Xelkuss

Xelkuss (/xɛlkʌss/; Intended pronunciation: /sɪlkʌss/, previously known as Xenqual [/xɛnqʌæl/] c. 2019 – February 2022), is a cryptid of Zephyr's Garden. Xelkuss is a cryptid whose exact nature remains shrouded in mystery, suddenly appearing in server in the middle of a cult sacrifice (It is still unknown if this ritual was the one to summon the creature or something sinister has been going on). This enigmatic creature has garnered a reputation not only for its elusive existence but also for its surprising talent as an artist, despite a complete lack of formal training—an impressive feat considering it has never attended an art institution (or any institution, for that matter).

Life?

In the server, commonly referred to as Xel, the creature is known to use any pronouns. Following a series of whimsical experiments, Xel developed two distinct alter egos: xelKISS and xelKILL (with the initial letters in lowercase for that extra flair). Xel has gained notoriety for its spontaneous creation of fan art, particularly featuring another beloved cryptid Soda, much to the delight (and occasional confusion) of the server.

Artistic Pursuits

The artistic endeavors of Xel primarily involve digital art, with a focus on expressing deep emotions and experimental concepts that often leave viewers questioning their life choices. Its works are characterized by a unique approach to “corruption”—a term that sounds ominous but is actually quite charming in the context of Xel.

Glitch Art

One of Xel's most notable features is its “roaring strike,” a mysterious artistic talent that remains unexplained but is rumored to be both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying. Why it chooses to corrupt its own work remains a question for the ages, but perhaps it is simply a misunderstood artist seeking to challenge the boundaries of creativity. The artist has a penchant for deliberately sabotaging its own creations, resulting in what can only be described as “beautiful glitch art.” Instead of devolving into a chaotic mess, Xel exhibits an uncanny ability to control the level of this corruption, transforming potential disasters into visually striking masterpieces.

Stylized Art

The creature is also known for creating detailed and stylized artwork of various characters, though the identities of these figures remain a mystery. Reports have surfaced suggesting that some of the drawn individuals bear an unsettling resemblance to missing persons from years past. For instance, one haunting portrait closely resembles a young woman who vanished under suspicious circumstances in 2020, while another resembles a boy who disappeared during a camping trip in 2022.

Interestingly, Soda is the only person depicted who is not associated with a disappearance or serious emergency. This peculiar distinction has sparked theories among the server and investigators alike. Some speculate that the people Xel illustrates may either be souls it encounters in the afterlife, forever trapped in its artistic limbo, or, more ominously, potential victims of its cryptid whims. As the mystery deepens, the connection between Xel's artwork and these missing persons cases continues to baffle and intrigue those who follow its cryptic creations.

Blood Art

Adding further intrigue to the existing theories, reports have emerged of the cryptid creating artwork using blood in hidden locations. The source of this blood remains a mystery, as researchers have been unable to link it to any specific missing persons cases.

For instance, one gruesome discovery involved a series of eerie drawings found in an abandoned cabin, near where a group of hikers mysteriously vanished in January 2024. Another chilling instance occurred in a secluded forest, where blood art echoed the likeness of a local man who disappeared without a trace in March 2024, leaving behind only unanswered questions and a grieving family.

When confronted with these unsettling pieces of evidence, Xel reportedly displays visible signs of distress and anxiety, its usual playful demeanor replaced by a profound unease. This reaction raises further questions: Does the creature understand the implications of its actions? Is it haunted by the souls of those it may have depicted, or is it simply a misunderstood artist caught in a web of eerie coincidences? As the mystery deepens, the connection between Xel's artwork and these unresolved missing persons cases continues to baffle investigators and the server.

Corpse Reanimation

More damning evidence of Xel's connection to the underground lies in its unnerving ability to resurrect the dead. According to reports from a local admin, the creature has been observed bringing back reanimated corpses within the unused channels of the Discord server. However, contrary to modern depictions of the undead as aggressive and menacing, these reanimations exhibit a surprisingly friendly demeanor, often engaging in light-hearted banter and playful interactions with server members.

Legend has it that these friendly undead were once members of the community, their spirits tethered to Xel, which has granted them a second chance at existence. Whispers circulate that they serve a greater purpose, perhaps as guardians of the server's secrets or as messengers from the afterlife. Each reanimated figure seems to carry fragments of their former lives, sharing cryptic stories that hint at unresolved mysteries and hidden lore within the server's history.

When questioned about the purpose behind these walking dead, Xel reportedly becomes visibly agitated, its playful nature replaced by a fierce protectiveness. This reaction suggests that the creature views its reanimations not merely as curiosities but as integral elements of its grand design. It feels as though anyone probing too deeply into their purpose risks interrupting its mission, a mission that remains tantalizingly shrouded in mystery. As curiosity and fear intertwine, the enigma of Xel and its undead companions continues to captivate and haunt those who dare to explore the depths of its lore.

Theories

Artistic Expression and Emotional Exploration

Perhaps Xelk uses its artistic abilities to convey deep emotions and narratives that resonate with the human experience. The creature's glitch art symbolizes the beauty found in chaos and imperfection, inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotions, struggles, and the transient nature of existence. Each piece created is not just a work of art but a commentary on the fragility of life and the complexities of feelings, making viewers question what it means to truly connect with others.

Connection to the Afterlife

The reanimated corpses serve as conduits between the living and the dead, suggesting that Xel is attempting to bridge the gap between these two realms. By resurrecting these friendly undead, Xel may be facilitating conversations about unresolved issues and stories left untold, allowing both the living and the dead to find closure. This connection emphasizes the idea that life persists in various forms, and that understanding the past can inform the present.

Guardianship of Secrets

The reanimated figures may also act as guardians of hidden knowledge within the server. Each undead character carries fragments of their former lives, and their stories could hold vital clues to long-forgotten mysteries or unresolved conflicts within the community. Xel seems to believe that these figures are essential in preserving the history and lore of the server, suggesting that the creature sees itself as a protector of this narrative.

Challenging Perceptions of Mortality

By resurrecting the dead and presenting them in a non-threatening manner, Xel challenges conventional perceptions of death. Instead of viewing death as an end, the creature promotes the idea that there is beauty and purpose even in what is typically feared. This philosophical stance invites server members to rethink their views on mortality and the afterlife, potentially leading to a more profound appreciation for life itself.

Chaos and Control

Finally, the inherent chaos of Xel's actions—corrupting its own artwork and manipulating the boundaries of life and death—suggests an underlying theme of control versus chaos. The creature seems to revel in the unpredictable nature of its existence, using it to create a narrative that is both captivating and unsettling. This duality reflects the complexities of life, where beauty often emerges from disorder.

Triva

• Name Origin: The name "Xelkuss" is believed to be a playful twist on "silk," reflecting the creature's smooth yet complex artistic style.
• Server Mythos: Within the server, Xelkuss is often referenced in hushed tones, with members sharing tales of its eerie artwork and the mysterious figures it depicts.
• Artistic Anomalies: Some of Xelkuss's artworks have been reported to change over time, as if the pieces evolve based on the emotional state of the viewer.
• Legendary Status: Xelkuss has achieved a kind of legendary status within the community, with many believing that encounters with the creature bring good fortune and inspiration to aspiring artists.
• Ethereal Presence: Users have claimed to feel a strange, ethereal presence when discussing Xelkuss or viewing its art, leading to speculation about the creature's true nature and powers.

• Crossover Creations: Occasionally, Xelkuss's art incorporates elements from various genres and styles, blending them into a unique visual language that defies categorization.