(muh-THOOZE-uh-lahn) [[Slang]]: Thelan(s) (THEL-ann) ## History And Description The Methuselans were created by various [[Flux Event|Flux Events]] across the millennia since the first contact with the [[Falinjorin]]. Aside from a (thus far) indefinite lifespan, they aren’t terribly unlike normal humans physically. They absorb [[Lebenflus]] directly from the environment to sustain their bodies, requiring no food, water or rest. *Retcon: After ~610 NDZ, they have had their immortality removed by the [[Voldeforms (Divines)/Divines|Divines]] (the [[Edict]]). However, they still retain their other benefits.* In the current era, many of them are in hiding or working with various underground organizations and the [[Freeworlders]]. Governments and corporations alike have long sought them out to unravel the mysteries of the [[Aloract|Aloracts]]. *Retcon: Older methuselans who chose to stay in the [[Fifth Realm]], continue to practice caution. Their knowledge and archives are still extremely valuable. New Methuselans (maybe they're more known as Thelans?) are usually able to blend into society with no real danger. However, if they're discovered, various companies or governments might want to study them. Their infusion/sustainment by Lebenflus.* Having seen how quickly knowledge can be lost on long time scales, they formed the [[Academy Of Archivists]] during the [[Ceaseless Fray]]. Which has led to a tradition of them recording history and preserving it for the future. ## Memory Their memory is no better than a normal human. So they must be meticulous in their record keeping. During the golden ages, this was a simple task. However, during the various low-tech periods in between, they had struggled to maintain physical records of the most important events. Despite their best efforts, detailed records before [[The Collapse]] and even as recently as the [[Dark Centuries]], have largely been lost. The grand sweeping changes of the past are relatively well known, but people, places, specific events, treaties, etc., are forever lost to time. This unfortunately includes [[The Bargain]]. Not all Methuselans feel the call of archivism. Some choose to live out normal lives. Avoiding those who would attempt to exploit the presumed knowledge they do not possess. ## 632 [[NDZ]] >[!note] >I completely overlooked the fact that Methuselans need environmental Lebenflus to sustain themselves. If they are away from a source of natural essence, they will temporarily lose their abilities. In the past, that included resuming their aging. Which means most of them could never flee habited worlds to keep themselves safe. > >In the post-edict era, they are no longer immortal. But they still have no need to sleep or eat. I think this should extend to not needing to breathe. They should also have accelerated regeneration from injuries. > >Again, if they are away from environmental essence, they will need to eat, sleep, breathe and heal like any normal human. After [[Rowan Warwick|Rowan]]’s ultimatum to the Methuselans, some refused to go to the [[Fallen City]]. Those that rejected his offer were stripped of their immortality. Some chose to peacefully live out the rest of their lives, but others sought out new forms of immortality. This was done in one of three ways. 1. Seeking to become an [[Amerdus]]. Many have long been aware of the Amerdus and their affliction. But living as one of them is preferable to being trapped within [[The Hub]] or finally achieving mortality. 2. Cyberonics. The Methuselans had long avoided cybernetic enhancements due to the perceived rapid obsolescence of the technology. However, it is one of the quickest ways to expand, though not stop, their aging. Many have looked to [[EBRIS]] and their [[Sehrliborg]] program. 3. Rumors of the [[Ptalar]] have long been known among the Methuselans. Some have searched for representatives of their kind in hopes of being made into one of their kind. The Ptalar conversion does effectively stop aging. As their Archeons have been alive for more than 3000 years. Some of the remnant Methuselans have grown to hate the [[Voldeform]] and dedicated their new existence to finding a way to strike back at them. Their fist step has been working with companies like [[Deitech]] and offering up much of their knowledge. They hope that it may help develop new anti-[[Voldeflus]] weaponry and ground based [[Transit]] technology to venture into the realm of the “gods.” ## Images Methuselan ![[Methuselan.jpeg]]