Caliban

A created being, not unlike a golem, that has developed autonomy after the death of its wix creator.

Caliban resemble human beings. They are alive and fully conscious. Caliban are generally said not to experience emotions although it is more accurate to say they process emotions in their own way, which to others may seem literal and unfeeling.

The creation of these beings was forbidden long ago and they were destroyed if discovered. Those who became autonomous went into hiding, typically in places like Craeky Hob or in the mundane realm if they can pass for human.

Few wixes have knowingly met a Caliban and many do not believe there are any left in the betwixt above. However, it is said that there are more Caliban remaining in the south and in North America (see: United States).

Origin

When originally grown and during the lifetime of their creator, Caliban are extremely obedient. They are created through a type of forbidden craft known as Corruptions or Necromancy.

How a Caliban is made:

A figure is built of clay, wood, or sewn up. A child's heart is sewn or sealed in along with a sacrifice of the maker (eye, finger, tongue, etc). Then the figure must be soaked in barley beer or rice wine and buried in the ground from new moon to new moon, weighed down under a river stone. While in the ground, it will become alive and minded, and will look every bit like a real human. The only tell will be a seam somewhere on the body where the sacrifice/gift was laid in.

After the death of their creator, a Caliban may fully develop free will and self-awareness.

Society

Thusfar Caliban do not form communities as they are so few.

Many fear them as abandoned Caliban who do not become autonomous are susceptible to corruption and eventually turn rogue. These rotted caliban live in the local folklore as "bog men", "straw man" or other similar slang, for they crawl out of the ground and stagger, aimlessly wanting and aggressive, apparently.

Abilities

Caliban do not practice Craft nor do they have innate magic in the way of coblynau or wixes. However, they are unusually strong and may live up to twice as long as a human. They are also able to see in the dark. Their appearance does not age. Caliban have a ‘seam’ somewhere on their bodies that marks them out for what they are.

Caliban are resistant (but not impervious) to magic and physical harm. Their creators often bequeath a non-magical talent on them (weaving, stealth, etc) to aid their work.

Caliban have a high threshold for pain. Although resistant to harm, they can still be injured or hurt. They cannot be fixed using regular Craft. In order to heal a Caliban must be buried in good soil for several nights - the more severe the damage, the more time is required.

While Caliban require nourishment and sleep, they can sustain themselves on very little. They cannot be poisoned or drugged