Neophytes are the first stage in the lifecycle of all Aesoteric organisms. The most unique feature about the average Neophyte is their pharyngeal jaw, not unlike a goblin shark’s. Along with their uniquely shaped head and ornate indentations on their chitinous armor. They mature into Neomorphs, and then into Imagos before finally becoming a fully mature Aesoteric organism.
Etymology
As Neophytes are newborn or immature Aesoteric organisms, they have been given the name “Neophyte“, which is roughly defined as “a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.”
Neophytes are also referred to as Younglings, Larvae, Tallmen, Young-Blood, Youngstalkers, and Imps by the denizens of Ja’luhhor’Alotha.
Description
The Neophyte has a blue smooth body, four fingers, a thumb, and plantigrade legs. Their ornate blackish blue chitin sports myriad patterns and symbols, possibly suggesting that their origin is truly artificial. Their head is elongated, ending in a blade-like crest, and they seem to lack eyes. The Neophyte’s most unique characteristic is their pharyngeal jaw, not unlike a goblin shark’s, which can extend and be used to decapitate prey.
Neophytes, unlike their matured counterparts, lack long tails. Instead, having a very short stubby tail. Neophytes also only have two grasping limbs, unlike Neomorphs and Imagos. Although certain Neophytes have been born with four or even six grasping appendages.
Neophytes are six to seven feet in height, short in comparison to other Aesoteric organisms, but towering over most non-Aesoteric organisms.
Uberphytes
Uberphytes are a rare breed, being Neophyte organisms under the effects of neoteny. Unlike their bretheren, Uberphytes do not molt and evolve into Neomorphs, instead simply growing in size. Uberphytes will grow until they can no longer consume enough nutrients to support their bulk.
Creation
Neophytes are born in fetid cloning pods, these gelatinous wombs incubate the embryonic Neophyte until they are fully grown. At that point, they will use their bladed head to tear open the pod, and escape to the nurturing fields. These wombs spread their sarcous tendrils across the surfaces they grow upon, turning everything they touch into the vital proteins and nutrients needed to incubate the Neophyte infant.
Originally, these festering wombs grew wherever the conditions were appropriate. However, in modern times the wombs are formed in great farms.
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