Blighted:

Exuvians are those infected by the Metarus blight, a parasitic infection transmitted through small arthropod-like organisms called Metavites. Exuvians can shapeshift along a spectrum from human-like to arthropod-like characteristics, undergo regular molting cycles, and possess enhanced physical abilities. They communicate through a sophisticated pheromone system and form communities called swarms.

This blight was created around 1915, during the Age of Secrecy. Blight encountered Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis, published that year, and was struck by the tragedy of Gregor Samsa's transformation and subsequent rejection by his family. Moved by the story, Blight thought: "What if Gregor hadn't transformed alone? What if his whole family could have changed together?" Despite the pressure of Secrecy, Blight could not resist—they created and released the Metarus blight and helped the first ones transformed find belonging and community in the first swarms.

Genesis and Lifecycle

The Metarus blight spreads through Metavites—small arthropod-like drones produced by Exuvians during their egg cycles. Metavites are biological automatons with no consciousness, operating purely on instinctive "programming" to find hosts and integrate into their nervous systems. Their sizes typically range from the size of a jumping spider to that of a cockroach. Most are around the size of a ladybug.

Transmission methods include but are not limited to:

Direct implantation: Eggs laid directly within a host, having a high success rate but only a single infection.
Environmental spread: Eggs laid in the environment where they may contact potential hosts, having a low success rate but wider range.
Internal incubation: Exuvians can allow eggs to hatch within their own body and carry Metavites for 1-2 months, releasing them at will.

Once a Metavite finds a host, it burrows into their body and connects to the nervous system, where it begins releasing substances that gradually alter the host's mind and body. After a certain point, the Metavite becomes so deeply integrated that removing it through mundane means would kill the host.

Outside a host, Metavites can survive for 1-2 days after hatching before dying like ordinary insects. Once attached to a host, Metavites release pheromones that allow Exuvians to identify infected individuals and track their transformation progress. This detection is difficult in the first week but becomes increasingly clear as the infection progresses.

Incubation Period

The transformation from initial infection to first molt takes approximately one year, though this varies somewhat between individuals. During this time, the infected person experiences gradual changes:

Months 1-3: Increased appetite, developing taste for calcium-rich and fortifying foods. The host develops minor improvements in visual acuity, particularly motion detection, along with other subtle changes that can be easily dismissed or rationalized.

Months 4-6: The host's skin texture starts to change, becoming unusually smooth and free of blemishes. They begin to develop nodes on their head that are typically covered by hair; antennae are developing underneath the skin. Their appetite increases further, ever so slowly.

Months 7-9: Soft exoskeleton forms beneath their smooth skin. Though the surface of their skin is still soft, it is more resistant to pressure and resilient to damage. They become able to sense the pheromone signals of other Exuvians, though they may not be able to understand them well. At this stage, many start feeling a compulsion to find other Exuvians, something within them demanding to find someone (an Exuvian) or somewhere (a swarm) that would keep them safe. Their hunger is lowest at this point, traded instead for the seeking instinct.

Months 10-12: Their exoskeleton becomes apparent under their skin, with segmentations visible at thinner parts of the skin, like at the wrists. They have intense hunger that, if not satisfied, could lead them to eat all manners of strange things, including cloth and dirt (which does, in fact, contribute). Their skin becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Eventually they experience a strong compulsion to seek a safe place; once they feel safe, they curl up and their skin hardens into a chrysalis. After 3 days to a week, they will molt and become a proper Exuvian.

The first exuviation marks the completion of the transformation. The infected individual sheds their old skin, leaving behind a desiccated shell. An animation of Taev's first exuviation can be seen here.

Molting

Exuvians undergo exuviation approximately every 1-2 years throughout their immortal lifespan. Each molt allows for healing and renewal, with their new shell healed of all injuries and slightly larger than their previous. Before molting, they tend to eat more; they also release pheromones that trigger protective instincts in other Exuvians.

For at least an hour after molting, the new Exuvian is extremely physically and emotionally vulnerable. They are physically exhausted, their exoskeleton is soft, and they are unable to shapeshift from their natural Exuvian appearance for approximately an hour after the molt.

This vulnerable state is often a bonding moment for those who share it with trusted others. The molted shell may be left behind, or be eaten for nutrition if the Exuvian was malnourished. Many Exuvians eat their previous molt to avoid the intense hunger that would follow after a molt otherwise, but there are some who leave them—or even collect them, forming an odd collection of their exuviae that captures their growth throughout the years.

An Exuvian's natural height (when not actively shapeshifting) gradually increases with each molt. A six-foot individual might reach eight feet after a century, though growth slows over time. The eldest Exuvians (from the 1915-1920s) can be notably tall when not consciously maintaining a smaller form.

Exuvians can also trigger a rapid exuviation to heal major injuries or regenerate lost limbs. This process requires enormous energy reserves and is only done in safe locations due to how vulnerable it leaves them, however.

Evolution

Each time an Exuvian molts, their "default" base state can change in both major and minor ways. When they first become an Exuvian, their characteristics and appearance are likely to be least somewhat reminiscent of the Exuvian who produced the Metavite that infected them—this can be anything from coloration to anatomy and arthropod characteristics—but this is not guaranteed. Regardless, each time they molt, their characteristics can shift towards something that feels more natural to them, especially if they're embracing their Exuvian nature. This is generally referred to as "evolution" by Exuvians, and can entail gaining or losing arthropod traits and abilities as well as changes in coloration and anatomy.

Their Metavites are typically quite different from the one that infected them in shape, but they can also evolve with each molt.

Egg Cycles

Once per year, at a time roughly opposite to their regular molting cycle, Exuvians develop eggs containing Metavites within their body. This cycle has several stages:

Development (lasting 1 month): Eggs form internally, and the Exuvian experiences increased appetite to support egg production. Other Exuvians can detect the cycle through pheromones and may instinctively offer food and support.

Active Cycle: The Exuvian experiences a strong compulsion to release eggs in ways that maximize infection chances. The cycle lasts until eggs are released or forcibly expelled a day to a week.

If an Exuvian does not wish to infect others, eggs can be forcibly expelled before development completes, breaking them down into non-infectious material. However, this may trigger multiple cycles per year and is emotionally taxing due to instincts against "losing eggs." Alternatively, eggs can be placed in other Exuvians, where the hatched Metavites are harmlessly absorbed, satisfying the cycle without spreading infection.

In united society, infection can only occur with consent from citizens. Exuvians typically work with authorized programs for consensual blighting or infect individuals not part of united society.

Exuvians cannot reproduce through the means of their original species.

Characteristics

Exuvians exist on a spectrum between their original species and arthropod-like forms, with their "natural" state reflecting their level of acceptance of their transformation. Those who embrace their arthropod nature have less human-like natural states, while those who still identify with their human (or other original species) identity or appearance will have a natural state that appears more human.

In their natural Exuvian state, they must have:

antennae
exoskeleton plates that cover around 20-100% of their body; commonly, hands, legs and feet, neck, and jaw area.
a "tail" that can resemble an insect's abdomen, a lobster tail, a tucked crab tail, etc.

Optional characteristics include:

unnatural eye colors, shapes, and characteristics
additional features of arthropods: compound eyes, mandibles, extra limbs, wings, tail, etc.
body structure that is drastically different from their original species (e.g. a human Exuvian becoming a spider-taur or having a praying mantis body shape).

Each Exuvian's specific arthropod characteristics can draw from any arthropod type:

Insects: beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, mantises, etc.
Arachnids: spiders, scorpions, etc.
Crustaceans: crabs, lobsters, shrimp, etc.
Myriapods: centipedes, millipedes, etc.

Characteristics can be mixed, and individuals are encouraged to draw inspiration from real-life arthropods for unique abilities and appearances. However, they do not have to be restricted to any one arthropod, and can be nonspecific and/or fantastical.

All Exuvians also have natural shapeshifting abilities. They can mimic their original appearance or go somewhere in between or take on more arthropod characteristics and alter their anatomical shape. They can shapeshift any arthropod characteristics, but cannot become a different kind of creature, such as a mammal or bird.

The effort of shapeshifting increases with greater difference from their natural Exuvian state.

Diet

Exuvians are omnivorous, capable of consuming more or less anything. While they can source their calories from anywhere, they all require calcium, which they can acquire from shells of all kinds, bones, shed exuvia, and even chalk or clay. Feeding another Exuvian one's exuvia is considered intimate, but can be platonic or not.

Calorically, Exuvians typically require 20-40% more than humans on average, though this is concentrated around molting and egg cycles. Some Exuvians have more even rhythms, while others tend not to eat much for most of the year and then become ravenously hungry around their cycles.

Hydration

Exuvians generally require less water than their original species. Their exoskeleton reduces water loss through the skin, and more arthropod-like Exuvians benefit from this more significantly—some may find they need to drink only a fraction of what a human would. Immediately after molting, when the new exoskeleton is still soft, they are more vulnerable to dehydration and tend to be noticeably thirstier than usual.

Exuvians with strong aquatic characteristics may absorb water osmotically through permeable tissues rather than drinking in the traditional sense, reflecting the biology of their crustacean or aquatic arthropod traits. Underwater swarms in particular may not drink at all.

Some Exuvians feel a strong instinctive draw to water that goes beyond thirst—a comfort and atmospheric pull that may be difficult to distinguish from genuine need. This is most pronounced in crustacean-leaning Exuvians, for whom proximity to water can feel like a deep homecoming instinct. Myriapod- or certain insect-leaning Exuvians may feel a subtler version, a preference for humid environments, rain, or misty landscapes rather than bodies of water specifically. Arachnid- and terrestrial insect-leaning Exuvians tend to feel this least, and some are perfectly comfortable in arid conditions, perhaps even actively avoiding water—they could be submerged without issue, but still instinctively avoid it. Those with strong arid adaptations (e.g. scorpion, desert spider, desert beetle, or solifuge traits) may derive sufficient hydration from food alone, with little to no need to drink water directly.

Insecticides, Repellents, and Toxins

The effect of chemical compounds on Exuvians can vary depending on how much their biology leans towards arthropods or their original species. In general, they are resistant to most toxins—lethal doses can make them feel unwell, but are unlikely to kill them. Slow-acting toxins and other accumulating harms (such as carcinogens) do not affect them, as their regeneration includes healing from these harms. Additionally, they are able to sense the presence of many toxins, especially insecticides.

Exuvians have a higher sensitivity to insecticides, with stronger arthropod traits corresponding to a higher sensitivity. Insecticides are typically neurotoxins that particularly affect insects, the most common of which are pyrethroids. Consuming something slathered with insecticides or getting sprayed directly a fair amount can cause more arthropod-like Exuvians to feel sick, nauseous, and weakened. Paralysis can occur if a more arthropod-like Exuvian is entirely submerged in insecticides, but they will likely still recover after a few hours. A little spray can cause mild discomfort, but is largely harmless. Metavites are killed instantly with a sufficient dose of insecticides.

Despite the heavy insecticide use in late Secrecy, the overall effect on their lifestyle tended not to be overly significant. Even highly arthropod-like Exuvians would only feel noticeable nausea or stomach pains if they consumed something that was completely slathered in insecticides. Slow-acting effects, like those of DDT, would be healed by their regeneration and molting. More arthropod-like Exuvians typically just avoided insecticides, washed produce/plants more carefully, hunted, or found other solutions.

Insect repellents like DEET can interfere with some of their pheromone sensitivity, leading to a sense of disorientation or something similar to a human having a stuffed nose. While annoying, the Exuvian can tolerate it.

Abilities

Exuviation/Molting: Regular molting cycle every 1-2 years, plus emergency molting for rapid healing.
Shapeshifting: Ability to shift between human-like and arthropod-like forms along a spectrum. Effort required increases with distance from natural state.
Regeneration: Accelerated healing of injuries. Emergency molting can regenerate lost limbs and repair severe damage at the cost of tremendous energy and vulnerability.
Ageless Immortality: Do not age after reaching maturity, and cannot die of old age. Can be killed through severe physical trauma.
Enhanced Senses: Improved motion detection, antennae-based environmental sensing, and other sense enhancements depending on arthropod characteristics.
Augmented Strength and Agility: Significantly increased physical capabilities beyond human norms.
Respiratory Adaptation: Exuvians can naturally switch between tracheal breathing (for air) and gills (for water), allowing them to inhabit diverse environments. This switching can be automatic based on environment or consciously controlled.
Wall-Climbing: Surface adhesion, allowing them to climb walls and ceilings like many arthropods.
Pheromone Communication: Chemical communication system allowing Exuvians to recognize other Exuvians and infected individuals, broadcast emotional states (fear, joy, contentment, distress), send directional signals ("come here," "stay away," "safe," "dangerous"), detect molting and egg cycles in others before the individual is aware, and more. When others' pheromones trigger their instincts, it is more of a suggestion than an absolute compulsion.
- Exuvians in the same swarm are able to produce a unique pheromone shared by them, generally referred to as their "swarm pheromone." This arises from spending at least a few molts in the swarm, with their body evolving to produce pheromones that allow them to recognize each other. If they spend their first molt with a swarm, they may also be able to produce the pheromone before their second or third molt if they consider themselves part of the swarm. They can deliberately release more of this pheromone or stop it entirely. If they stop considering themselves part of the swarm, the ability to produce the swarm pheromone fades. They can consider themselves part of multiple swarms and have multiple swarm pheromones, and so long as they consider themselves part of the swarm, even if they live separately for years, they can still produce their swarm pheromone.
Arthropod-Specific Abilities: Depending on chosen arthropod characteristics. Exuvians can shapeshift any arthropod characteristics, even if they are not present in their base form. Examples include:
- Flight (wings)
- Venom (fangs, stingers)
- Silk production (spider characteristics)
- Powerful jumping (grasshopper/flea/springtail characteristics)
- Bioluminescence (firefly characteristics)
- A document with more complex abilities that have been developed can be seen here.

Behaviors

Exuvians typically organize into communities called swarms, though solitary living is also common. It is typical, but not required, for Exuvians with similar characteristics to join swarms together. Flying Exuvians often form aerial swarms, aquatic ones might establish underwater villages, etc. However, mixed swarms also exist.

Settled Swarms are swarms in permanent or semi-permanent locations. Those that existed during Secrecy were often made into Sanctuaries, which may or may not have been dissolved during Reunion. Examples include underwater settlements (crustacean swarms), underground networks (burrowing insect swarms), treetop villages (flying insect swarms), and surface communities integrated with united society.
Nomadic Swarms are constantly traveling, following resources, seasons, instinct, or other interests that may be practical or emotional. For instance, there may be an aerial swarm including those with characteristics of butterflies, dragonflies, and bees.
Solitary Exuvians live independently or in small family units. They often visit swarms during vulnerable periods (molting, egg cycles), and many integrate more readily into broader united society.

Despite wide variation between swarms, most share certain core values: they mutually support each other, especially during vulnerable moments, and they embrace honesty and integrity, which is further enabled by pheromone communication. They are also generally very welcoming to new Exuvians.

Different swarms often vary notably in other ways. They may have different attitudes towards infection, towards Blight, towards humans and united society, and more.

History

The Metamorphosis

In 1915, during the Age of Secrecy, Blight encountered a newly published novella that would deeply affect them: Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis. The story of Gregor Samsa—a man who woke one morning transformed into an insect, only to be rejected and eventually destroyed by his own family's fear and disgust—struck Blight as a profound tragedy. Here was transformation met not with understanding or adaptation, but with isolation and abandonment.

Blight thought: What if Gregor hadn't transformed alone? What if his whole family could have changed together?

Despite the pressures of Secrecy and the watchful eyes of the Orderly, Blight could not resist the urge to create. They crafted the Metarus blight with care—a transformation that would be gradual enough for acceptance, communal enough to prevent isolation, and arthropod in nature as a direct answer to Kafka's tragedy. Where Gregor Samsa had suffered alone, the Exuvians would find each other. Where his family had rejected him, new families—swarms—would form around shared transformation.

Blight released the first Metavites into the world, and the infection began.

The First Swarms (1915-1930s)

The earliest infected individuals experienced their year-long transformations in isolation, not knowing what was happening to them. Some thought they were dying of a strange illness. Others noticed the subtle improvements—sharper senses, increased strength—and welcomed the improvements. A few, driven by instinct as they approached their first molt, found their way to Blight, who welcomed them and explained what they were becoming.

But most found each other.

As the infection spread and more people underwent transformation, the pheromone communication system proved crucial. Exuvians could sense others of their kind, and more importantly, they could detect those in the late stages of infection—those approaching their first vulnerable molt. Driven by protective instincts they didn't fully understand, newly transformed Exuvians sought out the infected and offered safety, companionship, and guidance.

The first swarms formed organically in the early 1920s. Exuvians with similar characteristics—the fliers, the burrowers, the aquatic—naturally gravitated toward each other, finding kinship in shared abilities and experiences. Some settled in remote locations that would later become Sanctuaries. Others remained nomadic, following instinct and season. Blight visited these early communities, pleased to see the harmony that had formed, the families created through shared transformation rather than blood.

Spread (1920s-1990s)

As Exuvian communities grew, a tension emerged within the species. The egg cycles that drove Exuvians to spread the Metarus blight created different responses in different individuals.

The "spreaders" were one school of thought; they followed their instincts fully. During their cycles, they would release Metavites widely—laying eggs in environments where people gathered, in homes, in public spaces. For them, this was natural, even beautiful. They were offering the gift of transformation, the chance to join the family. Some were deliberate in their spreading, targeting those who seemed isolated or in pain. Some transformed others by choice, bringing in willing new Exuvians. Others simply followed the compulsion, releasing their eggs wherever the cycle drove them.

But the long incubation period meant that many spreaders never knew who they'd infected. A person might carry Metavites for months before another Exuvian detected them through pheromones, and by then, the one who infected them might be long gone.

Another school of thought, which some referred to as the "claimants," took a different approach. When they detected infected individuals through pheromone signals, they tracked them down. In the early years, this was often met with fear. A stranger approaches, claiming you're infected with something, that you're going to transform into an arthropod creature in a matter of months. Some people believed. Most didn't, at least not until the changes became undeniable.

The claimants faced a moral dilemma: what to do when an infected individual refused help, fled, or tried to seek mundane medical intervention that would inevitably fail and potentially expose magic to the mundane world?

The worst incidents occurred when infected individuals were in months 10-12 of incubation, visibly changing and likely to trigger Secrecy violations. Swarms, particularly those of the claimant school of thought, developed protocols—some begrudgingly, some zealously—for "retrieving" infected individuals before they could expose magic to mundane society.

These retrievals were rarely violent, but they were often forceful. An Exuvian swarm would locate the infected person, explain what was happening, and if the person refused to come willingly, they would be brought anyway. The infected individual faced risk of death if mundane doctors tried to remove the integrated Metavite, not to mention the risk of breaching Secrecy, which would bring down more severe constraints on their kind.

For the infected, sometimes, it was abduction.

They were taken from their lives, from their families, and brought to strange communities of insect-people who insisted this was for their own good. Some fought. Some pleaded. Some went silent with shock. But within days to weeks, they would molt for the first time, and Endogeny would take hold. They could no longer reject Blight or other Exuvians. Many found themselves accepting, even appreciating, the intervention—the swarm had saved them, had given them community and purpose.

But the loss of choice haunted many first-generation Exuvians. Even those who came to love their new existence, who thrived in their swarms, sometimes felt a lingering resentment about the method, if not the outcome.

Not all swarms participated in these practices. Some refused entirely, arguing it violated the very principles of family and acceptance that Exuvians were supposed to embody. This led to another school of thought, one of "preclusion." These swarms focused instead on prevention—trying to find spreaders and convince them to be more careful, to plant eggs only in willing hosts or other Exuvians. But prevention was difficult when instinct was involved, and when the urge to spread was so deeply tied to the egg cycle.

The tension between spreaders, claimants, and preclusionists created lasting divisions within Exuvian culture. Despite Endogeny preventing irrational prejudice, many swarms had disagreements of the regular sort. Some swarms wouldn't speak to each other for decades. Others found middle ground, developing careful protocols about consent, tracking, and intervention.

A New Age (1990s-Present)

As the Age of Secrecy drew to a close and the approach of Reunion became more concrete, Exuvian communities began reevaluating their practices. The three schools of thought among Exuvians began seeking compromise; spreaders realized that they could bring consequences upon their whole species, claimants wanted others to join the 'family' by choice, and preclusionists had developed practical methods of prevention.

The largest swarms formed agreements with each other that included established formal consent processes, only infecting those who understood and accepted what would happen. Others focused on educating infected individuals early in the incubation period, giving them months to prepare rather than days. A few swarms even developed partnerships with other magical communities, creating informed consent programs where people could choose to become Exuvian.

When Reunion arrived in 2016, these practices became law. Within united society, infection could only occur with explicit consent from citizens. Exuvians worked with the supergovernment to establish authorized blighting programs, complete with educational materials, support systems, and community integration resources.

The integration of Exuvians into united society has been gradual but largely successful. Like other blighted species, initial attitudes towards them were often wary, though with regulations that prevented non-consensual spread and some public figures revealing themselves as blighted, they gradually became a welcomed part of united society, with some citizens deliberately seeking out the transformation from them.

Modern Exuvian swarms play various roles in welcoming new Exuvians and integrating with united society. Some swarms focus on helping newly transformed Exuvians adapt to their new existence. Some swarms are content living their separate lives. Nomadic "recruiter" swarms continue the tradition of spreading, though now largely through consensual means. Some travel through areas outside united society's reach, offering transformation to those who want it. Within united society, they often work with authorized programs, helping educate people about what becoming Exuvian entails. Many Exuvians have also fully embraced life in united society's cities, working and participating in society just like anyone else.

Intimacy and Reproduction

For detailed lore on intimacy and reproduction of Exuvians, see the link pinned in the #sinnamon-and-spice channel (18+) of the Ideation server.

Swarm Culture — Visi Swarm

You are welcome to refer to this lore and use or adapt this format for describing swarms of your own creation, but please check permission and lore with Auspice when creating your own.

Swarm Name: Visi Swarm
Established: 1925
Leader: Erivis

Type: Settled
Early Philosophy: Claimant
Size: fluctuates around 100-300

Visi Swarm is an Exuvian swarm established by Erivis, one of the first Exuvians. It exists in a Sanctuary around the Zhangjiajie mountains in China, a magical area where rock pillars also float in the sky.

Its first members were Erivis's progeny who accepted the change, around 1923. Though they were initially nomadic, they realized that running around with different egg cycles and molting cycles having the potential to hit at any time was inconvenient at the very least, not to mention the risk to themselves. Erivis called for Blight in the end, who helped guide them to a Sanctuary that was inhabited only by creatures and Sanctials.

Social Structure

Leadership

Erivis is the primary swarm leader, though she considers herself more of a directing force for the collective goals, desires, and needs of the swarm. She does not assert authority in much of a commanding way, taking her time to listen to the opinions of all members and help mediate conflict. She often forms close, personal relationships with swarm members, rather than being a distant leader. Her position has never been challenged—instead, she continues to be the leader because she is trusted to lead.

Membership

All members of the Visi Swarm are able to produce its swarm pheromone. Those who experience their first molt with the swarm may produce it before their second or third molt.

Throughout the years, Visi Swarm has gained and lost members. For the most part, members follow Erivis's more conservative views about spreading the Metarus blight; those of the swarm who wished to spread indiscriminately often decided to leave, though they were never pushed out. Still, some offered the blight who they thought could benefit from it, and some accidental spread could happen. As such, relatively few swarm members were directly blighted by existing swarm members.

Instead, many members were found and brought back to the Visi Swarm. Erivis spent great efforts searching for the infected and bringing them to Visi Swarm where they could be safe—thus being one of the strong proponents of the claimant school of thought among Exuvians. Despite potential initial horror and resistance, once a new Exuvian's transformation was completed, they could instinctively understand that they were safe, that they were in a place where they could belong. Many integrated with the Visi Swarm and thrived with the other members' support.

Existing Exuvians are also welcome to visit or join Visi Swarm. Once they become able to produce the swarm pheromone, they are "officially" considered part of the swarm.

Some swarm members may decide to separate from the swarm, whether to find their own path or due to differences of philosophy. Some travel or live entirely independently but still visit and consider themselves part of Visi Swarm.

Culture

Like most Exuvian swarms, Visi Swarm emphasizes mutual support as well as honesty and integrity between members and other blighted. This culture is only further encouraged by their Sanctuary. From their founding to the 1990s, they primarily followed the claimant school of thought. Spreaders often left, but preclusionists were present and looked into ways they could change current practices.

Erivis was involved in these discussions, and while she agreed with certain philosophies of the preclusionists, she did not consider them practical while spreaders still infected others indiscriminately. As preclusionists developed practical forms of prevention and the Visi Swarm's sometimes forceful methods weighed more upon them, Erivis took a leading role in negotiating with other swarms to establish better practices for expanding the "family." At present, Visi Swarm is independent but involved with united society, engaging in trade and allowing citizens to visit and learn about Exuvians, among other things. Some Visi Swarm members also became united society citizens, some maintaining their connection to Visi Swarm or becoming entirely independent.

Outside united society involvement, many members continue to travel. Sometimes, they offer their blight, and sometimes, they find those in the process of becoming Exuvians, offering to take them to Visi Swarm.

Lifestyle

From its founding to the start of Reunion, Visi Swarm was primarily settled in a Sanctuary that ensconced a magical region in the Zhangjiajie mountains. As it was the most convenient option, most consumed the magical flora and clean water the Sanctuary provided, though many traveled beyond the Sanctuary to experience other options, including hunting and gathering. Some farmed, the Sanctuary providing an environment that could allow any mundane crops to grow without issue. Some raised animals, especially those that laid unfertilized eggs, such as chickens. When an animal they raised reached the end of their life, they would pay their respects to the animal and often consume it as well, bones and all.

After Secrecy ended, the Sanctuary remained, but they expanded beyond it. Some left Sanctuary sustenance behind entirely, while others continued to make use of it.

Beyond the matter of sustenance, every Exuvian may take up various activities for their enjoyment. These include solitary hobbies such as reading and artistic pursuits, but also sports, games, and other activities that made use of Exuvians' high mobility and the scattered landscape. They might race each other, throw discs for others to catch, and more. Exuvians who might be relatively less mobile (no flight, enhanced jumping, or climbing abilities) might settle on larger masses or on the ground, with other Exuvians helping them move around if need be.

Language and Communication

Visi Swarm members speak several languages, though most at least make an attempt to learn Mandarin Chinese, as it is the first language of many founding members. With the Age of Reunion in 2016 and the establishment of English as a common language of united society, English was added to their primary languages.

That said, from the start, Blight provided them with the interpretation enchantment developed by the Izal Pack of Lunarwilds, which they adapted to apply to an individual rather than requiring any clothing or trinkets. This enchantment allows an individual to understand the meaning of what is being said without modifying the sounds they actually hear.

Their communication is augmented through their pheromones as well, allowing them to broadcast emotional states, detect others' physical states, and communicate in more abstract, non-verbal ways, much like body language for humans.

Social Dynamics

Intimacy, platonic and otherwise, is common in Visi Swarm. Exchanging platonic touches, including hugs, cuddles, touching antennae, etc. is often seen. More reserved members may still touch each other's antennae in greeting, which allows them to get a read of each other's mood and general state—a way to instantly ask and answer how the other is doing. Vulnerable members are provided for, and those having emotional or other troubles are supported in whatever ways the other members can.

The general idea of "romance" is not a significant part of the swarm. Relationships between members evolve organically, and can include any and all forms of emotional and physical intimacy that feel suitable for them. Exclusivity is uncommon. Still, some may choose to form pairs or larger groups for an even closer relationship, whether or not they decide to be exclusive.

Acquisition

You can design your own Exuvian, though Auspice offers notion/semi-custom type commissions. For custom designs, refer to Auspice's general design commissions. (Exuvians are generally considered complex.)

Base price is 80 USD for Flint, 70 USD for Inka style, but the exact price will depend on the specifications you include below. Please use this form:

Name:
Gender: (optional)
Pronouns:

Inspiration: (optional; song, vibe, or non-character image, following notion Edeia base spec rules)
Arthropod Inspiration: (optional; can include multiple and note whether you want strong inspiration or just vibes. Please include 1 image of each arthropod)

Exoskeleton Color: (Optional - can be one or more, specified as "include color" or "use only these colors")

Exoskeleton Coverage: (Optional - 20-100%; will be approximate)

Body Type: (Optional - humanoid, bug-taur, etc.)
Body Build: (Optional - tall, slim, fat, masculine, feminine, muscular, curvy, etc.)
Skin Color/Tone: (Optional - can be specified as light/dark or a specific color)
Gender Presentation: (Optional - masculine, feminine, androgynous, etc.)
Age Presentation: (Optional - young adult, teen, child, older adult, etc.)
Hair: (Optional - can specify color, length, style; can include image for reference)
Eyes: (Optional, can specify color and other characteristics)

Other Refs: (e.g. Metavite design for 5 USD, humanlike shapeshift headshot or fullbody, human disguise, etc.)

Extra Specs: (Optional; can include ref of another character they're an AU of as well)

Final Edits: ("none" or a number. Number of "edit opportunities" after the design is first completed. Two can be added for +3 USD each. More than that, and any edits purchased separately from the initial payment, would be +5 USD each. Unused "edit opportunities" will not be refunded.)

Sketch WIP: (yes/no; if yes, final price may be decided after the sketch is complete)

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