This project is human-made
What are mutations?
Depending on your characters' class, they may be able to undergo a permanent physical transformation.
To trigger a this, a Keplarian must make contact with Exospark - an anomalous electrical
current produced by Sky Spirals that can cause a range of curious mutations.
Contact can occur in two ways: By a direct lightning shock from a Sky Spiral (this occurs rarely, but at higher rates with closer proximity to the Overcast Origin), or by a shock from a Battery Catfish, which have the ability to capture and store this energy.
Battery Catfish
To take advantage of their home by the tempestuous East Sea, Battery Catfish (aka Batcats) evolved the ability to absorb, store and discharge electricity gathered from storms. In a recent incident, it was discovered that they're not only unaffected by Exospark, but can also absorb and transfer it via shocks, just like regular electricity.
Most Keplarians to steer clear of this hazardous critter.
Spark
Ribbon
Anvil
Bolt
Cat-aclysm
Flicker
Arc
Surge
Bolt
Storm
Which Species can mutate?
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Mutating characters
So far, the following species have shown mutagenic potential.
Rockali
Salbrok
Ferrakat
Gatorkep
Froskep
Kepunine
To mutate your character, you can trade Opels for 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 Batcat in your character's storyline; this purchase includes permission to write a scenario where your Keplarian comes into contact with Exospark via a Sky Spiral.
Mutokens?
Mutokens are weighty, decorated stones used by certain vendors as an alternative payment for those willing to take on high-risk missions. Trade in your Mutoken at Virkifoss to receive 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 spikes)
To add a mutation to a character's existing ref (if created by Drelteo), please contact them on Discord :)
What's the science?
Exospark affects advanced species through activation of several unique biological pathways. The reason for its interactive potential with Keplarian DNA is unknown, though it's often credited alongside Bloodlight in folklore for the rapid uprising of advanced life on Kepla.
Keplarians have an extraordinary potential for adaptive mutation, occasionally to their detriment. The genes responsible for mutations specifically can overreact in life-threatening situations - specifically, those in which death is anticipated.
Exospark simultaneously induces the required cellular states to complete/form the mutation, and unleashes a surge of energy into the body large enough to complete the transformation within seconds.
Naturally, the resulting traits are relevant to the threat, offering a final opportunity for escape.
Both the threat of death and exposure to Exospark must occur simultaneously for a Mutation to result. The transformation can leave Keplarians exhausted unless promptly supplemented with ample water, nutrients and Bloodlight. If risk of exposure to Exostatic is high, Keplarians will often carry hydrating, nutrient-dense medicines with them, such as viles of Nebulorb and Plumdrop.
'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.'
