P H E L I O N
P E R T U R B A T I O N S
Perturbations are "traits" or "characteristics" associated with Phelions that are exclusively or primarily available via Story Quests.
P H E L I O N T R A I T S
A P H E L I O N
An Aphelion is a Phelion that has been subsumed and integrated into the Aphel Hivemind. They significantly lose their sense of individuality during the integration, acting as a part of the whole. For some, it is a dreamlike state. They feel the commands and compulsions of the hive, and they must follow, but there is still some freedom in the in-between.
Acquisition
Main Story Quest Part 2: The Hive (Hive route). Will convert to a Chromatic trait after a certain point in the quest line.
Design
All armor becomes gray with no hue, with the primary color always being the same as Aphels and the secondary color(s) generally being on the darker side. The highlight color becomes supersaturated red.
C H R O M A T I C
Chromatic Phelions are those who were once Aphelions. Their experience of being part of two different hiveminds has allowed them some modulation of their personal signal frequency, which changes the hue of their highlight color.
Acquisition
Main Story Quest Finale: Metamorphosis - from Hive route.
Design
A Chromatic Phelion can have multiple color palettes - as many as you like, but each one must follow the general scheme of up to two armor hues (additional shades with same hue allowed) and one highlight color.
V O L A T I L E
A Volatile Phelion is one who had their mind destabilized through the warring forces of two hiveminds. This occurs when the Aphel hivemind attempts to convert an Aphel-touched Phelion, but the Phelion resists the conversion and is unable to fight off the attempt unscathed. Volatile Phelions can fluctuate between a fairly stable mental/physical state and a "volatile" state in which they revert to base instincts and their form becomes destabilized. Their actions are often dominated by fear-driven hostility, though they may be docile even when in a volatile state.
Acquisition
Main Story Quest Part 2: Rend (Destabilized route).
Design
Generally, the form becomes more unstable, fluid, and "monstrous." Armor can be fluidly shifting as well. Their fluid body will often drip, and circuit lines become more "organic." They often have a more feral or creature-like appearance that resembles their original form. The number of tendrils they have increases vastly.
Their Apsid, if applicable, will also be affected, and have two forms - a normal form and a volatile form.
C O M P A N I O N S
A P S I D
An Apsid is an entity representing the Phelion hivemind aspect of a Phelion. An Apsid is much closer to the hivemind psyche than a Phelion is in whole, and one can reveal much within a Phelion's subconsciousness.
They are discovered by the Academy after Kaluin achieves a deeper connection with the Phelion hivemind. They begin with little personality and are incapable of speech, only metallic, alien sounds; they convey meaning through the hivemind connection. However, with the efforts of Phelions to better understand their Apsid parts, many can develop personalities and learn to speak telepathically with human language.
Acquisition
Main Story Quest Part 3: Interim (Academy route).
All Phelions who complete the Main Story Quests can partake in another smaller quest to gain an Apsid.
Design
Apsids are visually similar to Aphels, though their wings do not need to be connected to their bodies, they can have markings on their bodies, and they can have variations of their shape so long as they generally have a serpentine appearance with tendrils from their head and "tail."
A P H E L I D
An Aphelid is a term used to refer to Aphels that gain a degree of independence from the Aphel hivemind. They are the result of an Aphelion spreading their individuality into an Aphel by interfacing with it; slowly, the Aphel begins to gain independence.
They remain incapable of human speech and tend to communicate via abstract meaning alone.
Acquisition
Main Story Quest Part 3: Unity (Hive route).
All Phelions who complete the Main Story Quests can partake in another smaller quest to gain an Aphelid.
Design
Aphelids are visually identical to Aphels. Note that their "wings" must have some connection to the body, though some smaller pieces can float separately.