Ugante
The Ugante are an odd humanoid species in Zafarra. They only really leave their homes to kidnap children. They target the Dedkyn and their elven neighbors. Also known as the egg eaters, the Ugante are an intelligent species that thrive in moist environments. They are masters at bio-engineering, crossbreeding, and experimentation, adapting and changing many of the wildlife around them to suit their needs. But they find difficulty modifying their own bodies, which are often covered in puss filled sores. They evolved into a symbiotic relationship with an insect that would clean their pustules for them. They strived to experiment on the bugs to streamline the process, but their efforts rendered the bugs infertile, killing them.
This created a turning point for the insular Slow Folk, who were helpless in locating a suitable replacement for the bugs. The blisters driving them to near madness without them. This redirected their focus to raiding and kidnapping, specifically children. Making them an enemy and source of terror for surrounding populations.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Humanoid Structure
- 2 arms
- 2 legs
- Translucent jelly skin
Ecology and Habitats
They prefer to be in humid or moist areas. If they can't find an area with the proper weather they'll be near some kind of water source, almost preferably a waterfall or swamp. Their skin has to be kept in moisture or they'll get disgusting painful sores. The isolation and wildlife are also great for experimentation.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
They have eyes like geckos, and look like at any second their going to fall back inside of its own head. It has raindrop like appendages coming from the sides of its chin, and curved arches on top of its head that emit a rattling sound. The Taleg seem to share this description with the addition of having wider mouths and bulbous heads.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Ugante originate in the deep Zaffaran swamps, but an offshoot known as the Taleg live in the islands known as the Whip. Dozens of dozens of smaller islands off the central coast of Danaila that lead to the largest. Deep and humid, filled with ponds, clearer ones lie closer to the ocean while the brackish water lies further in.
How or when a portion of them moved unnoticed halfway across the world is anyone's guess. But it's thought to coincide with a string of child dissapearances across the region.
Average Intelligence
The Ugante are smart, they can plan out and raid multiple settlements and kidnap children. They can adapt and strategize and set complex traps. They're capable fighters and mages. As a species that values intellect, studying is a second nature to them. So the average Ugante is incredibly detailed oriented and thorough.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
The slow folk domesticated a giant species of fly that fed on the sores from its body. Known as the Flaxen-Fly, it earned it's name primarily from its value to the Ugante, not it's color which is deep dark purple and with bright green eyes. The flaxen-fly was used early on by the Ugante, before they started their venture into the sciences. They'd clean the wounds, and relieve the pain. It worked for years until the Ugante tried to improve them. Attempting to lengthen their lifespan and double their birth rate, it destroyed them. Killing their ability to reproduce and ending the species. After the last fly died out they began kidnapping people, specifically children to pick out their sores.
Civilization and Culture
Average Technological Level
Their experiments have led to various discoveries and crossbreeds that the rest of the world has never seen. The two most notable are their personal insectoid water mounts that can move as fast as a boat, which they use to raid settlements. They have also created a pygmy dolphin, taking the dolphins natural magical capabilities and turning it into a brute force attack on command, combining it with a miniature form; turning the animal into personal weapon.
Scientific Name
Humanoid
Lifespan
Unknown
Average Height
5'6-5'8
Average Weight
200-300 lbs
Average Physique
Wide bodied and pot bellied, slumbering foot steps and heavy breathing give away their rotund masses. Their thick bodies and skin resemble jelly, being see through and purple.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
They have light purple translucent skin.