Roles
From the general observations of these creatures in their element from
within Ix, it would appear that they are the workforce or machination
of this realm.
There has yet to be one found without a role here, leading to the
general belief that they emerge from the ink with their role in the
mechanism of this archival realm. How such are assigned is not well
understood, and upon insistence to talk about it, they do seem to be
able to change in their role as desired (or required, further citation
upon this);
Though given their pride in their position under this foreign sky,
they appear to have preferences for what they perform here.
Still unclear, given the numerous roles demanded of Ix, and a general
correlation between role and temperament - are they such predisposed
to a role based on character of the creature? or of the reverse -
these presumably imposed roles, causing a change of behaviour.
Whatever cause, reason, or logic, behind their specialisations - these
creatures are the hands of Ix; and their accumulative efforts, a
collaboration of roles, ensure this archive-realm will always have its
feed of material.
Ever filling the depths of the halls and lands with the trove of aeons
and realms, from the literary works, to the physical. In a hard
described observation, this innate function of collection, appraisal,
and archival, comes as a compulsion (to use a term more familiar to
the creatures of flesh).
Having not found one of these creatures yet without this urge.
Although this may not be too unreasonable, after all they are entirely
comprised of the very inks that stain this land and drown the
knowledge subsumed to its depths.
To all the visitor's benefit, this presumed bereft of mortality and
thus the concept of corporeal death leaves these creatures of ink
amicable in nature.
So enthused to help their kind and the company of outsiders. All
leading to rather captivating conversations, from perspectives
detached from their singular self;
So illuminating on grander topics, be it often vague - or worse, ill
understood. One such is when they are questioned, about why or for
whom they gather this cornucopia - they so insist that this observed
compulsion is for some Greater Entity.
Unfortunately, the spoken and written comprehensive language swiftly
deteriorates as such discussions continue in their answer, often
reducing down to incomprehensible gestures in hands.
Pressing further on similar topics approximating to "where they come
from" - they seem to fail at pointing in cardinal directions or set
place in traditional space, tracking something out of focus with their
eyes, yet never focusing in one place for long; their attention cast
out to all. A rather embarrassing impasse to ruminate over for some
time.
If only to see past the trees for the forest...
Ix Must Grow
Where many of the visitors to Ix have a familiarity in the perturbing
way that they travel (Having often used such means to arrive), this
compulsion to the hunger of Ix, will lead them to find their way to
new lands. More often, for those designated Seeker, this desire will
direct them outward in expedition.
Towards the novel, the contemporary, the alluring. All in want to
bring back such information to Ix.
It is not uncommon for the outside realms to report the impossible
thefts of notable items of the mundane and magic; Suspiciously carried
out, with but only ink stains left at the scene to stump the
authorities.
These "acquisitions" (from their perspective), will always be in
pursuit of further archival. Where they insist it is better this way,
yet understood little as to the specifics.
Should their current fascination not be obtainable in its totality and
originality, a copy of such would be recorded in lieu, to be taken
back to Ix.
The method of the reproduction may vary: be it penned, illustrated, or
replicated - all from the same ink they comprise of, often in lack of
material by their very selves.
Librarian
Where there's scrolls, books, tablets, and data stores - you will
inevitably find these specialised creatures scurrying about.
These Lagomorphs emerge from their pools - with their immediate
compulsion to begin their role in the libraries of Ix.
Usually spawning within proximity to their new station; Until their
eventual hiatus in the ink. Lost in work, arms full of papers and such
- delivering or returning these precious and coveted items of Ix.
They are the filers of the realm, and whilst their methods are little
understood - even under the chaos of the labyrinthine shelves that
litter the landscape - They have very good comprehension of such; A
useful variant to come across should you be in search of something
specific.
Observer's Note:
Should one of these librarians say that the info is in the deep
archives, do not follow, they mean it is potentially lost to the seas
of ink and they'll want to take you there without realising the
consequences for foreign visitors.
Even still, if you do not plan to roam the halls aimlessly - and you
find yourself in Ix for the depths of information at your disposal -
it is still recommended you seek out one of these little helpers.
They will know the fathoms leagues better than you could ever. After
all they are more than happy to do so, their disposition leaves them
rather amicable, more than willing to act as guide and codex.
This variant of the denizens seems to do not much travel outside of
Ix. Preferring the realm's flexibility in shape and form to perform
their role.
Every now and again it seems they do deliver and retrieve documents
and such from outside the realm. Using the same travel methods as the
rest of them.
Apparently there are some outside of Ix that can request information,
for what cost or transaction that must occur to compel them to do so
is unknown.
Seeker
These are the hands of Ix outside of the realm, the reaching grasp for
knowledge, the expeditionary force that intrudes the other realms and
dimensions - gathering all of worth and dragging it back to the shores
of Ix.
Those in the role of seeker oft take upon themselves a Jacklope-esque
form - presumably the explanation for such cryptid sightings in the
other worlds - whatever the reason for this, it does seem to aid them
in their operations.
Perhaps such form gives them the elusivity that their organic
counterpart has to their advantage.
On these adventures outside of Ix the will be on the hunt for anything
of merit that the archives has not taken into itself yet. Some forays
are directed to something of their desire, whilst most are just on
exploratory expeditions that anything and everything could be of note.
Those of this role will aim to try and take the original thing that
catches their interest, be it a repository of information, or an
object of curiosity.
This has led to many cases of stolen artefacts and tomes being
pilfered with nothing but an ink stain to suggest their presence.
How they got into such stores is such a benefit prescribed to being
made of a non-solid consistency. Where the original object or curio is
not possible to return to Ix a replication is found suitable.
This of course can vary depending on the object; but where a written
or drawn facsimile is warranted, you will find the seeker variant
using the very ink they comprise of to note such information.
Excursions can take a long time, and being away from Ix is common for
them - they can and do often make round trips back to Ix for
replenishing themselves in the ink, or drop of their current haul - as
having certain objects on their personage may cause... difficulties...
with the locals.
The seekers have a lot more free reign to go out and the freedoms to
come and go. Even the simple act of living amongst others in their
realms is also informative.
These are the form and role that most people outside the realm of Ix
will be the ones people will come into contact the most, and should
people pursue them for entry to Ix they are sometimes happy to bring
newcomers through the rabbit-holes to their home realm.
Archivist
Whereas the literary domain is that of the Librarian's role, the
counterpart exists for the domain of the physical, esoteric,
dangerous, and the arcane - the archivists of Ix.
Whilst you will find the grand corpus of media strewn about the realm
of Ix, procured and haphazardly filed in the unfathomable and chaotic
systems that the Librarians could only comprehend; The same can not be
so readily said about the objects that have been spirited away to
Ix.
It is not such that they are hidden from guests, but the nature of
such curios could spell extra labour caused from errant hands.
Due to the need for extra preparations of the items the Seekers
import, under general visitor activity it may be that they are a rarer
sight.
Though, to be said, this variant of creature is greatly recognisable
for the foreign artefacts and curios they don or utilise in the
errands. On a technicality, since items on their personage is still
within the boundaries of Ix, it is not against some unwritten law,
frowned upon to use such items, effectively archiving such within or
on themselves - instead of such rarities collecting (figurative) dust
on a shelf, cabinet, or vault.
A perk of this differentiation for sure, having access to the trove of
aeons worth of magical and technological for use in their pursuit and
compulsion to fulfil their role.
To be able to perform their role, to file away objects into the
archives of Ix, a deep and practiced breadth of knowledge must have
been acquired from their time in leagues of ink to scrutinise and
audit such items.
A necessary role to not be understated, as these items could
potentially range from some black glassy rectangle that occasionally
produces a trill of notes to something of great coveted power for ruin
- the Seekers are not so much picky about what they bring to this
realm, that after all is what gives the Archivists their role. With
such a spectrum of items, safety, storage, and eventual archival, the
Archivists take great pride in their technique.
Though the method of the eventual storage of such items are as elusive
to us as those implemented by the Librarians. Utilising anything from
a simple shelf, to a grand barrier of magics - either for the safety
of the natives of Ix or the delicate compositions of the organic.
This has given these lagomorphic creatures of ink the delight in the
spectacle of their ability, or an "ego" as the visitors have been
calling it.