homunculus

A homunculus is a failed attempt to revive a dead person using the art of alchemy in the anime Full Metal Alchemist. (This practice is often referred to as human transmutation, and is forbidden.) There is some ambiguity whether or not a homunculus is truly a reincarnation of that person. A homunculus is not a human and supposedly has no soul. However, Lust and other homunculi are able to recall events from their past life. Homunculi are nearly indestructible and do not age. In addition, each one has a special, deadly power. For example, Lust can extend her nails to use as a deadly weapon and Sloth can transform from a solid state to that of a liquid. Homunculi become paralyzed when in close proximity to parts of their former bodies. The resulting paralysis or loss of consciousness often aids in one of the few ways to kill a homunculus: sealing via an alchemical array. This causes the homunculus to expel the red stones which fuel them, and results in the body of the homunculus dissolving and/or weakening. Most homunculi are incapable of using alchemy, but there are exceptions.