Gorgon Biology

Physiological Characteristics

Scales: Begin as discolored patches and progressively spread across the body. Composed of hardened keratin with reflective iridescence. Provide minor protection equivalent to leather armor.

Hair Replacement: Original hair is lost in patches before being replaced by living serpents. These snakes possess limited independent motion and are sensitive to emotional states.

Forked Tongue & Jacobson's Organ: Transformation includes bifurcation of the tongue and development of a vomeronasal organ, allowing chemoreception. The individual can "taste" air particles and emotional pheromones.

Thermoreceptive Pits: Located above the lips, these organs allow detection of heat signatures, functioning similarly to infrared vision. Particularly useful in low-light or nocturnal environments.

Vision Adaptation: Pupils slit, granting enhanced low-light vision but increased sensitivity to daylight. Some experience photophobia.

Cold-Blooded Shift: Metabolism becomes ectothermic. Individuals require external heat sources to regulate body temperature. Sunlight and radiant heat induce lethargic basking behavior.

Healing Factor: Cellular regeneration accelerates post-transformation. Minor wounds heal rapidly. Shedding of skin may occur during growth cycles, accompanied by increased irritability and hunger.

Venomous Saliva: Salivary glands shift to producing a mild neurotoxin that the individual is immune to. This is injected with a bite and causes symptoms including muscle spasms, fever, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and hearing abnormalities. Subjects seem to recover with no ill effects after 24.

Dietary Needs

Carnivorous Inclination: Plant matter becomes less nutritionally viable. Preference shifts to raw or minimally cooked meat. Cooked meat is tolerable but lacks satisfaction.

Olfactory/Taste Changes: Loss of taste sensitivity to former favorite foods, contributing to emotional distress and social withdrawal.

Psychological Impact

Instinctual Drives: Cravings for heat, flesh, and solitude become more prominent. Sensory overload is common in early stages.