Strigoyle
Strigoyles are a sentient species from the planet Lithika, that have attained interstellar travel in the past few thousand years. Interestingly, strigoyles resemble the ancient human cultures' visualization of malevolent spiritual beings (demons, devils, ashuras, oni, etc), and their name bears linguistic similarities to words for grotesque statuary and undead beings. Such tenuous conections have led some scholars to theorize that at one point in early human history, strigoyles came into contact with primative human cultures who twisted the contact into their own mythology.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Strigoyles are humanoid with a head, two arms and two legs. Both genders have tails with males tending to have various "tail weapons" such as spikes or bone clubs located at the end. Females by contrast have a pair of batlike wings protruding from their back that while not strong enough for true flight, are capable of slowing and controlling a descent into a comfortable glide.
Genetics and Reproduction
Strigoyles reproduce sexually with females carrying an embryo internally for six months before laying an egg formed from the placental lining and then brooding for an additional 5 months until the egg hatches. When laid the egg is approximately the size of a large grapefruit and will stretch and expand until it reaches the size of a watermelon. This expansion is necessary for the infant, known as a chick, to break itself out as the shell material thins to accommodate the growth.
Growth Rate & Stages
Strigoyles mature at a slightly slower rate than humans, reaching physical maturity at the age of 25 standard years.
Elderly Strigoyles undergo an odd transformation when reaching the end stage of their life. Males appearing to age rapidly into a hunched elderly figure, while females become increasingly curvaceous while their wings atrophy to vestigial status. In both cases the strigoyle does not become frail like elderly human, instead they become more solid and physically strong while suffering rapid reduction in dexterity. Humans observing this process have likened it to the strigoyle transforming into living stone, or "petrification".
Elderly Strigoyles undergo an odd transformation when reaching the end stage of their life. Males appearing to age rapidly into a hunched elderly figure, while females become increasingly curvaceous while their wings atrophy to vestigial status. In both cases the strigoyle does not become frail like elderly human, instead they become more solid and physically strong while suffering rapid reduction in dexterity. Humans observing this process have likened it to the strigoyle transforming into living stone, or "petrification".
Ecology and Habitats
The Stigoyle homeworld of Lithika is known for it's expansive mountain ranges that cover the majority of its surface. This is because of Lithika's lower gravity and higher planetary spin, which also cause the average height of these mountains to be even higher than the fabled Himalayan mountains of Old Earth.
While the average surface temperature of Lithika is comparable to Old Earth's, that average is calculated from more extreme temperature gradients. These temperature extremes are caused by the combination of volcanic activity and variable altitude, with the upper mountains being very cold and the faultline valleys between them being very hot.
While the average surface temperature of Lithika is comparable to Old Earth's, that average is calculated from more extreme temperature gradients. These temperature extremes are caused by the combination of volcanic activity and variable altitude, with the upper mountains being very cold and the faultline valleys between them being very hot.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Strigoyles are omnivorous with a preference for meat, descending from a predatory avian species that would consume mostly meat.
Behaviour
Strigoyles are sterotyped with males being short-tempered and females being
Additional Information
Social Structure
Strigoyles maintain a social structure similar to humans, though the elimination of stereotypical gender roles occurred only recently in history. This occurred shortly after humanity's widespread expansion into the galaxy at large, mainly due the continued interactions between strigoyles and humans which pressured the strigoyles to accommodate the younger, more vigorous species.
Average Intelligence
Strigoyles show an average intelligence comparable to the human baseline.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
As descendants of an avian analog strigoyles have excellent focused eyesight, but subpar peripheral vision and almost no sense of smell. The strigoyle sense of hearing is nearly identical to the average human with a slight advantage in hearing higher pitched sounds.
Civilization and Culture
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Strigoyles tend to have generally positive relations with other species of the galaxy. They tend towards isolationist views, preferring to remain aloof with little contact beyond state level trading and diplomatic envoys.
Scientific Name
Homo sapiens deplumis (Featherless Wise Man)
Origin/Ancestry
Avian
Lifespan
Males 100-130 years, Females 120-150 years
Average Height
1.6 - 2.1 meters
Average Weight
Males 140-160lbs, Females 110-135lbs
Average Physique
Female strigoyles have a lithe physique that couples well with their ability to glide. Male strigoyles tend towards being broad chested and muscular.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Female strigoyles tend to have various patterns and markings occur with regularity upon their skin. Males generally lack such patterning but have a greater variety of horn shapes.
Males:
+1 Strength
+1 Charisma
-1 Constitution
Starting Alien Focus - Environmental Native - Strigoyle males are well adapted to the cold mountain top terrain of their homeworld Lithika. Male strigoyles are able to function normally in atmospheres that fall outside the normal barometric pressure without breathing apparatuses and are unaffected by temperature extremes that are not overtly detrimental to their physical well being. For example, a male strigoyle can survive on a winter world with minimal clothing but cannot survive exposure to the vacuum of space.
Origin Skill - Strigoyles have exceptional eyesight compared to humans. All strigoyle characters can increase their Notice skill by 1 level
Females:
+1 Dexterity
+1 Charisma
-1 Constitution
Starting Alien Focus - Unusual Movement Mode - Female strigoyles retain functional wings that allow them to glide in standard gravity and maneuver efficiently in zero G environments. When gliding a player can move at a speed of 3m horizontally per 1m fallen vetically. In zero G environments the player can move at half speed with no assistance or point of connection.
Origin Skill - Strigoyles have exceptional eyesight compared to humans. All strigoyle characters can increase their Notice skill by 1 level
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