Seliquad
A Seliquad is one of four fragmentary units of a Seliotype, the genetic-metaphysical structure unique to Volamin (Genetic Architecture) species. Each seliotype fragments into four seliquads during reproduction, two of which are passed from each parent. Seliquads are the functional units of trait inheritance, hybridization, and phenotypic variation.
Seliquads are metaphysically active—each contains not just raw genetic instructions, but a binding signature called a Selinecto, which governs whether and how it can attach to another seliquad during recombination.
Structure
Each seliquad consists of:
- A dominant end — controls primary expression when binding occurs
- A recessive end — latent unless matched with another recessive
- A Selinecto — metaphysical lock that determines binding compatibility
- Encoded traits specific to organs, tissues, senses, or energies
Because each individual has sixteen seliotypes (64 seliquads total), the variety and resolution of trait expression in Volamin species is extraordinarily fine-grained.
Recombination and Trait Inheritance
During reproduction:
- Each parent’s selitypes fragment into four seliquads
- Two seliquads per seliotype are passed to the offspring
- Only seliquads with **matching Selinectos** can bind and express traits
- Recombination patterns (dominant↔dominant, dominant↔recessive, recessive↔recessive) determine trait outcome
Examples of Trait Outcomes
- Dominant + Dominant: full expression, often vivid (e.g., bright hair or eye color)
- Dominant + Recessive: moderated expression (e.g., freckling, iridescence, fade)
- Recessive + Recessive: hidden traits may activate (e.g., ancestral markings, unusual organ traits)
- Double Dominant Seliquads across skin trait loci: may result in Dermachrome effects like mottling, veining, or radiant pigmentation
Hybridization Limits
Seliquads cannot bind across incompatible selinectos. This enforces lineage boundaries:
- Pureblood species possess uniquely keyed selinectos across all 16 seliotypes, preventing cross-species breeding
- Line-blended individuals(those with mixed ancestry) may inherit universal or compatible selinectos, enabling hybridization
This makes hybrid traits **inheritable only in species with previous mixing**, maintaining metaphysical and biological integrity across Volamin genetic architecture.
Cultural Significance
In many Volamin societies, seliquad patterns are revered or feared:
- Complex seliquad bindings may be seen as a sign of ancestral favor
- Certain high-status families deliberately track seliquad patterns to **preserve traits** like psionic acuity or dermachrome brilliance
- Rituals may exist to “cleanse” or “stabilize” seliquad imbalances, particularly in cases of spiritual inheritance anomalies