Gagalikes

Gagalikes are a fictional class of shapeshifting entities central to several speculative-fiction narratives and tabletop role-playing settings. They resemble ordinary urban objects or architectural elements, but are sentient and capable of rearranging their physical form, texture, and light emission to mimic nearby items. The term derives within the universe from their habit of adopting popular shapes to attract attention, playing on the idea of "likes" from social media.

Origin and taxonomy: In the canon, gagalikes arise from a latent layer of reality called net-matter that interfaces with perception. They are divided into camouflage forms, decoys that draw observers, and construct forms that actively alter environments. Some cultures treat them as pests, others as sentient custodians of perception.

Habitat and behavior: They populate cities, transit hubs, ruins, and digital spaces. They spread by shedding micro-modules that settle in new locales, and feed on sensory input and data produced by human activity. They typically avoid direct violence, preferring camouflage or misdirection, though provocation can trigger aggressive mimicry or entanglement with equipment.

Cultural significance and media: Gagalikes are used as allegory for attention economies and misinformation, illustrating how perception can be shaped by surface-level imitations. They appear across novels, graphic media, and role-playing supplements within the fictional universe.

Notable appearances: The concept is featured in several works within the fictional universe, including the Gagalike Chronicles and the Netbound RPG supplement.