THE ABERR

Aberrs are in many ways the opposite of Morphas. Unlike other interdimensional races, the Aberrs possess well-developed, powerful bodies. They are many times stronger and more agile than other species and are blessed with almost supernatural reflexes and cardiovascular endurance. The Aberrs have limited shapeshifting abilities- despite their well-built, solid bodies, their physical shapes can slowly morph over the course of years. The shape they take on depends on a variety of factors, most notably emotions, as described below. However, ancient Aberrian myths describe powerful “firstborn” members of the species as having the ability to undergo a kind of shapeshifting metamorphosis in much shorter periods, some as quick as only a few weeks.

Aberrs are also unique from other races in evolutionary terms. In the modern age, most creatures and races have reached their developmental peak, having adopted traits such as spacetime warping and rapid shapeshifting to help them adapt to the changing world around them. Aberrs, on the other hand, show signs of continued evolutionary development. The circumstances surrounding this are unclear. Valerion, the Aberrs’ home world, is relegated to extremes not present in other worlds and dimensions, making it a possible culprit in the Aberrs’ distinguishment. Scholars often focus their attention on the genetic aspect of the common Aberr, an equally muddy study. Many biologists and historians claim that the Aberrs’ genetics are somehow degrading over time, causing them to devolve and slowly lose their shapeshifting forever. They claim that the Aberrs will eventually become completely unfit for survival in their own world or any other, leading to their inevitable extinction. Some researchers state the opposite, however, asserting that Aberrs have actually reached a higher stage of evolutionary development than other races, evidenced by their physical superiority, and will, over time, transform into perfect organisms.

Aberrs also differ from other races, Morphas especially, in their emotional states. They possess a large set of emotions beyond the reach of most sentient beings and feel them very powerfully, so powerfully that it is believed that emotions are the main driving force behind an Aberr’s gradual shifts in appearance via shapeshifting. Aberrs tend to find themselves prone to certain emotions and emotional states that end up forming a major part of their personality, and as they age, their bodies often come to reflect this.

Just like Aberrs lack immediate shapeshifting capabilities, they also cannot teleport are warp through dimensions on their own. But because of their race’s intelligence and technological innovation, which often surpasses that of other factions, they have learned to fill this gap with machines. They have designed technology that allows them to travel to most dimensions through the generation of wormholes, and they can temporarily transfer their consciousness into dimensions that they are barred from using advanced cerebral translocation devices. Many Aberrs are also capable architects, and as a species they have used their prowess in this area to construct impressive monuments, dwellings, and other structures both functional and beautiful.

With the chaos of the Event unfolding all around them, the Aberrs can’t deny that they have suffered- in a world of constant changes and no guarantees, the surety of technology and its precision is always in doubt. But the Event has opened up new doors for the Aberrs as well, and, always adaptive, they will surely find ways to utilize their ingenuity in this strange new existence.