The Long Night Part One: Embers in the Dusk: A Planetary Governor Quest (43k) Complete Sequel Up

Deception is a common evolutionary trick. Indeed, most worlds that possess creatures with dangerous properties will also possess creatures that impersonate them. Why waste energy on toxins when you can simply look like as a creature that does? Avernus is no exception to this strategy, however as one could expect the hellworld takes it to disconcerting levels. Most such creatures are referred to as mimics, much to the aggravation of bilogs as it results in a number of unrelated species bearing similar names. For such creatures, humans possess a unique challenge, lacking the common psychic based detection of most other people, but possessing a wide array of technological ones. Below is a list of some of the more well known shapeshifters known to infiltrate human settlements. This is by no means a complete list, both in that it does not include all known mimics, and in the sense that it is suspected that the more successful mimics have not yet been detected.

Memory mimic- A relatively common mimic, memory mimics are capable of basic shapeshifting. Being able to alter their form and color to allow them to pass basic visual inspection. However, they lack the mental faculties to convincingly pass as human, being little more than cunning animals. To bypass this they employ a potent form of telepathy, altering the memories of their victims to believe them to be an old friend, and mentally edit in the appropriate behavior. This ability is unreliable when used on multiple targets as it does not create a uniform effect. Typically the mimic will attempt to isolate prey then strike in a moment of weakness, attacking with barbed pseudopods as well as engulfing its victim to crush them. Memory mimics poses little threat, as an alert group can usually detect them, and their natural form is ill-suited to direct confrontation.

Doubleganger- An interesting case of symbiosis, Doublegangers were initially a severe threat, but in modern times are a minor boon. Typically a Doubleganger will appear as a pool of clear ooze until it makes contact with another creature, it will then instantly become a near soul deep copy of said creature, detectable only by genetic screening. Initially, the copy is not perfect, while it will get most emotional connections it will be missing large amounts specific information. For example, it would be able to flawlessly pass as the person it was impersonating to even their closest friends but would be unable to remember code phrases. In times past Doublegangers would correct this deficiency by slaying and consuming the original, absorbing the entirety of their memories before sliding into their life. Typically Doublegangers would not act in a notably different way from the original, save being unwilling to leave avernus and gaining a drive for self-improvement. However, a great deal of harm was done as Doublegangers would go to extreme lengths to avoid detection. However, after it was discovered that a number of bushwalkers where often working with their Doubleganger in peace, a policy to only execute Doublegangers who had harmed humans was instituted. Almost overnight Doublegangers ceased to murder the original. In modern times Doublegangers are granted provisional citizenship, though required to wear identifying marks and barred from certain positions.*

*a more in-depth explanation is beyond the scope of this document, please see the follow up report on Doublegangers.

Skinwalker spiders- technically not a mimic, but functionally similar. A skinwalker spider is a swarm of spiders that form a gestalt mind similar to congregation asps. The group mind is capable of augmentative biomancy and can increase in both power and number as it feeds. Young swarms often hunt by hollowing out victims and puppeting the skin and bones, while they are only moderately skilled actors, the swarm is a deadly enough combatant they only need to get within a few meters of their prey. In recent years small more intelligent swarms capable of better mimicry and even competent tool use and basic conversation have begun plaguing our settlements. While they are often unable to penetrate deeply, their ability to exist as either a mimic or a swarm of spiders leaves then a serious threat.

Murdergangers- a 3-meter tall pack hunting humanoid with long gangly arms tipped in razor-sharp claws, Murdergangers are capable of projecting a potent telepathic illusion of appearing to be one's comrades. Unlike many mimics, they make no serious attempt at infiltration, instead merely using the illusions to close and create confusion while hunting. As such they are primarily a threat to forces venturing outside the hives, though some cities have reported small packs of them being found inside the walls.

Changelings- a catch-all term used for mimics of an unknown nature, however in recent years it has come to refer to what is suspected to be a shape-shifting people that have infiltrated a number of our settlements. As counter intel efforts increased, the number of suspected spies displayed a suspiciously consistent set of abilities, specifically a form of shapeshifting, bursts of speed and the ability to climb sheer surfaces. Further investigation revealed that their powers were not chaotic in nature. If this is merely the detection of a number of unrelated mimics, or an as yet uncataloged species is unclear. The investigation into this matter remains ongoing.



Champion mimics- A suspected relative of the Doubleganger little is known of Champion mimics. Unlike their more open kin, Champion mimics are universally unaware of their nature. Even extremely invasive telepathic or soul inspection will fail to reveal them as anything but what they pretend to be. However like Doublegangers genetic testing will show non human DNA. Champion mimics will universally be notably above average for their local region, and will be motivated to strive for excellence, seeking to earn high status positions through merit. However the mimc will experience missing time, and will have mental blocks that prevent them noticing these inconsistencies. During these chunks of time they will be seen to act in manners wildly counter to their character, as well as exhibiting biomantic powers. During these episodes they will usually subtly act to gain glory using any underhanded method they believe they can get away with, acts of sabotage, theft, and other such petty crimes are not uncommon. Strangely, they will help themselves or another champion mimic equally. During these times telepathic scanning becomes difficult, and the few successful attempts have returned inconsistent results. Stranger still, it is not uncommon for other Champion mimics to sacrifice themselves to assist ones disguised as humans. More than one Champion mimic has had their career helped by detecting a wildlife ambush that was instigated by a mimic manipulating the pack, psychic follow up screening of these cases has revealed them receiving a "hunch" shortly before the ambush. It has been found that letting a mimic know they are under observation will cause it to cease these behaviors, leaving the human personality to rise or fall on its own merits. In most cases where the mimic was told what it was, the reaction has been either denial, followed by forgetting the incident, or slipping into the fuge state and attempting to flee, with individuals who had shown unusually strong wills sometimes attempting suicide.

It has been noticed that mimics that fail to achieve the respect or admiration of their peers tend to be sacrificed to further the status of other Champion mimics, thus it has been deduced that they are somehow feeding off of that esteem. Due to the high skill of Champion mimics, and relative ease of ensuring good behavior, they will sometimes be left in place, with their superiors alone made aware of their nature. Conversations with native people has revealed that there are legends of Champion mimics overcoming their nature though achieving a legendary degree of self mastery and becoming in truth of the people they pretend to be. While it is unclear if this is true there is a case that suggest it is at least possible. A suspected champion mimc began exhibiting psyker powers with a bent towards biomancy prior to being tested. After an episode where the individual briefly melted themselves into a formless ball of flesh before reconstituting themselves, they tested as genetically human. However they showed a high degree of skill at self biomancy as well as techniques similar to the ones used by champion mimics, despite having nearly no formal training. If this is a coincidence or not is unknown, and the individual remains under close watch.


@Durin I did a thing on the various mimics. if the acceptance of Doublegangers is to much I can push that out to something done by bushwalkers only.