The Ixion are a small, non-predatory species native to the vast and treacherous Klescha Marshlands. Standing at approximately four feet tall when fully grown, they are among the most unusual inhabitants of Klescha, recognisable by their three large eyes, elongated limbs, mottled skin and the strange biological light that grows directly from their skull known as the Qorvax.


For thousands of years, the Ixion lived quietly among the reeds, flooded forests, stagnant waterways and ancient root systems of the Klescha Marshlands. They are peaceful creatures with little instinct for aggression. They do not hunt other animals and possess no natural predatory behaviour. Their diet consists primarily of marsh vegetation, fungi, soft aquatic growths, insects, mineral-rich roots and other naturally occurring organic matter.


The Ixion possess a body structure perfectly adapted to the dark and difficult environment of Klescha. Their slender bodies allow them to move between dense vegetation, roots and partially submerged terrain, while their unusually long fingers and toes provide stability across mud, branches and unstable ground.


Their three eyes provide them with an exceptionally broad field of vision. Each eye possesses subtle differences in light sensitivity, allowing an Ixion to detect movement and changes in illumination even in areas where very little natural light exists.


This is also where one of the greatest tools at the Ixion's disposal comes to the fore; the Qorvax, a completely biological structure that grows directly from the Ixion's skull. It is neither a technological device nor an implant. During early development, specialised tissue forms beneath the skin of the forehead. As the Ixion matures, this tissue develops into a flexible stalk that rises from the skull before curving forwards and downwards.


The Ixion's Qorvax contains specialised bioluminescent cells called girocytes, which are supplied by a dense network of blood vessels running through the appendage. These cells produce light through a controlled chemical reaction that generates almost no heat.


The Ixion can consciously regulate the intensity of the Lumen by altering blood flow and nutrient supply. It can produce anything from a faint amber glow to enough illumination to light several metres of surrounding terrain, or extinguish the organ almost completely. The Qorvax normally produces a warm amber or yellow-orange light. Rare genetic variations have produced pale green, white and occasionally reddish luminescence.


Beyond illumination, the Qorvax serves as an important social signalling organ. Ixion can pulse their lights in specific rhythms, allowing individuals to communicate across darkness and dense vegetation. Groups have been observed synchronising their Qorvax, creating complex patterns that appear almost like silent conversation.


Despite their strange appearance, Ixion are remarkably gentle creatures. They live in small family groups known as giger's, generally consisting of between five and twelve individuals. Larger communities can form around areas with abundant food, clean water and suitable shelter. Ixion communicate using low-frequency vocalisations, body movements, gestures and changes in Qorvax illumination.


Their social bonds are particularly strong. Individuals within a giger remain close while travelling, sleeping and feeding, with younger members generally positioned between older members when moving through dangerous territory. They possess no natural weapons and when confronted by danger, an Ixion's first response is usually to become completely still. Just as quickly as they can light up their Qorvax, they can extinguish it, all in complete synchronicity with one another, allowing an entire group to vanish into the darkness.


Their mottled skin provides excellent camouflage against wet bark, mud, stone and marsh vegetation. When motionless, a concealed Ixion can be remarkably difficult to detect. Only when remaining hidden is impossible will the creature retreat.


Ixion can move surprisingly quickly when frightened. Their long limbs allow them to scramble through tangled roots, climb trees and cross shallow water with considerable speed. They can run powerfully on just their two hind legs, but are just as agile, if not more so, when running on all fours.


Ancient Children of Klescha


The Ixion are believed to have inhabited the Klescha Marshlands for thousands of years. Ancient markings discovered on partially submerged stone structures depict three-eyed creatures carrying lights above their heads, suggesting that the species predates many of the more recent civilisations that have occupied the region.


It is believed the Ixion evolved within the marshes themselves, gradually developing their unique physiology in response to the permanent darkness, dense vegetation and unpredictable environment. The relationship between the Ixion and the marsh ecosystem is unusually intimate.


Ixion consume several species of aggressive fungus and vegetation that can otherwise spread rapidly through stagnant waterways. Their movements through the wetlands distribute seeds and microscopic organisms between isolated areas, while their waste returns nutrients to the shallow pools and vegetation on which numerous other species depend.

For this reason, The Temple of Anark conducted several studies to understand them more and came to the conclusion that if the Ixion vanished form the region, then the Marshlands would fully capitulate into a potentially unrecoverable danger zone that would need to be avoided at all costs. Essentially, their disappearance could therefore affect the wider ecosystem.


For most of Ixion history, the Qorvax was simply part of life. That changed when outsiders discovered the Qorvax Lumen retained its bioluminescent properties after being removed from the creature. At first, this was viewed initially as a biological curiosity, but then, as with everything else, its commercial potential was recognised.


A harvested Qorvax could continue producing light for an extended period under controlled conditions. Its tissues also demonstrated unusual regenerative and energy-conductive properties, attracting researchers, collectors and technological industries. Demand grew rapidly and hunters began entering the Klescha Marshlands in search of Ixion.


At first, some attempted to harvest the organ while keeping the creature alive. The procedure proved extremely dangerous because of its connections to the Ixion's circulatory and nervous systems. Severe damage could result in neurological trauma, shock and death. As the trade became more profitable, illegal hunters abandoned attempts to preserve the creatures, they simply killed them.