Etherus
The Etherus are a race of predatory subterranean reptiles that dwell in ether rich environments typically in caves, mountains, & deep underground. They are highly territorial and vicious creatures known for their ability to use ether in many ways like a symbiotic relationship between creature & crystal. The Etherus have been recorded to be some of the main dangers when it came to ether mining as taking it would stir the colony of Etherus to deadly attacks.
Basic Information
Anatomy
- General Anatomy: Etherus are large quadrupedal reptiles with thick scales that can absorb shock and kinetic energy, a trait they retained from their ancestors. Their muscles are very strong, capable of immense strength and speed. Their claws are very sharp, capable of cutting through flesh and stone perfect for their subterranean homes. They have long tails capable of strangling & bludgeoning prey
- Unique Anatomical Features: Their flesh is not only immune to the effects of ether it's highly mutable to elemental energy one of the things that makes it able to utilize ether. On their heads are horns that act as a sonar finding ether in their mountainous homes. On their backs and tails are curved spikes that can hold elemental energy to later inject in the body. In their throats are specialized "Ether Sacs" that contain ether in a liquid state, they have numerous ether sacs as they age.
Genetics and Reproduction
Etherus reproduce sexually being able to have up to 10 eggs. Their eggs are round & grey looking like rocks and take 3 weeks to hatch into Etherus hatchlings.
Growth Rate & Stages
Etherus has five stages of development: Hatchlings, Youngling, Juvenile, Adult, & Elder. Hatchlings become Younglings after 6 months. Younglings reach Juvenile at 16 months growing their spikes and ether sacks and ready to go on the prowl. Juveniles reach adulthood after 3 years becoming much larger and deadlier, often leading packs. Adults become Elders at 5 years remaining in the lair of a colony being the deadliest stage of their lives.
Ecology and Habitats
- Lair: Etherus lair in tunnel networks always in areas rich in ether. This often leads to run-ins with ether miners. They live in colonies of hundreds led by an alpha which is the eldest of the colony.
- Hunting & Combat: Etherus colonies are highly territorial and go after any other creature they find. This can also mean people as ether miners find themselves killed by these beasts. They use any ether in their system for combat this can be in many ways light ether can make them invisible, fire ether allows flame attacks, lightning ether can augment synaptic activity, muscle performance, and electric attacks, ECT. Etherus typically attack in groups; it's rare that a single one is on the prowl & when they kill they take their prey back to their coven to be eaten by the whole colony although smaller creatures are eaten outright.
- Courting & Parenting: Etherus breed during the spring finding others like them who have the strength to continue. They form mating pairs having a cluster of 10 eggs that the mother takes care of until they hatch in 3 weeks. The mother & father take their young out hunting & teaching them how to use ether. Once they grow up they get to hunt for themselves and join the prowl with their colony.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Etherus are strictly carnivorous, eating small mammals and people. They need a lot of food depending on their age as they grow they may need up to 120lbs. of food and water a week.
Biological Cycle
Every 5 months Etherus shed their scales to grow a new stronger coat of scales.
Additional Information
Domestication
Etherus must be taken as eggs and domesticated through treats of flesh; their favorite meat is elven.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
- Etherus are often tamed by druids for their power.
- Their flesh and sac is used in experimentation for a cure to ether rot.
Facial characteristics
Sharp skeletal growths on the face acting as armor
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Etherus were originally native to Zodia but during the Old War many were relocated to the Arconis System after the "Great Voyage". Now they live in the underground of Zodia & many worlds of the Arconis System like Midgard & Avalon.
Average Intelligence
Etherus are very intelligent creatures as they are smart enough to plan ambushes and remember trade routes of other people.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Etherus have very poor eyesight due to their cavernous dwellings but make up for it with their extreme hearing and smell being able to track people in 10 miles and have echolocation in 600ft. of them.
"I fell down a crevasse and found one of these animals in the tunnels. I saw how they used ether in their bodies for effects. I didn't think possible invisibility, acid, blood you name it. I spent 10 days in the tunnels with them and when I came out I knew that better, more intricate things could be made and I gained hope in my plan." - Nicholas Noblestell
"I can't stand these animals. I don't care how majestic my great grandfather said these things are they are costing me money. My miners are unable to go deeper into the mines because these feral beasts keep killing them and none make it out. I've tried hiring huntsmen but they often get overwhelmed by the entire colony I need some means to combat these vile creatures." - Juace Noblestell
"These animals have an enhanced sense of smell & hearing making it easy to track animals and people in their homes however enhanced senses are a double edged sword. We've invented something that will be of great use to you Juace we call it the Ether Repeller it will emit a frequency that we can't hear but they will it should keep them away." - Taciter
"We don't leave our underground cities not just because the inquisitors will hunt you down but because these animals will kill you and eat you. They love elven flesh like many carnivores but we have to deal with them before we can go." - Nimrith Ovalin
"Hmmm I wonder since the Etherus have shown immunity to adverse effects from the consumption of ether could their bodies hold a key to a cure. I'll need to run tests on some though it's tough but I might be able to get some druids to help but would they tamper with nature and poach just so civilization could be free of ether rot." - Tannis
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Reptile
Origin/Ancestry
Evolution from the Vibranus.
Lifespan
80 years
Average Height
3 inches (Hatchlings), 2ft. (Younglings), 6ft. (Juvenile), 8ft. (Adult), 10ft. (Elder)
Average Weight
20lbs. (Hatchlings), 50lbs. (Younglings), 230lbs. (Juvenile), 310lbs. (Adult), 450lbs. (Elder)
Average Length
2ft. (Hatchlings), 5ft. (Younglings), 8ft. (Juvenile), 12ft. (Adult), 15ft. (Elder)
Average Physique
Muscular quadrupedal reptile
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
White scales with skeletal growths looking like spikes on its back.
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