A microscopic species of extraterrestrial life with the capability of mutating into new strains or “patterns” depending on its environment and hosts. 

Although the metabolic and reproductive cycles of Membrance are still largely unknown. Researchers believe that the organisms are able to absorb energy from specific wavelengths. This energy will then be converted to sustain the organism and “grow” it. Eventually, these aggregates may become visible to the naked eye. 

New patterns emerge in the presence of new wavelength types, possibly to reduce competition amongst the population. Depending on the complexity of the wavelengths that a given pattern feeds off of, the strain itself will evolve and take on more niche traits. 

The most advanced Membrance patterns are those that have evolved to interact with human consciousnesses. The specific exchanges are only speculative, but it is assumed that the patterns can feed off of the energy produced from neurons firing in a human brain/body. What is known is that these patterns are then able to replicate said neural systems. More so, a handful of patterns have been known manipulate and recombine fragments of consciousnesses at will. Hypothetically, a pattern could develop sentience.

The only other type of pattern that has even approached the depth found in “Neural-patterns” are the kinds that specialize in electronics. By sifting through artificial processing-systems, these patterns are able to form the equivalents of advanced algorithms and learning-networks similar to those of an AI.  

Formers recognizes 30 patterns of Membrance on the planet, with the potential for many more. While most patterns depend on various kinds of deep-space radiation, or magnetic energy from Earth itself, there are a few that are uniquely bonded with other species and their machinations. These patterns: Aria, Barrier, Verdant, V-Ronin, and Singing Road pose existential threats to humanity.