Hideandseekors

Hideandseekors are a fictional group of organisms introduced in speculative fiction and role-playing games. They are described as highly elusive and adept at camouflage, often inhabiting mixed environments where concealment offers survival advantages. The term is used as both a name for the group and a recurring motif in stories that emphasize concealment and pursuit.

Etymology and taxonomy in the fiction vary. The name combines “hide” and “seek” with the suffix “-ors” to denote a plural group. In-world taxonomy is inconsistent across sources; some writers describe Hideandseekors as a single genus, others as multiple species within a camouflage-focused clade. There is no formal, real-world taxonomic authority for them.

Physical description and behavior are diverse across depictions. Some Hideandseekors are small and leaf-like, others larger and shapeshifting, with skin or integument capable of rapid color and texture change. They are primarily nocturnal and rely on background matching, motion cues, and subtle sensory information to locate hiding spots. They are known to “play” hide-and-seek as a survival strategy, often executing elaborate feints and rapid relocations when threatened.

Habitat and ecology in fictional settings include forests, swamps, caves, and urban ruins, frequently near sources of noise or movement that affect detection. They may feed on small invertebrates or plant matter depending on the setting, and some depictions describe symbiotic relationships with other species.

Cultural impact and appearances span novels, video games, and tabletop role-playing games. They commonly function as puzzles or mechanics centered on detection and misdirection, exploring themes of perception, uncertainty, and cunning. In-fiction scholarship by xenobiologists and camouflage researchers is sometimes referenced to add depth to their portrayal.