The Hollowed - Revision history

HotDogDobby at 23:28, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T23:28:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:28, 4 August 2026
Line 79:		Line 79:

	==== Architecture and Settlments ====		==== Architecture and Settlments ====
	Hollowed ~~settlements branch out~~. ~~They expand into stone~~, consisting of ~~densely interwoven chambers, shafts~~, and ~~galleries~~.		There is but one entrance and exit to reach the Hollowed: Krevaleth Gyre. This consists of an isolated staircase above which is a large, suspended structure consisting of several rings, with a white spiral in the middle. Both of these have been present since the days of the Choirs and therefore have not been constructed by the Hollowed themselves.

	~~There is but one entrance and exit to reach the~~ Hollowed~~: Krevaleth Gyre~~. ~~This consists of an isolated staircase above which is a large~~, ~~suspended structure~~ consisting of ~~several rings~~, ~~with a white spiral in the middle. Both of these have been present since the days of the Choirs~~ and ~~therefore have not been constructed by the Hollowed themselves~~.		Hollowed settlements branch out. They expand into stone under the ocean floor, consisting of densely interwoven chambers, shafts, and galleries.

	Architectural design prioritizes acoustic clarity. Many surfaces are smooth to support echo-friendly navigation, wayfinding relies on texture rather than visual signage (wall-relief), and louder communal spaces are situated apart from quieter residential areas.		Architectural design prioritizes acoustic clarity. Many surfaces are smooth to support echo-friendly navigation, wayfinding relies on texture rather than visual signage (wall-relief), and louder communal spaces are situated apart from quieter residential areas.

HotDogDobby at 23:27, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T23:27:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:27, 4 August 2026
Line 79:		Line 79:

	==== Architecture and Settlments ====		==== Architecture and Settlments ====
	Hollowed settlements branch out ~~from renovated ancient cities~~. They ~~have been expanding~~ into stone, consisting of densely interwoven chambers, shafts, and galleries. ~~Many newer sections are constructed~~ to ~~brush~~ the ~~edges~~ of ~~caves~~ and ~~provide access to~~ the ~~surface~~.		Hollowed settlements branch out. They expand into stone, consisting of densely interwoven chambers, shafts, and galleries.

			There is but one entrance and exit to reach the Hollowed: Krevaleth Gyre. This consists of an isolated staircase above which is a large, suspended structure consisting of several rings, with a white spiral in the middle. Both of these have been present since the days of the Choirs and therefore have not been constructed by the Hollowed themselves.

	Architectural design prioritizes acoustic clarity. Many surfaces are smooth to support echo-friendly navigation, wayfinding relies on texture rather than visual signage (wall-relief), and louder communal spaces are situated apart from quieter residential areas.		Architectural design prioritizes acoustic clarity. Many surfaces are smooth to support echo-friendly navigation, wayfinding relies on texture rather than visual signage (wall-relief), and louder communal spaces are situated apart from quieter residential areas.

HotDogDobby at 23:08, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T23:08:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 4 August 2026
Line 6:		Line 6:
	Physical variation among the Hollowed is extensive. Three terms are used to describe this range, each built upon the shared root '''Tskal''', meaning '''marked''' or '''touched'''.		Physical variation among the Hollowed is extensive. Three terms are used to describe this range, each built upon the shared root '''Tskal''', meaning '''marked''' or '''touched'''.

	* '''Tskalvo''' refers to individuals present with extensive ~~skulk~~ coverage, exposed bone and horn structures, and a build closely resembling that of a Warden.		* '''Tskalvo''' refers to individuals present with extensive sculk coverage, exposed bone and horn structures, and a build closely resembling that of a Warden.

	* '''Tskalen''' refers to individuals presenting a mixture of both extremes, and represents the most common classification.		* '''Tskalen''' refers to individuals presenting a mixture of both extremes, and represents the most common classification.

	* '''Tskalir''' refers to individuals that retain human-like skin and other features, with only minor or negligible ~~skulk~~ markings.		* '''Tskalir''' refers to individuals that retain human-like skin and other features, with only minor or negligible sculk markings.

	These classifications carry no social rank. A Tskalvo elder holds no greater standing than a Tskalir messenger.		These classifications carry no social rank. A Tskalvo elder holds no greater standing than a Tskalir messenger.

HotDogDobby at 12:41, 2 August 2026

2026-08-02T12:41:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 2 August 2026
Line 79:		Line 79:

	==== Architecture and Settlments ====		==== Architecture and Settlments ====
	Hollowed settlements branch out from renovated ancient cities. They have been expanding into stone, consisting of densely interwoven chambers, shafts, and		Hollowed settlements branch out from renovated ancient cities. They have been expanding into stone, consisting of densely interwoven chambers, shafts, and galleries. Many newer sections are constructed to brush the edges of caves and provide access to the surface.

			Architectural design prioritizes acoustic clarity. Many surfaces are smooth to support echo-friendly navigation, wayfinding relies on texture rather than visual signage (wall-relief), and louder communal spaces are situated apart from quieter residential areas.

			== History ==
			The Hollowed trace their origin to the Nine Choirs, an ancient civilization organized into nine ascending ranks, which sought to draw nearer to their deity through the creation of a perfect being combining the Wardens physical power with the intelligence of another unknown being.

			Their creations, the ancestors of the modern Hollowed, survived within the deep dark and eventually developed into the people known today. Not much has changed physically compared to cultural changes in comparison of the two.

			For further historical detail, see [[The Nine Choirs]].

	== Abilities ==		== Abilities ==
Line 90:		Line 99:

	The magical abilities of the Hollowed is currently unknown, but they do not present any outwardly.		The magical abilities of the Hollowed is currently unknown, but they do not present any outwardly.

			== Military ==
			The Hollowed maintain a limited, defense-oriented warrior class, described further under Society and Specilizaiton. No standing offensive force exists, nor is there historical precedent for conquest or aggression, owing to a firmly established cultural aversion to inflicting further suffering upon outsiders.

	== Miscellaneous ==		== Miscellaneous ==

HotDogDobby at 18:33, 30 July 2026

2026-07-30T18:33:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:33, 30 July 2026
Line 14:		Line 14:
	These classifications carry no social rank. A Tskalvo elder holds no greater standing than a Tskalir messenger.		These classifications carry no social rank. A Tskalvo elder holds no greater standing than a Tskalir messenger.

	The majority of the Hollowed are blind from birth, and a considerable number are born without eyes altogether. Stillbirths and physical irregularities occur at a much higher rate than what would be expected in another species of purely natural origin, reflecting ~~The~~ Hollowed’s artificial origin. They are unstable in terms of their population and health.		The majority of the Hollowed are blind from birth, and a considerable number are born without eyes altogether. Stillbirths and physical irregularities occur at a much higher rate than what would be expected in another species of purely natural origin, reflecting the Hollowed’s artificial origin. They are unstable in terms of their population and health.

	The Hollowed have a lifespan of 150-200 years.		The Hollowed have a lifespan of 150-200 years.
Line 23:		Line 23:
	'''Pallesthesia''' is a secondary, passive sense that allows the Hollowed to detect vibration continuously, including distant footsteps and other movements, without requiring active echolocation.		'''Pallesthesia''' is a secondary, passive sense that allows the Hollowed to detect vibration continuously, including distant footsteps and other movements, without requiring active echolocation.

	Individual recognition among each other rarely relies on echolocation at all, as doing so would be considered unnecessary and often exhausting to do constantly. Recognition instead depends loosely on scent and primarily '''click-signatures''', a vocal pattern unique to each individual Hollowed and comparable to a fingerprint.		Individual recognition among each other rarely relies on echolocation at all, as doing so would be considered unnecessary and often exhausting to do constantly. Recognition instead depends loosely on scent and primarily on '''click-signatures''', a vocal pattern unique to each individual Hollowed and is comparable to a fingerprint.

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==
Line 59:		Line 59:
	An established, openly acknowledged tradition holds that no part of the body should go unused following death. Bone is commonly worked into tools, rare weapons, clothing, and architectural elements, while skin may be prepared into clothing. This practice originated during the early days in which resources in the deep dark were scarce and, while less common since the establishment of surface trade, remains practiced by a meaningful portion of the population.		An established, openly acknowledged tradition holds that no part of the body should go unused following death. Bone is commonly worked into tools, rare weapons, clothing, and architectural elements, while skin may be prepared into clothing. This practice originated during the early days in which resources in the deep dark were scarce and, while less common since the establishment of surface trade, remains practiced by a meaningful portion of the population.

	Children are '''raised communally''' among all Hollowed rather than solely by their parents. Instruction in ~~click-song~~ typically precedes formal spoken language. As individual aptitudes emerge, children are directed towards one of the specializations describes below.		Children are '''raised communally''' among all Hollowed rather than solely by their parents. Instruction in clicks typically precedes formal spoken language. As individual aptitudes emerge, children are directed towards one of the specializations describes below.

			==== Society and Specialization ====
			No formal caste system exists among the Hollowed, however, individuals generally align with one of the following functional roles according to demonstrated ability.

			* '''Click-control specialists''' serve as scouts and sentinels, forming the basis of the settlement's early-warning capability. They show high control of their voice.
			* '''Speed specialists''' serve as messengers, a role of considerable importance given the scale and complexity of Hollowed settlements. These are individuals who are usually Tskalir.
			* '''Depth-shapers''' serve as architects and engineers, judging by ear and echo-density alone which stone can be safely carved and which cannot.
			* '''Growers''' maintain the mycelium gardens and cave-adapted crops that sustain the population.
			* '''Menders'''.
			* '''Warriors''' possess unusually strong sonic capability and are trained toward defense. The Hollowed are notably reluctant combatants, and so they deploy their warriors rarely and strictly in a defensive capacity. Advocacy for offensive military action is viewed with considerable alarm within Hollowed society.

			==== Religion and Belief ====
			Religious sentiment among the Hollowed remains unresolved and fluctuates between individuals.

			Towards The Nine Choirs, sentiment consists simultaneously of neutrality and resentment, without resolution between the two. They are much at a crossroads, unable to wish their existence away, and unable to justify their feelings in a meaningful manner.

			Toward the deity referred to in surviving Choir records as "Him," most Hollowed express indifference or deliberate distance, given that this figure was never regarded as belonging to their own people.

			==== Architecture and Settlments ====
			Hollowed settlements branch out from renovated ancient cities. They have been expanding into stone, consisting of densely interwoven chambers, shafts, and

	== Abilities ==		== Abilities ==

HotDogDobby at 18:08, 30 July 2026

2026-07-30T18:08:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:08, 30 July 2026
Line 18:		Line 18:
	The Hollowed have a lifespan of 150-200 years.		The Hollowed have a lifespan of 150-200 years.

	=== Senses and Communication ===		== Senses and Communication ==
	'''Echolocation''' allows the Hollowed to perceive the outline, distance, and movement of nearby entities and objects, though not in fine detail. This sense must be actively engaged through vocalized clicks; it does not operate passively. As a result, an entity that remains silent and motionless is essentially invisible to a Hollowed.		'''Echolocation''' allows the Hollowed to perceive the outline, distance, and movement of nearby entities and objects, though not in fine detail. This sense must be actively engaged through vocalized clicks; it does not operate passively. As a result, an entity that remains silent and motionless is essentially invisible to a Hollowed.

Line 25:		Line 25:
	Individual recognition among each other rarely relies on echolocation at all, as doing so would be considered unnecessary and often exhausting to do constantly. Recognition instead depends loosely on scent and primarily '''click-signatures''', a vocal pattern unique to each individual Hollowed and comparable to a fingerprint.		Individual recognition among each other rarely relies on echolocation at all, as doing so would be considered unnecessary and often exhausting to do constantly. Recognition instead depends loosely on scent and primarily '''click-signatures''', a vocal pattern unique to each individual Hollowed and comparable to a fingerprint.

	=== Culture ===		== Culture ==

	===== Notable Phrases =====		==== Notable Phrases ====
			…

	====~~= Etiquette~~ Taboo =====		==== Taboo ====
			* Physical contact initiated without prior announcement.

	* '~~''Physical contact''' initiated~~ without ~~prior announcement~~.		* Directing echolocation toward another individual's face without warning is treated in a manner comparable to unwelcome staring within sighted cultures.

	* ~~Directing~~ '~~''echolocation''' toward~~ another individual's ~~face~~ without ~~warning is treated in a manner comparable to unwelcome staring within sighted cultures~~.		* The deliberate imitation of another individuals click-signature.
			* Loud or undirected noise within shared spaces is generally viewed as inconsiderate, and in certain contexts, alarming and overwhelming.
			* Standing motionless and silent near someone without first announcing oneself.
			* Moving or handling another individual's belongings without leaving a marker or notice of having done so.
			* Wearing an overpowering artificial scent into communal or residential space.
			* Touching another individual's vocalization tablet without permission.

	* The deliberate '''imitation''' of another individuals click-signature.		==== Diet ====
	* '''Loud''' or '''undirected noise''' within shared spaces is generally viewed as inconsiderate, and in certain contexts, alarming and overwhelming.

	===== Diet =====
	The Hollowed diet consists primarily of '''cultivated fungi''', '''subterranean roots''' and produce, and cave-dwelling '''fauna''', supplemented in recent generations by goods obtained through '''surface trade'''. As visual presentation holds no significance, food is evaluated principally on the basis of '''aroma and texture'''.		The Hollowed diet consists primarily of '''cultivated fungi''', '''subterranean roots''' and produce, and cave-dwelling '''fauna''', supplemented in recent generations by goods obtained through '''surface trade'''. As visual presentation holds no significance, food is evaluated principally on the basis of '''aroma and texture'''.

	===== Written Records =====		==== Written Records ====
	A '''tactile script''' exists for informal and everyday use. It is '''written backwards''' using a needle-like tool to make indents. Once finished writing, the paper is flipped so that the indents are raised bumps. They are read by fingertip touch.		A '''tactile script''' exists for informal and everyday use. It is '''written backwards''' using a needle-like tool to make indents. Once finished writing, the paper is flipped so that the indents are raised bumps. They are read by fingertip touch.

Line 48:		Line 52:
	'''Wall-relief''', carved directly into architecture, serves both as public text and as a component of the broader wayfinding system. Think of these as road signs, used for announcing exits, current location, warnings, etc.		'''Wall-relief''', carved directly into architecture, serves both as public text and as a component of the broader wayfinding system. Think of these as road signs, used for announcing exits, current location, warnings, etc.

	===== Birth, Death, and Use of Remains =====		==== Birth, Death, and Use of Remains ====
	Upon the birth of a child, the surrounding kin-cluster gathers to observe a rite referred to as '''sounding the new voice'''. The infants '''first vocaliztion''' is recorded and preserved onto a resonance tablet, functioning thereafter as the individual’s name. Note that there are two variations of every Hollowed name. A click, which is what the above '''first vocalization''' refers to, and then the word for it, which is given later. Children born stillborn are subject to the same rite, only with a blank tablet.		Upon the birth of a child, the surrounding kin-cluster gathers to observe a rite referred to as '''sounding the new voice'''. The infants '''first vocaliztion''' is recorded and preserved onto a resonance tablet, functioning thereafter as the individual’s name. Note that there are two variations of every Hollowed name. A click, which is what the above '''first vocalization''' refers to, and then the word for it, which is given later. Children born stillborn are subject to the same rite, only with a blank tablet.

Line 57:		Line 61:
	Children are '''raised communally''' among all Hollowed rather than solely by their parents. Instruction in click-song typically precedes formal spoken language. As individual aptitudes emerge, children are directed towards one of the specializations describes below.		Children are '''raised communally''' among all Hollowed rather than solely by their parents. Instruction in click-song typically precedes formal spoken language. As individual aptitudes emerge, children are directed towards one of the specializations describes below.

	=== Abilities ===		== Abilities ==
	Spoken language among the Hollowed is quiet and directional. Each individual is capable of '''projecting''' their voice in a '''narrow, targeted cone''', permitting conversations to be less intense on surrounding Hollowed, as their hearing is exceptional.		Spoken language among the Hollowed is quiet and directional. Each individual is capable of '''projecting''' their voice in a '''narrow, targeted cone''', permitting conversations to be less intense on surrounding Hollowed, as their hearing is exceptional.

HotDogDobby at 17:56, 30 July 2026

2026-07-30T17:56:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 30 July 2026
Line 25:		Line 25:
	Individual recognition among each other rarely relies on echolocation at all, as doing so would be considered unnecessary and often exhausting to do constantly. Recognition instead depends loosely on scent and primarily '''click-signatures''', a vocal pattern unique to each individual Hollowed and comparable to a fingerprint.		Individual recognition among each other rarely relies on echolocation at all, as doing so would be considered unnecessary and often exhausting to do constantly. Recognition instead depends loosely on scent and primarily '''click-signatures''', a vocal pattern unique to each individual Hollowed and comparable to a fingerprint.

	~~Spoken language among the Hollowed is quiet and directional~~. ~~Each~~ individual is ~~capable~~ of '''~~projecting~~''' ~~their voice~~ in a '''~~narrow~~, ~~targeted cone~~''', ~~permitting conversations~~ to ~~be less intense~~ on surrounding Hollowed, as their ~~hearing~~ is ~~exceptional~~.		=== Culture ===

			===== Notable Phrases =====

			===== Etiquette Taboo =====

			* '''Physical contact''' initiated without prior announcement.

			* Directing '''echolocation''' toward another individual's face without warning is treated in a manner comparable to unwelcome staring within sighted cultures.

			* The deliberate '''imitation''' of another individuals click-signature.
			* '''Loud''' or '''undirected noise''' within shared spaces is generally viewed as inconsiderate, and in certain contexts, alarming and overwhelming.

			===== Diet =====
			The Hollowed diet consists primarily of '''cultivated fungi''', '''subterranean roots''' and produce, and cave-dwelling '''fauna''', supplemented in recent generations by goods obtained through '''surface trade'''. As visual presentation holds no significance, food is evaluated principally on the basis of '''aroma and texture'''.

			===== Written Records =====
			A '''tactile script''' exists for informal and everyday use. It is '''written backwards''' using a needle-like tool to make indents. Once finished writing, the paper is flipped so that the indents are raised bumps. They are read by fingertip touch.

			'''Formal record-keeping''', however, relies primarily on resonance tablets. These consist of carved slabs of stone or bone that are read through sound produced by dragging a tool along the spiraling grooves. Specialists trained in this discipline, for both writing and reading (or hearing, in this case) are referred to as '''stone readers'''.

			'''Wall-relief''', carved directly into architecture, serves both as public text and as a component of the broader wayfinding system. Think of these as road signs, used for announcing exits, current location, warnings, etc.

			===== Birth, Death, and Use of Remains =====
			Upon the birth of a child, the surrounding kin-cluster gathers to observe a rite referred to as '''sounding the new voice'''. The infants '''first vocaliztion''' is recorded and preserved onto a resonance tablet, functioning thereafter as the individual’s name. Note that there are two variations of every Hollowed name. A click, which is what the above '''first vocalization''' refers to, and then the word for it, which is given later. Children born stillborn are subject to the same rite, only with a blank tablet.

			'''Mourning''' does not last long as death is frequent, however it is done with great care. The deceased have their '''vocalization tablet''' retrieved and sounded every day for a period of one week before it is buried alongside the deceased individual. Certain close kin can retain bones or other parts from the deceased.

	~~A separate system~~, ~~referred to as '''click-song'''~~, ~~allows for the transmition of compressed sensory impressions~~. This ~~can be used to transmit near-perfect depictions~~ of ~~anything a Hollowed has ‘seen’ (echolocated)~~, ~~similar to~~ a ~~photograph being handed between individuals. It can only be done by very close proximity or physical touch~~.		An established, openly acknowledged tradition holds that no part of the body should go unused following death. Bone is commonly worked into tools, rare weapons, clothing, and architectural elements, while skin may be prepared into clothing. This practice originated during the early days in which resources in the deep dark were scarce and, while less common since the establishment of surface trade, remains practiced by a meaningful portion of the population.

	~~=== Culture ===~~		Children are '''raised communally''' among all Hollowed rather than solely by their parents. Instruction in click-song typically precedes formal spoken language. As individual aptitudes emerge, children are directed towards one of the specializations describes below.

	=== Abilities ===		=== Abilities ===
			Spoken language among the Hollowed is quiet and directional. Each individual is capable of '''projecting''' their voice in a '''narrow, targeted cone''', permitting conversations to be less intense on surrounding Hollowed, as their hearing is exceptional.

	~~==== Physical prowess ====~~		A separate system, referred to as '''click-song''', allows for the transmition of compressed sensory impressions. This can be used to transmit near-perfect depictions of anything a Hollowed has ‘seen’ (echolocated), similar to a photograph being handed between individuals. It can only be done by very close proximity or physical touch.
	~~The Hollowed are blind~~, ~~and at times~~, ~~may not posses eyes whatsoever~~. ~~However~~, ~~they have excellent hearing. Using echolocation and sensing the general tremors around them is how they get around from place~~ to ~~place~~. ~~They are also much stronger physically than the average human~~.

	==== Mental ~~prowess~~ ====		==== Mental and Magical Prowess ====
	There is little to no difference between a ~~stygian’s~~ cognition and that of a human.		There is little to no difference between a Hollowed’s cognition and that of a human.

	~~==== Magical prowess ====~~		The magical abilities of the Hollowed is currently unknown, but they do not present any outwardly.
	The magical abilities of the Hollowed is currently unknown.

	== Miscellaneous ==		== Miscellaneous ==

HotDogDobby at 17:23, 30 July 2026

2026-07-30T17:23:09Z

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 The majority of the Hollowed are blind from birth, and a considerable number are born without eyes altogether. Stillbirths and physical irregularities occur at a much higher rate than what would be expected in another species of purely natural origin, reflecting The Hollowed’s artificial origin. They are unstable in terms of their population and health.
 === Culture ===
 === Abilities ===

HotDogDobby at 15:48, 30 July 2026

2026-07-30T15:48:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:48, 30 July 2026
Line 14:		Line 14:
	These classifications carry no social rank. A Tskalvo elder holds no greater standing than a Tskalir messenger.		These classifications carry no social rank. A Tskalvo elder holds no greater standing than a Tskalir messenger.

	The majority of the Hollowed are blind from birth, and a considerable number are born without eyes altogether. Stillbirths and physical irregularities occur at a much higher rate than would be expected in another species of purely natural origin, reflecting The Hollowed’s ~~own~~ artificial origin. They are unstable in terms of their population and health.		The majority of the Hollowed are blind from birth, and a considerable number are born without eyes altogether. Stillbirths and physical irregularities occur at a much higher rate than what would be expected in another species of purely natural origin, reflecting The Hollowed’s artificial origin. They are unstable in terms of their population and health.

	=== Culture ===		=== Culture ===

HotDogDobby at 15:44, 30 July 2026

2026-07-30T15:44:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:44, 30 July 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<big>⚠︎</big> <small>'''Content Warning:''' The following text contains brief discussions of stillbirth, disfigurement, as well as the skinning and utilization of hides.</small><blockquote>'''The Hollowed''', or '''''Vacuumanis cavus,''''' are a race descended from the failed experiments of '''[[The Nine Choirs]]''', an ancient civilization that attempted to harness the biology of the Warden. The Hollowed are almost universally blind, navigate primarily through echolocation, and vary considerably in appearance, though they all bear some form of Warden characteristics. Over many generations of survival within the deep dark, they have developed a culture wholly their own, distinct from that of the civilization which created them.</blockquote>		<big>⚠︎</big> <small>'''Content Warning:''' The following text contains brief discussions of stillbirth, disfigurement, as well as the skinning and utilization of hides.</small>

			W.I.P<blockquote>'''The Hollowed''', or '''''Vacuumanis cavus,''''' are a race descended from the failed experiments of '''[[The Nine Choirs]]''', an ancient civilization that attempted to harness the biology of the Warden. The Hollowed are almost universally blind, navigate primarily through echolocation, and vary considerably in appearance, though they all bear some form of Warden characteristics. Over many generations of survival within the deep dark, they have developed a culture wholly their own, distinct from that of the civilization which created them.</blockquote>

	== Physiology and Classification ==		== Physiology and Classification ==