⟢ Chryth
Scientific name: Morphidia obscura
Common names: Chryths, Shadow-Morphs, False Cors
Kingdom: Unknown (extra-planetary origin)
Native to: Originally off-world; now endemic to Postinen
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Taxobox
Species: Morphidia obscura
Synonyms: The Hidden Shifters (colloquial), Darklings
Higher classification: Unknown; alien invasive lineage
Related species: None known
First appearance on Postinen: Pre-recorded era; estimated several thousand years before modern Cors civilization
Mimic target species: Cors (all subspecies)
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Pronunciation
Chryth → /krɪθ/ (rhymes with “myth”).
Morphidia obscura → /mor-FID-ee-uh ob-SKUR-uh/
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Etymology
Morphidia derives from “morph,” referencing their shapeshifting nature.
Obscura refers to their parasitic secrecy, blending in among Cors and hiding within populations undetected.
Together the name translates roughly to:
“The Hidden Shapeshifter.”
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Overview
Chryths (Morphidia obscura) are an invasive alien parasite species that infiltrated Postinen in the early primitive era of Cor evolution. Over generations, they adapted their natural shapeshifting to imitate Cors so precisely that most modern societies believe Chryths are simply an “undeveloped ancient subspecies” rather than an entirely separate organism.
Unlike Cors, Chryths do not bleed, do not age into mature adulthood, and reproduce solely through parasitic plague development. Their population remains small because most individuals do not survive to fully mature stages.
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Biology
Physiology
Bloodless: Chryths do not possess traditional internal fluids. Injuries result in cracking, tearing, or hollow collapse rather than bleeding.
Shapeshifting: Their bodies are semi-fluid at the microscopic level, allowing rapid restructuring to mimic Cor features.
Variable accuracy: Some Chryths blend in flawlessly; others cannot hold a stable false form and are considered “imperfect mimics.”
Bone structure: Their bones are flexible, partially hollow, and easily broken. This fragility contributes to their low adult survival rate.
Magic dependency: Chryths survive by feeding on Cor magic. Without exposure to magic, a Chryth starves.
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Mimicry
Why their forms mimic Cors so well:
1. Cors evolved from several primitive subspecies, including paw-legged, deerlike, and scaled forms.
2. These early variants existed during the Chryths’ arrival, leading the parasites to imprint on those traits.
3. Society eventually assumed Chryths were simply a stagnated ancient lineage of Cors.
Primitive subspecies included:
Paw-backed proto-Cors
Deer-framed long-leg Cors
Scaled hybrid variants
Wing-tailed burrowers (now extinct)
Chryths absorbed these traits into their mimicry template.
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Behavior
Infiltration Ecology
Chryths live among Cors populations, often undetected for entire lifetimes.
They mimic mannerisms, fur patterns, horn textures, and even behavioral habits.
Many become integrated into Cor villages and cities.
They do not consider this “deception”—to them, it is survival.
Chryths who cannot fully mimic are considered defective by their own kind. These individuals retreat into the wastelands under the protection of the unnamed Chryth Queen.
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Life Cycle & Reproduction
General Lifecycle
1. Larval/juvenile stage: Highly unstable shapeshifting; fragile bones; dependent on the Queen’s guidance.
2. Adolescent mimic: Fully integrated into Cor populations; feeds subtly on ambient or direct magic.
3. Pre-mature stage: At risk of death from bone collapse, starvation, or inability to hold mimic shape.
4. Rare adult survivors: Very few Chryths reach physical adulthood. Those who do often serve the Queen.
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Reproduction: The Plague Cycle
Chryths do not reproduce sexually.
They reproduce via a biological corruption known among Cors as the Black Plague.
How it works
1. A Chryth infects a Cor with microscopic parasitic spores embedded in their body.
2. These spores trigger a multi-stage illness mistaken historically for Crystallization.
3. As the infection advances, the Cor’s body forms crystal chambers—actually hardened Chryth egg cysts.
4. At the final stage, the crystals burn open, splitting like volcanic geodes.
5. Newborn Chryths hatch from the ruptured cyst-crystals, feeding first on the Cor’s magic and then escaping into the environment.
The host does not survive Stage 5.
This reproduction method explains:
The presence of dark ooze (parasitic fluid collecting dead tissue).
Bone deterioration (larvae consuming structural integrity).
Psychosis (neurological hijacking from developing Chryths).
Crystal growth (egg structure forming).
Chryths consider this cycle normal and sacred. Cors view it as a catastrophic plague.
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History
Arrival on Postinen
Chryths are believed to be extraterrestrial invaders who crash-landed or migrated intentionally thousands of years ago.
Early Cors were primitive and magically unstable, making them easy hosts.
Integration
Over generations, the Chryths learned that draining entire populations threatened their own survival.
Thus they adopted a survival pattern:
Blend in
Feed slowly
Reproduce sparingly
Avoid detection
This strategy allowed both species to coexist “successfully”—from the Chryths’ perspective.
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Society
Chryth Queen
Name: Unknown / Never spoken
Role:
Oversees the brood
Maintains the hive in the wastelands
Protects imperfect mimics
Produces the spores that initiate the plague cycle
Her existence is known only through rumor among Cors.
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Relationship With Cors
What Cors believe:
Chryths are simply a stagnant ancient subspecies.
The plague is a form of advanced crystallization.
“Defective” Chryths are just magically unstable individuals.
What Chryths know:
They are parasites living under disguise.
Cors are hosts and food.
Magic is a resource, not a cultural power.
Despite this, many Chryths feel genuine affection for Cors they live near—symbiosis blurred with imitation.