Deviation Actions
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Hey Everyone, I recently completed illustrations for (2) new Splicers O.C.C.s (Metamorph & Swarmlord) in the latest Rifter#51 published by Palladiumbooks. This issue can be purchased directly through Palladiumbooks:
[link]
Splicers Guru, Chris ‘Slappy” Kluge & I developed this concept together and it was a ton of fun seeing this concept come to life. The Metamorph is one of the illustrations where I did illustrations for its 15 various forms. I will upload and showcase (5) of the 15 forms as I don’t want to give away everything.
The experimental Biotic variation known as the Metamorph is an attempt to augment human beings with the awesome power of Bio-Technology without forcing them to permanently surrender their humanity. The idea was that the subject would retain his human/her form and physiology when interacting with civilians back at home, but before entering the field, they would be able to quickly transform their body into a powerful Bio-Tech war machine. Metamorphs can assume various forms, some are larger than their human forms, some are smaller. Watching a Metamorph transform into a larger form is somewhat disgusting, but witnessing one transform into a smaller creature is truly horrifying.
Armored Form: This form was designed to maximize defensive protection at the expense of pretty much everything else. The thick armored shell substantially limits mobility and the form does not really possess much in the way of natural weapons, but it can really absorb punishment. The back and limbs have sort of a rounded appearance. This is to allow the armored form to pull in his limbs and fold his body into a tight ball. When tucked into this armored ball, the Metamorph is even more resistant to impact weapons and concussive forces like explosions and rail gun rounds (takes half damage).
You have an interesting premisse here.
This transformation has a flavour of magic to my palate, I will admit that. Perhaps super-heroes comic book technology (which is impossible to distinguish from super-hero magic any way). Not that be like magic is a defect, of course. That just sets a tone to the world that is a little different than what would be if the same story didn't had the transformation.
On the other hand, exclude the transformation from the setting would lead to a creative choice. If you make the process something that must be made somewhere_ the extra-weight being in a simbionte kept swimming in a pool of nutritive goose when it is not being used in combat, for instance_ that makes the soldiers space mariners in power suits, Robert A. Heilein style. The fact that those suits are living biotechnology instead of just machines does not make much practical difference and became only a curiosity.
On the other hand, if there is no magical transformation, then the extra weight stays with the soldier. It is a extensive body change and sets a line impossible to erase or ignore between the troops and everyone else. Even between different unities, since probably not all soldiers will be modified to the same shape. Different circumstances demanding different physical atributes.
Rhalpav (a fictional world I wrote a few things about) humanity evolved advanced genetic engineering very soon in its History. The nations shaped themselves into military states, each one composed by several "models" or "castes" of people shaped accordingly to the needs of war. Some individuals are light tanks, some heavy, some are advanced troops, others intelligence, but all are part of the army: no civilians to protect. Non combatants are children growing to be in the front lines one day, and support troops how are in their own way soldiers as well. Equally modified to ideal performance at their tasks. I imagine you probably considered that alternative to your setting and understand the decision of avoid it.
"Keeping humans, human" has some narrative advantage.
Besides, the transformation provides opportunity for that scene when the character is surrounded by bullies who have no business being mean to him. And either don't know he is a Metamorph or trust too much in the ordinance that forbids military soldiers to use their super-powers against civilians.