Deadswitches
Deadswitchs are a type of Crustarthroflect that are native to the Jhoutai corralums tubes and other cave-systems. They are small-dog sized creatures that serve as scavengers of their ecosystem.
They gained their nickname by the way they defend themselves from predators. Sharp spines along the creatures body are laced with a paralytic toxins that cause debiliating pain.
Yeah, fuck Deadswitches. Just proof that everything on Jhoutai wants to kill you.
I know plenty well why the ancient Verin saw the caves as hell. One brush with one of those and you'd think all the demons of the underworld had just cursed you to damnation.
Biology
Appearance
Deadswitchs share the typical appearance of many Crustarthoflect species, with a hard chitinous exterior. Three pairs of front legs are used for mobility on walls and cielings while the back two legs are long and used for leaping
Unlike other Crustarthoflects, they have sharp spines along their back that are capable of delivering a venomous injection of their own design. Since they spend most of their life underneath the surface, they have adapted by developing bioluminescent photophores along their entire body.
These bright spots ward off potential predators, who are wise in keeping away lest they wind up paralyzed on the cave floor. Many find these creatures alluring and beautiful, as they shimmer and shine in the dark recesses of the caves that they live in.
Many unfortunate or ill-informed cavers have fallen prey to these creatures, seeking a light source in the dark of the caves.
Venom
Deadswitch Venom contains a massive amounts of histamines, mast-cell degranulation proteins, and norepinephrines. All of it combines with a potent neurotoxin to make an experience that even the hardiest Khirmagne can not tolerate.
In Culture
The Deadswitch is a common cultural icon to the inhabitants of Jhoutai. They are seen as a dangerous threat dressing as something benefical, thanks to their photophores which glow brilliant in the dark.
To be described as a Deadswitch is to be described as being unassuming but dangerous.
Pheremones
Deadswitchs travel their territory in groups of ten to twenty communicating with the rest of their group through pheremones.
These pheremones can signal threats, new pathways to explore, or the presence of food among many other things.
Deadswitch Pheremones served as the base for the first commerical Engineered Pheromones.
Diet
The Deadswitch will devour near anything that is dead within the corralum or the caves in which it resides. They travel in groups, and when one finds a meal it will produce pheremones that attract others.
Large carcasses can be broken down in hours, stripped to the bone or to the shell.
Historic Significance
Some ancient practices of torture used in the The Vadakendanic Procession call for the application of Deadswitch in torture or in the execution of enemies.
Khirmagne will use Deadswitch venom as a test of their strength, while its use for recreation is regulated within the ValuSelu Pact some Khirmagne see surviving the Deadswitch as a right of passage.
A famous livestreamer known as Sarko willingly let himself be stung by a Deadswitch on a dare given to him on air by Artosen Khandea II.
Sarko was quoted as saying "Fuck..." before falling to the ground in a wailing pile and vomitting. Artosen laughed the entire time.
ok, so avoid them. Entirely. Good to know, good to know.
Yeah, and bring a flashlight if you need to go in the caves!