Verzerrt

Verzerrt are a race of shapeshifting skeletal humanoids that are appear to be immortal. They have seemly unlimited biological shapeshifting/manipulation capabilities along with other abilities that appear more supernatural in nature. They are also the unintentional basis for humanity.
== Origin ==
Verzerrt have no discernable origin at the moment, with theories of them being extraterrestrial or demonic in nature being disproven due to conflicting evidence. Sightings along with associated murders believed or proven to have been committed by them appearing out of nowhere, originally believed to have started in the U.S. first, but later disproven when Germany shared that they first starting seeing this report in an unspecified state of their country along with fewer sightings in or surrounding Berlin. This is what would also lead to their designation, considering the country they first "appeared" in.
Verzerrt are believed to be more of a natural force of nature rather than regular organisms, meant to wipe out humanity for it's sins or replace them as the dominant species. This is still just speculation though.
Interestedly, some Verzerrt have been discovered in deposits of a strange crystalized material resembling amber, providing more evidence to suggest that they are indeed an earth-born species. Dating on the material suggests it is millions or years old, possibly older, which suggests that the Verzerrt have been around as long or even longer than humans. Some have even gone so far as to say that the Verzerrt are the progenitors or ancestors of humans. This is unsupported at the moment. 
== Etymology ==
The name "Verzerrt" is of German origin that can mean distorted or warped. More specifically, it can also be translated to drawn or to present a distorted picture of something. The word can also be used to describe a scenario in which something is presented in a way that is inaccurate or untrue. The name refers to the shapeshifting abilities that often deform or distort the image of either their own form or their host form. It can also be interpreted as a description of the behavior of these creatures, as they tend to deceive most creatures using those same abilities. 
In actuality, it refers to the species themselves being influenced by humanity and turned from a complacent and peaceful species into violent monsters due to the negative emotions and concepts brought on by humanity. 
== "Gift" (Cadeau) [Working titles] ==
The Verzerrt's Gift of Evolution (also referred to as their Cadeau) would be the Gift of Survival, which gives them their pseudo immortality thanks to their unmatched regenerative abilities and the ability to become stronger by consuming other organisms, taking their strength, knowledge, and the ability to mold their form however they wish. They also have the ability to synch with Kollektiv, and implant their own gift or "activate" the gift in other organisms (which is seen as their infection process).
Verzerrt also have individual Cadeau, or what is also referred to as Variants, which are similar to the Inherit Shadows of those who have undergone an Eclipse, which grant them unique abilities and usually full control or manipulation over a certain concept. These can be greatly varied, but not all Verzerrt possess such abilities. Some of these Cadeau can allow the Verzerrt in question to utilize Shade Energy. Cadeau can't be passed along, but they can be absorbed if the Verzerrt is consumed by another Verzerrt. After which, the Verzerrt can use the absorbed ability with no limitations.
== Biology ==
Both before and after consuming a viable "host", the Verzerrt are capable of manipulating, reshaping, transfiguring, and modifying both their own body and structure, and those of other biological organisms however they wish. This process seems to be mostly biological, but can appear to have supernatural aspects as well. This gives them incredible durability and regeneration, along with being able to form any part of themselves into a weapon or whatever else they need, form chitinous armor, turn others into infected or mutate them beyond recognition. There seems to be no limit to this ability, both for the Verzerrt themselves and for their victims. Normally, the host bodies structure, organs, and cells are indistinguishable from that of a normal human. However, any disfigurements, aliments, genetic conditions etc that the Verzerrt sees as "crippling" their host will be fixed.
Their regenerative abilities were originally theorized to be at a cellular level, however, recent events have proven this to be untrue. Cellular regeneration suggests that complete destruction of the physical body down to the cells (for example, vaporization) would kill the Verzerrt, but this method has proven completely ineffective at accomplishing this. Recent "theories" along with interviews with the very few Verzerrt captured have suggested that they are "cursed" for lack of a better work to never be able to die, at least until they accomplish some unspecified goal.
It's worth knowing that the Verzerrt and their host start out as separate entities, and that afterwards they are technically classified as walking corpses. The reason for this being how their assimilation process works. Once a Verzerrt has started this process on a host it deems "viable", even if the victim is still alive when the assimilation begins, the absorption will kill person before quickly reviving them upon completion. Witness statements along with a test show that the Verzerrt will use it's tendrils to grab and sink into the body, quickly liquifying the victim down to their skeleton. After which a bizarre event occurs, where the skeleton will turn onyx before being completely absorbed. After which the process takes some time to take the new form as it's own, where skin, hair, and even the sex will slowly grow until the creature fully resembles a perfect copy of the person they consumed. It's also worth noting that Verzerrt in their original form can still consume humans without fusing with them if they don't feel their host is compatible. What makes a Verzerrt determine a human to be "compatible" is unclear, and seems to be different from creature to creature as many of the recorded victims seem to share little to no similarities with each other, suggesting that each Verzerrt has their own idea of what their "perfect host" would be, and will not merge with any human that does not fit that description and will opt to eat them instead (either naturally or via their specified consumption processes).
After this merge has completed the Verzerrt's abilities are unhindered and possibly strengthen even further, along with now having a perfect human disguise. Despite now having a primary host body, they can still change their form to resemble another, either by simply observing them or consuming them. However, they can't imitate what they can't see, so if they observe a target and shift their form to resemble them, they'll only imitate the parts they can see, as they have no idea what the rest of them looks like. Even changing their forms and sex, and therefore changing certain aspects (like bust/hip size, basic proportions, etc) will be based on an educated guess based on what they see. This also applies to a target's personality, as they can only mimic what they see or hear, therefore if they don't hear a target speak or observe their daily interactions enough, this can be a dead giveaway. This is why many Verzerrt prefer to consume their victim in order to obtain their form and mannerisms, as it allows them to mimic the person perfectly in every way.
Even if a Verzerrt is found out, it won't end well for those that discover it. Due to their limitless transformative potential, they can shift any part of themselves into an infinite variety of potential weapons.
While Verzerrt can technically eat anything, including all the same foods that humans eat, they still prefer to consume homo sapiens. It's believed that they do this in order to get the right amount of calories considering their daily energy expenditure. However, Verzerrt can't starve to death. As it turns out, Verzerrt need to consume flesh in order to constantly evolve and grow stronger. Going for a while without food (which seems to vary, but has been recorded to lasting around a couple weeks to a month) results in the Verzerrt and their host to try and eat anything nearby to quell their hunger. If the lack of food persists, the Verzerrt will go "rampant", and enter a frenzy where they will ravenously hunt and tear apart any prey that has the misfortune of being nearby. Interestingly, drinking blood seems to be a good substitute if a full body is somehow unavailable, though once again, Verzerrt will prefer consuming human blood rather than animal.
Verzerrt, along with many Revenant creatures that they create, have been observed taking periods of rest much like humans. Typically they do this by standing or crouching in place, or lying down like regular humans. In this state they are mostly unresponsive to any outside forces, though if a loud noise occurs nearby or if they feel that something is trying to attack, they can awake instantly to combat the threat. It's been determined that Verzerrt can rest up to 14 hours per day, mostly during the day as they prefer to hunt and operate at night. Alternatively, they can rest in small bursts of 2-3 hours a time.
Due to their host's status as walking corpses, Verzerrt are unable to naturally regulate their body temperatures, either imitating room temperature or the the temperature of the environment they current find themselves in. This can be modified with input from the host. During any form of transformation, mutation, or regeneration, the afflicted limb and their body at large will produce an extreme amount of heat (especially during bioluminescence, which seems to be a natural indicator of extreme heat along with steam). This is also why setting a Verzerrt on fire causes more difficulty with regeneration than other wounds.
Despite their humanoid structure, Verzerrt don't have reproductive organs, differing sexes, or a desire to reproduce. New Verzerrt are created by either one or two Verzerrt donating some of their genetic material to Kollektiv, which results in a new Verzerrt being born. Some Verzerrt uniquely engage in mitosis or go through a parasitic lifecycle being passed down from one host to another. Due to them all originating from Kollektiv, many of the original Verzerrt consider each other siblings and Kollektiv as their mutual "parent". As such, the act of killing/consuming another Verzerrt is considered fratricide. There are certain exceptions, like REVENANT, or at least his vessel, treating Shizuka as something akin to an adopted son. 
According to REVENANT, each Verzerrt has a unique blood type. These blood types are different from those of humans, but it is not known what makes them different, aside from Verzerrt blood being black as opposed to red. A vessels human blood is used as the norm after fusion, but through the use of Overhaul, the Verzerrt's blood can be pumped throughout the body instead, giving more superhuman prowess on top of their already impressive strength. 
== Behavior/Hunting Pattern ==
While their behavior can vary between each individual, they generally all share a consistent daily manner of hunting for potential food. They will eat both living and dead organisms, but greatly prefer living as their behavior is predatory, and therefore they become bored if they can't properly hunt for their food.
Verzerrt can also display several variations of cruelty and a love for torture and breaking their prey mentally and/or physically. This is considerably rarer as most prefer to just kill their food, but a fair number like to "play" with their food, purposely extending a hunt simply because they enjoy the reactions they get from them.
Many Verzerrt see themselves as superior to humans, and as such, will generally be abusive towards their host (verbal being most common, but thanks to their host's newfound immortality as a result of the symbiosis, extreme forms of physical abuse can also take place). Though at the same time, several Verzerrt simply consider talking to their host's as not worth their time, and may opt to ignore them. They are only focused on their own interests, not caring for how much suffering their host goes through as a result. 
== Symbiosis (Connection Between Verzerrt and "Host") ==
Originally it was not clear what made the Verzerrt fuse with certain humans over others, however, it is believed that they seek out those with psychological abnormalities that make them different from the established "norm", whether they be minor issues or major emotional issues. Basically those who are antisocial, spiteful, are uncomfortable in the presence of others, or anyone that "wouldn't be missed" are seen as potential hosts by the Verzerrt. A Verzerrt can't be forced to merge with a host, and can and will only do so if they choose to.
== Effects on Host After Symbiosis Event ==
The effects are minor to nonexistent at first from a physical standpoint. But some observations such as their skin become paler and the slow buildup of more muscle in all areas over the course of months to years have been recorded. The latter may be the body trying to compensate for it's newfound strength.
== Description (before Host Consumption) ==
Verzerrt have an unnaturally humanoid form before they consume a host, ranging from lanky to more muscular (which may be linked to how much they consume). On average, depending on the type of Verzerrt, their height can vary from 5-8 feet tall. They seem to have a exposed skeletal system (which includes a visible ribcage and spine) along with dark flesh over that resembles muscle tissue. They seem to lack eyes along with no nose, instead having four empty eye sockets arranged horizontally with two eyes on either side of the face. They possess a mouth of exposed, razor-sharp teeth resembling Revenant teeth. Some can have spikes on their back. Their limbs are usually laced with cracks resembling veins.
During specific moods or states, their bodies seem to glow with a red bioluminescence in the cracks on their limbs, their torso, and their mouths. All of their transformed states have primarily dark, fleshy textures, onyx steel like material (forming the blade or spikes on the transformed limb), and glowing red accents and veins.
As they have no concept of language before consumption, they cannot speak, only letting out growls, roars, and clicks. Verzerrt who consume enough or eavesdrop to pick up on words and try to imitate them speak in a demonic, distorted tone with no set gender.
== Stigmata ==
Alternatively called a Stigma, they are marks that can appear on the host's body that represent the Verzerrt within. Each Verzerrt has their own unique Stigma, which consists of dark lines in varying patterns across various areas of the body like the face, neck, torso, back, arms, hands, pelvis, legs, and feet. These lines can be seen via the Kollektiv hivemind even if the host does not have them out.
== Biological Transfiguration ==
A standout ability of the Verzerrt, extremely versatile yet not well understood. Verzerrt seem to possess the ability of manipulating the bodies of any creature, human or otherwise, that is a part of Kollektiv. The results seem to be endless, but common examples would be using the bones and flesh to construct weaponry (melee or ranged), create traps, ensnare victims, turn into Revenants, Bergs, Roots or other entities, change their features and even genetics, "disassemble" organisms entirely, simply make their head or body explode/melt/vaporize/etc, or more. In most cases, this ability is used to clear out large groups (killing or incapacitating depending on the results) without even having to touch them or to form weaponry. Despite the material coming from biological organisms, the completed structures and weapons are far more durable than they should be, though this is not always the case.
This ability can also be given to creatures created by Verzerrt, who are usually of a higher standing than the average infected. Scharfricters are the most well known example, transforming a Revenants spinal cord into a whip and another's skull into a grenade (the skull being the casing, the brain matter being the explosive, and the teeth being the shrapnel).
Due to this, Verzerrt have been reclassified entirely upon this discovery. They are far more dangerous than any other creature on the planet.
...
Including us.
== Scarlatum vs Armis Carnis ==
Scarlatum Carnis and Armis Carnis (from Latin, known in German as Scharlachrotes Fleischer and Rüstungsfleisch, and translated to English as Scarlet Flesh and Armor Flesh) refers to the two most well known ways that Verzerrt transform their host's body into tools and weapons, depending on what is being altered. Scarlet Flesh is when the Verzerrt or their host seeks to only modify their skin and bone into weapons, As a result, the transformed limb takes on a crimson to bright red coloration with sharp pieces formed from bone (either based on what is already there or with new parts being grown entirely) or parts even being formed into an imitation of steel.
== Interactions with Non-Organic Materials ==
== Virus/Parasite Creation ==
Verzerrt seem to be, for lack of a better word, biological hazard factories. As more lifeforms are consumed, along with any possible diseases, parasites, and other afflictions they may have been exposed to being absorbed along with them, their bodies seem to constantly reform these diseases and organisms into different forms. This occurs naturally, but some Verzerrt can experiment with it further if they so wish. An example would be the R-Virus, an intentional creation by the Verzerrt known as REVENANT. This ability to creation biological hazards and/or bioweapons brings a unique level of danger on top of their previously known capabilities.
== Consumption Methods/Effects (on both Victim and Verzerrt) ==
== Known Verzerrt ==
Germany (GRIDLOCK 77):
REVENANT (Sigma)
Assault (Alpha)
Lasher (Alpha)
European Region:
Unknown Vampiric Verzerrt (presumed Sigma)
"Jack the Ripper" (Unknown Variant)
== Record of Creatures Created/Influenced by Verzerrt ==
Revenants
Sângeros
Walriders
== History ==
While mass emergence of the Verzerrt has been far more recent, records and myths discovered indicate that they have been somewhat active for a while, centuries even. The following are summarized examples of stories and documents that seem to mention or outright state their existence:
* Historical records mention a minor conflict somewhere around 2230 BC. The exact region is unclear, but is believed to be somewhere among the Zagros Mountains, Iraq. Apparently the conflict was enough to "awaken" something under the ground, which they describe as a shapeshifting demon that feeds off flesh. It was said to kill all the soldiers on both sides and consume them down to the bone, ending the insignificant struggle. Their remains were just recently discovered, deep under the sand near a village. It was said that despite only being skeletons at that point, that their expressions greatly resembled fear.
* The residents of Point Pleasant have reported sightings of the supposed "Moth Man" for decades. It's been theorized that this Moth Man is a Verzerrt, and that it was somehow able to predict the disasters it shows up at though Kollektiv.
* The livestock and other farms animals believed to have been killed by the Chupacabra is also believed to be another Verzerrt that has acquired a taste for them.
* Sightings and reports describe a "tall, skeletal man" seen in multiple locations around Munich, Germany.
* Several recently discovered ancient artifacts and writings from numerous tribes (including Aztec, Inca, Native American, etc) appear to mention and even depict Verzerrt. A common form of the latter is usually in relation to human sacrifice.
* On that note, it was believed that a smaller tribe somewhere in the Amazon Rainforest had come into contact with a Verzerrt and raised it as one of their own. Regular sacrifices of both "sinners" and captured individuals from other tribes were recorded. This smaller tribe would be wiped out sometime in the early 2000's, but the Verzerrt was never found.
* A Catholic church was burned down sometime in 1960. Witnesses said a "burning demon" emerged from the flaming building and disappeared soon afterwards. A suspicious pair of charred footprints was found by the entrance, seemingly leaving the building.
* It's believed that one Verzerrt lives somewhere in the state of Maine, giving the number of disappearances and deaths in that particular county.
* Several hikers have gone missing globally. This could have been caused by many things, but the Verzerrt are the most likely reason.
* Bizarre stories from the war suggest the Verzerrt were actively hunting down soldiers from all sides during the conflict. One of the most well known stories says that a German soldier was discovered screaming and running towards and Allied base screaming about an "Onyx Devil". The soldier was taken as a P.O.W. as a squadron retraced his steps to a suspiciously quiet German base. What they found were as follows:
- Multiple corpses that looked like they were torn apart by a wild animal. Eviscerations and decapitations being the most common causes of death along with several counts of limb separation.
- Two other corpses found in one building with a sealed door. It looked like they starved to death.
- Papers with sensitive information found scattered in what was believed to have been the main building. Suggesting that the officers were in the middle of a meeting when the attack happened. Officers bodies have not been found.
- Multiple brass casings all around the perimeter. Evidence of a couple grenade explosions found as well.
- Burned body found in barracks. Soldier possibly immolated himself before the creature could get to him, or he tried to burn it but failed. On that subject, multiple soldiers clutching blood stained knives were found in the same location in many rooms. Their throats were slit of their own accord.
- A crushed tank was discovered with the crew still inside. Around three overturned vehicles were also found.
- A couple of bodies with unique causes of death were found in different parts of the base. On had been hoisted up on the top of the flag pole with his intestines exposed and reaching the ground in a messy pile. Another was found in the South-Eastern corner. It seems the latter had his spinal cord ripped out of his body by hand.
- Questioning of the P.O.W. regarding the base or it's condition was unsuccessful. Subject refused to answer and kept mumbling to himself. Diagnosed with severe trauma and PTSD. Subject was later found the next day with his head missing sitting in the chair in his cell. No alarms were triggered, nor did any of the men assigned to night duty claimed to have seen or heard anything. The decision regarding what to do with the prisoner had not been made yet, and considering the barbaric method of execution, it appears that an outside force was responsible.
== Trivia ==
* It should be noted that the name "Verzerrt" was assigned to the species by humans, and is not how they refer themselves. Though many individuals such as Ver have adopted the name.
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