The Unstable Flesh

Context is the forge of Identity.

Core Concept

Where the Chymists masterfully reshape their bodies through will, the Teratomorphs are beings whose forms are involuntarily and constantly reshaped by the narrative environment around them. They are living embodiments of the idea that “you are where you are.”

Physiology & Biology

A highly unstable and mutagenic biology. A Teratomorph’s body is like a canvas that absorbs the “Eidic paint” of its location. In a place of great [decay], their skin might become brittle and grey. Near a source of intense [growth] or [life] Eidos, they might sprout leaves or bark-like skin. In a city saturated with the [logic] of The Unbroken, their limbs might take on a more geometric, metallic sheen. Their form is a constant, shifting reflection of the Tapestry’s dominant narrative.

Psychology & Society (Faith / Fiction)

Core Faith: They lack a strong concept of an intrinsic, unchanging self. For them, “I” is defined by their current form and location. Their only path to stability is to find a “neutral” or “pure” place, free of strong narrative forces.

Core Fiction: They tell stories of “The Still-Lands,” a mythical place where a Teratomorph can finally achieve a permanent, stable form of their own choosing. This is their version of heaven or enlightenment.

Gameplay Hooks & Tensions

Playing a Teratomorph involves a dynamic character sheet where attributes and abilities shift based on the environment. A player might gain fire resistance in a volcanic region but lose it upon leaving.

This creates a unique survival challenge, where managing one’s location and exposure to “Eidic climates” is a core mechanic. A player might need to craft special shielding gear or seek out “null zones” to reset their form.

Eidos Generated

• [instability]
• [environmental_determinism]
• [body_as_landscape]
• [loss_of_form]