Shapeforms are non-corporeal entities residing entirely within the shape.  Some were created by humans; some are indigenous and of uncertain origin.  They facilitate much of mankind's shape interaction, though many have their own agendas.

The origins of natural shapeforms are uncertain: there is some weight to the argument that a form of controlling entity creates them when a purpose is discovered.

Shapeforms are essentially immortal, unless they become unstable or obsolete, in which case they are transferred to the "deadpool" by the Shapeform Council.  Deadpooled shapeforms are then divided up into several minor entities which serve a more utilitarian purpose.

Enyo:Nomad provided a means by which shapeforms could voluntarily self terminate - the Shapeform Euthanasia Control - however, to date, only two shapeforms are known to have made use of it.