Post by FreelanceZero on Apr 25, 2021 3:16:00 GMT
Overview
The Ska'vari race is a curious biological example of hyper evolution, the result of being a super predator in a world that constantly produced super predators. As the race that ultimately triumphed them all and the planet itself in unprecedented time, the situation left the Ska'vari race in a precarious situation of being too immature and young to wield the stolen technology and weapons that they had. The resulting conflicts scar their home planet of Harvest to this day, though their attitude since then has radically shifted.
Ecology & Behavior
Ska'vari are typically found active in both day and night, though less frequently at dusk or dawn. They have a distinct favoritism towards rocky terrain, both above water and below, though many make themselves just at home in forests of both the tree and kelp variety. Ska'vari typically favor tropical-climate worlds, but is just at home in temperate and taiga biomes after some adjusting to the climate. They do not favor wide open grounds or extreme cold temperatures, as well as extremely dry locations such as deserts.
Ska'vari are by nature, fiercely competitive and highly territorial. As a result, many feel uncomfortable or constrained to live in urban environments, and this drive naturally pushes them to seek new frontiers. Despite this, Ska'vari are known to be extremely social and intelligent, if highly abrasive and blunt in their actions and choice of words. If a Ska'vari chooses to settle down in one location, it could very well be permanently, and the same principle applies with a significant other. Siblings are known to form close-knit micro communities and remain in relatively close contact even if seven brothers can be found on seven different planets.
Appearance & Capabilities
The average Ska'vari in their base, original forms, are reminiscent to three-meter long lobsters. However, many Ska'vari have chosen to take a humanoid appearance since the Pioneer Plaque was found in their home canon, and now they take the shape of humanoids averaging 7'6" (228cm) and 400kg for males and 6'8" (193cm) and 320kg for females. One should only make a joke of a Ska'vari woman's weight at his/her own risk. Another point of note is that the average Ska'vari can withstand up to 500m of ocean pressure, with a record of 1200m held by professional divers, limited only by biological problems such as nitrogen narcosis.
A unique ability of the Ska'vari, as well as those originating from Harvest, is the ability to shapeshift. Though all numbers here are recorded as the average, it is relatively common to find an Accordite that has shapeshifted themselves well above or well below the average on purpose. Appearance between individuals can also vary wildly as a result.
Underwater, Ska'vari mobility and agility can only be equalled by other aquatic-based species, as even the fastest and most graceful human swimmers will look clumsy and amateur next to a Ska'vari. On land however, the weight and bulk of a Ska'vari is quickly turned against him, reducing the powerful warrior into a sluggish human tank. It is not uncommon for Ska'vari to fumble on land, especially if they have become top-heavy.
Carapace
Ska'vari carapace is very hard and tough, but lightweight for its strength. However, it responds poorly to torque force, and is known to break and shatter when too much torque is applied. This carapace is known to be strong enough to stop non-armor piercing small arms (up to a certain amount of force exerted by the bullet) and musket balls with relative ease or non-fatal injuries, though dedicated anti-armor rounds are more than capable of piercing through the heaviest and strongest Ska'vari carapace.
Muscles
Ska'vari muscles is an evolutionary art, arranged in tight coils for maximum density strength. The results are that the average Ska'vari of both genders are capable of lifting on average one and a half metric tonnes, and their record for weightlifting is currently set at ten tonnes flat. However, such complex muscles wear and tear very easily, with their strength degrading at a rate much faster than the average human. Additionally, such power requires massive nutritional intake to maintain for any practical amount of time.
Sight
The most remarkable aspect of a Ska'vari outside of their muscle power, a Ska'vari's eyes are also a work of evolutionary genius. Capable of recognizing eight spectrums of light, including ultraviolet light, their eyes are additionally capable of polarized sight, shiftable in spectrum by their shapeshifting ability. It is known that a Ska'vari is capable of witnessing ultraviolet light pulses during the discharge of electricity, and on occasion this quirk has been used to locate a position or hunt prey. Shifting their eyes' natural polarized sight allows a Ska'vari to watch for movement and anything out of the ordinary easily that is relatively nearby. The complex eyes are as as much a detriment as they are a boon, however, as very bright luminosities and flashbangs are known to render a Ska'vari either partially or completely blind in one or both eyes. Additionally, the complex eyes allow for a narrower field of vision for a Ska'vari; approximately allowing a cone of 90 degrees of vision in front of them, as opposed to the 120 degrees of vision a human enjoys. This is partially alleviated by the fact a Ska'vari is capable of controlling both eyes independently.
It is also known that some Ska'vari have mutated the capability (or replicated the mutation) to see in two or three dimensions with only one eye. This is possible as a result of mutating more than one 'eyeball' in a single eye socket--though this limits their field of view immensely, a trade-off few believe to be worth it. So far it has remained only a biological curiosity to the greater species.
Shapeshifting & DNA
As a native of Harvest, the Ska'vari have an extremely unique ability to shapeshift as a result of their highly unstable (but relatively controllable) DNA. This allows them to regenerate lost limbs, organs, and bones with painful impunity compared to most other races. Bullet wounds that would take a human weeks to heal from, a Ska'vari can bounce back from within mere days. Broken, fragmented ribs that would take a human months to recover from may take a Ska'vari a few weeks to return to normalcy. Lost arms, legs, eyes, or internal organs that a human would be permanently missing without surgery can be regrown within anywhere from weeks to months without much hassle. It should be noted that it is still possible for a Ska'vari to permanently lose a limb, organ, or etc., but it is difficult and relatively rare to do so without doing it purposefully. As a result of this ability to (re)generate lost body parts, it is not uncommon to find Ska'vari with redundant body parts, for instance, an extra heart, a set of gills to work with their lungs, and the such. It is also possible to manually mutate 'improvements' to a desired body part, as referenced in the Sight section.
This marvelous ability is not without terrifying cost. Their radically unstable DNA frequently causes tumors both benign and malignant, mutations are rampant amongst the species, and cancer is the single-handed leading cause of death behind violence in the Accord, with every one death in three having its root cause in cancer. In Accordite society, cancer is as normal as contracting the common cold, though it is no less fatal than the real deal. As a result, Accordite medical knowledge is the single most advanced field of study, outstripping even that of weaponry development, despite constant low funding.
Additionally, as a result of the Ska'vari's baseline unstable genetics, there are rare occurrences where individuals would completely change genders without warning. While difficult to reproduce, it is completely possible and has been done by even a few notable individuals in Accordite history, past and present. Even rarer are occurences of self-impregnation. in Accordite history, there has only been a little over one hundred cases of self-impregnation, and always ending in an abortion for the afflicted for very obvious reasons.
Another point of notice is the matter of inbreeding. The current population of Ska'vari originate from only 16,000 mating pairs of Ska'vari and Ubians. Though fortunately they were capable of cross-breeding (more below), and mutations has reduced the risks somewhat, the current population of Accordites are starting to suffer from symptoms of inbreeding. New genetics are attempting to be introduced into the populace both through other races in the Ancerious galaxy and through artificial introduction by genetic engineering and cloning.
Breeding and Childrearing
As a result of both their crustacean origins and ability to shapeshift, Ska'vari are known to be able to give birth to both eggs and live children, though there is a trend towards giving live birth as a result of overpopulation. Another side effect is to cross-breed with anything sapient, and sometimes even those non-sapient. Strict regulations and enforcement ensure that Ska'vari do not end up animorphing into creatures too strange upon birth, though with the introduction of other xenos, the line is beginning to blur into complacency.
Raising a child for a Ska'vari is a rather hands-off approach, though the parent Ska'vari is capable of (and indeed does normally) keep an eye on their offspring to ensure they do not get into trouble that they cannot dig themselves out of. However, a Ska'vari parent would regularly turn a blind eye to matters of minor importance, such as scrapes and bruises, since it'll heal before the day is over anyways.
The Ska'vari race is a curious biological example of hyper evolution, the result of being a super predator in a world that constantly produced super predators. As the race that ultimately triumphed them all and the planet itself in unprecedented time, the situation left the Ska'vari race in a precarious situation of being too immature and young to wield the stolen technology and weapons that they had. The resulting conflicts scar their home planet of Harvest to this day, though their attitude since then has radically shifted.
Ecology & Behavior
Ska'vari are typically found active in both day and night, though less frequently at dusk or dawn. They have a distinct favoritism towards rocky terrain, both above water and below, though many make themselves just at home in forests of both the tree and kelp variety. Ska'vari typically favor tropical-climate worlds, but is just at home in temperate and taiga biomes after some adjusting to the climate. They do not favor wide open grounds or extreme cold temperatures, as well as extremely dry locations such as deserts.
Ska'vari are by nature, fiercely competitive and highly territorial. As a result, many feel uncomfortable or constrained to live in urban environments, and this drive naturally pushes them to seek new frontiers. Despite this, Ska'vari are known to be extremely social and intelligent, if highly abrasive and blunt in their actions and choice of words. If a Ska'vari chooses to settle down in one location, it could very well be permanently, and the same principle applies with a significant other. Siblings are known to form close-knit micro communities and remain in relatively close contact even if seven brothers can be found on seven different planets.
Appearance & Capabilities
The average Ska'vari in their base, original forms, are reminiscent to three-meter long lobsters. However, many Ska'vari have chosen to take a humanoid appearance since the Pioneer Plaque was found in their home canon, and now they take the shape of humanoids averaging 7'6" (228cm) and 400kg for males and 6'8" (193cm) and 320kg for females. One should only make a joke of a Ska'vari woman's weight at his/her own risk. Another point of note is that the average Ska'vari can withstand up to 500m of ocean pressure, with a record of 1200m held by professional divers, limited only by biological problems such as nitrogen narcosis.
A unique ability of the Ska'vari, as well as those originating from Harvest, is the ability to shapeshift. Though all numbers here are recorded as the average, it is relatively common to find an Accordite that has shapeshifted themselves well above or well below the average on purpose. Appearance between individuals can also vary wildly as a result.
Underwater, Ska'vari mobility and agility can only be equalled by other aquatic-based species, as even the fastest and most graceful human swimmers will look clumsy and amateur next to a Ska'vari. On land however, the weight and bulk of a Ska'vari is quickly turned against him, reducing the powerful warrior into a sluggish human tank. It is not uncommon for Ska'vari to fumble on land, especially if they have become top-heavy.
Carapace
Ska'vari carapace is very hard and tough, but lightweight for its strength. However, it responds poorly to torque force, and is known to break and shatter when too much torque is applied. This carapace is known to be strong enough to stop non-armor piercing small arms (up to a certain amount of force exerted by the bullet) and musket balls with relative ease or non-fatal injuries, though dedicated anti-armor rounds are more than capable of piercing through the heaviest and strongest Ska'vari carapace.
Muscles
Ska'vari muscles is an evolutionary art, arranged in tight coils for maximum density strength. The results are that the average Ska'vari of both genders are capable of lifting on average one and a half metric tonnes, and their record for weightlifting is currently set at ten tonnes flat. However, such complex muscles wear and tear very easily, with their strength degrading at a rate much faster than the average human. Additionally, such power requires massive nutritional intake to maintain for any practical amount of time.
Sight
The most remarkable aspect of a Ska'vari outside of their muscle power, a Ska'vari's eyes are also a work of evolutionary genius. Capable of recognizing eight spectrums of light, including ultraviolet light, their eyes are additionally capable of polarized sight, shiftable in spectrum by their shapeshifting ability. It is known that a Ska'vari is capable of witnessing ultraviolet light pulses during the discharge of electricity, and on occasion this quirk has been used to locate a position or hunt prey. Shifting their eyes' natural polarized sight allows a Ska'vari to watch for movement and anything out of the ordinary easily that is relatively nearby. The complex eyes are as as much a detriment as they are a boon, however, as very bright luminosities and flashbangs are known to render a Ska'vari either partially or completely blind in one or both eyes. Additionally, the complex eyes allow for a narrower field of vision for a Ska'vari; approximately allowing a cone of 90 degrees of vision in front of them, as opposed to the 120 degrees of vision a human enjoys. This is partially alleviated by the fact a Ska'vari is capable of controlling both eyes independently.
It is also known that some Ska'vari have mutated the capability (or replicated the mutation) to see in two or three dimensions with only one eye. This is possible as a result of mutating more than one 'eyeball' in a single eye socket--though this limits their field of view immensely, a trade-off few believe to be worth it. So far it has remained only a biological curiosity to the greater species.
Shapeshifting & DNA
As a native of Harvest, the Ska'vari have an extremely unique ability to shapeshift as a result of their highly unstable (but relatively controllable) DNA. This allows them to regenerate lost limbs, organs, and bones with painful impunity compared to most other races. Bullet wounds that would take a human weeks to heal from, a Ska'vari can bounce back from within mere days. Broken, fragmented ribs that would take a human months to recover from may take a Ska'vari a few weeks to return to normalcy. Lost arms, legs, eyes, or internal organs that a human would be permanently missing without surgery can be regrown within anywhere from weeks to months without much hassle. It should be noted that it is still possible for a Ska'vari to permanently lose a limb, organ, or etc., but it is difficult and relatively rare to do so without doing it purposefully. As a result of this ability to (re)generate lost body parts, it is not uncommon to find Ska'vari with redundant body parts, for instance, an extra heart, a set of gills to work with their lungs, and the such. It is also possible to manually mutate 'improvements' to a desired body part, as referenced in the Sight section.
This marvelous ability is not without terrifying cost. Their radically unstable DNA frequently causes tumors both benign and malignant, mutations are rampant amongst the species, and cancer is the single-handed leading cause of death behind violence in the Accord, with every one death in three having its root cause in cancer. In Accordite society, cancer is as normal as contracting the common cold, though it is no less fatal than the real deal. As a result, Accordite medical knowledge is the single most advanced field of study, outstripping even that of weaponry development, despite constant low funding.
Additionally, as a result of the Ska'vari's baseline unstable genetics, there are rare occurrences where individuals would completely change genders without warning. While difficult to reproduce, it is completely possible and has been done by even a few notable individuals in Accordite history, past and present. Even rarer are occurences of self-impregnation. in Accordite history, there has only been a little over one hundred cases of self-impregnation, and always ending in an abortion for the afflicted for very obvious reasons.
Another point of notice is the matter of inbreeding. The current population of Ska'vari originate from only 16,000 mating pairs of Ska'vari and Ubians. Though fortunately they were capable of cross-breeding (more below), and mutations has reduced the risks somewhat, the current population of Accordites are starting to suffer from symptoms of inbreeding. New genetics are attempting to be introduced into the populace both through other races in the Ancerious galaxy and through artificial introduction by genetic engineering and cloning.
Breeding and Childrearing
As a result of both their crustacean origins and ability to shapeshift, Ska'vari are known to be able to give birth to both eggs and live children, though there is a trend towards giving live birth as a result of overpopulation. Another side effect is to cross-breed with anything sapient, and sometimes even those non-sapient. Strict regulations and enforcement ensure that Ska'vari do not end up animorphing into creatures too strange upon birth, though with the introduction of other xenos, the line is beginning to blur into complacency.
Raising a child for a Ska'vari is a rather hands-off approach, though the parent Ska'vari is capable of (and indeed does normally) keep an eye on their offspring to ensure they do not get into trouble that they cannot dig themselves out of. However, a Ska'vari parent would regularly turn a blind eye to matters of minor importance, such as scrapes and bruises, since it'll heal before the day is over anyways.