Thri-Kreen

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid

Biological Traits

Thri-Kreen are an insectoid humanoid race that resemble giant, bipedal praying mantises. They sport a set of secondary arms that are slightly smaller then their primary arms, that can still manipulate objects and the like. They possess a chameleon carapace that not only gives them a sort of natural armor, but can also control the ability to change the color of their carapace to match the color and texture of their surroundings, letting them be more stealthy. They also possess a unique biological trait, allowing them to not need to sleep. Though they still have to refrain from strenuous activity in the form of a "rest period" they can choose to be fully awake and aware of their surroundings. Finally, the most interesting ability the Thri-Kreen possess, is telepathy. They have trouble speaking languages not of their own, but can use telepathy to contact those they wish to speak too. One does not need to share the language to understand the telepathic communication, and this link can be mentally broken if wished.

Genetics and Reproduction

Thri-Kreen generally grow from eggs, and typically mate during the spring. Typically a clutch will consist of 50-120 eggs, which are buried in the ground. About 90% of these will perish, but those that do survive develop a very deep telepathic and emotional bound with those they were born with, who they refer to as "clutch mates".

Growth Rate & Stages

Mature incredibly quickly, at around 12 years being considered a young adult.

Ecology and Habitats

While they prefer dry and warm climates, they can manage in temperate conditions. Arid and open landscapes are also favored as they can more easily camouflage themselves in the land.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Thri-Kreen are carnivores, but not for the flesh of sentient species, and will instead hunt animals such as deer, cows, foxes, etc.

Behaviour

Typically, Thri-Kreen are not highly social by nature, only bonding with a few Thri-Kreen (usually clutch-mates) or outsiders. However due to their telepathic nature, these bonds are highly valued, with them wanting to protect these friends and allies even at the cost of their own lives. Those outside their small "pack" of friends are considered strangers to be wary of, but they typically don't advertise this to said strangers for the sake of peace. However over time, strangers whom the Thri-Kreen regularly interact with can be put into this category of friends, and thus will get the absolute loyalty of the Thri-Kreen.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Originally landing in Tajir, they have sense spread across the world due to their nomadic lifestyle, some even following Zigani caravans around.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Thri-Kreen are able to sell incredibly well in the dark.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Thri-kreen names are typically made up of clicking sounds. these names do not vary by gender, and they do not use surnames. Some examples of names include Chak-tha, Chit’al, Drik-chkit, Gulnik, Kacht-ta, Kat’chka, Kiktul, Klaktuk, Krik, Pak’cha, Pik-ik-cha, Pok, Ptekwe, Tak-tha, Tal’tich, Tilnak, and Tik-tik.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The language of the Thri-kreen was known as Thri-Click, which is made up of whistles, clicks, and snaps of their mandibles. It is very hard, but not impossible for someone that is not a Thri-kreen to be able to replicate the sounds of the language

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Cuiously, Thri-kreen are not a people of faith, and have no established faith or gods of their own. Instead they prefer more druidic forms of nature worship, worshipping nature as a whole rather then a god of nature. Druids served as spiritual leaders of their kind, and though they had no inclination to strong faith, some have been known to adopt the gods of the local people they grow up around.
Thri-kreen have a very nomadic lifestyle, and can be commonly found all over the world. They spend their days typically hunting and foarging for food and other supplies needed to survive, which they could survive on relatively little food and water. The meat leftover they would dry and save for later. This also leads to another culture point of essentially not having a strong inclination to build wealth. While those Thri-kreen who become mercenaries understand the value of saving money, most Thri-kreen only value something if it helps them survive or can be used for food, as their nomadic lifestyle requires them to be strong survivalists. Due to this nature of traveling everywhere, they also have a strong martial culture, for they must be able to defend their clutch-mates and friends from the many threats that assail the people of the world.

History

Few know of their true origins, but they did come from the sky. It is said a strange comet came barreling down into the world long ago and crashed into the sands of Carall. From this strange comet, the Thri-kreen emerged from their metal comet, and would immediately seek out food. They would first run into Tajiran desert nomads shortly after landing, and after a very tense stand off, the nomads invited them to drink tea with them. After explaining their story, the desert nomads gave them some goats to eat as a show of good faith. This one act solidified the idea that the people of this world can be ones the Thri-kreen can do business with. As such from then on, they have wandered across the world, occasionally trading with others for food and survival goods, and though they can seem off-putting at first, they in truth do not really harm anyone, that is those who don't wish them harm.

Lifespan

Around 100 years

Average Height

4.5-7ft tall

Average Weight

100-327lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Typically can be found in brownish, green, purple, or red skin tones, though these can obviously be changed on a whim.