Dermachrome

Dermachrome is a bio-metaphysical pigmentation system found exclusively in species of the Volamin (Genetic Architecture). Unlike melanin-based pigmentation in Terran species, dermachrome is encoded through specific Seliquads and expressed via layered chemical-spiritual processes.

It determines skin coloration, texture, patterning, and in some cases, luminescent effects. Its variability across hybrid lineages is a key identifier of ancestry, compatibility, and sometimes spiritual status.

Structure and Activation

Dermachrome traits are:

• Encoded in specific selitypes associated with dermal layers
• Activated only when compatible Seliquads bind via matching Selinectos
• Expressed based on dominance hierarchy, distribution ratio, and binding sequence

Each seliquad carries instructions for:

• Dermachrome Type (e.g. radiant, mottled, absorptive)
• Color Signature (e.g. obsidian, emerald, lunar rose)
• Expression Strength (dominant vs. recessive ends)
• Pattern Modifiers (freckling, veining, marbling)

Expression Variants

Because dermachrome operates in modular trait layers, it supports a vast range of physical outcomes:

Common Variants

• Monotone Expression – one dominant seliquad set overrides all others
• Freckling – two or more dominant seliquads merge but fail to fully integrate
• Veining / Marbling – partially co-expressed dermachrome types arranged in flow lines
• Radiance Effects – rare in purebloods, more frequent in quarterblood hybrids (e.g. glowing opal veins)

Hybrid Trait Behavior

In hybrids:

• Dominant seliquads from different lineages may co-express
• Patterning often reveals hidden ancestry not seen in bone or voice structure
• Bridge Selinectos allow unexpected trait layering, sometimes considered miraculous or heretical

For example:
> An individual with ¼ Zekerin and ¾ High Valorîin lineage may exhibit dark central dermachrome veining inherited from Zekerin blood, layered over pale radiant skin.

Cultural Interpretation

Dermachrome is culturally loaded:

• Certain tones (e.g. starlight gold, volcanic obsidian) may be sacred or taboo
• Patterning is often used in clan identification, marital rituals, or political inheritance
• Rare traits (like tri-tone spirals or duskglow skin) may mark prophecy, ancestral favor, or spiritual contamination

See Also

• Seliotype
• Seliquad
• Selinecto
• Hybridization (Volamin)
• Volamin (Genetic Architecture)