The Anomaly - OOC

This article describes The Anomaly from an out-of-character perspective, as the in-world perspective cannot describe them due to lack of knowledge.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The bodies of Anomaly are formed of segments, also called branches, which are each capable of growing multiple other segments. The central segment from which all others grow is called the core, however any segment is capable of becoming a new core if given genetic instructions to do so and separated. Segments can specialize into a wide variety of forms depending on the individual's genetic programming, such as specialized perception organs or specialized appendages.
There is no fixed body plan for the Anomaly, they grow new segments as needed and are capable of doing so consciously. Size similarly can be consciously controlled to some extent.
They do not in general have dedicated digestive organs or brains. While the core typically contains a high number of neurons and can be considered the closest equivalent of a brain, losing a significant part of the body (though not typically fatal) can cause temporary mental degradation. Digestion functions by enclosing food with multiple segments and secreting digestive enzymes from the inner surface of those segments.
Anomaly biochemistry is adapted to much lower temperatures, being based on ammonia as a solvent instead of water. They primarily operate around -50°C, however are capable of operating without significant adverse effects over a relatively wide range between approximately -60°C and -30°C.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Anomaly posess the extraordinary capability of consciously reading their own genetic code and performing modifications of epigenetic markers in order to produce desired characteristics. This is usually done to the initial cell which buds into a new segment, allowing segments to develop different characteristics as desired.
Reproduction primarily takes place asexually by separating a new segment after its initial development, after which the separated segment will begin to develop into a new core.
To increase genetic diversity, there are specialized individuals who are capable of receiving cells from multiple genetically distinct sub-populations, mixing their genes, and selectively removing them to form a new complete genome. This is typically done to split off a new colony, which will then be composed of clones of the newly created genome.

Growth Rate & Stages

New Anomaly begin from an initial segment split off from a parent body, and slowly grow into a core. Until they have grown at least three segments, Anomaly are unable to properly envelop food and therefore struggle to digest it properly. During this initial period, parents or designated caregivers will "co-digest" food by letting the young serve as an additional segment while digesting food.
Growth rate heavily depends on the genetic programming of an individual, as once they are out of the initial growth phase they will grow such as to reach the required size for their assigned task within approximately one earth year in most cases, however in cases where a very large size is required this might take longer.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Anomaly social structure strictly follows the genetically programmed function of each individual. Deviation from the function intended at birth is rare and not tolerated.
Each colony is lead by a group of genetically programmed leaders with enhanced intelligence, which in turn answer to a a group of global leaders with even higher intelligence. The ultimate authority falls to a small handful of individuals who are bred with the capability to receive and pass on all the memories of their predecessors, essentially remembering the entire history of the species spanning millions of years.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The only sensory capabilities shared by all Anomaly are an acute sense of touch, thermoception, rudimentary sight, and the ability to percieve a band of radio frequencies as well as generate radio waves in that same band over a short range, in the nearfield region. Notably, hearing as such is not found in any Anomaly, not even specialized specimens.
Other sensory organs are found in Anomaly genetically programmed for specific tasks, such as very acute vision, longer range or wider band radio perception and emission, or even tachyon detection.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Anomaly individuals don't bear names in the usual sense, rather they are referred to by their function and number within that function. Colonies do bear names based on a description of their achievements.

Average Technological Level

Anomaly technology is entirely based on genetically engineering individuals for specific tasks. This includes buildings and spaceships, who are programmed to grow unusually fast and raised in special facilities until they reach their intended size.
Each Anomaly spaceship is a colony of individuals all made from the same genome, with all functions including propulsion, sensors, weaponry, and the ship itself being Anomaly genetically programmed for their specific task.
It is difficult to compare Anomaly technology given this completely different basis in biology, however it can easily be considered far more advanced than UDSA technology.
The most significant advantage is their FTL drive, as they are capable to achieve a similar effect to the Entangled Tachyon Pulse Spacetime Tunnel Propulsion System, but without requiring entangled tachyon pulses and at a much longer reliable range.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Due to how extremely different they are from any other species encountered, attempts to contact the anomaly by the UDSA have always ended in combat. This is due to the standard UDSA procedures of contacting new species involve high-powered radio signals, which causes severe pain to Anomaly, particularly those specialized in radio reception.
The Anomaly themselves do not bear any ill will towards the UDSA, to the contrary being interested in establishing contact, but as attempts at contacting them using radio fail they have so far perceived each encounter as a hostile act.