Continuing from where I left off, I'll provide further results of my research. The days were plenty, but I finally have results from my research on epitomes. As of 'redacted' I've concluded that there are fourteen different epitomes. I'll speak of each separately in these files, starting with the 'ordinary' epitome, as I'll refer to it.
The ordinary epitome is our closest relation to these creatures. Their biological traits are distinguishable from the other epitomes with their lack of extraordinary features. Funnily enough, this makes them quite peculiar when compared to other epitomes, but I digress.
Average as they might appear, they can pose a threat if agitated, but prefers not to mingle in our affairs. Wherever they may roam they equilibrise the local ecosystem: Predators of other epitomes may hunt, and later feast upon these creatures. This allows for a plethora of species with differing epitomes to thrive, which in turn allows the ordinary epitome to thrive as well.
This cohesive relationship has allowed the ordinary epitome to maintain a neutral status with most other epitomes. This has caused evolution to provide them with extraordinary initiatives derived from creatures of other epitomes, but that's a discussion for another time.
As I've already mentioned, creatures of the ordinary epitome have a neutral relation with most other epitomes. My research suggests that three epitomes behave differently with the ordinary epitome. I'll cover these three more in detail at a later date, but I'll bring them up now while I'm at it. I'll refer to these epitomes as the 'belligerent', the 'stone' and the 'specter' epitome. The ordinary and specter epitomes don't seem even mildly interfered by the others' presence (an odd interaction I've yet to wrap my head around). The stone epitome cares very little for hostility from the ordinary epitome (surprising, yet not unexpected). But the belligerent epitome seems particularly hostile toward the ordinary epitome. Why that is remains a mystery, one I hope to be unraveled in the near future.
The unique features of this epitome is highly inconsistent, varying greatly depending on the species. The only logical description of their inherent traits are, 'whatever trait that's not present in other epitomes'. In spite of this, they're by far the most adaptive epitome. In fact, the epitome is so adaptive to its surroundings that it can accommodate any desired purpose. This makes the epitome reliant on others of its kind to fulfill their own designated purposes. Furthermore, this allows certain species of this epitome to alter their biology and habituate an additional epitome. This process is especially common amongst avian and water dwelling creatures. In fact, this process is prevalent to the point that I believe some creatures of these environments have foregone the ordinary epitome entirely. Thus I theorize that this epitome may be one of early life's most prevalent methods of adaptation, and may very well be the ancestor of all epitomes.
I'm afraid I have to further elaborate upon the details of my research at a later date. Some have grown concerned over my late outings. The church would not approve of this behavior. Thus I'm forced to be far more inconspicuous with my research. But I'll make steady progress wherever I have free time.
/Oleander Franklin