#puddle slime

Here is the phylogenetic tree (or cladogram) for the slimes. We actually finished this a while ago, but I held off on posting it because we were still debating the exact taxonomy and where the Tarr slimes should actually sit.

Basically, we've decided that the Tarr isn't a separate species, but more like a prion-based condition that triggers extreme aggression and massive physical mutations. This physiological collapse is usually (but not always) triggered by a dysfunctional lateral gene transfer between different species. Essentially, the genetic incompatibility leads to a proteopathic chain reaction—the proteins begin to misfold, destabilizing the slime's entire cellular integrity and turning it into a Tarr.

We briefly considered a oncogenic (cancer-based) origin for the Tarr, but we quickly discarded that hypothesis. Since slimes are unicellular organisms, they lack the complex cell-cycle regulation and tissue organization required for malignancy as we define it. A prion-based model is far more consistent with their rapid, infectious transformation.

Moving on to morphology, Cade made this drawing illustrating four distinct variations of "ear-like" protrusions. While these lineages form a polyphyletic group—as not all slimes share these specific traits—their sensory structures offer a great look into how different clades have adapted.

Tabby Lineage (Top Left): The Tabby slimes and their close relatives have developed these structures as a type of antenna capped with specialized vibratory membranes. These act as external tympanums, capturing acoustic vibrations from the environment. What’s really cool is how they process this: the data is interpreted by a localized cluster of specialized nuclei at the base of the structure, allowing for rapid response without waiting for a "central" signal.

Cotton Lineage (Top Right): The Cotton slimes represent a much more basal group. Their structures are more akin to primitive antennas, but their lower sensory filaments are significantly more developed. This explains the "whisker-like" protrusions seen across this entire clade, which likely serve as their primary tactile and chemical sensors.

Phosphor Lineage (Bottom): Evolution took a different path with the Phosphor slimes, leading to a fascinating physiological shift. Their antennas have specialized into electroreceptors, allowing them to detect the bioelectric fields of other organisms in the dark. Much like bats, their "ears" are thicker and more robust because their survival depends almost entirely on this electro-spatial awareness. Internally, this is powered by a high concentration of mitochondria and specialized ion channels that maintain a constant electrical gradient.

Next, I wanted to share this detailed look at the cellular anatomy of a slime. Cade and I have been working on mapping out how these complex, multinucleate organisms function on a microscopic level. I’m not going to dive too deep into the specifics just yet, as I’m planning a dedicated post to break down the entire physiological map in the future. However, for those of you who have been following my previous entries, you can probably already identify several of the specialized organelles present here just by looking at the diagram. :>

Finally, here's the new map I’ve been working on for the Far, Far Range. It’s loosely based on the old layouts, but it moves significantly away from the in-game maps to better represent realistic ecosystems and geographical zones. Visualizing these habitats helps contextualize why specific organelles and biological traits evolved the way they did. That being said, please don't ask about the plants or why they look like a Skittles factory exploded; we haven't gotten that far yet, but we're working on it!!!!!!