In the storyline, Vinelings are copies of character Glimmers that grew from the Vine's tendrils. After absorbing enough of the ink from the Flood, the Vine gained enough magic to create these beings as its defense force to protect itself from invaders. Vinelings are not Glimmers themselves, but copies of other characters, and due to being created from Flood ink, all Vinelings are Floodborn. As they are extensions of the Vine itself, the Vinelings lack autonomy, operating as a hivemind of the plant's magic. While lower forms of the Vine's underlings are more overtly plant-like, the Vinelings are grown to physically mirror their Glimmer counterpart, including their clothing and the coloring of their skin and hair. However, their botanical anatomy is still apparent, as a closer look of their skin has a wooden, bark-like texture with tendrils of the Vine wrapping and growing out of them. The "clothing" that some Vinelings wear is made of leaf material and clutter, further displaying their artificial nature. A major detail that separates Vinelings from their counterparts is the possession of glowing green eyes, highlighting their connection to the Vine.