Origins of the Chrysalids
The Chrysalids originated from Nahl’Quir, a planet once teeming with life until a catastrophic event corrupted its ecosystem. The Brood was born when a parasitic species encountered the Broodmother, an ancient, undead hive-mind that emerged from a rift between dimensions. This convergence fused the parasites with necrotic energy, transforming them into undead insectoids driven by the Broodmother’s will.
As the corruption spread, the Chrysalids assimilated all life on Nahl’Quir, reshaping it into a vast, organic hive. Now, the Brood seeks to propagate its influence across the galaxy, spreading its necrotic infestation to consume all living and dead beings.
Chrysalid Physiology
Appearance
Chrysalids are grotesque, insectoid creatures with decayed exoskeletons and glowing necrotic veins. Their forms vary based on their role within the hive:
Broodlings
Small, swarming drones resembling skeletal beetles or centipedes.
Necrospawns
Mid-tier warriors with mantis-like limbs and hardened carapaces.
Swarmlords
Larger, humanoid forms with elongated limbs, corrupted wings, and a horrifying blend of insectoid and humanoid features.
Abilities
Necrotic Infestation
Infects living and dead organisms, converting them into new Chrysalid forms.
Undying Resilience
Chrysalids can regenerate from severe injuries unless destroyed with radiant or fire-based energy.
Swarm Tactics
Operate in overwhelming numbers, coordinated by the hive-mind.
Hierarchy of the Chrysalids
The Chrysalids are entirely subservient to the Broodmother, with a strict hierarchy that ensures the hive operates as a single, cohesive entity.
The Broodmother
The ancient, necrotic deity at the heart of the hive. She is both the hive-mind’s source and its ruler, controlling all Chrysalids through her psychic connection.
Swarmlords
High-ranking Chrysalids that serve as extensions of the Broodmother’s will. They command armies and spread her influence across the galaxy.
Necrospawns
Mid-tier creatures that act as warriors, brood propagators, and enforcers of the hive’s will.
Broodlings
The lowest tier of the hierarchy, these are mindless drones that serve as scouts, workers, and cannon fodder.
Factions of the Chrysalids
The Rotbloods
Philosophy Relentless expansion through brute force, spreading necrotic infection indiscriminately.
Behavior Highly aggressive, deploying swarms to overrun entire planets.
Appearance Heavily armored with additional necrotic growths, exuding toxic fumes.
The Whispering Swarm
Philosophy Subtle corruption and mental manipulation to assimilate enemies.
Behavior Use psychic influence to convert enemies into willing servants of the Broodmother.
Appearance Slender, shadowy forms with elongated limbs and glowing, hypnotic eyes.
The Broodwardens
Philosophy Protect the Broodmother’s physical form and the core hives at all costs.
Behavior Defensive and territorial, rarely leaving the Broodmother’s domain.
Appearance Towering, beetle-like forms with massive shields and reinforced carapaces.
Goals of the Chrysalids
Short-Term Goals
Infect new planets to create additional hives.
Assimilate powerful individuals and species into the Brood.
Eliminate threats to the Broodmother, such as the Tyranthrax and Continuum.
Long-Term Goals
Awaken the Broodmother’s full power using the Darklight, spreading her influence to every corner of the galaxy.
Transform all life into an eternal, undead swarm.
Reshape the universe into a necrotic utopia under the Broodmother’s dominion.
Chrysalid Culture
Religion
The Chrysalids worship the Broodmother as a divine entity. Her whispers are seen as sacred commandments, and her will is absolute.
Art and Expression
The Chrysalids lack individual creativity. Their hives, however, are grotesque works of art, formed from bone, chitin, and necrotic biomass. These structures pulsate with glowing veins and emit haunting, otherworldly sounds.
Rituals
The Swarming Rite
A mass migration where Chrysalids swarm a new world, overwhelming it in a wave of destruction.
Rebirth Ceremonies
The transformation of infected hosts into new Chrysalid forms is treated as a sacred event.
View of the Universe
The Chrysalids view the universe as a flawed and dying entity. To them:
Death is not an end but a transformation into servitude to the Broodmother.
The Darklight is a gift from the Broodmother, a tool to accelerate their ascension.
Resistance is futile; all will be consumed by the swarm.
Chrysalids in the Darklight Universe Interactions with Others
The Dravikarn are seen as valuable hosts for infection, given their technological augmentations.
The Tyranthrax are a stubborn foe, requiring overwhelming force to assimilate or destroy.
The Continuum represents an abomination, a soulless machine enemy that cannot be infected.
Military Power
The Chrysalids rely on swarm tactics, overwhelming their enemies with sheer numbers and necrotic resilience. Their ships and weapons are organic, grown rather than built, and often double as living creatures.
Comments