Vesk

On an isolated continent, sat upon the ancient oceans of Tirer, a reptilian species emerged some 2.5 million years ago bearing a great resemblence to what would one day become the Vesk we all know today. Archeological records since pre-division times unearthed the secrets of the Vesk's origins, determining that the subspecies 'Dolor Serpentium Prima'- modern Vesk- evolved in the dense jungles of their homeland around 200,000 years ago, becoming the dominant race on their continent. Vesk are known the galaxy over for their tendency towards boistrous, stubborn attitudes and an adherence to their personal morals, granting them an odd 'protector' status among many species. Their large, muscular stature does no part in disproving this generalization, with Vesk easily towering over every race save the Zri which only entered the galactic view fairly recently. Regardless, like all species they harbor a great many varied individuals with their own desires, hopes, dreams, and ideals.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Vesk generally follow the same morphology, to the extent that some other species may find it difficult to discern biologically male Vesk from female Vesk, and individuals with similar scale coloration may be more difficult to identify if one is not familiar with the species. Thankfully though, they maintain a somewhat humanoid form with two arms, two legs, a head, and torso. Most often Vesk are adorned with short horns or spines on their head and back, leading down to a thick tail that acted to help balance their bipedal movement in evolutionary history. Vesk tend to function well in wet environments with their scales naturally repelling moisture and eyes accustomed to seeing in the dim light of shallow waters or clouded skies. For those having encountered a Vesk in combat, beyond the large muscles they would immedately notice the sharp talons that adorn their hands, a predatory adaptation that has stuck around and bears great use in instances where survival and physical prowess are necessary.

Genetics and Reproduction

Vesk reproduce heterosexually via male and female members of the species, excluding some advanced genetic tools developed in recent centuries that technically make other methods possible, but expensive. Being reptiles, Vesk lay eggs in order to reproduce and have a strong culture around protecting said eggs during their ~5-month incubation period. It is quite typical for Vesk to lay as many as 3 eggs at a time, and extreme examples have exceeded 8 in the past.

Growth Rate & Stages

At the time of hatching, an infant Vesk is quite vulnerable physically but usually have developed motor skills and can move around on their own without the aid of their parents. A Vesk mother has the unenvied task of caring for an entire clutch that can already move and cause mischief as soon as they hatch. For the first 5 years or so, Vesk children remain quite fragile until their Juvenile scales begin to grow in after they shed for the first two or three times. They are notoriously adventurous, curious, and flighty, which is a primary reason that evolutionary experts believe Vesk needed to have so many children at a time- curious and highly mobile children in prehistoric times were in far more danger than they would be in otherwise. At around 10 - 11 years old they begin to enter puberty, and will begin to mellow out in temperment, which is a departure from most other species that see teenagers the butt of all jokes about rebelliousness. Vesk females, though still similar physically to males, will generally grow to be slightly larger than their brothers and easily grow beyond 7 feet tall. Beyond this, in a similar manner to mammalian species the Vesk will fully mature around ~20 and remain in their prime for a decade or two before age begins to take its toll. A Vesk reaches elderly age at around 70, and can expect to live until about 80 years old if healthy. Without the aid of modern enhancements it is very rare to find a Vesk living older than the age of 90, with the oldest members of the species barely squeaking past 100.

Ecology and Habitats

It is believed, through archeological evidence, that Vesk evolved as somewhat amphibious hunters in the jungles of Tirer, using their sharp talons and teeth to catch and devour both small and large prey. Adapted to these hot, damp environments, Vesk tend to prefer living on planets that reflect this but are hardy enough to make do on most climates in the habitable spectrum.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Vesk are almost exclusively carnivorous, and can eat almost any meat provided to them. They are able to digest most starches, but do not get much nutritional benefit- much moreso with vegetables and especially leafy greens, which almost all Vesk are very intolerant to and eating these foods often results in digestive issues. Vesk therefor, have developed some of the most advanced meat-producing plants in the world and many consider the Vesk to be the primary experts on gourmet meat-growing processes.

Image: Starfinder, Paizo Inc.

Scientific Name

Dolor Serpentium Prima