…/substances/menstruum.md

Menstruum is a translucent, luminescent liquid substance produced by Mosaics. It plays a fundamental role in the reproductive cycle of these organisms.

Properties

Menstruum typically manifests as a glowing liquid with colouration varying between blue, magenta, and yellow hues. It is commonly found in pools or accumulations, though it possesses the capacity for self-propagation, expanding its volume by dissolving surrounding matter and converting it into additional Menstruum. The substance contains a complex composition of genetic markers and organic compounds.

Function

Menstruum serves as the medium for Mosaic reproduction. Upon the death of any individual belonging to a Mosaic species, the organism’s Voxels undergo liquefaction and revert into Menstruum regardless of the species involved. The resulting Menstruum pool subsequently acts as a catalyst for Voxel genesis, initiating the formation of new Mosaic entities.

This process typically results in the emergence of new individuals genetically related to the original organism, effectively functioning as a reproductive mechanism analogous to inheritance. The creation of a new Mosaic begins when a critical mass of Voxels within the Menstruum spontaneously coalesces into a fully formed individual. The actual manifestation or “birth” occurs within a few seconds, though the preceding Voxel formation is spontaneous and irregular in rate. The DNA of the original Mosaic is retained and transferred to newly formed individuals, preserving species-specific traits and characteristics. It is theorised that neurological patterns of the original organism may also be partially inherited through this process, although results remains inconclusive.