THE DANGER IS UNLEASHED ONLY IF YOU SUBSTANTIALLY DISTURB THIS PLACE PHYSICALLY

THIS PLACE IS BEST SHUNNED AND LEFT UNINHABITED

Referring to the Flock as a species distinct from others in the Tiger Claw Galaxy is technically inaccurate, but the practice continues. More accurately, the “Flock” refers to an infectious hive mind capable of integrating conscious organisms from any species. Individual instances of the hive mind may be dealt with fairly easily, but colonies that have been allowed to establish are capable of widespread damage to Protectorate civilians and property, as well as the surrounding environment. And though the exact nature of the association is still unknown, infestations begin in Antecedent ruins in the majority of cases, making investigations into these ruins all the more dangerous.

It’s unknown what allows initial instances to manifest, but the infection of outside individuals begins with the inhalation of spores. The spores alone are enough to cause neurological issues, specifically those pertaining to consciousness, such as the perception of sight or the awareness that one is alive. If a person is removed to a safe area at this stage recovery is likely, but other instances of the Flock may attempt to resist this.

Enough spore inhalation leads to the growth of the characteristic cranial structure of the Flock. The individual at this stage is unrecoverable. This structure grows through the body, starting around an orifice such as a mouth, hardening and widening the holes of the face until the entire head is consumed. Typically once this point is reached the production of seawater and spores from the openings begins, and the loose structure continues its growth throughout the rest of the body. Pores in the skin, hair follicles, and similar structures may widen in a process similar to the initial stage of infection. Given enough time undisturbed an infected individual will establish as a nonmotile structure. Seawater may damage nearby plant life, and as more individuals gather and add onto the original structure flooding may occur. If left to its own devices, the infection will grow into a structure large enough to be seen from orbit, and flooding may lead to the formation of permanent bodies of salt water.

Little is known about the societal structure of the Flock, and even the presence of one in the first place is debated. Most research suggests a singular mental state similar to that of a philosophical zombie, with merely the appearance of consciousness, across every individual instance. In this way the Flock may be thought of as a single organism, though the creation of what appears to be art adds some legitimacy to the idea that a culture of some sort does exist among individuals.