I've started putting together some notes regarding the sentient goo species I created, the Scivoli. Pictured above are three examples: Sesh, Roz, and Arsenal. These are an ongoing work in progress, and will probably be sporadically updated as I think of new things to add. In addition to some details on the Scivoli as a whole, I've also included brief descriptions of Scivoli characters I've made so far to serve as examples. Though the notes have a science-fiction focus, it's assumed that Scivoli can also exist in modern and fantasy settings as well. Enjoy :3

All the art of the Scivoli shown here has been done by  Nommz, who put an incredible amount of effort into bringing them to life for me!!


Scivoli Characters:

The Scivoli are an open species, so don't be afraid to make your own! They have a few standard traits but can be as diverse as you'd like them to be since at their heart they're simply sentient goo. By default Scivoli are genderless, but it wouldn't be impossible for gendered Scivoli to exist for various reasons. Their goo can be any color and transparency. They tend to maintain a solid form that resembles any species they want, and can shift that form if so desired. Most wear an armored suit to maintain their form (called a shell). It can be a full suit that makes them look more like a robot, or just a few pieces that make it easier to interact with things (paws and a head for example). They can also be any shape and size, from small kobolds to giant dragons.




Scivoli Lore Notes:

The Scivoli are a genderless species of sentient goo. Their natural form is amorphous, malleable, and semi-transparent. They vary greatly in color, ranging anywhere from bright blue to slick black and everywhere in between. Scivoli consisting of multiple colors aren’t unheard of, but are considerably rare. Their bodies give off a light glow at all times. They are cool to the touch and generally solid. The consistency of their surface can be adjusted at will to become gooey if desired.

All Scivoli are psionic, which allows them to shape and manipulate their bodies. Telepathy is their preferred form of communication, though they are capable of creating audible speech and will use it in the presence of non-telepathic species as a courtesy.

Scivoli do not need to breathe, but do require the regular consumption of food and water to live. Their sense of taste is dulled compared to most other species, and Scivoli cuisine tends to use comparably stronger spices to compensate. They have no way to chew food, instead absorbing it whole, where it is digested in a center cavity formed in their bodies to serve as a stomach when needed.

The texture and feel of food is given more importance than taste. Exact preferences vary. Some may enjoy food of specific shapes, while others enjoy specific sizes. This makes most traditional Scivoli dishes inedible to other species unless certain modifications are made. Liquids are often favored in a solidified form (such as ice).

Vital functions in Scivoli are spread throughout their body. Critically injuring them with precision strikes is nearly impossible, but the more trauma their mass endures the worse their reaction time becomes. They predominantly heal by consuming to regenerate lost mass. Scivoli who remain at low mass for extended periods will gradually adjust to function effectively at such sizes. Members of the species have been known to perform this act purposely for a variety of reasons, and kobold-sized Scivoli exist.

Scivoli are capable of merging with one another to form a colony organism. Their psionic powers allow them to think and act in sync, though only after significant practice. Long-term mergers of this nature are rare

In general Scivoli will try to mimic the form of another species in their community in order to better interact with non-Scivoli society. Those with particularly strong psionic abilities can simply shape themselves to accomplish this. Most rely on the use of special suits they’ve had crafted instead, often referred to as “shells”. Shells can be made of metal, plastic, vinyl, or even energy or magic. They are often designed to reveal at least some of their natural goo.

Many Scivoli will maintain a favored form to present themselves as, or at least a favored aesthetic for ease of recognition. However, it is not uncommon for Scivoli to keep a variety of shells either to experiment with different forms or simply to use for specific tasks.

Amongst themselves Scivoli form communal groups rather than traditional families. Most have integrated to at least some extent with the communities of other species though, and those in relations with members of other species will often adopt their customs. Pure Scivoli communities tend to only form in environments hostile towards other species, and are uncommon.


Example Scivoli:

Sesh:

Sesh is a light blue Scivoli. They primarily wear a purple, full-body shell made of metal that mimics the shape of a snake. They chose the form due to their fascination with both snakes and robotic lifeforms. They also have full-body shells resembling naga and pure serpents.

With their psionic powers Sesh can create spectral snakes, which they primarily use to retrieve hard to reach items and assist with salvaging operations.

Roz:

Roz is a bright pink Scivoli. They favor a partial shell that consists only of paws, a helmet, and a tail that makes them resemble a pink tiger. They grew up in a community inhabited predominantly by felines and feline-shaped Scivoli, and chose their tiger form as a comforting reminder of home. They maintain a few sets of spare partial shells, but none of them vary much at all.

Roz is particularly adept at psionically manipulating their gooey body, which is one of the reasons they don’t wear a full-body shell. Instead they wear clothing meant to disguise their true nature, often being mistaken for a robot.

Arsenal:

Arsenal is a golden Scivoli. They wear a full-body shell that resembles a draconic suit of armor, which they forged themself. Their sire belonged to a mercenary company with a dragon as their symbol, which influenced Arsenal's decision to mimic a dragon's appearance. They work as a blacksmith, forging weapons and armor. They also create many shells for the local Scivoli community, taking pride in giving them the form they desire.