"Scions are a form of the amalgamate that seems to largely function independent from the hive it was created in. Scions form only through the cocooning process or from matriarchs. This is suspected to be because the scions have to be more attuned with the hive than other forms to be able to have the degree of independent action and thought that they posses.

Scions can be considered to be above the other infection forms in terms of the perceived social hierarchy of the amalgamate. Above them are the broodlords and matriarchs. Despite scions being more independent than other infection forms, they still will conform to commands of broodlords and matriarchs as well as foreign hives.

The purpose of scions within the amalgamate hive is to develop new broods away from their hive of origin. Because this task is usually more involved than the tasks of other infection forms they possess a higher level of cunning than what some may expect from a regular infection form. Instead of being purely instinct driven while alone, scions are able to suppress these instincts for awhile if following these instincts would be detrimental or lead to a lesser payoff. That being said, it seems scions possess a slight sense of self preservation when functioning by themselves, a attribute that seems to be lacking in most amalgamate forms."

Higher-res: https://sta.sh/01c9dyp96jya