Protosphere

Protospheres represent the early developmental stage of individuals of Evil. They appear in areas influenced by the Leviathan, most commonly in connection with active tunnels. They are not fully developed entities, but the seeds of a future swarm.

On their own, they do not pose an immediate threat. Their significance lies in what follows after them. The presence of protospheres almost always foreshadows the emergence or strengthening of a swarm in the area.

Function

Protospheres serve as a means of spreading Evil through space. They are the only known form capable of passing through tunnels between the Leviathan and distant parts of the system.

After exiting a tunnel, a protosphere does not become active immediately. It requires a certain amount of time to mature and transform into a combat-capable individual. During this phase, it is relatively vulnerable.

If the development of protospheres is interrupted in time, the formation of a swarm can be slowed or completely prevented. For this reason, they are considered a key point of defense against tunnel incursions.

Appearance

Protosphere.

A protosphere has a compact, oval to egg-like shape, with no clearly distinguishable front or rear section. Its body appears soft and organic, as if composed of a taut membrane enclosing internal mass.

The surface is pale fleshy to gray-beige, interwoven with visible veins and fine cracks. The surface structure is irregular and partially wrinkled, creating the impression of constant internal movement.

From the lower part of the protosphere extend sharp, bony protrusions resembling spines or teeth. These structures are not primarily offensive and serve mainly for stabilization and anchoring in space. Shorter, curved outgrowths may appear along the sides, which lengthen as development progresses.

The protosphere has no distinct sensory organs or facial features. Despite this, it conveys a sense of latent activity. Subtle pulsation of the surface and changes in body tension indicate that it exists in a transitional developmental state.

Significance

In human records, protospheres are often referred to as “seeds of Evil”. Not because of their power, but because of the consequences of ignoring them.

Wherever protospheres accumulate and remain unnoticed, a swarm will sooner or later emerge.