Core

The Cendarii Core is generally regarded as a Cendarii's true form. It's the entity that resides inside of their Shell and gives it life, essentially 'wearing' the shell and piloting it around as a vehicle. The shell also houses the Template, the 'software' that allows the Cendarii to retain localized memories.

A Cendarii cannot survive outside of their shell as just their 'core' for very long without strict safety guidelines. Namely, they must be submerged in liquid mana to remain stable, otherwise they evaporate and cease to exist within a few hours. Without the core, the shell is just a lifeless, organic construct. Even warden-class shells require the core to be present to be operational.

The core's appearance is impossible to describe. Even the Cendarii themselves don't seem to be able to describe it properly. Their appearance differs depending on who is observing it and when, and even video and photographs don't seem to be able to agree on what they look like. The only features that have been picked out for sure are tentacles, eyes, and feathers. Startlingly, the eyes appear to be able to track everyone around the entity simultaneously.

Contact with Cendarii cores is harmless. They also appear to enjoy singing idly while 'conscious' in this state. They don't, however, enjoy being alone while in this state, and will wail loudly until company finds them. Cendarii are particularly sensitive to the wails of lonely cores, and often refuse to leave their side if no other company is available for them.