@marks

   yes, only the upward facing drops seem to be affected.   that's why i think it's some sort of reflection or... refraction, maybe?  i want to check these other tests before i muck with the camera. 

 

@moriador

   if i render without SSS, the drops are still discoloured, but more black instead of red.

 

@h:

   okay, rendered with just my main light (it's a point light), still red.

   well, the specular-only light only gave me a greyscale rendering.  it looks okay for what it is...?

  HDIBLVFXwhatever light only.  still red.

 

uh... what does that mean?  :/

 

okay, more tests...

 

moving the camera...

   well, the drops on the top of the arm there seem more white/clear, but i do see red edges towards the top/back.  and those vertical ones behind the hand, those still look like knife cuts.  :X

 

rendering with no displacement...

   well...  ah, there is no displacement.  it's a bump of 0.000127.

 

let me try turning off the reflection...

  no... still red.

 

i'm stumped.