Vel
The vel are an ancient, enigmatic species that inhabit the Dark Forest of Lagafel on the planet Eryn. Long considered a myth by the planet's other intelligent populations, they are highly magical, semi-transparent beings that keep entirely to themselves and do not rely on standard biological processes to survive. According to their own telepathic accounts, they believe their true origins are tied to the ancient device Xyclami, suggesting their ancestors may have originated on Starmist Prime.
Biology and Appearance
Vel appear as large, deer-like creatures with semi-transparent, glowing bodies. Despite being see-through, their skin is entirely solid and feels freezing cold to the touch, constantly emanating a strange, palpable energy. Inside their translucent bodies, tiny lines resembling veins of light constantly flicker and connect.
Their movements are highly unusual; they move with an unnatural, gliding motion where their leg movements do not quite match the distance of their strides. They are generally peaceful and observant, slowly looking from side to side as if taking in the world from a distant place.
Magic and Abilities
The vel are immensely powerful beings. Like dragons, they possess a telepathic network that allows them to instantly communicate with one another across vast planetary distances.
When threatened or called to battle, the vel are capable of shifting their physical forms into brilliant, swirling ribbons of white light, allowing them to beam themselves instantaneously from place to place. In this state of pure energy, they act as devastating weapons, tearing through enemies with astonishing speed and cutting through flesh like a sword of light. However, utilizing this immense power completely drains them; after expending their energy in combat, the vel must enter a diminished state to recharge, a process that takes around a year.
Key Events
Discovery in Lagafel
While exploring the desolate, blackened woods of Lagafel, Lysa, Jascyn, and the dragon Aena discover a group of vel wandering among the twisted trees, proving to Jascyn and Lysa that the mythical creatures are actually real.
The Souljoin
Recognizing their peaceful nature, Jascyn successfully uses his unique magic to souljoin with a vel named Zalander. Zalander communicates telepathically with Jascyn, revealing the vel's ancestral connection to Xyclami. Recognizing the threat posed by Calarel, Zalander uses the vel telepathic network to rally fifty of his kind, agreeing to help the alliance fight to prevent the powerful device from falling into the wrong hands.
The Battle of Kryptan Fortress
During the massive assault on Calarel's mountain stronghold, Jascyn's army is nearly overwhelmed by Calarel's mind-controlled dragon horde. Jascyn telepathically calls upon Zalander for help, and the vel unleash their full power. Transforming into streaming beams of brilliant white light, the vel rip through the sky, slaughtering hundreds of dragons and instantly turning the tide of the battle. Having completely spent their power to save the alliance, the vel bid Jascyn farewell and shoot off into the sky as streaks of light, beginning their decade-long recharge.