Cascade

The Cascade mutation is a rare but big genetic event which acts as a bridge between melanism and ultra-bright and is not the polar mutation. It originates from the coexistence of the flux and polar mutations in a single individual, creating a profound genetic bridge between the opposing forces of melanism and ultra-bright. When the cascade mutation is present, it allows both effects to be expressed in a harmonious chain reaction, which pushes a riardi’s color into a +3 or -3 state.

This mutation's specific effect is determined by two genetic loci: the Amplitude Locus, which controls the strength of the effect, and the Expression Locus, which controls its application across the body.

Genetic Alleles and Phenotypes:

  • Amplitude Locus: This locus dictates whether the mutation has a +3 or -3 effect.
  • CA: The dominant allele for the +3 effect, resulting in extreme darkening.
  • ca: The recessive allele for the -3 effect, resulting in extreme lightening.
  • Expression Locus: This locus dictates whether the effect is applied universally or selectively.
  • CU: The dominant allele for Universal expression, applying the effect to all colors.
  • cs: The recessive allele for Selective expression, applying the effect to only one color.

The specific combinations and their outcomes are as follows:

  • CA/CA with CU/CU or CU/cs: This combination results in the Universal +3 Effect, where all colors on the riardi's coat are pushed to their maximum darkening state, resulting in the profound, light-absorbing Datura hue.
  • CA/CA with cs/cs: This combination results in the Selective +3 Effect, where only one color is pushed to the extreme darkness of the Datura hue, creating a striking localized marking.
  • ca/ca with CU/CU or CU/cs: This combination results in the Universal -3 Effect, where all colors are pushed to their palest, most ethereal state, creating a ghostly, muted appearance.
  • ca/ca with cs/cs: This combination results in the Selective -3 Effect, where only one color is pushed to its palest state, creating a bare hint of color in an isolated marking.
  • CA/ca with any CU/cs combination: This results in the Impartial phenotype. The opposing genetic forces cancel each other out, and the riardi's coloration appears normal, but they are a carrier for the potential for both universal +3 and universal -3 effects in future offspring.

The following is a selection of fascinating interactions between Cascade and other mutations:

Cascade & Stellar: Together, the result is a Nebula riardi. When the +3 from cascade interacts with the stellar mutation, the starry, spot-like markings are pushed inerse, which results in a light-absorbing ''black hole' effect with nebula-like designs on the riardi's body. The gradient fade on their extremities darkens, rather than the stellar pattern's lighter hue.

Cascade & Iridescence: a Spectral riardi results. When cascade's effect interacts with the Iridescent mutation, the riardi's fur becomes so pale or so light-eating that they are visibly much more iridescent than others, giving them their namesake appearance. If scaled, their scales will also be very pale or very dark, with iridescent eding and a different iridescence for the main part of their scales.

Cascade & Chimera: a Paradox results. When cascade's effect interacts with a chimera riardi, the +3 and -3 darkening/lightening effect strike both sides of the chimera's body, rather than just one or the other. See also: Riardi Genetic Codex- Chimerism & Flux-Chimerism.