Summary
Hive minded masochistic organic mass
Homeworld
Barren, a standard-sized rock, stripped of anything but basic minerals, covered with a sea of Tasty Jelly mass.
Reason for leaving the home planet
To increase the total mass of Tasty Jelly and find new sensations, hopefully unpleasant. While not sophisticated enough to create technology, let alone develop space flight, portions of Tasty Jelly mass can be transported to other worlds in secured containers.
Physical description
The entire mass of Tasty Jelly is one entity. In mineral-rich fluid-like substance float throngs of highly adaptable organic cells. The cells are capable of breaking down into elementary minerals any objects that are engulfed in the Jelly fluid. The minerals can be then transferred and accumulated in specific regions of the Jelly mass for later use, for building new cells or adapting Jelly substance to environment.
Social structure
No society per se. The Jelly cells are all linked telepathically into a single primitive mind. This mind operates on instinct and emotions, with a limited capacity to learn. Also, blissfully masochistic. Each dying cell seems to provide joyful ecstasy to the Jelly, and new methods of destruction (exposure to high or low temperature, chemicals, radiation) prove to be increasingly satisfying. While either unable, or unwilling to, harm itself directly, Tasty Jelly will telepathically reach out to and attract other life forms in hope they will extract and destroy portions of the Tasty Jelly mass. Tasty Jelly discovers the needs of the creatures it meets, and provides them with specialized Jelly fluid, containing just the right balance of minerals required for industry or consumption.
History
Not much is known about the origins of the Tasty Jelly. The mass itself is not communicative enough to provide such information. It is stipulated that the organism evolved on a Terran planet and gradually consumed every other life form present. It is unclear if the telepathic mind - and its bizarre tendencies - developed before or after the Tasty Jelly became the sole resident of its world. Some say that the mass feels guilty for destroying its ecosystem, or wants to abstain from ever swallowing a planet whole again.
There is no concrete evidence of precursor participation.
Race attributes
- Broad environment tolerance (it can eat through almost anything, still irradiation and extreme temperatures can hinder its growth)
Fast colonization (if transported to a new world, a small amount of substance will quickly multiply to increase the chance of being useful)
Can colonize but can't build ships (I don't remember if it works with the new mechanics)
Poor troops (it doesn't want to defend itself, it enjoys being conquered, actually; some token resistance is only there to be pleasingly destroyed but not to discourage the conqueror)
No research (hard to say if the Jelly mind is intelligent at all)
Telepathic (on some basic level)
Poor industry (it can synthesize complex substances based on provided materials and mental description, but can't actually build anything on its own)
Has growth focus (can be used for sustenance instead of industry, it will even try its best to taste good)
Poor stealth (wants to be found, will try to telepathically lure potential tormentors)