Development Update: The Formless (Patreon)

"Though I have heard it said that no untainted humans exist in Sabu, this is not entirely true. Known by the pejorative moniker of 'the Formless', the lowest social cohort of Sabu are the entirely mundane descendants of the kingdoms original people. To have no mark of ascension, even something so minor as the eyes of a cat, is considered outrageously taboo among those that dwell here.

So strict are the social rules that the formless are almost always clad from head to toe in tightly woven wraps. Often the faces of these people - considered grotesque by many - are obscured by masks, though some are covered in bindings only. The cruel twist is that powerful enchantments are woven into the very threads of the garb, rendering the wearer unable to ever remove them. These enchantments suppress the underlying form of the wearer as well, concealing all sexual characteristics and giving all formless an androgynous, though slightly more feminine, appearance.

The formless appear condemned to a life of servitude, their entirely mortal lineage taken as a sign of disfavour and a divine justification for their enslavement. Perhaps even these most downtrodden of peoples may one day gain their freedom via the ancient gifts left behind by the God Queen..."

Ehkos, A Guide to the Desert Kingdoms

Introducing the lowliest social rank in Sabu, The Formless. Though they are to be found in countless villages, towns, and cities throughout the land, these people are rarely spoken of; such talk is not considered polite or an appropriate subject for discussion.

Those that will speak of their nature reveal that The Formless are said to be the descendants of those people who shunned, or were never offered, the gifts of Kethra. Entirely human in every way, their existence is considered an affront and they are forever trapped within enchanted wraps... at least until such time as they are able to gain some fragment of ascension.

Many, perhaps most, of The Formless live out their lives as slaves; untold numbers of this mostly unnoticed people have fallen beneath the harsh whip of the Anubites in their endless thirst to recapture the majesty of the God Queen's ancient empire.

This is a look at the basic Formless appearance, though there will be other variants for specific factions such as the Anubites, Merchant's Guild, and others (as well as a range of masks). Like other forms they'll have customisation options, enabling players to push the appearance into a slightly more masculine or feminine direction, as well as to adjust the general proportions.

Though they are the lowest of the low, The Formless have a big part to play in the story of CI... this will be the very station in which you find yourself as you begin your journey.

Team Carnal Instinct