Formais

The peculiar shapeshifters of Silva Forma. Secretive and rarely encountered, **Formais** reside in Silva Forma’s ancient ruins. It is estimated that the Formais are the unknown race that once constructed the ruins, but they abandoned them and now live the vast caves underneath. The natural appearance of Formais is unknown; whenever encountered, they take on the appearance of the discoverer. Even killed, they retain the appearance, though lacking any internal structure. Formais, though unnerving, avoid visitors, only watching from unobservable distances. However, they turn hostile if one damages the ruins or religious memorabilia altars deep within the caves, opening cavities across their bodies to bite intruders with.

## Biology and appearance

The Formais are an enigmatic and peculiar species known for their shapeshifting abilities. They primarily reside in the ancient ruins of Silva Forma, a mysterious and abandoned civilization. The true natural appearance of the Formai is unknown as they have the remarkable ability to assume the shape and form of whoever discovers them. This shapeshifting capability allows them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings and mimic the appearance of other species.

When encountered, a Formais will assume the appearance of the discoverer, making it difficult to discern their true form. This ability extends even after their death, as they retain the appearance they had taken on before their demise. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that Formais lack any internal structure, making their true nature and physical composition a mystery.

## Society and culture

Formais are highly secretive and reclusive beings, rarely interacting with outsiders. They prefer to observe from a distance, watching the activities of visitors to Silva Forma without making direct contact. Their motivations and purpose for occupying the ancient ruins are unclear, but it is speculated that they may be the original inhabitants or descendants of the civilization that constructed the ruins.

While generally avoiding contact, Formais can turn hostile if their sacred ruins or religious memorabilia altars deep within the caves are damaged or disturbed. In such instances, they display a unique defensive mechanism by opening cavities across their bodies, revealing sharp biting appendages. This aggressive response serves as a warning to intruders, as the Formais fiercely protect their ancestral grounds. Despite the cavities, the Formais do not eat intruders, rather tearing apart their bodies into mouth-sized chunks.

Due to their elusive and secretive nature, the cultural practices and beliefs of the Formais remain largely unknown. Their connection to the ancient ruins and the significance of the religious altars suggest a deep reverence for their ancestral heritage and a dedication to preserving their sacred spaces. It is possible that their shapeshifting abilities and ability to mimic others play a role in their cultural practices or rituals, but this remains speculation. It is rumored that the Formais may be the result of ancient testing in melding DNA.

## History

Like the fellow rarely documented species, the Shadowlings on Tressence, the Formais have primarily remained a rumor among travelers in space. Most journeyers to Silva Forma never return if journeying into the caves below the ruins. Any attempts by outside groups to categorize the Formais have failed, even by the Kurati, as the Formais seem to have a biological self-destruction if their form is in any way tampered. As scavenging has grown popular following decades of unrest, more travelers have become victims to the Formais and the rumors of treasures in the caves, that the Formais seemingly protect, grow in infamy.