Myriad Anatomy

Much like standard humanoid anatomy, the base **Myriad** body comprises a head, neck, torso, two arms and two legs, hands, and feet. The primary differences are found at the skin, face, size, lighting, and durability. Many people have tried to study the Myriad over the years and although there have been major discoveries, there are likely many things that are misunderstood or unknown about the internal structure of this race.

## Features

### **Tissues**

The flesh of a Myriad is known to be made of metal, though the exact kind is unknown. It is assumed every member of the race is made of the same metal. Although their bodies are metallic, a Myriad’s skin is soft, almost like gold. It is just as flexible as a human’s skin and is generally just as vulnerable.

Certain areas of a Myriad’s skin contain unique hardened calluses. These are most often found around the joints. Crude plates are frequently affixed to these points by the Myriad themselves.

Myriad skin naturally comes in shades of grey. Untold centuries of lying dormant have caused some Myriad to emerge with tinted skin in various colors or rust like discolored patches.

### **Organs & Blood**

There are few discernible differences between human and Myriad organs. They appear to have the same organs in the same places. The digestive organs of the Myriad do work slightly differently, though. The Myriad have no reproductive organs, internal or external.

The Myriad have blood that is similar to human blood in nature, but certainly exotic, as it is grey and metallic.

### **Eyes**

Perhaps the strangest part of Myriad anatomy are their eyes. Unlike almost all known humanoids and animals, the Myriad do not share a common number of eyes. Many of them possess only a single eye, which often takes up much of their entire face. Having two or three eyes is not uncommon, either. Few Myriad have been known to have more than three eyes and it’s unknown how many a single person could have.

Another crucial part of the Myriad eye is its glow. While human eyes have irises and pupils, almost all known Myriad have a simple sort of ‘plate’ tinted by a single-colored dull lighting which seems to make up the entirety of the organ.

Some Myriad have been known to be colorblind to some degree and it is believed this is more common in those with only a single eye.

### **Skeletal System**

The structure of a Myriad skeleton is fairly similar to that of a human. However, Myriad skulls vary wildly from both humans and each other.

The bones of a Myriad are particularly strong and difficult to break. While their skin and organs are fleshy, their skeletal structures act almost like completely solid metal. Myriad are capable of taking heavy blows or long falls without breaking their bones and doing otherwise is extremely rare.

The solid, metallic nature of Myriad bones - and their relationship with their joints - can sometimes result in a loud clanging sound when Myriad fall or are struck. Some myriad make this noise by cracking their joints like their fleshy counterparts sometimes do.

The size of Myriad’s skeletons put most of them just under three meters tall.

### **Digestive System**

The Myriad digestive system is rather unique in comparison to human anatomy. They possess most normal organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and gallbladder, but lack any exit from the large intestine. In addition to this, their stomachs possess intrinsic gastroliths to compensate for their lack of teeth. According to studies, the digestive system of these metallic folk is extremely efficient and doesn’t seem to produce any noticeable waste, instead disposing of anything indigestible in a way similar to owl pellets.

The systems in place prove that the Myriad require food to survive, but there are seemingly no organs related to the processing of water. Although the large folk can drink water and other beverages, they don't need to. Only organic matter is required for the body to sustain itself. Water is required, however, to produce tears.

### **Facial Features**

Myriad faces are distinctly different from those of humanoids. A significant portion of their head may be taken up by their eye/s, but they haven’t been known to overlap any other features. These optic plates have eyelids that protect the organ proper and allow Myriad to blink or squint like anyone else. Interestingly, not all Myriad have been known to blink - meaning it may be completely voluntary.

No Myriad has been found to possess a nose. In fact, the area where a nose would be found is often covered by the optic plate. The Myriad are capable of smelling, so it is believed this may be done by simply tasting the air.

All Myriad have mouths, though they act similarly to a bird's beak and lack certain features, like teeth, lips or a tongue. Facial muscles and the jaw are still capable of flexing enough for the Myriad to smile or frown slightly, though not all do this as both appear to be learned behavior.

### **Growths and Decoration**

Centuries of lying dormant beneath the earth have left some Myriad with various growths or abnormalities found across their bodies. For many, the abnormality is a discoloration of their skin due to the environment they were asleep in. Oftentimes this leaves the skin tinted brown, though some other colors have been noted.

One of the most common growths found across the Myriad are various types of plant matter. Vines, roots, and flowers have been found on many young Myriad and some even take to attaching plants to their bodies later in life. Larger plants, such as shrubbery, have not been seen and are likely impossible due to the sheer size and weight of such flora.

Some other common growths include rocky or crystalline formations along the body. For some, these can be small, flat patches of crystal along the chest, or multiple little stalagmites growing on top of the sleeping Myriad. Unfortunately, larger growths that are deeply embedded may prove difficult to remove.

For those that do not wake up with these kinds of growths, or those that wish to stand out even more, there are other forms of decorating the body. Some Myriad opt to apply paint or dye to their skin in elaborate markings or attempts at tattoos. Others may adorn clothing they make out in the wilds or gain after finding civilization. Ultimately, most Myriad finds some way to be unique and thoroughly happy with their body.