Phaces

Phaces is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to describe a group of beings noted for their highly flexible facial morphology. The concept is not based on any real-world species and has no scientific taxonomy; it appears in multiple works as a thought experiment on perception, identity, and communication.

In depictions, Phaces may range from humanoid to ambiguous forms, but share a common ability to reconfigure facial features rapidly through artificial or biological means. This capacity allows thousands of possible expressions and social signals, enabling nuanced communication without spoken language or as a complement to it. Physiology is variably described, with options including modular facial plates, adaptive skin, or nanomaterial overlays. Some stories grant Phaces heightened memory and pattern-recognition abilities tied to facial displays.

Culturally, they are often portrayed as masters of impression management, with complex etiquette centered on facial signaling. Narratives use Phaces to explore themes of authenticity, trust, and how appearance shapes social interaction. The term has appeared primarily in online worldbuilding forums, independent science fiction, and role‑playing games, where creators use it to probe the relationship between outward form and inner state. See also: shape-shifter, perception, facial expression.