…/species/mosaics/vespers/vultures.md

Vultures are a hybridised entity resulting from the possession of a deceased or dying Soma by a Vesper. This event leads to a parasitic fusion wherein the Vesper subsumes and reanimates the Soma’s body.

Formation

The creation of a Vulture occurs when a Vesper infiltrates the body of a compromised Soma, typically one that is either biologically deceased or neurologically nonviable. Upon entry, the Vesper initiates a full-body integration, overtaking both the shell and remaining systems of the Soma. This integration is not a simple reanimation; it is a full fusion, blending the Voxel structure of the Vesper with that of the Soma host.

Morphology

Vultures retain a high degree of anatomical similarity to the host Soma, including preservation of the shell. However, Vultures are distinguishable by anomalous extremities or appendages that mirror the morphology of the possessing Vesper, along with a modified facial or cranial structures

Cognitive Profile

Psychologically, Vultures retain the full consciousness, memories, and behavioural patterning of the Vesper. However, remnants of the original Soma neurological structure may persist, resulting in partial memories of the Soma host, intermittent behavioural conflict between the identities of the Vesper and Soma, and occasional hybrid cognition, wherein decisions, expressions, or emotional responses may reflect the influence of the Soma, though control remains Vesper-dominant. These effects vary based on the degree of psychological degradation prior to possession.

Capabilities

As derivatives of Vespers, Vultures exhibit numerous advanced capabilities, including the usage of Vectors, and, in cases where the Soma host was previously a Vexer, access to multiple Vectors.