Arachnoid
From StarWiki
Arachnoids are massively evolved arachnid species.
Contents |
Description
Unlike the chimera, where the species variations are a result of genetic manipulation arachnoids are the end development of an accelerated, albeit natural, evolution.
Spiders, scorpions, amblypigids, vinegaroons, and other arachnid species were manipulated by scientists to try and see what would happen if their evolution was fast forwarded by millions of years. The result ended up with self-sustaining populations of arachnids with the size, intellect, and ambition rivaling that of humans.
All arachnid bodily movement is based on a form of hydraulics instead of a musculature like mammals, so when they receive open, bleeding, wounds they tend to slow down severely even though normally they are extremely fast and quick to react.
Subspecies
Gazh
The gazh are a race of super-evolved scorpions. They have eight legs, and two arms that end in large claws. They have thick body plating, divided into segments. One of their most fearsome attributes though, is their long armored tail which has a stinger on the end of it. Their venom is known to be extremely haemotoxic. Gazh are known to have a very well developed mental capacity, and even an aptitude for psionics. They are not impulsive creatures.
Theraph
Theraph are highly advanced spiders. Their bodies are divided into two soft, unarmored segments, the thorax and the abdomen. Emerging from the thorax they have eight legs and two smaller appendages called pedipalps which are only usable for basic manipulation. They have two sets of eyes which are perched atop of the front of the thorax. Their appendages are not particularly well attached to their bodies so they break off easily. Every so often theraph can molt to regenerate limbs and heal severe wounds. Theraphs have an interesting adaptation to the hair on their back, they can kick them off and they are statically attracted to the skin of mammals - where they stick in and cause a histamine reaction. Severe itching and an intense rash that only spreads as it is itched. It can even cause blindness if the hairs are rubbed into the eyes.
Pygid
Pygids are a rare species of arachnid known to come from hot tropical climates. They have flattened bodies, seperated into two segments like other arachnids. Attached to the first segment is four pairs of legs, two incredibly long whip-like appendages and a set of small crab-like claws. Despite looking like whips, they are not used for combat, they are actually ultra sensitive feelers, and can sense even the slightest of vibrations or electromagnetic changes in an area, making it almost impossible to effectively hide from a pygid. Their claws are small and covered in spines, but they are completely useless for all but the most simple of manipulative tasks. They have a hard carapace which can be molted away to heal severe damage. Pygids have a form of defense, in that before fleeing, they emit a large cloud of acetic acid. It isn't exactly caustic, but its concentration is enough to distract most possible predators just long enough to allow them to flee.
Solif
Solifs are derivatives of a fairly common, but fairly unknown species of arachnid known as solifugids, or wind scorpions. They have eight legs and two long, spindly appendages known as pedipalps which can be used for basic manipulation. The most horrific thing about these creatures is that their face is dominated by two sets of large chelicerae, or pincers. A set of small beady eyes rests above the chelicerae. Nervous, quick to flight, solifs do not make very good warriors, but when cornered they defend themselves viciously. Their chelicerae are capable of severing the arm of a human. The rest of their body is composed of two soft, elongated segments which makes them look like a really large, tan colored species of ant.
Acarina
Acarina are large mite or tick-like arachnoids with flattened, heavily armored bodies which are adapted to feed exclusively on the blood of humanoid creatures. Their bodies are entirely encased in a hard outer shell, except when they're full of blood and their bodies become grossly bloated and their protective plates are pulled apart. They walk on two sets of their legs, while the other two are used as manipulative appendages, with acute fine motor control.
