Juvenile Mimic [VITA CARNIS]

The Mimic is a bipedal creature with uncanny similarities to human anatomy. They greatly resemble humans without skin and with added exaggerated features.[1] These features include longer arms and thin fingers with no fingernails, hunched posture with a duck-footed stance, flat noses, large sunken eyes, clammy skin, and a mouth full of teeth forming a "smile." The mouth of the Mimic contains more teeth than any known human typically does and is almost entirely of incisors with some canines and premolars in the back. This tooth composition is ideal for tearing into meat and swallowing large chunks whole. Mimics also have the ability to contort their bodies in ways that allow them to fit into tighter spaces. Additionally, Mimics also have the ability to expand their bodies to appear more intimidating. This adaptation allows Mimics to hide in furniture and lie in wait for prey or to intimidate potential competition.

In the first stage, a Juvenile Mimic separates from the Crawl. They closely resemble their Trimming relatives, but are thin, sleek and only have four appendages. In this stage, the Mimic utilizes the element of surprise, similar to other ambush predators. They initially hunt organisms smaller than themselves, but as they approach metamorphosis, they start to target larger food sources. They target the jugular to deliver the killing blow as quickly as possible. Upon reaching adulthood, the Mimic metamorphoses into its second stage of life. They are easy to take down as they are vulnerable to any weapons.

In the second stage, a Mimic reaches adulthood. At this point, it now takes on the aforementioned physical characteristics and now only stalks, attacks and eats humans. Adult Mimics are found in places with large amounts of humans. Adult Mimics can contort their body joints to hide in tight spaces. They will hide inside any large objects that could give them a surprise advantage. An Adult Mimic may change its initial premeditated hunting plan, or simply give it up entirely and attack its prey right away if it suspects its presence has been discovered. They are not easy to take down, but it is recommended to aim for the legs or head for a quick kill.

In the third stage, an Adult Mimic has two possible paths it could take for its third stage of life:

1, if an Adult Mimic has a stable and consistent supply of humans, it will begin to take on more human-like features, to the point that they look like a more deformed human. This makes them more efficient hunters as they can blend into society. Even though they now look like humans, they can still be identified due to their unnatural body/face structure and unnatural walk. To avoid this, they camouflage themselves in using clothing and hoodies. Humanoid Mimics may stalk their prey in large crowds where they can blend in. As same as how you take down an Adult Mimic, it is recommended to aim for the legs or head.

2, in the case that an Adult Mimic gets an overabundance of a food, it will evolve into a larger, more evolved predator. This 'Elder' Mimic will lose many of its features from childhood and adulthood, and instead grow a tougher, darker shell of flexible skin. This layer will only grow in durability the more the Mimic consumes. Their black skin is practically immune to bullets, the only vulnerable area is the face, which includes the mouth, eyes, and nasal region. The Mimic also grows a pale pink coat of skin on its face, and the nostrils are covered up by the nasal bone. The teeth shift further down the throat, and the gums transition to a sharp, boney "beak" that is used to deglove flesh from the bone. The darker layer of skin and new face coating allows the Elder Mimic to seamlessly blend into dark rooms and in the dead of night. These improved features make the Elder Mimic one the most formidable and efficient hunters on the planet and are an immense danger to humans. It is important to note that if you notice an Elder Mimic in close proximity, it has likely already began hunting you, and an attack is inevitable. There isn't much you can do, since Elder Mimics are highly efficient predators, and few have reported themselves surviving an Elder Mimic encounter. Elder Mimics have a highly durable darker skin that makes them impervious to most handheld weapons. However, since the face lacks this protective layer, it is the best weak point.

Mimics are highly efficient hunters with certain behaviors when they aren't on the hunt. An Adult Mimic will begin its hunt by scouting out a possible target. Upon finding an easy kill, the Mimic will enter the victim's domicile and lurk in the shadows, observing the behaviors of the human and studying its routine. The Mimic will then determine the best time to attack, which is usually when the human is asleep, or in any other vulnerable situation. The Mimic will swiftly execute the human as to not alert others in the areas.

Juvenile Mimics, outside of hunting, exhibit animalistic, almost endearing traits. Unlike adult and elder mimics that stalk humans, juveniles are actually afraid of humans, being fully aware of their vulnerability, and will usually flee if discovered. Observations of these young creatures show they often display unexpected, almost playful or curious behaviors when they are not threatened or hungry. They engage in basic play-fighting behaviors with other young Mimics, which serve as crucial practice for the stealth and ambush tactics they will rely on later in life. They usually ignore and do not interact with other creatures, focusing mostly, if not entirely, on their own survival and growth.

Anatomically, infant Mimics resemble small, malnourished quadrupedal grubs. They lack the elongated, skinless bipedal structure of adults but already possess their signature permanent, wide, toothy grin. Despite their small size, they most likely cannot be domesticated; any playful demeanor disappears as they mature into an adult.