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The hulking creatures known as the Jezzadeic Priests live in the fringes of
Alliance territory, in the Cryus 3 star system of the Greater Magellanic
Clouds. These mysterious beings, which vaguely resemble the minotaur of Earth
legend, have only recently been encountered operating within Alliance space,
although relations were formalized over a century ago. Jezzadeic Priests
possess strange matrix using abilities. The use of powers has widely been
documented because the priests utilize all matrix types simultaneously. They
employ energy controlling, empathic, and healing powers alike. However, the
use of these powers is not without limitation. Jezzadeic Priests can only
"generate" with the aid of matrix-imprinted objects, called Bi-athon
(talismans).
Few Priests have emigrated from their home world of Zygok. Those who have are primarily missionaries preaching the message that all things, living and non-living, originate from the same source. By better respecting the universal resources, we better respect ourselves. There aren't all that many Priests to begin with, due to the low reproduction rate of the race. The latest census information available to the Alliance Bureau of Population indicates that there are roughly 5,000,000 of the Priest. The final reason for the limited interaction between Jezzadeic Priests and the rest of the Alliance is that the average minotaur would much rather be poking around a dig somewhere, or puttering in his or her workshop, than wandering the streets of a crowded city. The Jezzadei are matrix controllers. Unlike most matrix users, though, they specialize in enhancing inanimate objects, not in directly generating effects. Instead of generating a fire blast, a Priest would use a matrix to empower an object to generate the fire blast. This process is termed "enchantment" by most of Alliance citizens. Most of the Priests are loaded down with... well mmm stuff! The average Jezzadei is adorned with amulets, rings, headpieces, wands, widgets, doo-dads, and thing-a-ma-bobs galore. A skilled observer can judge the ranking of the Priest by the number, type and configuration of such objects that the minotaur possesses. the predilection towards wearing inordinate amounts of jewelry and other medallions has earned Priests the nickname of "Talismancer". All Jessadeic Priests carry a staff. This object is the central focus of their powers, and is called the "Atohk" which translates into "Life-Staff". Al Atohk are elaborately carved and ornamented with runes and hieroglyphics. These record the Priest's life. To lose one's Atohk is the highest form of disgrace. If the staff cannot be recovered, he or she will be unable to generate further matrices, and will be stripped of any other talismans, a priest no longer.
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