Metamorphis
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
Appearance is a matter of choice for the Fei, not one of inheritance.
Through metamorphis the Fei can change any aspect of their appearance. The process is slow and deliberate, and a great pride of the Venusian people.
Self-Expression
Metamorphis is as mental a process as it is physical. The growth is directed by the will of the Fei. To transform, the Fei must assert the changes as part of their self image, and maintain this image as their body attempts to grow in the way they expect. This makes the matter of self-image a deeply important one for the Fei. When Fei suffer wounds to their perception of self, their body can begin to wilt, manifesting how the Fei feels. It takes a great amount of will for Fei to deviate significantly from the humanoid form. Transhumanoids as a subculture among the Fei are as old as history. There are always some that are drawn by the appeal of the monstrous and desire to become that themselves. Sometimes it is comes in the form of small changes like too-sharp teeth, but others attempt to become as inhuman as possible. While the monstrous Fei often choose live on the fringes and in the underbellies of society, they are widely accepted on Venus.Process
The Fei are more plantlike than other humanoids, and the process of metamorphis is in many ways a process of regrowth. Some Fei see the process of metamorphis as a necessary means to an end and might even hide away during their transformations, but others enjoy the process of transformation and take a greater role in curating their own change.
The time it takes to regrow varies from person to person, but most Fei take around a month for more extensive changes to their appearance.
Chrysalis
Fei can enter chrysalis to make metamorphis safer and faster, at the cost of their mobility. They can enter full body chrysalis, or partial. To enter chrysalis, the Fei use a highly acidic compound to slowly dissolve their body, and cover it in a nutritional and protective paste. Traditionally leaves are used to cover and protect the chrysalised body, but in recent years many turn to specialized bandages instead.Deviant Forms
Appearances that would be alien to the rest of the world are normalized among the Fei, but that does not mean there are not forms that do not disturb them. Using metamorphis to appear like another person is a great taboo in Venusian society. Many find it horrifying that someone would lack such a sense of self to instead seek to become someone else. There are many narratives about a doppleganger subsuming someones life, claiming it for their own. Fei become doppelgangers for many reasons. Some seek a living as a professional impersonator of celebrities, others are simply young and imitating what they look up to. Some lenience is given to the young, with the expectation that they'll grow out of it as they find their own identity.| ♀ Venus | ||||||
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I always like takes on different shapechangers and people with shape-changing abilities. It's such an interesting concept. The sole existence of these abilities change how people perceive themselves and others. It changes our entire concept of individualism, appearance, gender, freedom of expression and so much more. Your metamorphosis is a really nice take on that and touches on all of those aspects. I especially love how you included various different sub-cultures in there. It just makes so much sense, that these people would develop different point of views on their abilities and how to use them.
Thank you so much! It kind of takes what is a fringe part of our society and makes it the norm, which would mean new subcultures have to arise.