The Soma is a sentient species of Mosaic, originating withing the OTHERWHERE.
Morphology
The true biological form of a Soma, colloquially termed its heart, is a compact Voxel entity, with an average length of ~30 cm, resembling various terrestrial invertebrates, particularly slugs or crustaceans, capable of limited locomotion. Their surface texture is jagged, crystalline, often described as yellow-tinted glass, and includes rudimentary analogue-camera-like eyes, and basic auditory communication systems akin to simplified speakers and microphones. Despite their relatively primitive individual form, the heart is the central processing unit of the Soma, responsible for all higher cognitive and motor control functions.
Shell
To overcome the limitations of their vulnerable primary form, Somas utilise advanced humanoid mechanical shells, into which they interface via the chest cavity. Upon entry, the heart disperses its Voxels throughout the chassis, establishing complete motor and sensory control. These shells are typically between 1.9 and 2 m in height and constructed from durable white-metal alloys, with signature yellow LED eyes serving as primary visual interfaces, with the advanced visual and auditory sensors far surpassing the baseline heart. Modular components allow for shell upgrades and repairs. Once linked, the shell effectively functions as an extension of the Soma’s body and nervous system.
Vulnerabilities
Somas, while formidable within their shells, exhibit significant biological and operational weaknesses. The heart remains the single point of failure. Although it is housed within the chest cavity of the shell, a direct strike to the torso can fatally compromise the organism. Trauma to the shell can transfer partial damage to the internal organism. This makes indirect attacks (e.g., blunt force or high-impact collisions) potentially lethal over time. In many cases, decapitating a Soma shell does not kill the entity, but renders it catatonic, due to the severance of primary sensory and motor control conduits.
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