Through its glassy limbs, it gently collects biological samples such as strands of hair, feathers, or even motes of dust holding genetic essence. It then weaves the essence into intricate patterns of glowing ink suspended within its body. This ink forms a shifting map of the creature's DNA or spiritual essence, which the Encyclopod can later recall or transcribe into Mnethis' archives.
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| Regarding that method of storage and transcription... A being that lived in the material world but whose very thoughts, or maybe the dreams of the encyclopod transferred those collected elements into Mnethis' library. This creation, needed to blend in, and like his beloved cephalopods, could adapt to any shell or form it needed to fit inside. The shell in the living world would be the shape of some animal, or monster, or later... human. In the early days, these encyclopods came in many shapes, and their appearance didn't matter much so long as the shape was close enough. In some ways cephalopods, but not in all ways. The race of Encyclopods evolved, even if their job did not. |
Perfect Encyclopod is be a serene, non-intrusive entity that collects samples painlessly, either by proximity or with consent. It stores DNA/essence in suspended living constellations of ink in its transparent body. Its presence inspires awe, radiating an aura of wisdom and preservation. Flawed Encyclopod might have to rely on more invasive methods, such as extracting essence from the deceased or scavenging remains. While nonviolent, it might disturb mortals, leading to fear or mistrust. Some very malformed Excyclopd feed on the brains of the dead. Perhaps it serves dual purposes as preserver and scavenger of forgotten essences. This could very well evoke unease, making mortals cautious about their presence at times.
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| When humans were created, whenever that was, Encyclopods naturally took that shape. At times, the faceless translucent humanoids faced persecution, but the non-violent helpful creatures learned and were reluctantly accepted. They were employed in service fields like cooking or cleaning, a perfect place to collect all sorts of material, and sometimes staff goes completely unnoticed. Some became wanderers and observers, ignored as just another part of the background. The Encyclopods blend in to society, silently, stoically. When they need to communicate it is via telepathy within the immediate vicinity. Their face is featureless save for whatever ink swirls through the area that would be the skull. Some say the ink can change hues depending on the emotions of the Encyclopods, but usually is in the neutral black that everyone sees swirling lazily about. The can wear any clothes but robes just feel the best. Humans deal with the face by virtue of familiarity, but seeing an Encyclopod stripped bare reminds the human mind just how different the creature before them truly is. Some encyclopods have a condition that is simply called "Weak Membrane". Normally the membrane of the encyclopod is resistant to all sorts of injury. Slashing and Puncture wounds merely cause them to leak "water" until they are able to heal the membrane and regenerate the clear fluid that makes up their substance. Weak Membrane encyclopods however damage more easily. Healing is more troublesome. And along with the clear fluid that leaks from the wound is ink. Most of the ink oddly dissipates into the night air and can never be collected, but the black stain it leaves behind is telling. Healthy Encyclopods never bleed ink. |
I, Penumbrus, as an Encyclopd within the mortal world, suffer the complication of the Weak Membrane, and so I try to be extra careful despite my love for adventure.