What are mutations?
A mutation is a rapid and permanent physical transformation that your character can undergo. To trigger a mutation, a Keplarian must make contact with Exospark - an anomalous electrical current produced by Sky Spirals.
Contact can occur in two ways: A direct lightning shock from a Sky Spiral (rare, increasing in likelyhood with closer proximity to the Overcast Origin), or a shock from a Battery Catfish.
Battery Catfish?
To take advantage of their home by the tempestuous East Sea, Battery Catfish evolved the ability to absorb the electrical charges of storms. In a recent incident, this trait was found to be compatible with Exospark - 'Batcats' are unaffected by, and can transfer this strange energy via shocks, prompting most Keplarians to steer clear of this hazardous fish.
Unusual
Strange
Unique
Bizarre
Chimerical
Which Species can mutate?
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How do I mutate my Keplarian?
So far, the following species have shown mutagenic potential.
Rockali
Salbrok
Ferrakat
Gatorkep
Froskep
Kepunine
To mutate your character, you may either purchase a Battery Catfish in Virkifoss, or earn Mutokens by completing quests and entering pop-up events.
Note: You are not required to include the purchase of a Battery Catfish in your character's storyline; this purchase includes permission to write a scenario where your Keplarian comes into contact with Exostatic via a Sky Spiral.
Mutokens?
These weighty, stone tokens are used by some vendors as an alternative payment to those willing to take on high-risk missions. Trade in your Mutoken at Virkifoss to recieve a Batcat!
Mutation Design Guide
Mutations are permanent
Currently, Keplarians may only undergo one mutation
Features can be up to 1/3rd as large or small than the illustrated examples
Mutant traits are positioned at the same point on the skeleton throughout species.
Mutations can feature any flat colour, pattern or condition (eg. torn fins, broken spines)
To add a mutation to a character's existing ref (if created by Drelteo), please contact them on Discord :)
What's the science?
Exospark works on advanced species by activating a series of biological pathways. The reason for its interactive potential with Keplarian DNA is unknown, though it's often credited in folklore for the rapid uprising of advanced life on Kepla.
Hidden in Keplarian biology is an extraordinary potential for adaptive mutation. The genes responsible for these transformations are triggered exclusively in response to life-threatening situations - specifically, those in which death is anticipated.
Exospark induces the required cellular states to complete the mutation, and unleashes such a massive surge of energy that the transformation is completed within seconds. Naturally, the resulting traits are relevant to the threat, offering a mechanism for escape.
'Soar' Mutation Example:
'In flee of a raging Droevyn, Urrabein sought cover atop a tall pine of the Oskurealm. Hail pierced through the night sky, stinging like needles as the howling wind distorted the origin of the Droevyn's bellows. Behind dense branches, claws anchored in bark, he felt safety for just a moment...
Suddenly, a rumble shook the earth, and blackness followed a blinding crash. Struck by lightning, Urrabein eventually woke amongst feathers and flames at the base of the splintered tree.'
Both the threat of death and exposure to Exospark must occur simultaneously for a Mutation to result. The transformation can leave Keplarians exhausted, unless ample water, nutrients and Bloodlight are promptly administered. If risk of exposure to Exostatic is high, Keplarians will often carry nutrient-dense medicines with them, such as viles of Nebulorb and Plumdrop.
