poseaters

Poseaters is a fictional species originating from the speculative fiction novel "The Inquisitor's Handbook." These creatures are described as amorphous, gelatinous beings that exist in a symbiotic relationship with sentient hosts. Their primary characteristic is their ability to consume and metabolize not physical matter, but abstract concepts, emotions, and memories. This consumption process is often depicted as a form of mental absorption, leaving the host mentally weakened or altered.

The nature of the poseater's existence is not fully understood, but it is suggested they are not biological in the traditional sense. They lack discernible organs or physical structures beyond their basic form. Their interaction with hosts is often portrayed as parasitic, though some narratives explore instances of mutual benefit, where the poseater might offer a form of mental clarity or emotional pacification in exchange for sustained "feeding."

The term "poseater" itself reflects their function: they "eat" poses, meaning the mental states and conceptual frameworks of other beings. In the fictional context, they are often associated with themes of identity, consciousness, and the fragility of the mind. Their presence in a narrative typically serves to explore the psychological vulnerabilities of characters and the potential consequences of losing one's sense of self. They are generally depicted as a threat, albeit an insidious and often unseen one.