This page covers the core lore of the Phelion species, which is required so long as your Phelion is not in a non-canon AU. 

Phelions are typically humans who have merged with a fragment of the exploded meteor. This merging only occurs with those who are biocompatible with the fragments, though as the years passed, more and more individuals had the biocompatibility to merge—approximately 30% of humans by "present day," which can be considered 200 years from our present (i.e. 2200s).

The fragments can also merge with animals, plantlife, and other organisms, and this has resulted in various effects, but very few have demonstrated an ability to Shift. Those that do develop a high level of intelligence and understanding on par with human Phelions.

Phelions often, but not always, choose a new "Phelion name" that they use when they are Shifted. These names can be anything you wish, or you can use their original human name. (While they are not necessarily aware of this yet, Phelions are merged with part of a sentient collective superorganism, and the Shift brings the merge to an even more thorough state. They are still themselves, but they are also part of another bigger thing, and oftentimes that does cause a sense of a shift in identity as well as form with a Shift.)

Shifted Form

The Shift is the ability of a Phelion to transform into their actual Phelion form; they can easily shift back as well. This Shifted form has the following visual characteristic:

• Blackbody: A black or otherwise very dark body that is very amorphous. This organometallic matter can shift into any form as desired, though usually the "default" form is still humanoid. The body build, proportions, and height can easily differ, however.

• Armor: Armor pieces that are much more resistant to shapeshifting. There are usually two or three armor colors, typically of low saturation and a relatively dark color, but various shades and colors are possible. In appearance, they are typically metallic (polished or matte) or with an appearance similar to polymers (smooth/polished or matte). The Phelion often has "horns" or something similar on their head, typically attached at the sides of the head. Their face is usually completely covered by the armor, though the back of the head and the neck can be exposed.

• Lightcore: All Phelions have one "highlight color" that appears in markings on their body and armor, this color is referred to as their Lightcore color, or just their Lightcore. Lightcore markings are often angular and/or geometric, almost resembling circuit lines. There is typically a larger shape on their chest. The markings are generally consistent, but may increase or decrease in complexity with the same general pattern. This Lightcore color can be any color except the supersaturated red of Aphels; that said, it can be a red that is somewhat close, with a slightly different hue or different shade.

• Tendrils: These tendrils are extensions of the body that transition to the Phelion's light color. These tendrils are thin and end in round "nodes." They often come from behind the head or the back, but there are many possibilities, and the number easily varies. Phelions typically have a comfortable number they maintain.
  They are believed to have sensory/interfacing functionality, acting as long-range antennae for the Phelion hivemind connection. When making contact with the nodes of another Phelion's tendrils, the connected are able to share a mental connection. The more nodes that are connected, the deeper and more intertwined the connection—though if a strong connection has been previously established, fewer are necessary.

• Hard-light structs: Phelions can freely create hard light structures ("structs") of the same color as their light lines. This can manifest as wings and other structures. Those who have armor for their wings or other structures generally find it more natural to form those structures, but there is nothing stopping other Phelions from making similar structures.

• Array: While this is also a hard-light structure, this is its own distinct characteristic. The "array" refers to the "halo" the Phelions have, though the shape is not limited to traditional halos. It is a hard-light structure that remains around their head and is often a "seed" of sorts to create additional hard-light structures. The array can be dismissed and often is in more casual or mundane environments, since having a solid and decently large object floating around your head can be inconvenient. Forming hard-light structures without the array is often slower and takes more effort (the difference is seconds without an array to near-instantaneous with); the light is pulled from the light lines instead. To summon a dismissed array, the Phelion also pulls light from their light lines.

Generally, they have a "default" or "comfortable" Phelion form, which is what the official Phelion design is, but you are welcome to be flexible with the design.

Base Form

After a Phelion experiences the Shift, their "original form" is then referred to as their base form. Their base form has the following characteristics: 

• Ideal state: A Phelion's base form reflects their sense of what they consider their "ideal state." Physical ailments are restored, health is rejuvenated. Their physiological characteristics such as their skin color, hair color, and sex often changes according to their preference, though they are generally still recognizable as a normal member of their original species at a glance. 

• Lightcore eyes: The iris color of Phelions changes to their Lightcore color, and is also capable of glowing. The pupils change shape, often becoming similar to the central Lightcore shape on their chest in Phelion form. 

Some may have more Phelion characteristics present in their base form, such as their array, glowing hair or markings, etc. 

This section discusses how someone becomes a Phelion. There are broadly three stages: absorption, integration, and mergence.

Absorption

This is the stage in which a biocompatible human (or other entity) absorbs a fragment of the alien meteor into their body. At this point, there are no noticeable effects and it is extremely difficult to detect. Studies suggest that as many as 70% of all humans may have at least a dormant fragment within them, and 90% of other organisms do as well—though other organisms do not progress to further stages.

An individual can become exposed to fragments via air, water, food, physical contact, etc. One can breathe it in, drink water with it, eat food with it, absorb it through skin contact, etc. They are nanoscopic particles that can be found universally on Earth, much like bacteria. Everyone on Earth is more or less unavoidably exposed, though only some end up progressing to Phelion metamorphosis.

Integration

This is the stage in which some may consider themselves Phelions. The fragment makes copies of itself, essentially organometallic nanomachines, that enters all of the individual's cells. As an extra note, if any cells with fragments are shed, additional fragments can be released into the ecosystem. The individual becomes able to use weak versions of Phelion abilities. For the individual's experience, they may feel more energetic and stronger, but they may experience some headaches and/or dizziness in early periods.

Mergence

Refers to the stage in which a Phelion becomes capable of Shifting. All of their cells have fragments within them. Their cells have some odd homogenized and pluripotent characteristics, though while they are in their original form the cells function as they did before. Those who have achieved this stage almost always join the Academy.

These are mostly abilities that are active when a Phelion is Shifted. Usually, they are able to use a much weaker version of most abilities while in their original form.

Active Abilities

These are abilities that are activated or enhanced by Phelions at will. 

The Shift

This is the ability of a Phelion to shift into their Phelion form. It is easier and faster for some, and the ease of execution tends to improve the more it is done. The shift back into their original form is simple as well, though some may prefer to stay in their Phelion form most of the time or even indefinitely.

When a Phelion Shifts, the alien material that has integrated into all their cells is activated, transforming their body into the black organometallic material of a Phelion body. The armor pieces materialize out of the body using materials that were broken down to the molecular level and carried in the cells. And then, their light markings and any usual hard light structures appear in something like a burst. They may increase in height slightly, but usually not more than by three feet.
Normally, clothes are a lost cause with a Shift. However, the Academy provides specially-made clothing that the fragments essentially recognize as part of the body and includes in the transformation.

Vision

In a Phelion's Shifted form, their entire body can absorb light in a sensory way to produce "sight." They could essentially have 360 degree vision, but most focus their visual field around their head as it is what they are used to as humans. Generally, they have a focused sight around the forward area of the helm, and 360 degree peripheral vision. Some will train to have wider focused vision, or to even make full use of all their possible sight.

Sustainment: Phelions do not need to eat, drink, or sleep, and they are resistance to most forms of environmental hazards, including heat, cold, pressure, vacuum, corrosion, etc. They simply need to be exposed to sunlight/light from any star. Direct sunlight for about ten minutes can last a week, though they can also absorb ambient or artificial sunlight that can consistently sustain them for long periods of time. If a Phelion does not have enough to sustain themselves, they will gradually become more lethargic before eventually reverting to their human/original form, at which point they will be starving. Phelions do not normally have mouths, but they can absorb matter; to actually eat, they usually must return to their original form.

Shapeshifting/fluid form

Phelions are capable of easily shapeshifting their "body" (the black/dark part) while in Phelion form. They can create extra limbs, tendrils, and other shapes. Their armor parts can also shift, but usually less significantly. Their hard-light structs such as wings can also easily be changed. 

They can gain a creature form through training; see the Creature Form Training quest. 

Hivemind

Phelions are all connected to each other by a subtle hivemind will, the influence of which is stronger when they are Shifted. Generally, this means that they have a willingness to work towards shared goals for the betterment of all of them, and they are extremely unlikely to fight amongst themselves. They have an easier time understanding and working with one another, with a subtle effect being higher levels of empathy for other Phelions. Their own human will is not suppressed; rather, it is part of the collective, woven into it, flowing along with it. Some Phelions may be more distrusting or resistant of the hivemind's influence, but the overall trend is one of unified cohesion.

Telepathic communication

Through the hivemind connection, Phelions are capable of telepathically communicating with each other. Some are better at it than others and some are better at certain aspects: some are able to only send vague meanings and intent, some are able to transmit clear images, some are able to communicate clearly via verbal language, etc. It is easier within a small radius of about 20 meters, but beyond that, distance does not matter at all—Phelions can communicate instantly with each other and the hivemind across interstellar distances.

It is difficult to send a telepathic communication to a specific individual unless they have interfaced before; doing so allows the Phelion to recognize the other's unique signature. That said, a "public broadcast" sort of communication is also possible, and if the Phelion has been in the target's presence, they may have a vague grasp of the target's signature—in this case, the message sent may be unclear and also heard by others with similar signatures.

Phelion-to-Phelion interfacing

Phelions can connect to each other with their tendrils, forming a mental connection. These connections can transmit thoughts, feelings, sensations, memories, etc. For deeper mental connections, some may even begin to lose a sense of individuality; some enjoy this as a platonic (or not) intimate activity.

Machine interfacing

Phelions can also interface with machines and computers. While it takes some practice to understand how to handle and process machine data, some may be able to easily extract information from and/or control machines and computers.

Hard-light struct fabrication

Phelions can create hard-light structures, generally referred to as "structs," using the light produced by their body. All structs have the same color as their light lines, and may appear opaque or translucent. It is much faster to create structs from an array than it is to create them from their light lines. This ability also has significant offensive potential, as they can create structs that can be used as blades, projectiles, etc. Structs generally do not last long if not in the vicinity of and directly controlled by a Phelion.

Metallokinesis

Phelions can telekinetically shape, manipulate, and move metals. "Metal" refers to "a solid material that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity (e.g., iron, gold, silver, copper, and aluminum, and alloys such as brass and steel)" (source: Google's Oxford Languages). Larger objects take more effort to move.

Interstellar travel

Normally, Phelions are capable of traveling up to light speed. This takes a decent amount of energy, but not so much that a Phelion risks exhaustion too greatly. From the energy of about an hour of sunlight, they can travel at the speed of light for an hour and be perfectly fine afterwards.

Boosting

Phelions are capable of "boosting" themselves for short periods of time. This enhances most abilities, making them stronger, more efficient, faster, etc. This can be used in combat to significantly boost the ability to form structs—one would be able to form and control many structs of larger sizes with more destructive power. This can also be used for interstellar travel: if a Phelion boosts their travel, they can achieve faster-than-light (FTL) speeds that may very well functionally be teleportation. The connection to the hivemind is deeper and stronger, telepathic abilities are enhanced, etc.

However, boosting comes with risks. It puts high stress on the Phelion's body, possibly draining far more energy than should be available. It can cause instability, loss of coherency, pain (feeling like lava was poured into your veins), reversion to the human/original form with internal injuries, coma, etc. A single FTL jump can leave a Phelion exhausted. It is generally not recommended, though some are able to use it skillfully in limited bursts.

While boosting, Phelions tend to higher brighter/more intense light lines and structs, as well as a form with more tendrils and more instability (body being more fluid).

Physiological Capabilities

These are abilities that are inherent to Phelions are are typically active without the Phelion's will. 

Regeneration

Phelion cells are entirely fluid and homogenous, and they can heal very easily; it is possible to cause physical injury or even cut off a body part, but it just becomes fluid and reconnects with the body shortly after. This can be unpleasant, disorienting, and/or painful to some, especially if larger parts are separated. Damage/scratches to their armor can also be healed; this is slightly slower and can be focused on to accelerate the process. To heal armor damage, parts of the armor essentially liquify and smooth over the damage before solidifying.

Biological immortality/longevity

In Phelion form, they do not age at all. While they are in their base form, they age at up to about half the rate normal humans do.

Restoration

Upon reaching mergence, if/when the individual shifts back to a human form, all their physical ailments are healed and their body is restored or transformed into a body of "peak performance." Even if the individual was born with disabilities, the combination of their idea of "ideal form" in addition to the contribution of the fragments in restoring ideal health will create a body with no ailments. Lost limbs will be regenerated, lost senses will be restored, chronic pain will be gone, etc. That said, there is a significant contribution of their own sense of "ideal form"—if they already feel complete a certain way, their human form—and perhaps even their Phelion form—can reflect that.