Darlok Transformation Process

Darlok: Transformation Process

The Darlok are a shapeshifting race that have lived in the shadows and fringes of galactic society for all recorded time. Universally distrusted, hated, and reviled by the other civilizations, their shapeshifting and secretive natures have become their most precious assets as they seek to spread their influence across the galaxy. This article explains the complicated process of their innate shapeshifting ability.After selecting a target for replacement, the Darlok will mark the target for an in-depth screening process. They will often place agents around the target first, gathering information on their personal lives and recording speech and mannerism patterns. Once they feel that they have gained enough preliminary information, they will abduct the target and interrogate them relentlessly until it is possible to duplicate their identity with no suspicion.For the physical transformation itself, the Darlok must secure a DNA sample of their shift target. While hair and skin samples are adequate, blood and bone matter are the preferred sources of genetic material. The Darlok agent then must take the target’s DNA within themselves (traditionally intravenously for a quicker, higher quality transformation) and make sure they are securely hidden from external danger as they will be vulnerable during the transformation process, which takes 12 to 24 hours.The target’s DNA begins to replicate in the Darlok’s bloodstream, spreading and hooking itself to the Darlok’s DNA. The target’s DNA becomes the dominant defining factor and begins to force the body to change from the inside out. The Darlok’s original DNA is still present, but is a “shadow” attached to the target’s DNA.As the change pushes outward, nutrient-dense liquid streams from their pores and orifices. The Darlok’s limbs twist and reset into the correct forms in a series of stomach-turning snaps and creaks. Their limbs may expand or wither based on the size of their target’s body while internal organs take on the function of their new form. Vocal patterns change as well, the voice of the Darlok at first sounding like an echo before shifting into the target’s tone and tenor.The cells within bind and grow into a new structure—the bone, internal organs, and muscle changing to match the target’s identity. The process is dramatic and horrific to all who witness it. Watching the Darlok’s features distort and warp into a completely different form is said to drive aliens mad. However, if the process of transformation is traumatic, the process of reversion back to their original form is far more grotesque.When the Darlok drop their assumed identities, the target DNA “unhooks,” peeling away in the form of a thick morphogenetic peel. Large clumps of skin, foam, and tissues slip from the body. The process commands the Darlok’s full attention and the Darlok is weakened considerably for the duration of the process. The discarded material contains a large amount of genetic material that can be analyzed to determine who the donor was. For this reason, Darloks will do their best to dispose of the cast-off tissue—consuming it if no other course is available.The easiest way to involuntarily trigger a Darlok to revert to their original form is to cause significant bodily trauma. The shock of physical damage can force the donor DNA to “unhook.” This process of shedding tends to be quicker than the initial transformation, averaging a few hours, depending on the resilience of the individual Darlok. Darlok can shift back to their original form voluntarily, but it requires great focus. Many choose to accelerate the process by harming themselves and forcing the transformation reflex to take over.There are some limitations to the Darlok shapeshifting process: they must transform into relatively intelligent lifeforms, they cannot shift straight from one target to another (they must go to their original form in between), and they do not gain the knowledge and memories of the target. Most Darlok operations require in-depth research and scouting in order to give their agents enough information to blend in effectively.The process of transformation is generally very dangerous for Darlok agents who risk exposure and the threat of losing their own identity when they are posing as someone else. Because they are so hated and distrusted, the Darlok assume that everyone is out to get them and expose them to the hard light of subjective truth. The most unexpected side effect of shapeshifting can be the most devastating to the Cabal: the individual Darlok agent may become so immersed in the character of their shift target and the accompanying sense of belonging that they permanently lose track of their own identity.