Trox
The last thing you want to encounter in the wild is somebody wielding six axes, some of them as big as a human body.
Trox are a race of humanoid arachnids, bred by other Subterrenean races to be monstrous juggernaut unlike any other. Primitive in nature but terrifying in strength, they long have abandoned their servant nature for a nomadic lifestyle. As nowadays, they're more known for being one of the Subterrane's apex predators.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Trox dwarf all other races with relative ease, humongous in size with muscular frames as wide as a human is tall. Bipedal in nature, most of said muscle mass is focused on their legs and upper arms, having a tail for balance purposes.
On their abdomen they have two pairs of smaller arms with ending in two digit claws, used to grapple prey up close. Chunks of their body are also protected with thick plates of exoskeleton, especially on their backs. They can even make them stand up to appear larger if needed.
Biological Traits
Frenzy
As a form of self-defense, Trox can go in an adrenaline-rush frenzy that boosts their strength. Once in said frenzy, they ignore any pain they feel for a short while, letting primal instincts take over.
Subraces
Dune Demon
Found in deserts, these sand dwellers have adapted to the much softer dunes than the underground. To compensate, their bodies are covered small hairs between their exoskeleton. For hunting, they create large sand pits that trap unsuspecting prey, attacking them when they can't escape.
Trapweaver
Some Trox retain their webmaking capabilities as an arachnid. As such, they can spit out spider silk to use for threads and bindings against prey. Many also use it to weave traps and as rope to tie tools together with. Other races even use their silk for their own clothing due to its strength and durability.
Genetics and Reproduction
Trox reproduce only once in their lifetime, mostly around their midlife. During this period, they seek out a partner to fertilise or lay eggs with. On average, a single Trox can produce 200 eggs in one go, each as big as marble.
To protect their eggs, females keep their eggs on their back beneath their moveable plates, keeping it safe from predators. Over the span of two weeks, the eggs either hatch or are eaten by their siblings in the progress.
Growth Rate & Stages
Most Trox mature at a rapid rate, growing constantly for the first six years of their life. Due to this, they shed their exoskeleton many times in the span of months and require large quantities of food to keep up with their growth. On average, some end up eating half their body weight per day.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Their diet consists of meat of all kinds of creatures, both big and small. To hunt, Trox prefer to bury underground and ambush their prey. Once caught in their arms, they either cut open the throat or suffocate them below the surface, or in worst cases tear them apart.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Trox exoskeletons are used to create tools and armour that help protect against Subterrenean foes. Although not as durable as steel, it's hard enough to take a few blows before cracking.
Trapweaver silk is also used for adhesives, forming the basis for some glues due to its binding properties. Even some old buildings found in the Subterrane have remnants of the silk being used to build them.
Facial characteristics
Trox have a backwards slanded skull covered in their bone-like exoskeleton. As carnivores their mouth consists of a small row of sharp teeth, usually 2 to 4 above and below.
As part of their arachnid heritage, each cheek has a prehensile mandible they can use to hold food close to their mouth, or as a form of weapon. Each mandible also has a hollow tip, which is used to inject digestive acids into their meal to help with consumption.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Trox live deep underground most of the time, tunnelling across the Subterrane. However, some have been found in mountainous borders of Mojhara and Tai. A few even migrated to the Plane of Earth long ago, although how is up to speculation.
Average Intelligence
Although shown to be sapient, most Trox are quite primitive when it comes to their thinking capabilities. At best, most have the intelligence of a caveman.
However, Trox are not dumb. With enough determination, some have shown the ability to adapt and use complex tools such as firearms. A few even learn how to spellcast and other high-end forms of scholarly research.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Due to their burrowing underground and living in the Subterrane, Trox possess darkvision. As such, they are capable of seeing in pitch-black darkness. Some even have developed tremorsense to detect the movements of creatures underground, using it to track prey.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Trox names are very short, often consisting of only one syllable. Higher ranking tribe members might get more syllables to their name, used as a symbol of importance.
Examples: Cha, Sil, Mo, Gi, Dwin, Vil, etc.
Major Organizations
Ironfault Knights
The Ironfault Knights are a knightly group of Trox known for their steel exoskeletons and advanced sword skills. Taking the ideals of Altamire, they seek out to protect that need their aid, dealing with everything from bandits to monsters.
Average Technological Level
As a race, Trox often still live in the stone age, relying on stone tools and weapons more often than not. Due to their nomadic lifestyles, settling down isn't a choice either, leading to agriculture being foreign for most.
Some tribes have began going into the iron age though, using primitive forging tactics to melt and create crude tools for survival. Although the numbers are small and spread out.
Historical Figures
Altamire
Altamire was a Trox that went by the nickname of "Four Swords". Known for his quad-wielding tactics, he coated his chitinous armour in a coat of steel after fighting an acid-spewing beast. From his tale, the Ironfault Knights were born.
Common Myths and Legends
- Trox lack a brain: While their intelligence isn't on par with other races, they do possess enough wit to think strategically.
- Trox hate magic: Most tribes have a shaman or druid amongst their kind, although they do take out spellcasters first when hunting.
- Trox cannabalise tribe members: Even though they would eat anything they can catch, it's rare for a Trox to devour a fellow Trox.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Trox tend to not associate themselves well with many other races, mostly due to their own monstrous nature. Either they are feared by the masses for their appearance, or the race had a history enslaving their kind as brute workforces.
Their most noteworthy history is that with Drow and Duergar, who have had their fair share of encounters with the arachnids. According to some, they might be even responsible for breeding them into the brutes they are now. Some believe they were mutated from a type of burrowing spider native to the Subterrane.
Trox Players
Trox live to travel, going from one place to another. Although primitive in nature, their kind knows no equal in strength, fighting with unseen ferocity. As such, they find work as brutes and barbarians, or simply as a muscle for hire. Although some might show their wits.
2.8m - 3.4m
726 kg - 907 kg
I know they're sapient, but they sound terrifying. I wouldn't want to come across one of these! D: I do like that they are beginning to use iron - I reckon they would be a force to be reckoned with as their technology grows.