The Mask Factory is a genetics lab utilizing genetic technology far beyond what is normally thought as possible, yet not requiring meta energies to empower.
The origin of the Mask Factory is simple enough. It started as a secret IPD (Interior Black Project, secret projects on national soil) to make agents (assassins, soldiers, and other specialties) superior through biotechnology. Some of their work is augmenting existing bioforms. The other branch is to create new bioforms from scratch who could serve as agents.
Along the way, the Mask Factory had contact with other IPD who had other agendas. The Combine was the most important. It aquired technologies and bits of knowledges from various IPDs and farm them out various other IPDs. Via The Combine two pieces of technology and one bit of research mysteriously found their way to the Mask Factory. That has made all the difference.
Morphonoid- A shape changer who is able to initiate Change through a form of meditation. The process of Change is similar to a small death without the 'ever after' aspects of it. It is not something that a Mophonoid will ever do lightly.