Anomaly 19, more commonly referred to as Amalgam, is a frequent anomaly found in the voidclusters. Despite how often one can encounter one, most of the information about them is shrouded in mystery, plagued by misconceptions and/or myths to be confirmed. The lack of concrete data, along with it being a normal threat in almost all habitats, makes them one of the most important fields of research for The Voidclusters Investigators. Please take some or all of the following information with some caution, as it may not be up to date and/or could contain misconceptions.
Always remember, all amalgams are unique and different.
» APPEARANCE:
While their description and looks can highly vary due to factors such as the level they're currently residing in, normal attributes seen in many of the specimens could be:
- dark, purplish black skin. Which could be really thick or extremely thin, almost showing what appear to be veins.
- Three or more appendages, most similar to those of humanoids (legs, arms). They vary from really minute to the size of an entire house.
- The presence of sounds in the distance similar to the cries of large ocean whales.
There are other factors that can be perceived in an amalgam; however, these are not as common and could be unique to the amalgam encountered. Small details such as orificies, eyes, hair, horns, or smaller appendages such as fingers. Just as mentioned earlier, amalgams do adapt depending on the level they're currently on; as such, there are examples such as amalgams on Level 0 in which they will adopt a form depending on their hunting grounds. In the forest, they have been seen possessing many appendages and trying to blend with the trees, while in the neighborhood, they tend to be of smaller sizes and more human-like.
| Figur 1.0 |
 |
| "An amalgam on Level 0" |
» BEHAVIOR:
Contrasting their appearance, amalgam behavior is easy to predict, as if not most but all act and behave the same way. They are similar to lurkers as they like to "stalk" their victims, closely following them but trying to avoid detection. Due to their really effective methods of hiding, they can spend weeks following a wanderer without being noticed. They adopt the characteristics of the level they reside in; they will find the most effective way to blend in, such as hiding in the shadows in a deep, dark level or using walls and doors to hide themselves behind.
Once the victim has been finally caught up to, the amalgam will use most if not all of its appendages to grab the victim; this is considered a death sentence if one is alone, as the strength of an amalgam is very high. While holding the victim, its first priority is to break most bones and joints so as to prevent escape. It would then begin to consume their prey; this process can be unique to each amalgam; however, once this is done, they all enter a digestion rest, in which they become "Fake Dociles," and for an extended period of time they remain completely motionless. This period can last from a couple of hours to entire months and has been described as similar to that of snakes.
» ORIGIN:
The extensive research being done on amalgamations has tried to pin-point their behavior and unique appearances into common origins. It is believed amalgams are not necessarily born by the same process, but rather there are many ways an amalgamation could form.
- FORGER PARASITE: The Voidcluster Investigators researchers have taken multiple samples of dead and "docile" amalgams. The genetic results from the study of these flesh samples have led to the development of a theory to form as to explain Amalgam origin. Much of the genetic material analyzed has shown to share resemblance to the structure of the Forger Parasite, although with some discrepancies. Different from the usual behavior of the parasite, instead of trying to infect the cerebral cortex, it seems to prioritize feeding on the thick skin and bloodstream of the anomaly. The explanation goes that when the forger parasite comes into contact with an anomaly, it recognizes it, and as such, it doesn't follow the same process it would with a human at least. Amalgamations may feed on other organic material; however, they do not search to infect more species, this rather being an unintentional side-effect.
- INTER-SPECIES MATING: Several incidents and reports have been notified to The Voidcluster Investigators related to sightings of interspecies anomaly coupulation. It is rather rare and uncommon and could be considered in some cases as "physically impossible," as many of the anomalies involved lack any type of reproductive organ. The result of these processes can vary; however, in most cases, it ends up with the anomalies involved mutating in a matter of hours into an amalgam, or the offspring product of it, being one.
| Figur 2.0 |
 |
| "An amalgam with multiple limbs on an unknown level" |
- HUMAN CORPSES: Another type of report, which has been profoundly investigated by The Creature Cut-Out, is the consumption of human corpses by passive anomalies such as roamers. Similar to interspecies mating, the result of the digestion of flesh, blood, or any type of human genetic material seems to cause unusual reactions in some anomalies; these can lead to a process of a few hours in which the anomaly will convulsionate while slowly mutating limbs and orificies and their skin turning a more familiar purplish dark.
Abilities
Intelligence: Medium
Speed: Low
Strength: High
Behavior: Hostile
» HABITATS:
Amalgams inhabit almost all levels of the voidclusters which contain more than one type of anomaly. They tend to avoid levels solely populated by a single species and levels that possess high levels of humidity.