The Collective


Little is known about The Collective, also referenced as The Shard, in The Korpes File Series. Those unlucky enough to encounter them in The Seep, or to incur the wrath of one of their chosen Avatars, do not survive the experience.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

This species does not resemble anything else on Tamyrh.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Collective does not reproduce.

Growth Rate & Stages

None that has been observed

Ecology and Habitats

The Collective is most comfortable in a liquid environment, but can exist and interact outside of it.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Food is not required to survive.

Biological Cycle

None that has been observed

Behaviour

The Collective is the ultimate xenophobe and will go to great lengths to keep the 'aliens' at a distance and their consciousness pure.

There has only been one instance where they have been severed from themselves. That part was confined within an individual body, and using medical technology, kept telepathically isolated from reconnecting with the whole. This Shard adapted by assimilating the nanotechnology sent in to heal the individual it had 'infected', decoding the programmed commands, and splicing itself into the genetic code of its host. It has survived through into it's fourth generation.

Additional Information

Social Structure

It is a contiguous intelligence and has no internal hierarchy; everything outside of it is alien and unwelcome.

Domestication

No.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

This will be revealed in Tamyrh Zero

Facial characteristics

Only by proxy.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Collective exists within Lake Evora, the surrounding water networks, as well as the Evora Basin. This region is known as The Seep, and it is expanding.

Expansion by J. I. Rogers

Average Intelligence

Indescribable in human terms.

The Collective is a singular consciousness that has existed for eons. Before their arrival, they did not have physical form and their interactions with other intelligent species were on their terms. They gain new information through absorption and can link concepts, but they cannot extrapolate from that or create something original from those concepts on their own.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The "Original Three" were The Collective's most recent interactions. Selwyn Maro, Selene Tekel, and Rey Kezlen operate in the world as The Collective's Avatars; their eyes and ears.
Through these three, The Collective can extend themselves to overpower someone's will or exert deadly force when required. The latter carries a physical cost to the one who channels it.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

They are a symbiotic species now, but...

The Collective disassembled the "Original Three" on a cellular level to understand form. Rey was the first to be taken, then Selwyn, and finally Selene. The concept of aging was unknown to The Collective, and deemed a design flaw. This one trait was excised. When the "Original Three" were rebuilt they no longer aged (Rey was permanently stuck in 'Flux' - the tempestuous hormonal shift Tyrans face as they transition into adulthood). Selene was two months pregnant and her child is frozen in time along with her, present but unable to communicate. Selwyn resisted The Collective with everything he had, and was very nearly destroyed in the process. He has spent centuries learning how to repair his shattered psyche.

Sadly, The Collective didn't comprehend the ramifications of what they'd done until afterwards. They now understand the concept of remorse
.

Was there long-term fallout?


Yes.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

None, though they understand the concept.

Beauty Ideals

Oddly enough, The Collective does have an appreciation for certain physical and vibrational elements. Harmonics, many forms of music, clarity of thought, and meditation are all compelling.

Gender Ideals

The Collective acquired Selwyn's medical knowledge during the assimilation, so they comprehend the differentiations... They're just not interested in how those who wear form exhibit them.

Relationship Ideals

The Collective did not have a concept for relationships before they assimilated the "Original Three." Now that they've had a millennia to interact with "those who wear form," They have developed distinct relationships with Selwyn, Selene, and Rey. There is a glimmer of affection for all three; The Collective is concerned when any of the Tyrans are damaged or threatened.

Average Technological Level

As of this point, their technology is only as advanced as that of the "Original Three." They have no need to use it in a conventional sense, but they do understand what exists around them.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The Collective is a telepathic entity, communicating intent via harmony, music, and sometimes words. Any alien who hears them speak will hear the words in their native language.

History

The Collective are not the only extraterrestrials on Tamyrh, but they hold the unique distinction of not being native to the dimension that Tamyrh exists in.
When I finish The Korpes File Series, I will release the prequel book called Tamyrh Zero. This contains the origin of The Shard/Collective, as well as the events that left Tamyrh in such a catastrophic state.

Historical Figures

The "Original Three" are currently the only Avatars of The Collective.

Common Myths and Legends

The Collective IS the stuff of Myth and Legend.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

They find physical form to be limiting, and emotions to be dangerous due to their unpredictability. With the exception of the "Original Three" Tyrans they assimilated, they do not interact with humanoids.
WE2025 - Official Offering by J. I. Rogers, World Anvil Assets
Scientific Name
If you were to ask Doctor Selwyn Maro for an accurate scientific designation, he'd say:

Sentient Synaptic Coppice

Origin/Ancestry
Unknown

Lifespan
Unknown

Conservation Status
The Collective is actively working on matters concerning it's survival. This will be revealed in The Korpes Identity, book 3 of The Korpes File Series

Average Physique
They are a viscous fluid, similar to ferrofluid, that is capable of rapid, self-directed movement.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The Collective exists as a fractal fluid - regardless of how great the magnification, its structure endlessly repeats itself. When observed with the naked eye, they are a dark indigo/crimson. On a microscopic level, they appear as dark crimson mold spores, each identical, with a fractal-like internal structure.

The Collective by J. I. Rogers
Geographic Distribution
Storm Over Lake Evora by J. I. Rogers

The Collective: 3 by J. I. Rogers, Hero Forge Custom Miniatures

Disguised by J. I. Rogers, Hero Forge Custom Miniatures


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