Slíks

Slíks are a fictional genus of semi-sentient, gelatinous lifeforms described in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing games. They are typically found in damp, low-light environments, especially caves and rain-soaked forests.

Physiology: Slíks lack a rigid skeleton; their bodies are translucent, color-shifting masses up to about 6 cm in diameter. They secrete a mucous layer that regulates moisture and helps adhesion to substrates. They host endosymbiotic algae that provide limited photosynthetic energy, giving them faint bioluminescence in dark habitats.

Behavior and ecology: They move by slow pulsations and respond to vibrations and chemical cues. Slíks communicate through chemical signals and subtle shifts in translucence. In some settings, they can merge with nearby individuals to form larger, networked structures, or detach to evade threats. They feed on detritus and dissolved organic matter; primary energy from symbionts supplements their diet, enabling survival in low-nutrient environments.

Distribution and habitat: Slíks are reported in temperate cave systems and damp forest understories in speculative worlds, especially where humidity is high and light is scarce.

Life cycle and reproduction: They reproduce asexually by budding or fragmentation. New individuals form when a fragment remains viable, and occasional sexual reproduction is depicted in advanced variants. Lifespan ranges from several months to a few years, depending on environmental stressors.

Cultural and media use: In-game lore and fiction, slíks are valued for bioluminescent properties and their mucous compounds used in crafts and alchemy. Some cultures regard groves of wild slíks as sacred spaces or landmarks.

References: In-world texts include the Codex Lumen and the Field Guide to the World of Vespera.