metamorph universe basics
for those interested!!
- Metamorphs are made from the same hex that creates and sustains Hiven, much like Cephalim. Metamorphs are bodies of immature hex (developing into Cephalim) that become tainted by soma (the force of the material world; life, sensation). No one knows how these embryonic Cephalim come to be misplaced in the material world, as only fully developed Cephalim can create bridges between the two realms.
- Cephalim are also incredibly powerful, as they have full and effortless control over hex. Hex laws and rituals that apply to the material world do not apply to Cephalim. They even have reality-altering capabilities, however their connection to the Almother prevents them from acting against the natural order of the universe. Psythes are "fallen" Cephalim that have lost their connection to the Almother. This connection is severed by dwelling in the material realm for too long or by becoming seduced by soma.
- Hiven is overseen and ruled by the Almother-- a very powerful, and yet vulnerable being. It's a hex realm with infinite possibilities, yet cannot produce its own hex. Hex is produced within the material world through soma, which is then harvested by Cephalim to maintain Hiven and the Almother. Humans produce the most significant amount of hex; it's due to this that the first human, Edith, was bestowed mortality by the Almother. Humans produce hex over their entire lifespan, which leeches out into the world as lost energy. When a human nears death, a cephalim often appears (often choosing to hide its presence) and retrieves the last bit of hex within the human. This harvesting guarantees the human's death.