The Collective

by J. I. Rogers
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Yes.
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.
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.
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.
Geographic Distribution

Storm Over Lake Evora by J. I. Rogers






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