K'thaxi
The K'thaxi are a Terminus-dwelling species of bipedal, quad-armed technological extremists. They waged a planet-wide war with Artificial Intelligence after it had evolved and concluded that termination of their race was the only path to salvation for their people. The K'thaxi ended up completely destroying it, but not without leaving them fractured and nearly extinct. They built up their race and established a fascist, imperialistic government to ensure such AI technology would never control their species ever again. They now dominate cyber technology and make frequent use of cybergrafting, replacement, and augmentation. By the time they reach physical adulthood, nearly every K'thaxi will have cybernetics of some degree. They are frequently seen as scavengers and pirates in the Terminus Systems, with their delayed ascension putting them on the backfoot. The K'thaxi do not obey the laws of the greater galaxy and will seek any advantage they can find.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The K'thaxi are a hardy arthropoid species, bleeding reddish-orange blood and possessing a unique four-armed upper body, and a plantigrade posture. Like many other races in the Milky Way, the K'thaxi have two fingers and a thumb on each hand, and two forward facing toes with one rear-facing on each foot. Each individual finger or toe is tipped in a sharp claw. The K'thaxi head possesses parting mandibles which are often affixed together into a complete 'jaw', which is useful when communicating with non-K'thaxi, as many other races find their mandible movement unsettling. K'thaxi breathe through spiracles, which are located throughout their body. K'thaxi hardsuits must be unique, in that the respiration systems must interface with the many spiracles across the user's body, rather than a single respiratory organ on the face, though the primary olfactory receptors are located just above the jaw. K'thaxi are covered in plates of natural carapace, which is a thin, yet hard material. Their natural flesh beneath ranges from blueish-greys to reddish-purples in coloration. K'thaxi possess four wide, centrally-set eyes, aligned horizontally rather than vertically like the Batarians. Many K'thaxi replace their eyes with basic implants which produce a blue glow. K'thaxi mouths possess numerous incredibly small teeth, with a front layer of extremely sharp, needle-pointed teeth and smaller, flat teeth located behind. These teeth are attached to the mandibles, leading to a K'thaxi's mouth resembling a black hole full of spikes when fully opened.
Notably, K'thaxi sexual dimorphism is almost undetectable to any non-K'thaxi, with the leading hypothesis being that the difference is communicated by pheromones or some other means that only a K'thaxi can detect. Female and Male K'thaxi voices are nearly identical, bearing a deep pitch and often interrupted by the beings chittering or mumbling in their native tongue.
Notably, K'thaxi sexual dimorphism is almost undetectable to any non-K'thaxi, with the leading hypothesis being that the difference is communicated by pheromones or some other means that only a K'thaxi can detect. Female and Male K'thaxi voices are nearly identical, bearing a deep pitch and often interrupted by the beings chittering or mumbling in their native tongue.
Genetics and Reproduction
K'thaxi are born from eggs, which have soft and translucent shells. Eggs are guarded very closely and kept underground, or in specialized breeding facilties until they hatch. Reproduction begins with a K'thaxi female being appropriately wooed by the male, though if she is not, she may kill and consume him.
After the appropriate mating rituals, the happy couple will then consummate, and the female will lay a large clutch of up to 100 or so eggs, though clutches of lesser amounts are not uncommon. Powerful females will have several clutches within a few days of each other to strengthen their skrall.
After the appropriate mating rituals, the happy couple will then consummate, and the female will lay a large clutch of up to 100 or so eggs, though clutches of lesser amounts are not uncommon. Powerful females will have several clutches within a few days of each other to strengthen their skrall.
Growth Rate & Stages
K'thaxi adolescence is marked by similar stages to Earth insects, with the nascent creatures pupating twice before adulthood, with the first seeing their limbs develop, and the second seeing the more 'adult' features come to bear. Upon reaching adulthood, a K'thaxi will molt once every 2-3 years as their carapace continues to grow. K'thaxi reach physical maturity at 3 standard years old, a strange and off-putting life cycle in comparison to other races. A 3 year old K'thaxi stands taller than the average fully grown human male, and can physically overpower all but the strongest of the other races. The K'thaxi's (by comparison) rapid maturing in comparison to other races is attributed as a factor in how they managed to survive their war against AI.
Ecology and Habitats
The K'thaxi originate from the world of Kresha, which is a planet almost twice the overall size of Earth, with an average atmospheric composition of nitrogen, oxygen, xenon, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Vast swathes of the planet's landmasses are covered in swampy jungles, with the regions nearest the equator comprised of a mix of deserts and savannah-like environments. Both the north and south poles of the planet are frigid wastelands with little to no life, save for K'thaxi military installations.
K'thaxi cities have polluted much of the planet's natural beauty, with only the sparsely settled regions retaining the world's natural splendor.
K'thaxi cities have polluted much of the planet's natural beauty, with only the sparsely settled regions retaining the world's natural splendor.
Dietary Needs and Habits
K'thaxi are almost exclusively carnivorous, though they can consume other things such as sugary liquids and semi-solids, as well as nutrient-rich plant matter.
Behaviour
WIP
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
K'thaxi eyesight is highly accuitive, with semi-compound eyesight well adapted for virtually all levels of light. K'thaxi can see well in the dark, and with cybernetic assistance, perfectly in all conditions.
K'thaxi olfactory senses are highly sensitive, with most communication being based upon pheromones in addition to subtle body language. The slightest difference in an individual's hormone levels can communicate vast amounts of information to a K'thaxi, with simple greetings and exchange of status being conducted exclusively by pheromone where possible.
K'thaxi olfactory senses are highly sensitive, with most communication being based upon pheromones in addition to subtle body language. The slightest difference in an individual's hormone levels can communicate vast amounts of information to a K'thaxi, with simple greetings and exchange of status being conducted exclusively by pheromone where possible.
Comments