Simic Hybrid

Guardians, Morphaeans, Chimera-bloods, Bioforged
The Simic Combine uses magic to fuse different life forms together. In recent years, they have extended this research to humanoid subjects, magically transferring the traits of various animals into humans and elves. The goal of the so-called Guardian Project is to build a Simic army of superior soldiers, perfectly adapted to a variety of combat situations. These hyper-evolved specimens are called Simic hybrids, though they sometimes call themselves guardians.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Simic Hybrids possess a base humanoid structure, typically derived from humans, elves, or vedalken, with additional animalistic traits, such as ray-like fins, retractable claws, or carapaces. Their anatomy is tailored through bioengineering to enhance survival and adaptability, combining features from aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial animals for specialized mobility, defense, or sensory capabilities.

Genetics and Reproduction

Simic Hybrids cannot naturally reproduce; they are either created by the Combine or, more rarely, reborn through complex Simic splicing processes. Their DNA is a hybrid of multiple species, stabilized through magical infusions and ritual enhancements. Each hybrid is designed to be unique, though the genetic structure remains adaptive to allow for future evolution through magical augmentation.

Ecology and Habitats

Simic Hybrids thrive in Morphaleum, an environment specially engineered to support their physiology and abilities. The city’s bioluminescent coral structures and living ecosystems allow them to practice their skills in climbing, swimming, and gliding. They often reside near water sources, underground caverns, or arboreal habitats where they can exercise their animal traits freely.

Behaviour

Simic Hybrids have a collective ethos centered on growth, self-improvement, and loyalty to their hybrid kin. Though they are capable of fierce independence, they have a communal nature rooted in mutual support and protection. Their psychology is adaptive, pragmatic, and observant, with curiosity about their genetic potential, the world around them, and potential threats.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Above average, typically highly specialized in biological sciences, natural magic, or survival strategies.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Simic Hybrids have heightened sensory capabilities tailored to their enhancements. Many possess darkvision and other adaptations, such as the ability to detect vibrations in water or changes in air pressure. Some hybrids even exhibit extrasensory abilities, detecting faint traces of magical energy or distant sounds beyond normal human perception

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names are often combinations of scientific and natural elements, like Vithara (vine-wrapped) or Kelorin (claw-edge). Many choose secondary names symbolizing their animal aspects or lineage.

Beauty Ideals

Strength and symmetry in enhancement are valued. Visible animal features like fins, markings, or specialized limbs are seen as badges of honor, representing adaptability and heritage.

Gender Ideals

Gender roles are fluid, focusing more on the type of enhancement or function than traditional gender categories. Roles are often determined by abilities—defenders, scouts, or knowledge-keepers rather than male or female.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship emphasizes mutual growth and the blending of enhancements, as partners often view themselves as complementary. Rituals involve showcasing unique abilities or modifications, often as symbolic gestures of support and compatibility.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships are viewed as partnerships where both individuals contribute equally. Commitment is marked by an exchange of crafted enhancements or tokens that reflect shared aspirations or symbolic goals.

Common Etiquette Rules

Hybrids greet each other by touching enhancements, a symbolic acknowledgment of each other's uniqueness. Respect for personal space and enhancement maintenance is customary, as is silence in moments of personal growth or reflection.

Common Dress Code

Dress emphasizes practicality and allows for the free use of enhancements. Simple, form-fitting attire with strategic armor plating or reinforced fabric is common. Garments often include insignias indicating one's enhancements or family line.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Simic Hybrids revere both their scientific origins and their hard-won independence. Symbols from the Guardian Project are sometimes retained but reimagined as personal emblems, signifying their reclaimed autonomy.
The Festival of Evolution is the central celebration, highlighting the city’s values. Rituals involving augmentation, reflection, and showcasing personal growth are common. Many hybrids engage in a yearly Renewal, where they reflect on their purpose and seek further enhancement.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Metamorphosis Day is the most significant holiday for the Simic Hybrids of Morphaleum, celebrating their freedom from their engineered origins and their continual pursuit of self-improvement and harmony with nature. The holiday marks the day the Hybrids revolted against their creators, establishing their own society on the island of Gastrua, and honors their unique bond with biotechnology and the natural world. Morning Ritual: The Emergence of Light
At dawn, Metamorphosis Day begins with the Emergence of Light, where bioengineered butterflies and glowing spores are released into the air, filling the sky with soft bioluminescence. This event symbolizes the Hybrids’ transformation from engineered tools to free beings, a display of beauty that represents their continuous journey toward self-evolution. Families gather at central plazas across the city to witness this serene display, offering personal tokens of thanks for the advancements they've made over the past year.
The Day’s Activities: A Celebration of Innovation
Throughout the day, Morphaleum hosts the Festival of Innovation, where artisans, engineers, and scientists showcase their latest creations in genetic modification and bio-enhancements. Citizens of all ages participate, sharing stories of personal growth and new discoveries. Free upgrades and enhancements are offered at special pavilions, encouraging all Simic Hybrids to explore new possibilities for their bodies and minds.
A significant part of the day’s activities is the Rite of Rebirth, where young Hybrids, upon coming of age, undergo their first personal enhancements. Guided by the elders of the community, the youth choose their initial modifications, symbolizing their transition into adulthood and their commitment to self-improvement. This sacred rite is celebrated with cheers and blessings, signifying the next generation’s entry into the continuous cycle of adaptation.
Feast of Evolution: Evening Celebration
As evening falls, the entire city comes together for the Feast of Evolution, held among the glowing coral structures of Morphaleum. The meal, sourced from bioengineered fruits, plants, and fish, represents the Hybrids’ mastery over their environment and their connection to the natural world. Artisans create intricate food displays that mimic the symbiosis of technology and nature, reinforcing the balance between the organic and the artificial.
Song of Freedom and the Evolution Dance
The day concludes with the Song of Freedom, a powerful retelling of the Hybrids’ rebellion against their creators, performed by the city’s most renowned bards and musicians. This performance, blending natural soundscapes with tech-enhanced instruments, serves as a reminder of the Hybrids’ struggle for autonomy and their ongoing pursuit of self-determined evolution.
Following the song, the Evolution Dance takes place — a city-wide celebration where citizens of all ages dance through the streets, symbolizing their fluidity and adaptability. This final event is a joyous expression of unity, freedom, and the continuous pursuit of perfection.
Metamorphosis Day stands as a reminder of the Simic Hybrids' journey, their boundless potential, and their harmonious coexistence with nature and technology, as they constantly evolve into something greater.

Common Taboos

Reverting to purely humanoid forms is seen as a betrayal of their values. Additionally, interacting with outsiders without purpose, hiding enhancements, or rejecting further evolution are frowned upon.

History

Factions of humans and elves had banded together after the Pandora War destroyed their homes (Marblehaven and Lin'Selvéar) vowing to never allow a threat like this to destroy their new ways of life. In 150AD; they worked on magical and scientific means of enhancing soldiers to combat threats as big as the Deadly Sins. These guardians were kept in secret within the swirling peninsula that holds a long line of hiding the things that were needed to be hidden until the time was right. The Hybrids were given many jobs throughout the centuries; but the facility that held their orders and their location was destroyed ina covert operation by the hybrids, who sought their freedom.
While the hybrids walk among society, they have found homes with their own people and are looking at creating their own council, much like Lustrum; along with the changelings and shiftes that are held within the peninsula.
Their city Morphaleum - is a thriving city of Simic Hybrids located on the island of Gastrua. Known for its advanced biotechnology and harmonious integration with the natural world, Morphaelum is a place where innovation meets evolution. The city is built around vast bioluminescent coral structures and living architecture, reflecting the Simic Hybrids' mastery over their own forms and the environment. In Morphaelum, the boundaries between nature and science blur, creating a unique society where the inhabitants continuously adapt and enhance themselves in pursuit of perfection.

Common Myths and Legends

Simic Hybrids tell stories of the first guardians, whose spirit animals chose them. Legends speak of a mythical hybrid called "The Chimeric One," a being who united all enhancements, rumored to someday emerge from the depths of the Genomic Arboretum to lead them into a new age of unity and self-mastery.

Scientific Name

Homo Hybrida Morphaean

Lifespan

40-50 years, although some experiments have yielded hybrids capable of extended life.

Average Height

5-6.5 feet

Average Weight

130-220 pounds

Average Physique

Athletic, with pronounced muscle tone in modified limbs, unique appendages, and enhanced skeletal structure for durability.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin tones range from natural to bioluminescent shades; markings can include bioluminescent patches, aquatic camouflage, or scaled sections. These adaptations vary by hybrid type.

Geographic Distribution

• Gastrua