The Abyssal are not a unified species, and have varied morphs, with unique physiology. It is unknown whether these morphs are of the same species, or a conglomerate of many.
Some features remain common between morphs. All have slimy, near translucent skin that can change color and pattern at a moment's notice, making of blending in to their surroundings near seamless. The number of eyes can vary, most commonly being mono-ocular. Their limbs resemble tentacled arms, though this is not a uniform adaptation.
Abyssal
Commonly called squids, prototypical Abyssal are humanoid in appearance, save for their bulbous, featureless heads. Tendrils drip out of the bottom of their faces in place of a lower jaw. They have been recorded having as many as three eyes. Most commonly, a single, inky black eye peers out of the centerfolds of their head. Scholars speculate whether the number of eyes displayed by the Abyssal holds some social significance.
Scuttlers
Squat, shrimp-like creatures that, while upright, are barely humanoid in form. Their heads are small and insectoid, wet round eyes sheltered safely between the high armored humps upon their backs. They walk awkwardly upon land on short legs, and instead of hands they have long, probing claws. These scythe-like limbs are bony and hard, strong enough to stop the slash of sword, and swift enough to land a counter blow.
Striderpods
Mindless, wandering creatures. It is unclear if they are a true morph of the Abyssal, or merely some domesticated beast. Their bodies are armored with a hard carapace, save for a soft underbelly full of poison. Four tall and jointed legs take them in strides across the land. Glowing stingers that dangle from their bellies drag down like the tentacles of a jellyfish. These tentacles contain a paralytic powerful enough to ensnare a human adult. Once caught, the striderpod will attempt to drag its prey back to the ocean.
Barnacles
Strange creatures reported to accompany Squid raids. Burrow into the flesh, chewing threw bone, and have been seen to enact some sort of reanimation process upon beings it has infected.
Thralls
The humanoid Abyssal ‘squids’ are able to assert some level of control over captured species, and those on the surface are no exception. Since the Abyssal have primarily attacked human
settlements, it is human bodies that make up the bulk of their thrall hordes. Most thralls lose their ability to reason and speak. They have the appearance of drowned ghouls - tender, bloated flesh, discolored mottling, and barnacle-like growths on the skin. It is currently unknown if more drastic changes may occur.