Gin’s Notes #9 – Xernims

Since I own two of them, I thought I should talk about Xernims for a bit. My knowledge is limited, (once again), so I’m just doing this based on both Alder’s example and a few other Xernim users in the Squadron.

A Xernim is the term for a parasitical entity that survives by taking in nutrients provided by its host. In return, the Xernim would respond to what the host needs, as long as it’s within its capabilities. Xernims are split into two groups: plant and animal. The two should be self-explanatory. My Xernims belong to the plant group.

The Xernims are a result of centuries of selective breeding and co-breeding. Co-breeding is where you selectively breed two species, in this case the Xernim and the mage, so that they are dependant on each other. This is why Xernim users tend to be born with their parasite. The host and the Xernim coexist and cannot live without each other. This isn’t even an exaggeration. Sometimes, the pair’s lives are so intertwined that even if the parasite itself dies, so does the host. I don’t think that’s the case for me though (I hope).

A Xernim and its host seem to have a telepathic bond so that whatever the host thinks, the Xernims aims to act upon the host’s wish. However, According to Joan, it isn’t the thoughts, but the chemical changes in your body that the Xernim picks up on. For example, in a situation where you are threatened and need protection, you expect to see more adrenaline in your body. Since the Xernim is constantly extracting nutrients from your body, it should pick up on the rise of such things and act in a way to protect its host.

Of course, adrenaline isn’t the only chemical in one’s body. The different combinations of chemicals in your body can be limitless. The better the Xernim is at reading the subtle changes, that occur when you want something to happen, the more reactive it can be. But this may backfire. If your mind is telling you no, but your body is telling you yes, the Xernim will act to what your body wants.

Disclaimer: this is just a theory crafted by Joan, so it might not be true.

Wontiferus' edit: Woooow, Gigi. You were doing so well with the stories in the latest couple of notes as well.

Gin’s Edit: What’s wrong with this one?

Wo’s edit: It’s so boring, like reading one of your dad’s textbooks. The stories in the last couple of notes were interesting at least.

Gin’s Edit: I just used stories of my past to help illustrate what I’m trying to convey. This isn’t about my life, though. The point of the notes is to tell the readers about the world I live in.

Wo: This block of information? The only people who would be interested in reading this are nerds like you.

Gin’s edit: That’s low, even for you. You still need to do a proper notes page as well.

W: Oh, I got to go now! Bye-bye, Gin’s readers. (I was joking about you guys being nerds. I know I’m your favourite).

Gin’s edit: This guy. Can’t believe he got so lazy that he even kept shortening ‘Wontiferus’ edit’. Where’s the consistency?! I guess I need to chase him down so that he does the note he's meant to do.

Damn. Just realised half of this note is now this little dialogue between me and Wo. My quest to find a way to erase ink still continues…