Garaggakal

ga-RAG-ga-kal

The Drift remains very much a mystery to explorers and scholars in the Pact Worlds, and scientists have only recently discovered life-forms native to it. The garaggakal, sometimes called a ‘drift wraith’ by those spacefarers fortunate enough to have survived an encounter with these predators, is one such creature.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A garaggakal is mostly humanoid in form, with rubbery, yellowish skin, translucent wings, and a long reptilian tail. A garaggakal’s head is little more than a gaping, lamprey-like mouth filled with curved teeth. Its tissue is made of cells often bearing similarities to isoprene

CH₂=C(CH₃)−CH=CH₂

, which is suspected to lend itself to the resilient nature of this creature.
Curiously, garaggakal do not have a skeletal structure at all, yet they still form muscle groups around nonexistent bones. The most popular theory on the matter is that the nature of the Drift has somehow provided 'extradimensional fulcrums' for their flesh to pull against...although exactly where these extra dimensions are remains the largest hole in that theory.

Genetics and Reproduction

When it comes time to reproduce, a garaggakal seeks out an area of intense radiation somewhere in the Drift, where it absorbs enough energy to undergo cytogenesis, literally creating new cells from the Drift's planar energies to ‘build’ its offspring. Upon completion, the process results in a fully grown adult garaggakal.

Growth Rate & Stages

Garaggakals increase in size and strength as they age. A garaggakal can live for centuries, growing to more than twice its normal adult size. Called garaggakal polymaths, these elder creatures have a burning curiosity that drives them on ever-longer journeys through the Drift.

Ecology and Habitats

Garaggakal are native to the Drift, freely roaming on their diaphanous wings, hunting whatever living prey they can find. Since the Drift's new function as a faster-than-light transit dimension they have found excellent hunting grounds among visiting starships. The close quarters and echoing hallways suit their ability to step through solid objects quite well, ignoring grievous wounds to their body as they close in for the kill. They are forced to slow their hunting in smaller starships, as the electricity running through walls inflicts terrible spasms throughout their physical form, and forcefields disallow their unusual passage.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Carnivore. Garaggakal seem to also possess the ability to steal 'life force' (a better term has yet to be established), a feat that can be done from a short distance away. This life force seems to bolster their own essence in a similar way to vampirism, though if the two are related is unknown.

Additional Information

Social Structure

As garaggakal are capable of asexual reproduction, there is no need for them to ever meet. The only hint towards any kind of societal structure is that garaggakal don't often attack others of their kind unless given a reason to - although they will quickly turn towards cannibalism if food is in short supply.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Usually found in The Drift, but a few have learnt how to travel to the Material Plane by restricting their feeding upon a larger starship to only a few people.

Average Intelligence

Garaggakal are certainly capable of intellectual thought, and are capable of outmaneuvering humans more often than not. They seem to have little interest in mechanical or magical objects, but are certainly intelligent enough to perform basic tasks with some unfamiliarity. However, their real interest outside of mere feeding is in the biological examination of other creatures: upon meeting an unfamiliar species, they kill, dissect and then eat the new prey - although the prey is lucky if it will be in that specific order.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

In addition to the usual senses (plus the common ability to see in complete darkness), garaggakal seem to be able to detect strong emotions (such as fear, love, despair, joy, hate, and even bewilderment) quite accurately. Research has proven inconclusive, however the most popular belief is that this is a leftover sense more common to creatures of the Drift, as it is not hindered in any way by solid objects, forcefields, and so on - although the usual magical methods are still effective.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

None. Despite their level of intelligence, garaggakal ignore any education outside of that which serves to better attack their prey. Their focus is so intense that they will even ignore simple weaponry, reverting instead to bestial attacks such as biting and clawing.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

True telepaths. Medical examinations have proven that garaggakal will never be able to speak, outside of simple growls and grunts. However, they do have their own language - spoken exclusively via their telepathy.
However, they are completely willing to use their ability to convey messages (typically emotions) to prey, in order to isolate then kill a particularly deadly target.

History

1. 22/5/324AG: Julakesh, Zanderbey (with Shadowfox), Tyrfing and Hebiza Escolar encountered a garaggakal on the Drift Rock, shortly after the death of Dash Starlight.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Garaggakals seem to divide all creatures into two categories: predators (such as themselves) and prey (everything else). Occasionally, an individual member of a species may prove itself to be outside of their typical category (such as a timid vesk, or a resilient ysoki) but this only gives a garaggakal a short pause as it re-examines its categorisation of the individual.

"Should have killed it. Should have killed it when we saw it."

— Tyrfing, Dead Suns S1E8

Type: Outsider (extraplanar)
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Scientific Name

Spatio Simulacra Viro (dimension wraith)

Lifespan

500 years

Average Height

2.4m (8ft)

Average Weight

181.5kg (400lbs)

Average Length

6.1m (20ft) wingspan

Average Physique

Muscular and hardy. They have a powerful body, built for hunting prey in close quarters.