Known names: The Outsider, Its Formless Spawn
(inspired by:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsathoggua#Formless_spawn)
They are basically a sexualized version of The Thing, if it had developed its own set of dodgy morals and political values. Corruption is the main theme for this race, mixed with a bit of transformation. Although honestly, almost anything is possible.
Also, I'm not sure what the policy is on 'races' rather then individual monsters, though I've seen a few other people post entire types as well, so I assume this is OK.
Analysis (summary)The Outsiders, or possibly The Outsider, is a difficult race to classify because it is difficult to tell if they are in fact a race, or merely the extension of a single entity. Each Outsider is clearly an individual with its own personality and memories, yet they have the ability to merge with others of their kind to form a new, seemingly different being. The opposite works as well, as they are able split off parts of themselves which then go on to live seemingly separate lives. These split off parts can vary in their roles, ranging from scouting drones, clones or spawn which can develop in to new individuals. Whether or not these 'Formless Spawn' come from the same entity is unknown, though a disturbing thought. Their most notable feature is the ability to transform other organic beings in to more of their own kind.
Physical AttributesOutsiders are shape-shifters and can assume almost any form. Their shape-shifting abilities do not come from any kind of magic and appears to be a complicated chemical reaction that alters the outsider's physical properties. Their 'true' form is nothing more then a black, shapeless, tar-like liquid which they have complete control over. They can easily shape the substance in to new, functional appendages. They can also control the density and outward appearance of the substance, giving it the ability to mimic clothing and other materials. Making the substance too hard, also makes it brittle and it is unsuitable to form effective armor. Not that this is much of an issue, as they are basically made out of a pliant, ooze-like substance. There are limits to their shape shifting capabilities however as there is no magic element involved, an Outsider can not produce more mass then it has available. An Outsider who has taken the shape of a thin individual, cannot turn in to a large, hulking shape unless they absorb and convert additional matter which is a process that costs time. They can move matter around however, such as re-absorbing a tail into their bodies to use as a tentacle sprouting from their backs instead. Conventional weapons have very little effect on an Outsider though fire, aggressive chemicals and most magic can be very effective to break down the black substance an Outsider is made off. They are hard to kill permanently however because if only a drop of the black substance manages to survive, the Outsider can reform itself given enough time.
History & SocietyThe Outsiders were initially creations by an ancient race who possessed great knowledge of genetics and bio-engineering. They made living tools and organic machines to serve them through every-day life. These organic constructs were all made from the same base organic soup and were never meant to be anything more then tools. Over the course of hundreds of years however, some of the creations started to exhibit signs of intelligence far beyond what they were designed for. The creators either didn't deem this important, or dangerous were never bothered to discover this fact because eventually these creations turned against their masters, either absorbing or converting them all in one swift, massive rebellion.
Somehow the formless spawn developed their own culture and society, partially based on the values of their creators. Currently they are sending scouts & diplomats to other races and species to see what they have to offer. Most of these negotiations are surprisingly peaceful and civil, unfortunately they are also a farce as during these periods, prominent members of the opposite species, such as scientists or operatives are often targeted and converted or seduced to their cause. If these diplomatic missions manage to succeed, then this is merely a bonus for the Outsiders. Naturally, because of their shape-shifting and corrupting talents, they are a race that often work behind the screens, rarely interested in war mongering.
Individuality is a strange, yet highly regarded concept among the Outsiders. For a race who can merge and split apart whenever they want too, individuals are still considered highly valuable. Although it is possible for a separated piece to develop intelligence and develop in to a new outsider, this is a very rare occurrence. Instead, Outsiders bring new individuals in to the fold by converting and transforming members of other species. These converted individuals continue to exist, whether they have been converted or fully absorbed, their consciousness remains intact. An Outsider that contains multiple individuals can split apart, allowing the others freedom to act. Similarly, two Outsiders can merge together to form a new physical entity. Usually one of the individuals remains dominant, though because they constantly share thoughts and information with one another, the personalities sometimes mix together. Some of the higher Consul Castes may exist out of several hundred individuals, each with their own voice in the collective. Just as they were absorbed, these individuals can also be turned back in to a separate entities.
Among themselves there is never any strife or contest between individual Outsiders. They are all made from the same substance, thus hurting another outsider would mean hurting themselves. Sometimes however two individuals clash so much in their opinions that conflict can't be avoided. In this case the two outsiders in question turn the source of their conflict in to a competition to see who can solve the issue in question in the best way possible. It is impossible for an Outsider to consciously work against or hurt their own kind. Even after an individual of a different species has been converted, they will feel so attached and comfortable with their new family that they cannot oppose the rest of its species. Ironically enough, this casts doubt whether or not Outsiders are truly free-minded individuals and also primarily where theories that the species comes from one individual being comes from.
Types & CastesConstructs- Constructs and drones are mindless creature-like tools which the Outsiders employ. They can range from large beings, used for construction or warfare, to small insect or animal like critters which are employed as scouts, information-gathering & spy tools. An outsider can merge with or absorb a construct to learn what it has witnessed. They have no real rank in Outsider society.
Clone- Some of the higher castes have the ability to create one or more duplicates of themselves. These clones are nothing more than slightly more advanced drones, controlled by the original outsider from a distance.
Spawn- Rarely, constructs become advanced enough to develop rudimentary intelligence of their own. Because individuality is actually a rare thing amongst the outsiders, these beings are often nurtured and encouraged to explore their individuality. They can further evolve in to any of the higher castes.
Warrior Caste- Although considered individuals, warriors are not known for their intelligence or subtlety. They do, however have an ability unseen in any of the other casts. They are able to burn their own mass for extra bursts of strength. These berserker-like rages are painful however and when they go on for too long, they risk burning out completely. It is possible that the other castes do possess the same ability, however refuse to use it because of the potential damage it can cause. Veteran warriors are usually more cunning and sometimes more honorable as well.
Specialist Caste- Specialists are individuals who have been converted because of their knowledge in a specific field. These are usually scientists, historians and engineers though may come from other fields as well. Although they have the ability to grow in to one of the other castes at some point, most of them rarely leave their comfort zones.
Diplomat Caste- Diplomats are a peculiar caste in that are often truly peaceful, caring and emphatic individuals. They are proof that despite appearances, the Outsiders are not a completely sinister and monstrous race of beings. Unfortunately, a diplomats job is often to distract from the Outsider's true intentions rather then establish any genuine relationships.
Tacticus Caste- The tacticus caste are generals and controllers. Their mental abilities are far more evolved than any other caste and they possess an incredibly strong telepathic field and have the ability to mentally connect all Outsiders within an area, improving communication.
Source Caste- In a way, the source caste is the most versatile. They possess a minor version of the Tacticus' psychic abilities and they are able to enforce direct control over constructs and drones. Their corrupting & converting abilities also seem faster and more effective. They are often assigned too covert missions as spies, assassins though they serve equally well as seduction specialists when targeting someone for conversion.
Consul Caste- Consuls are outsiders which contain a massive number of individuals. Consuls are the planners, regents and bureaucrats of the species.
The Primearch- If all outsiders do come from a single being then the primarch might be this entity. Many theories exist about such a creature, though as no one has discovered any caste above the consuls, all of these are mere speculation.
Strengths & AbilitiesShape-shifting-
As described above. Individual outsiders have their own favorite shapes and natural weapons. The black substance can be converted in to sharp, bone-like blades or clubs though long, agile tentacles are also commonly employed for any number of tasks. The only things that limit an outsider in the shapes that it can take is the amount of mass it currently possesses and its own imagination.
Create Spawn-
Creates constructs, as described above.
Absorb & Convert matter-
Outsiders can refill or expand their mass by converting almost any other available matter. Organic matter however is easier and faster to convert then minerals or chemicals.
Entice-
The black substance of which an Outsider is made has a number of effects on other intelligent beings. When making physical contact, the substance attempts to get in to the victim's blood stream. It proceeds to increase their metabolism & sexual drive. It also increases their devotion & loyalty too the Outsider who initially 'infected' them. The black substance is also mildly addictive, which can last for a few days.
Convert-
The Outsider's method to create new recruits. When a thrall has been exposed to large doses of the black substance, they will eventually transform in to a new Outsider. Which caste of outsider they become however, strangely enough depends on the individual's personality. These converts will first be absorbed to share their memories and knowledge with the rest of the race, before being assigned a task.
Acid Attack-
An Outsider can chemically alter the black substance of which they are made, turning it in to a violent acidic substance. This altered version only has a limited life-span as it quickly evaporates, though the Outsider can launch it from their limbs as small corrosive pellets, at the speed of a bullet.
Weaknesses- Fire & acid are the greatest threats. Plasma based weapons, or anything that burns & melts in general are effective against the black ooze.
- Sonic waves & vibrations can sometimes cause them to lose their shape and 'melt' temporarily.
- Outsiders are mildly allergic to magic. For some yet undiscovered reason, their bodies react negatively to any magical energies as it dissolves the black ooze which they are made off. They are still able to learn and gather knowledge about magic, but are unable to use it themselves. Areas which contain a high amount of background magic will slowly evaporate an Outsider which can be witnessed as black smoke rising from their physical forms. This 'weakness' is often exaggerated however, because it's hardly as effective as fire or other direct damage. Magic works only very slowly and because it always causes the same evaporating effect on their physical forms, they are also immune to any mind-affecting spells or magical abilities which is more often then not an advantage. On the other hand, fireballs are just as effective as they would be on anything else.
CharactersAnthro:
Sister #1
One of the oldest 'individual' Outsiders in existence, Anthropophagi is often tasked with important, off the radar missions. As a source, she is considered an expert in all fields and displays powers and abilities that even pass those of higher castes, developed either by skill or evolved by age. Dangerous is just one of many words to describe her.
(( Get to know her better in RPs! ))
Hethys:
Sister #2
Although part of the Source caste, Hethys was initially trained as an assassin and generally lacks the social and political subtleties which the other Sources have.
(( More of a physically oriented character. More focus on bondage, disciple & humiliation rather then all of the alien goodies. ))
Ellysia:
Sister #3
Master diplomat and manipulator.
(( Probably not much use in erotic RP. ))
Necessary illustrationhttps://e621.net/post/show/301313/breas ... o_girl-greA bit too anime-ish for my tastes, but it does bring the 'black ooze' concept along quite nicely.
EDIT: Also, I just noticed there's a space section for monsters, could someone move this thread?