AEXENT

singular: AEXEND plural: AEXENT colloquial: AEX
pronounced like "AXE-END", "AXE-ENT", "AXE"

SPECIES TYPE: artificial being
LIFESPAN: ageless

Aexent are a semi-open species! If creating your own Aex, please read the following info first! You can submit an Aex HERE at Chasmhome!

Aexent are a type of shapeshifting monsters, typically made artificially in a laboratory environment. They are considered a resinoid life form or artificial life form.


Most of these traits are just common, however, almost all Aexent have a hard covering over their snout (though not always a beak), triple nostrils, double canines, and a thick build (heavy and/or muscular).

While Aexent are made for their shapeshifting power and general adaptability, there are several attributes, many pictured above, that Aex as a species tend to settle on in the forms they default to - their "baseforms", typically a subconsciously-arranged form that is both personal and comfortable to the Aex in question.


Aex tend to have a fascination with maws, typically monstrous in some way or another. Even human shifts tend to have some subtle monstrous themes.

The lifeforce of an aex (and effectively both their brain and heart - their ability to keep going and processing) is created and stored in their core, a smooth orb typically found in their chest. This stores the code that makes them work, lets them think as a sapient being, lets them form their physical bodies and shapeshift into other things, produces their mutagens, and more. Typically, the outside of the core is etched with a pattern that can be 'read' with specialized machines to give a quick readout on the Aex's inner workings.

In almost all cases, if an Aex's core is broken, it can be considered for all intents and purposes dead. However, the data of an Aex can be uploaded to a backup and set into a new core to restore the Aex, and the core itself is typically rather strong, though outdated and emergency models are occasionally made of a thick glass.

Non-Aex being turned into Aex reportedly have their hearts 'crystallized' during the process, forming the core. This is a slow process for Invertia and typically difficult to notice without medical scans, however, for Viles², it is a very quick process and causes some discomfort due to the speed. It's hard to classify a being once completely alive as a machine, but this does show some of the process of the change.


Several Aexent's Cores

Aex are built with several abilities, including shapeshifting, increased strength, and unique powers.

SHAPESHIFTING


The core of an Aexend produces a self-replicating resin-like material, easily shaped and changed in form, density, and color via electrical currents originating in the core. In short - an Aex can shapeshift to pretty much anything.

Aexent that shapeshift into massive creatures and then back into small baseforms, or back and forth between large and small entities, do not fully have an explanation for the entropy caused by this. The resin is still produced and stored by the core, no matter how ridiculously large the Aex gets. Larger forms may take up more energy to create in the first place - which can be provided by normal food, electric charge, or in some cases, other natural energy sources like sunlight. The storage of massive amounts of resin in the core, however, is deeply difficult to explain. The current theory is that it is transferred into the core as massive amounts of junk data that can be expelled as needed.

MUTAGEN


Aexend mutagen, also known as "muts" colloquially, is a specific code found in the core that can be found in any of the Aexend's bodily fluids, turning them viscous, colorful, and flammable. If absorbed by an organic being in large enough quantities, the mutagen, being made of code made physical, will react poorly with the new organic life it's hosted by, and in attempting to right itself, will begin to turn the subject into another Aex. Being absorbed requires fluid-to-fluid contact. Taking a diluted form of Aexend mutagen can cause a person to become Aexented, which is a fancy way of saying "a shapeshifter" - often with limited forms, increasing with the amount of mutagen taken. Aexented typically have some Aex features as a tell, such as increased strength and healing, double canines, and so on. Taking enough diluted muts while inoculated against the Aex mutagen can cause one to become an Anarchie Shapeshifter, someone who can shapeshift into anything, but this generally will not work when not inoculated, as one would turn Invertia instead.

People turned into Aexent are generally referred to as Invertia, the exception being Viles² and Anarchie Aexent, which can be people that have been turned as well, but these have their own specific traits and abilities.

Culturally, Aex may willingly have their mutagens deactivated (temporarily or permanently) or learn to control it themselves, as this trait wound up giving them a reputation of being 'monsters'. However, most Aex are proud of what they are (some taking the term 'monster' and using it as a point of pride), some even offering to turn others if they'd enjoy life as an Aex.

It is worth noting that if deactivated, the mutagen still exists in the bodily fluids, changing its viscosity and color. There is also a vaccine for the Aexend mutagen, which prevents transformation into an Invertia or other Aexend subtype, but does not prevent Aexented or Anarchie Shapeshifter status.

SUBTYPES


Lab-made Aex differ slightly in baseform norms based on their subtype. Subtypes are typically defined by which creators built them. The differences in their code lean the Aex's abilities towards its' subtype's norms. There are always exceptions, of course!

See the above tabs for information on Aexent subtypes!

VILES & VILES² AEXENT

Viles - The Wild Type, The Eldritch Type, "Monsters".
The first Aexend type discovered, known for having their mutagen highly active by default, as well as eldritch tendrils caused by cords wiring through the body.
Also encompasses Viles², Invertia with extra Viles data initially created via a procedure to simulate a full Viles Aexend.

Viles-Specific Physical Traits:

  • Average of 7-15 feet tall. Heavy.
  • Posture: Lumbering; Hunched forward if biped
  • Viles cords - electronic on the inside and covered in biological parts, originate at the core ('plugged in' to it), spread through the Aex like a muscular system, can cause flesh tendrils to appear on the outside of the aex. Has warped growths on the inside of the Aex - teeth, eyes, etc.
  • Viles² combine Viles and Invertia traits.
Viles, named for its prototype entity, was the first subtype of Aexend created, and its species' mutagen was not initially built with a default off switch. The "wild" subtype got its reputation from accidental infections of other species, which resulted win a cultural shift to having their mutagen production manually shut off until they'd become old or developed enough to control it, and to the future subtypes having their mutagen more easily controlled.

The Viles Aexent started collectively referring to themselves as "monsters" in a joking or praising way as a way to emotionally overcome their reputation. As they do physically often look imposing, large, even hunchbacked, this is more than a joke to some - never mind their tendrils - stretchy, enlongated warped electronic cords with biological growths like eyes and teeth extending from their core to all parts of their body like a distorted muscle system. The cords are not a true muscular system - they can move without it easily - but rather a defensive system, allowing them to shoot the cords at an enemy from any direction by launching them through their skin. These cords are unique to their subtype.

Viles were worried they would be replaced by newer models due to their flaws and cease being made, but Viles² were discovered to be able to turn others into Viles² rather than Invertia, giving hope to the Viles.


Some Viles² have a slimmer, more muscular build. They still have a hunched posture, and often do still have some weight on them, even if not the classic Viles orb shape.

LYLAC AEXENT

Lylac - The Domestic type, the Malleable type, Slime Aex
Lylac Aexent are a chill folk. Originally based off Viles Aexent, this domestic subtype of Aex is adaptable, malleable, and still learning about the worlds around them.

Lylac-Specific Physical Traits:

  • Average of 5-8 feet tall.
  • Posture: Typically bipedal.
  • The resin of your average Aex is more malleable and makes up an obvious goo texture for Lylac Aexent.
Lylac Aexent are an offshoot of Viles Aexent. Often calmer than the Viles and taking on a nearly - but not quite - anthropomorphic baseform by their nature, these are sometimes thought of as a "domestic Viles". Lylac Aexend have a more malleable form than most Aex, their resin-like structures more fluid even in their preferred baseform, taking a goo- or slime-like quality. As such, some Lylac's baseforms can be fluid in nature, changing often but still retaining similar features.

The Lylacs are still in development and occasionally travel to other worlds to learn more about other beings. It's not unheard of to have a friendly Aex show up to a random planet for tourism and snacks.

NOTION AEXENT

Notion - The Conceptual Type, Sea Serpents.
Notion Aexent are an experimental subtype. Their creation involves being themed heavily around a concept, and most are very large and have an affinity for water. They are often nomadic in nature, wanderers and explorers.


Notion-Specific Physical Traits:

  • Two baseforms - one true form, typically massive; and one smaller form used to interact with aspects of day to day life not built for giants.
    • True form averages between 20 feet tall to upwards of hundreds of feet tall. Smaller form human-sized.
    • Posture: True form commonly quadrupedal, smaller form commonly anthropomorphic.
    • True form should appear bulky like your average Aex, but small form can have any body type.
    The Notion subtype is a highly experimental type of Aexend, developed independently by Nemo. They are created by adding concepts directly into the Aex's core, or by exposing the Aex to high amounts of information when they first begin to form. Clicker, for instance, was given data on cityscapes in her core, then thrown into the ocean to form. This is part of why Nemo was fired from AexLabs. While they are shapeshifters like all Aexent, they commonly have two main forms - one true main form, and one smaller form that they find it easier to interact with the world in.

    Notions are commonly nomadic - either due to their size and having to seek out habitats that can contain their immensity, due to a natural curiosity for new concepts, or just it being a peaceful way to spend their time. Many Notions to date have been fascinated with water - while not a hard and fast rule of the species, rather an easy thing for Notions to grow up around, their size and common theme gave them the nickname of Sea Serpents.

    DAWN AEXENT

    Dawn - The Digital Type, "Hackers", "Debuggers", "Interfacers", "Assistants".
    An Aexend type created to test the species' abilities as artificial intelligence, interfacing with machines, and the like. Common lab assistants.
    Dawn have the ability to upload themselves into some machines, letting them read whatever they want, fix broken files, or just play around.

    Dawn-Specific Physical Traits:

    • Average of 2-6 feet tall.
    • Posture: Typically quadrupedal.
    • Commonly have mechanical or stylized parts. Pixels and glitch textures are common.
    Dawn Aexent were created to test the species' ability to do more machine-related functions, due to their status as creatures generated from code in their cores. Dawns have the mutagen and shapeshifting ability of their counterparts, but they are gifted with additional abilities, such as the ability to drop their physical form and upload themselves into some machine, allowing themselves to hack in - whether it's to read files, fix something, assist on typing up something being dictated, or, most commonly, just playing around however they see fit.

    Despite being a "helper" subspecies, Dawns aren't just subservient. They are often a more docile sort, many either calm, friendly, or just generally chill. However, nothing in their code is forcing them to obey commands, and an individual Dawn could go against type and 'go rogue' if it made them happy.

    Common aesthetics found in Dawns include things like pixelated markings and floating particles, glowing eyes, loose wires, wireframe, other nostalgic tech and videogame imagery, and so on! A Dawn does not have to have these, and Dawn aesthetic is not limited to this, it's just a list of common styles used. Consider this Dawn fashion.

    Some of the smallest Aex are Dawns, but they can be about as large as your average Aex as well.

    INVERTIA AEXENT

    Invertia are beings changed by the Aexend mutagen, and are fully capable of shapeshifting like any other Aex. Most Invertia can produce mutagen.
    Invertia will often retain traits of their original self in their baseform, as well as traits of the Aex type that mutated them (such as tendrils for a Viles invertia)

    Invertia-Specific Physical Traits:

    • Often retains a similar height to original self, may become larger.
    • Posture: Anthropomorphic.
    • Invertia do not have to be bulky like your average Aex, especially if their original form was slim.
    Invertia are some of the most varied Aexent due to being created via mutagen. They are considered machines despite being formed out of living beings - the transformation process reforms the entire body into that of a traditional Aex, including turning the heart into a crystalline core. Traits of Invertia are based off of the original body, thematically of literally, and Invertia almost always stand upright in an anthropomorphic stance. Invertia still have beaks or snout armor like average Aex, with the triple nostril slits, but other than that, their physical appearance can vary massively, even looking different from other Aex sometimes.

    Invertia can take on traits from the Aex type that turned them, such as internal cording for Viles invertia or particles for Dawn invertia. While Invertia typically have their own mutagen, Invertia have no inherent traits.

    There is a vaccine if an Invertia decides that they don't want to be an Aex - it can prevent Aex mutation pre-infection or reverse the process post-mutagen. The vaccine cannot be used if an invertia was turned to save their life, as the reversion process will be fatal in this case alone.

    ANARCHIE AEXENT

    Aexent Ascent

    The Anarchie designation, when it comes to Aexent themselves, would best be described as an upgrade that physically should not be able to exist.

    Anarchie-Specific Physical Traits:

    • Anarchie Aexent are typically larger than their original form, even if only by a small amount.
    • Posture: Varies - often bipedal.
    • Anarchie do not have to be bulky like your average Aex if their original form was slim. However, even slimmer Anarchie Aexent will be strong (whether they physically show it or not).
    • Anarchie Aexent have no core and their code cannot properly be read.
    Almost all Anarchie Aexent already existed as a different subtype of Aexent before they changed. Most had a major life event that resulted in their change - some report literal resurrection, some a major life journey, and so on. The Anarchie designation signifies both an extreme level of power and the loss of one's core.

    Anarchie Aexent are considered a mystery and are incredibly difficult to research due to their lack of core. Despite this discrepancy, they do have all other similarities with other Aexent, including mutagen. Typically, the abilities granted by the mutagen's code become much stronger when an Aexend becomes Anarchie. Their abilities do not often change, however, and when they do change, they remain the same thematically.

    Most Anarchie Aexent display some form of magical ability - known examples include chrysopoeia, gravity distortion, and fire manipulation. This trait is almost exclusively found in Anarchie Aexent, but can sometimes be found in Anarchie Shapeshifters as well.

    AEXENTED AND ANARCHIE SHAPESHIFTERS

    The Aexented and Anarchie designations refer to shapeshifters that have had exposure to varying levels of Aex mutagen.

    AEXENTED refers to a shapeshifter that can shapeshift into one or more things due to exposure to the Aexend mutagen. Aexented beings often appear in their original form most of the time, but may choose one of their new forms as a preferred form instead. Being Aexented often comes with increased strength and healing ability, and occasionally, minor mutations in the original form (lengthened canine teeth, sharpened molars, hyperflexibility, increased weight, etc). The more mutagen one takes, the more likely mutations are to appear in the original form.

    Chasmhome ARPG notes: Aexented designation can be obtained in the Rixixi ARPG via the Accented Story Mode. Aexented lore listed above can be used or ignored.

    ANARCHIE refers to a shapeshifter that can shapeshift into anything due to the Aexend mutagen. Anarchie shapeshifters are not Aexent themselves, but have similar abilities through exposure. An Anarchie shapeshifter may use their original form before changing - if one exists - or wind up with a new baseform based on their identity, much like an Aex.
    Ways of becoming an Anarchie shapeshifter include:

    • Massive exposure to Aexend Mutagen
    • Side effect of Aex Vaccine (only occurs if already heavily exposed to Aexend Mutagen)
    • Being a child of an Aex
    Most children of Aexent are Anarchie shapeshifters.

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