers within Morvuk'dhul serve different purposes, from meditation spaces where colonies commune with each other to laboratories where they study new preservation techniques and methods of reanimation.

Despite its seemingly macabre nature, Morvuk'dhul is a place of profound peace and contemplation, where the boundaries between life and death blur, and consciousness continues in new forms. The district stands as a testament to the Theocracy's acceptance of diverse approaches to existence, so long as they serve the greater purpose of maintaining universal order.

Relations with Other Species

While initially met with suspicion by some species within the Theocracy, the Brak'thuul have gradually earned widespread acceptance through their peaceful nature and valuable services. They maintain particularly close relations with the Elysians, whose scientific understanding has helped them refine their reanimation techniques. The Vorthen also frequently seek their counsel, as the Brak'thuul's unique perspective on consciousness and existence provides valuable insights for their scholarly pursuits.