Thri-Kreen

The thri-kreen, often referred to as "mantis warriors", are a race of large, intelligent insectoid humanoids[9][10] who preceded humans and the Yuan Ti‌ into the Astral Sea‌ , possibly by millions of years. No-one knows where the thri-kreen originated, though many believe they evolved in an ancient asteroid field and then spread from there throughout the known universe.



Physical Appearance

Thri-Kreen have insectile Features and two pairs of arms. Their bodies are encased in protective chitin. They can alter the coloration of this carapace to blend in with their natural surroundings. Although Thri-Kreen don’t sleep, they do require periods of inactivity to Revitalize themselves. During these periods, they are fully aware of what’s happening around them.

Thri-Kreen speak by clacking their mandibles and waving their antennae, indicating to other Thri-Kreen what they are thinking and feeling. Other Creatures find this method of Communication difficult to interpret and impossible to duplicate. To interact with other folk, Thri-Kreen rely on a form of Telepathy.









Culture



Thri-kreen hatch from eggs. Those who hatch from the same group of eggs are considered a clutch. The bond of a clutchmate goes beyond family or friendship. When thri-kreen enter non-kreen society, they still feel compelled to belong to a clutch and often accept humanoids as clutchmates. There are no permanent thri-kreen communities. Each pack consists of several clutches and ranges over a wide territory that the pack considers to be theirs for purposes of hunting. Thri-kreen clutches and packs are organized along a strict order of dominance. The toughest member is the leader, the second most powerful is the second in command, and so forth. A thri-kreen can challenge a superior for dominance, initiating a contest. The combatants fight until one surrenders or dies. Afterward, the matter is settled and there are no lingering resentments, because all thri-kreen agree that a strong leader makes a strong pack. The challenger is doing what is best for the pack, not seeking personal gain, and after a challenge, both individuals can go about their business, confident of their status within the group.

Thri-kreen make and repair weapons, teach skills to their young, and create works of art, usually sculpture. Thri-kreen also decorate their chitin with etchings or sometimes paints. Thri-kreen also pride themselves in the quality of their weapons, especially the chatkcha. Many chatkcha are decorative as well as functional and have designs carved into them. Some chatkcha become heirlooms and are passed on from generation to generation within a pack. If an heirloom chatkcha is lost or stolen, thri-kreen consider it a point of honor to recover it.

Thri-kreen are monogamous and never betray the bond between mates. Mating usually takes place late in the year at the time of the ascending sun. From 10-30 eggs are laid approximately 30 days later. Eggs not eaten by predators hatch about 60 days later. Thri-kreen moult once a year until they become mature adults. Thri-kreen seldom live for more than 35 years.