Godsibb
The Godsibb, also known as the Midwives, are a species of giant arthropod whose development is highly based on their environment at birth. They have the intelligence of a human and can become bipedal. They are thought to be the result of some catastrophic mutation within members of the arthropod phylum. These Godsibbs have formed small communities over the centuries, but many are insular and feral.
They are known to grant conditional deaths and indefinite immortality to those who seek them out, but this in itself is a dangerous and often deadly trial. They are very mercurial and will often hunt humans in mining towns on the Calends of Summer, Winter, and that of Midsummer. These three nights are used for some brave immortality seekers as the time where their wishes can be granted. But one must prove themselves by either participating in the hunt or following veins of irregular quartz in mineshafts after dark until they are found.
The Gossips have become increasingly associated with troublesome extractions of materials such as petrol and aesbestos, and some are seen as harbingers of pestilence and misfortune.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Godsibbs are invertebrates with segmented bodies and jointed limbs. Their exoskeletons are made of cuticle, a combination of hard and flexible cuticle make up their outer body. Their appendages may be mutated to have humanlike hands and feet, allowing them to become bipedal. Their organs, cardiovascular structure, and air system resemble that of most arthropods.
Genetics and Reproduction
Godsibbs primarily reproduce using parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction) as they are a solitary species. They are however, capable of sexual reproduction.
Their gestation period is about a year and a half, with the amount of eggs produced being anywhere from 1 to over 50 depending on the Godsibb's sub-species. They are typically viviparious, but some subspecies have been discovered to be ovoparious.
Growth Rate & Stages
Their shape and form upon birth is similar throughout the species, but their environment will determine much of their growth. Godsibbs raised in a cavern will develop a different set of qualities than those raised in the forest.
The rate of birth defects is high, and only a small percentage survive into adulthood. Their earliest stage lasts for two to six months, when they are unable to feed or protect themselves, and their exoskeleton has not fully settled. They then have their first molting, which begins the childhood stage.
A Godsibb will molt about six times before reaching maturity, which takes aprox. 30 years. At 30 years they will have the physical and emotional development of an young adult.
Ecology and Habitats
Godsibbs are most often found in densely-packed places with a source of water. Caves, jungle floors, desert mines, are all places they will emerge from. They will build their own dwellings and raise their children there, forming a sort of village. Caverns will often have a tunnel system in which the gossips try to extract resources. They have since learnt that resources they can extract can be sold to humans for goods. Although they are are solitary creatures, they sometimes seek protection from human settlements, allowing themselves the benefits of organized society.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They are obligate carnivores, and feral ones are known to scavenge on dead humans. There have never been reports of them eating humans, but there are always rumours...
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Mostly in the South and Northernmost areas of the continent
Average Intelligence
Human intelligence
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Godsibbs have sophisticated visual systems that differ per environment, but will typically have either one set of compound eyes, or several sets of ocelli (little eyes).
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Cordyceps are a major cause of early death in Godsibbs.
Godsibb of the Crowded Town, Gaap
Scientific Name
Arthropoda Lingulacae
Lifespan
250-500 years
Average Height
6'
Average Weight
250 lbs.
Geographic Distribution
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