Altered Lore

Belisenki

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Belisenki

Overview

Belisenki (singular: Belasenka), also called “White Shadows,” are giant moth-like eusocial species documented at Storhvit during Rediscovery Endeavor operations in 393 AC. Species exhibits swarm intelligence, organized caste system, and ability to wield minor Alteration manifesting cold-related weather phenomena. Belisenki defend Cais Adarra mountain from human intrusion through coordinated guerrilla warfare tactics.

Physical Characteristics

Size and Morphology

Zoological analysis by Axiom (February 393 AC):

  • Height: Up to 150 centimeters (approximately 5 feet)
  • Wingspan: 3-4 meters (approximately 10-13 feet)
  • Body covered in thick fur-like down
  • Resemblance to order Lepidoptera (moths/butterflies) striking, though size far surpasses typical moths

Wing Structure

  • Two pairs of wings
  • Wing patterns mimic stone and snow for camouflage
  • White downy appearance blends seamlessly with arctic environment

Sensory Organs

  • Feathery antennae detect movement from kilometers away
  • Exceptional long-range detection capability enables early warning system

Coloration

White downy fur provides perfect camouflage against snowy cliffs, birch forests, and arctic terrain. When stationary against white backgrounds, Belisenki become nearly invisible to observers.

Behavioral Characteristics

Eusocial Organization

Belisenki exhibit eusocial behavior similar to termites or bees:

Observed Castes:

  • Soldiers: Combat-focused individuals engaging in defensive actions
  • Field Medics: Use saliva as antiseptic to treat wounded individuals
  • Food Gatherers: Presumed caste (unconfirmed)
  • Egg Carers: Presumed caste (unconfirmed)

Colony Structure:

  • Main colony location unknown but suspected deep within Cais Adarra mountain itself
  • Queen existence unconfirmed but probable given eusocial structure

Swarm Intelligence

Belisenki way of thinking resembles swarm intelligence rather than individual consciousness. Collective decision-making enables coordinated defensive operations across multiple groups simultaneously.

Combat Tactics and Hostility

Guerrilla Warfare Patterns

Documented by Temera Singh, Grand Admiral (February 393 AC):

Tactics employed:

  • Ambushes on convoys and hunting parties
  • Sabotage of vehicles and installations
  • Persistent harassment campaigns
  • Expert use of camouflage for surprise attacks

Escalation Pattern: First recorded attack occurred when hunting party ventured into tundra. Belisenki appeared without warning, forcing trappers to retreat and abandon supplies and equipment. Since initial encounter, incidents increased with growing damage to Rediscovery Endeavor operations.

Geographic Distribution and Aggression Gradient

Belisenki relatively scarce in tundra and taiga regions. However, closer Rediscovery Endeavor forces approach Cais Adarra, more aggressive and dangerous Belisenki become. Suggests territorial defense behavior centered on mountain.

Daily Clashes

By February 393 AC, what were sporadic skirmishes escalated into daily clashes. Expedition leadership feared frequency would only continue increasing as forces approached Cais Adarra.

Alteration Capabilities

Minor Alteration Manifestation

Most unsettling aspect of Belisenki: Ability to wield minor Alteration with remarkable force. Capabilities include:

  • Manifesting snow
  • Manifesting ice
  • Creating other cold-related weather phenomena

Life Force Drain

Belisenki appear to resort to Alteration only as last resort, as ability drains their life force. This limitation suggests Alteration use carries significant biological cost.

Combat Application

Witnesses reported Axiom Reprocessor entirely encased in ice after being attacked by swarm of Belisenki. Demonstrates lethal potential when Alteration deployed in coordinated swarm attack.

393 AC Encounters

T21 - Arctic Expedition Attack (Early 393 AC)

Unnamed Muna Alterer on hunting expedition encountered coordinated Belisenki response after attempting to hunt white stag:

Pursuit Characteristics:

  • White moth-like creatures camouflaged perfectly against birch forest
  • Fore and hind wings beat in rhythmic unison (eerie, hypnotic dance)
  • Silk-like threads ripple like fur
  • Swarmed in numbers sufficient to darken tempestuous sky
  • Pursued lone expedition member back to camp

Arctic Camp Attack: While one Alterer away hunting, expedition camp attacked. Evidence found upon return:

  • Campfire extinguished, ashes cold
  • Tent surfaces frozen solid and rigid
  • Claw marks visible
  • Shredded ground
  • Slashed tent fabric
  • Camp completely abandoned, all 6 personnel (2+ Muna Alterers, additional Alterers, 3 Bravos swordsmen) missing
  • No bodies found

Encounter Details: Lone Alterer described experience: “From huntress, I’ve become prey. Wingbeats. The snow rises like a shroud.”

Sound of wings described as dull, persistent thrum - unnerving drone. Belisenki hovered above pursuing Alterer, closing in as expedition member discovered abandoned camp.

L21 - Expeditionary Corps Hostilities (February 393 AC)

Temera Singh documented systematic campaign against Rediscovery Endeavor operations:

Environmental Impact: Already harsh arctic environment compounded by constant fear of attack. Expedition members unable to safely hunt, gather supplies, or conduct normal operations without Belisenki interference.

Diplomatic Attempts

Muna Negotiations

Muna attempted negotiation using The Skein, but every diplomatic effort ended in failure. Belisenki appear to be protecting Cais Adarra mountain, preventing anyone from approaching regardless of stated intentions.

Inability to communicate suggests either:

  • Belisenki lack capacity for complex communication
  • Belisenki prioritize territorial defense over negotiation
  • Swarm intelligence incompatible with The Skein-based communication methods

Ordis Communication Debate

Ordis debated whether by calling upon Coalescence they could link minds to Belisenki and establish communication or understanding. However, Ordis hierarchy reluctant to welcome alien psyche into The Gestalt - hesitation considered understandable and prudent by expedition leadership.

Expedition Context

Tumult Warning

Yzmir augurs sensed coming of powerful wave of The Tumult. Rediscovery Endeavor forces must find shelter, have no choice but to press forward and attempt to reach safety of Oasis at Cais Adarra despite Belisenki opposition.

Expedition leadership noted: “Under different circumstances, we might turn back and leave them in peace, but we must find shelter… If only we could make them understand that we mean no harm.”

Strategic Dilemma

Belisenki hostilities created impossible situation: Expedition requires shelter from approaching The Tumult wave at Cais Adarra Oasis, but Belisenki defend mountain with increasing aggression. Every attempt at peaceful resolution failed, forcing potential violent confrontation to ensure expedition survival.

Scientific Classification

Taxonomic Resemblance

Axiom zoologists noted striking resemblance to order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), though size far surpasses any known terrestrial moth species.

Reproduction

Method of reproduction presumed to involve eggs based on observed caste system, though not definitively confirmed. If eusocial structure matches termites/bees, likely involves queen laying eggs with worker castes caring for developing young.

Evolutionary Questions

Unknown whether Belisenki represent:

Habitat Adaptation

Belisenki perfectly adapted to Storhvit arctic environment with white camouflage, cold-weather physiology, and Alteration capabilities aligned with ice/snow manifestation.

Detailed Combat Encounters

T23 - February 393 AC Night Attack on Shared Expedition Camp

Belisenki swarm attacked shared expedition camp during night, triggering Yzmir alert wards set around perimeter.

Strategic Implications: Attack demonstrated Belisenki could coordinate night assaults on defended positions, overwhelm individual defenders through swarm tactics, and manipulate arctic environment to enhance attack effectiveness. Required Exalt-level Alteration display to repel, making sustained operations at Storvhit extremely costly in Mana resources.

Threat Assessment

By February 393 AC, Belisenki represented significant tactical obstacle to Rediscovery Endeavor operations:

Confirmed Capabilities:

  • Large-scale coordinated attacks
  • Complete camp evacuation/capture of 6-person expedition
  • Ice encasement of armored Axiom vehicles
  • Guerrilla warfare sustained over weeks
  • Territory denial through persistent harassment

Unknown Factors:

  • Colony size and total population
  • Maximum swarm size for coordinated attack
  • Full extent of Alteration capabilities
  • Willingness to engage in large-scale battle vs harassment
  • Potential for communication/negotiation

Strategic Impact: Expedition cannot retreat due to approaching The Tumult wave. Cannot negotiate with Belisenki. Must either find alternative route to Cais Adarra Oasis or engage in direct confrontation with defending swarms.

Role as Kuraokami’s Jailers - March 393 AC

Belisenki serve as de facto jailers for Kuraokami, primordial dragon Oneiros imprisoned at heart of Cais Adarra. Species benefits from Kuraokami’s imprisonment, thriving within biome that dragon unwillingly helped create through its continued presence transforming region into perpetually frozen expanse. Defensive behavior protecting mountain represents protection of ecosystem and species settled in environment. Temera Singh noted freeing Kuraokami would likely destroy Oasis and harm Belisenki along with other settled species. Strategic dilemma: The Concord requires aiding Oneiros, but doing so would eliminate Belisenki’s habitat. Expedition leadership considered Kuraokami’s liberation as last resort if Belisenki hostilities continue escalating with no compromise reached.

Symbiotic Relationship with Mana Moths - March 393 AC

Belisenki exhibit symbiotic relationship with Mana Moths, ethereal moth species discovered at Cerulean Hollow. Belisenki absorb Mana diffused by moths to anchor concept of cold within themselves - ability impossible without capacity to manipulate Mana. In exchange, Belisenki offer protection to ethereal butterflies, much like ants tend aphids for honeydew. Discovery of Belisenki molts in same areas as Mana Moths colonies supports symbiotic relationship theory. Belisenki perceive animals that consumed Mana Moths chrysalides as if they were moths themselves, instinctively offering protection due to absorbed pheromones. This protection mechanism explains why vast majority of Storvhit endemic fauna feed on abandoned chrysalides - gaining both nutrients and Belisenki guardianship.

Chrysalis Deception Demonstration - 393 AC

During Belisenki night assault on Ordis convoy at Storvhit with approximately 40 attacking northern sector, Akesha Adhikari arrived through portal bearing Mana Moths chrysalides for soldiers to consume. Belisenki swarm exhibited aggressive behavior including ice spike Alteration, aerial diving attacks, and coordinated assault tactics requiring shield walls and retreat operations. After expedition members consumed chrysalides containing bitter syrupy essence with absorbed pheromones, Belisenki ceased attacking within moments. Individual Belasenka that Gulrang Oduro had trapped in marble broke free but moved cautiously showing no aggression, as if no longer perceiving humans as intruders. Belisenki swarms departed from battlefield, confirming Saskia Averina’s theory that chrysalis consumption grants protection through biological deception. Successful field test demonstrated Expeditionary Corps could evade Belisenki vigilance through pheromone absorption, offering non-violent solution to territorial conflict.

Post-Kuraokami Liberation - May 393 AC

Protective Cocoon Technology

Yzmir provided precious cocoons protecting Expeditionary Corps forces from hostility of Belisenki. Technology became essential for operations in Storvhit region following Kuraokami’s liberation and climate destabilization. Yzmir’s cocoon provision formed basis for faction’s support role in Caer Nilam governance.

Governance Considerations

Belisenki territorial protection behaviors identified as requiring ongoing mediation during Caer Nilam Province development. Species recognized alongside Winter Folk as indigenous population requiring diplomatic engagement. Muna mediators positioned as primary diplomatic interface for managing relationships with Belisenki. Temporary governance of Storvhit granted to Ordis supported by Yzmir, with Yzmir support specifically justified by their provision of protective cocoons against Belisenki hostility.

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