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 Zekarin 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