Slimes

Slimes are colonies of independent microorganisms. These organisms are universally predatory, similarly to hydrozoans, but are terrestrial and capable of autonomous movement. 
Similarly to saccharomyces demonica, slimes can achieve sentience when the colony reaches a certain size or complexity. For this fact, slimes sometimes create their own societies and are considered other races. 
== Physiology ==
While gels can assume any shape or form they wish, this is akin to physical effort, and the ability to use this shapeshifting power is dependent on the slimes energy reserves and endurance. The standard shape of slimes is of a sphere that is flattened at the bottom, and they roll in order to achieve locomotion. When slimes make a physical effort, they exude a byproduct that smells and tastes like soap. For this they are often domesticated and used as cleaners and bathers. The most common form of employment for slimes in cosmopolitan society is cleaning and hygiene.
Slimes are generally small, usually about twice the size of a loamfop. However, Slimes can get bigger by eating or combining with other Slimes. When multiple Slimes combine their personalities also fuse, creating a new personality. Combined Slimes can revert their fusion into their original individuals at any time.
Slimes are creatures that defy traditional biological classifications. They are amorphous, gelatinous entities that lack a defined shape or structure. Slimes are viscous, often translucent blobs, varying in size and coloration, ranging from vivid hues to more subdued tones.
Slimes exhibit properties of both living organisms and non-living matter. Slimes lack specialized organs and complex anatomical structures, consisting primarily of a semi-fluid substance known as cytoplasm. This cytoplasmic material is composed of a matrix of proteins, enzymes, and other organic compounds.
Slimes are highly adaptable organisms, capable of surviving in various environments. They thrive by absorbing nutrients directly through their gelatinous bodies, utilizing a process called osmosis. This allows them to extract essential elements from decaying organic matter or even dissolve and ingest smaller organisms.
=== Reproduction ===
Reproduction in slimes occurs through binary fission. When conditions are favorable, a slime can divide itself into two identical or slightly different offspring. This method of asexual reproduction allows slimes to rapidly increase their population in suitable habitats. Some slimes, however, have been observed to reproduce sexually, although the details of such processes remain largely mysterious.  
=== Defenses ===
While the less complex and smaller slimes are generally considered harmless, they can possess unique adaptations and defensive mechanisms. Some slimes secrete acidic or toxic substances, dissolving prey or deterring potential predators. Others may exhibit pseudopods, protuberances they extend to engulf or ensnare their prey. These adaptations, combined with their ability to regenerate and self-heal, make slimes formidable if not approached carefully.
== Behavior ==
Slime behavior depends largely on their level of intelligence, the most basic of slimes are ambush predators, waiting for prey to fall into them so they can be digested. 
More developed specimens develop predatory behaviors such as waiting in trees or underground to capture prey.
Sometimes slimes infiltrate their prey's settlements by picking off isolated individuals, digesting their insides, and then wearing the skin like a suit. slimes slowly overtake a settlement like this until roughly half the people are corpses puppeteered by slimes, at which point the slimes openly attack and consume the remaining prey. Slimes are fond of crying for help to attract prey. Slimes have no internal organs or weak spots. The only thing that can ward them off is puncturing the external membrane. 
Even when domesticated, slimes can be hazards. They get onto crops, clog up machinery and trap people in enclosed spaces. If left unhindered, slimes are a hazard, they aggregate on buildings causing collapses, engulf entire living structures suffocating the occupants.
=== Naming ===
Due to their amorphous nature, many people have difficulty telling individual Slimes apart. To help with this, many Slimes will keep a non-digestible object inside their bodies for people to identify them with. Common items include arrowheads, carved pieces of stone with the Slime's name on them, stone dice, flowerpots, silk hats, and occasionally jewels. These objects often become the nickname of the slime.
== Applications of slimes in cosmopolitan society ==
Slimes have various practical uses within the societies of Welt with several potential applications. Practical uses of slimes in mundane settings are plentiful, and the integration of slimes into various aspects of society offer unique solutions to everyday challenges.
=== Cleaning and Maintenance ===
Due to their gelatinous composition, slimes are employed as natural cleaners. Their ability to absorb organic matter and dissolve debris makes them effective for cleaning hard-to-reach or delicate surfaces. They are utilized in areas such as fine art restoration, delicate instrument maintenance, or even in mundane household chores.
=== Waste Management ===
Slimes' unique ability to consume and break down organic matter has practical applications in waste management systems. They are utilized to decompose organic waste, aiding in the efficient breakdown and recycling of materials. Slimes are employed in composting facilities and integrated into sewage treatment processes to enhance organic decomposition.
=== Medical and Pharmaceutical ===
In the field of medicine, slimes offer several benefits. Their ability to absorb toxins or dissolve organic substances is used in medical applications such as wound care or drug delivery systems. Slimes are used to create bioactive bandages and as carriers for targeted drug delivery within the body.
=== Agriculture and Horticulture ===
Slimes' nutrient-absorbing qualities are harnessed for agricultural purposes. They are utilized to enhance soil quality, aiding in the absorption and release of nutrients to promote plant growth. Slimes are also used in hydroponic systems, providing a natural medium for nutrient delivery to plants.
=== Industrial Applications ===
In certain industries, slimes find applications in material synthesis or manufacturing processes. Their ability to dissolve and recombine substances are utilized in the creation of new materials and in chemical reactions. Slimes are employed in the production of adhesives, coatings, and in the textile industry.
== Subspecies ==
=== Slime gels ===
Slimes sometimes produce gels that are often elemental in nature, water, ice, fire and electricity. They are delicate and explode dramatically when struck.
Category:Slimes
Category:Biology of Welt