Plasmoid
Oozelings; Morphfolk; Amorphs
Plasmoids are amorphous beings with no typical shape. In the presence of other folk, they often adopt a similar shape, but there’s little chance of mistaking a plasmoid for anything else. They consume food by osmosis, the way an amoeba does, and excrete waste through tiny pores. They breathe by absorbing oxygen through another set of pores, and their limbs are strong and flexible enough to grasp and manipulate weapons and tools. Although most plasmoids are translucent gray, they can alter their color and translucence by absorbing dyes through their pores.
Plasmoids don’t have internal organs of the usual sort. Their bodies are composed of cells, fibers, plasma-like ooze, and clusters of nerves. These nerves enable a plasmoid to detect light, heat, texture, sound, pain, and vibrations. Plasmoids can stiffen the outer layers of their bodies to maintain a humanlike shape, so they can wear clothing and accessories. They speak by forcing air out of tubular cavities that constrict to produce sound.
When plasmoids sleep, they lose their rigidity and spread out and are thus sometimes mistaken for a rock or some other feature of the environment.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Plasmoids are amorphous beings composed of a semi-viscous cellular matrix, lacking fixed internal organs. They resemble translucent gelatinous masses that can shift into a variety of forms, mimicking other humanoids or taking on abstract shapes. Their bodies consist of cellular ooze with nerve clusters acting as sensory nodes. To mimic humanoid form, they stiffen their outer layer, creating a temporary solid structure.
Genetics and Reproduction
Plasmoids reproduce asexually through a form of mitosis. When a plasmoid is ready to reproduce, it splits off a portion of itself, which grows into an independent being over several weeks. This process, called “splitting,” allows the offspring to inherit some memories and sensory experiences from the parent.
Ecology and Habitats
Plasmoids prefer dark, humid, and secluded environments where they can blend with their surroundings and avoid detection. Their affinity for swamp and cavern ecosystems makes the shadowed, humid landscapes of the Seelie Swamp and the Verdalis Basin ideal homes. Plasmoids are symbiotic with their environment, aiding in decomposition and recycling organic material in their habitat.
Behaviour
Plasmoids are deeply contemplative and introspective beings, prone to solitude and quiet observation. They value harmony and adaptation and are known to take on roles that maintain balance in their environment. Plasmoids exhibit little interest in hierarchical systems, finding social order unnecessary in small groups. However, they are known for fierce loyalty and will protect their communities if threatened.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Comparable to other sapient beings, with a focus on perception and environmental awareness over logic and analysis.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Plasmoids have an unusual sensory system that includes the detection of light, temperature, texture, and sound through their body surface. Their flexible nerves allow them to "feel" vibrations across the ground, acting as an extended form of proprioception. They possess darkvision up to 60 feet and can sense subtle changes in air pressure and temperature.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Plasmoid names often consist of fluid, melodic sounds that are adapted from their surroundings. Some examples include Orrax, Jithill, and Sluuq. They often adopt additional titles related to their roles, like “the Everchanging” or “of the Mire.
Beauty Ideals
Beauty in plasmoid culture is found in the versatility and uniqueness of one’s shape-shifting abilities. Their aesthetics favor harmonious forms and natural colors, with special regard given to those who can artfully mimic the beauty of their environment.
Gender Ideals
Plasmoids are a gender-neutral species. They do not recognize gender distinctions and instead value individuality based on skills, adaptability, and community contributions.
Courtship Ideals
For plasmoids, courtship is a prolonged period of shared experiences, where pairs test compatibility through shared tasks, exploration, and quiet observation of each other. Bonds are built on mutual respect and shared purpose.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships are fluid, with an emphasis on companionship and partnership in survival. Plasmoids form deep emotional connections, often choosing to bond with those who share their values of introspection, adaptability, and respect for their environment.
Common Etiquette Rules
Plasmoids are quiet and deliberate in their actions. Speaking softly, moving with consideration, and allowing time for thoughtful pauses are essential aspects of their interactions. They respect silence and avoid abrupt or loud behavior.
Common Dress Code
While plasmoids don’t need clothing for warmth or modesty, they often wear adornments made of natural elements like moss, bioluminescent fungi, or woven reeds. These decorations are both practical camouflage and expressions of individuality.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Their culture values resilience, adaptability, and respect for natural cycles. Plasmoid heritage includes storytelling through shape-shifting and mimicry of past events, a tradition called “Resonant Molding.”
Plasmoids observe a ritual known as “Renewal,” where they meditate by dissolving into pools of bioluminescent ooze to cleanse their bodies and minds. During the Renewal, plasmoids may share memories and experiences through osmosis, strengthening communal bonds.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Meld of Essence
Date 2nd Mortisfall
Overview:
The Meld of Essence is a unique celebration for the Plasmoid people of Astrium, marking the day when they honor their fluid nature and the interconnectedness of all life. Taking place during the warmest season, when the rivers and lakes are full, this festival emphasizes unity, adaptability, and the importance of community.
Celebration Details:
Day of Reflection:
The holiday begins at dawn with a quiet period known as the Day of Reflection. Plasmoids gather in serene locations by water bodies, such as lakes or rivers, to meditate and contemplate their existence. This time is dedicated to self-discovery and connection to the elemental forces that shape their forms. Many Plasmoids create temporary shapes and sculptures from their own bodies as a form of artistic expression, showcasing their fluidity.
Essence Flow Parade:
As the sun rises higher, the celebration transitions into the Essence Flow Parade. Participants form a long, flowing line, representing the interconnectedness of their lives. Each Plasmoid shapes themselves into different forms—animals, plants, or abstract creations—as they move together through the community. This parade winds through the settlement, demonstrating their ability to adapt and change.
Unity Challenge:
Midday brings the Unity Challenge, a series of cooperative games designed to promote teamwork and innovation. Events include water-based relays, where teams of Plasmoids must work together to navigate obstacles in lakes or rivers, and a challenge where they create temporary art installations from their fluid forms, combining efforts to create something beautiful. These activities emphasize collaboration and the idea that their strength lies in unity.
Feast of Flavors:
After the challenges, the community gathers for the Feast of Flavors, featuring an array of dishes inspired by their surroundings. The feast includes dishes made from aquatic plants, fruits, and other local ingredients, reflecting their connection to nature. Plasmoids often share recipes passed down through generations, encouraging the blending of culinary traditions, much like they blend their own forms.
Ritual of Rebirth:
As twilight approaches, Plasmoids participate in the Ritual of Rebirth. Each participant takes a moment to share a personal story about growth, change, or a significant transformation they have undergone in their life. They then form a circle, and one by one, they step into the water, symbolically cleansing themselves and emerging renewed. This ritual reinforces the idea that, like water, they can adapt and change, emerging stronger after each challenge.
Celestial Dance:
The holiday concludes with the Celestial Dance under the stars. Plasmoids join together in a flowing, rhythmic dance that mimics the ebb and flow of water. The movement is organic and fluid, allowing each individual to express their unique essence while remaining part of the larger group. The dance symbolizes harmony with the universe and celebrates their connection to both the elemental forces and one another.
Significance:
The Meld of Essence serves as a powerful reminder for the Plasmoid people of their unique nature and the strength found in unity. This holiday encourages self-expression, adaptability, and community, fostering a deep connection among Plasmoids while celebrating their shared identity in Astrium. It highlights their role as guardians of fluidity, adaptability, and the beauty of change.
Common Taboos
Destroying or harming a part of their natural environment is considered a grave offense. Plasmoids also avoid loud, disruptive behavior, which they believe disrupts the harmony of their community and surroundings.
History
The plasmoids existed underground in the deeply green verdalis basin for hundreds of years without being disturbed. They spent a long time living in peace and solitude before something happened to remove the layer of stone and earth fell from above revealing the basin to the sun for the first time.
Most plasmoids have stayed in the basin and continued to protect their basin, while establishing a name for themselves in Astrium, by clearing out parts of the seelie swamp and making it a new home.
The settlement of the plasmoid people in the Seelie Swamp could be called "Oozemire". This name reflects both the fluid, shapeshifting nature of the plasmoids and the swampy environment in which they thrive. "Ooze" hints at the amorphous quality of the plasmoids, while "mire" refers to the wetland terrain of the Seelie Swamp, emphasizing their deep connection to the natural environment.
Common Myths and Legends
Plasmoids believe in the “Primal Ooze,” an ancient entity from which they say all plasmoids originally emerged. Legends say that one day, this Primal Ooze will call them back to join it, reclaiming their memories and experiences for the collective good of the plasmoid species. This tale is used to inspire young plasmoids to explore and learn as much as possible, contributing to a shared legacy.
Scientific Name
Verdalis Plasmodius Fluida
Lifespan
150 years
Average Height
In humanoid form: 3-5 feet fall
Average Weight
30-50 pounds depending on water content.
Average Physique
Flexible, amorphous, with a density that can be manipulated for strength or agility.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Typically translucent gray or pale green, although plasmoids can absorb dyes from their surroundings to alter their coloration. Some plasmoids bear natural patterns or color gradients, which vary with age and environmental factors.
Geographic Distribution
Discovered by
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