Symbiosis
Welcome to Solaris, traveller! This is a slower-than-light science fantasy set in our own solar system.
About Solaris | Guide to Solaris | Prologue
About Solaris | Guide to Solaris | Prologue
Symbiosis is a mutualistic and natural form of body modification. Symbiosis has been practiced with corals, mycellium, barnacles and other sea life in Neptune since ancient times. In the early spacefaring days, spacefarers who travelled to Neptune would get symbionts implanted to mark themselves as travellers. Over time the practice spread, and new symbionts were discovered and cultivated.
Today symbiosis is common in almost all corners of Sol. Traditional symbiosis is preformed with the native species of old Neptune, but it is becoming increasingly common to see people with fungi, plants, lichen and even crystal symbionts. A few rare symbiotes even work as accessiblity aids, prosthetics, or to give their host access to extrasensory abilities.
Coral Symbiont by Annie Stein
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get a symbiont?
When you and your provider have selected a suitable symbiont for you, your provider will help the symbiont attach itself to your skin. Sometimes a symbiont will need to be implanted into your skin, usually no deeper than the dermis.
When you and your provider have selected a suitable symbiont for you, your provider will help the symbiont attach itself to your skin. Sometimes a symbiont will need to be implanted into your skin, usually no deeper than the dermis.
Q: Does it hurt to get a symbiont?
While implantation might hurt (as much as anything that requires breaking skin might), symbionts are generally harmless and should not hurt. It may cause some mild discomfort the first few weeks as your body gets used to your symbiont.
While implantation might hurt (as much as anything that requires breaking skin might), symbionts are generally harmless and should not hurt. It may cause some mild discomfort the first few weeks as your body gets used to your symbiont.
Q: Why is my symbiont so small?
A fully mature symbiont has already adapted to the unique characteristics of their host, and may not thrive on a new host, and may even turn parasitic. Only when a symbiont develops with and on their host is that risk mitigated.
A fully mature symbiont has already adapted to the unique characteristics of their host, and may not thrive on a new host, and may even turn parasitic. Only when a symbiont develops with and on their host is that risk mitigated.
Q: How do I take care of my Symbiont?
Your provider should teach you what your symbiont needs. Some symbionts require watering, others sunlight, and some need to have nutrient pastes applied every now and then.
Your provider should teach you what your symbiont needs. Some symbionts require watering, others sunlight, and some need to have nutrient pastes applied every now and then.
Q: Can I remove my Symbiont if I get bored?
Your symbiont is a living being, it cannot survive if removed. Symbiosis is supposed to be a lifelong commitment. However, removal is possible. It will cause scarring, and some symbionts are hard to fully remove. Fungi and mycellium in particular tend to grow back.
Your symbiont is a living being, it cannot survive if removed. Symbiosis is supposed to be a lifelong commitment. However, removal is possible. It will cause scarring, and some symbionts are hard to fully remove. Fungi and mycellium in particular tend to grow back.
Q: Why do some symbionts turn parasitic?
It is very rare for a symbiont to turn parasitic. When they do, it is typically because of neglect. If you do not care for your symbiont, it could end up getting the nutrients it needs in a way you don't appreciate, such as leeching it out of your bloodstream.
It is very rare for a symbiont to turn parasitic. When they do, it is typically because of neglect. If you do not care for your symbiont, it could end up getting the nutrients it needs in a way you don't appreciate, such as leeching it out of your bloodstream.
Crystal Symbiont by Annie Stein
A Crystalline Future
Over the decades many have theorized how crystal symbiosis may empower the host. Many cultivars have been developed and discarded, but one strain of astrallite has proven itself willing and adaptable. It is still highly experimental. Reputable cultivators and experts on the topic of symbiosis have yet to verify any claims of supernatural abilites, despite the lofty claims of some providers that their symbionts have enabled flight, telekinesis, astral projection and more. The risks are also poorly understood, and many warn against crystalline symbiosis.
Neptune
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Origin
Engineered
Rarity
Common
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Oooh very cool! I love all the details you managed to bring into this article. I would love to hear more about the people making symbiosis, are they like doctors, or is it a special profession? Does symbiosis require certain criteria, such as plants needing more moist areas on your body?
It's a special profession, like how we have tattooists in our age. You could have someone try and sprout their symbiont and gift that to people though. I might add a bit about how they come to be! Symbionts definitely have different criteria, yeah! Not all of them thrive in all areas, and some might only work with certain species of hosts.