Azgorach, Species (Azz-gorr-RACH)
The Azgorach is a term supplied by Xa'aroch, the first successful summoned intelligent being from the otherworld (also called Azgorach), when he was asked the name of his world and what they referred to themselves as. Successive summoned 'demonic' forces varied in morphology and intelligence and were indeed called by different names, but it is not known whether they were separate subspecies, so the term Azgorach was applied to all of them and Xa'aroch did not object.
They were most present during the War of the Six in service of the Host of Selephise as the Azgorach Horde, but the vast majority were either killed during the war, or banished or returned willingly to Azgorach. A small handful (including Xa'aroch) escaped this obligation and are in hiding in Icalar.
Known Species, in order of intelligence: Ba'athorog, Valrokor, Drelgrach, Eidlish
Basic Information
Anatomy
Varied; Ba'athorog, for example, are bipedal and humanoid, while Drelgrach are hexapods. Most subspecies have more than two sexes.
Biological Traits
Regardless of subspecies, all Azgorach blood is black.
Genetics and Reproduction
There is an element of genetic selection: only the strongest/healthiest of a subspecies may contribute its DNA to what is known as a mikahnzoch, a semi-sentient, quasi organic/mineral formation that acts as an incubation structure. At a minimum, genetic material must be received from at least three sexes of a subspecies in order to produce offspring. This material usually consists of at least one sample of a growth protein, blood, and rhesal. The mikahnzoch then determines whether to synthesize the material and, in turn, whether to produce offspring or how many; it will reject insufficient, incompatible, or 'unworthy' material.
The instinct to reproduce usually occurs cyclically, but not in all mature individuals and not consistently (i.e., there are no 'bloodlines'). There seems to be some element of the Keen involved in selecting which individuals may contribute to a mikahnzoch. This process seems to be more frequent / less discriminating with those subspecies who are weaker / less intelligent, thus supporting the Azgorach food chain.
Gestation in a mikahnzoch then varies depending on the subspecies, with those of higher intelligence / stronger constitutions taking longer. Additional genetic material may be contributed throughout the gestation period for some subspecies; if this is the case, individuals are selected and summoned by the Keen. In all instances the offspring emerges fully-formed and able to fend for itself.
Growth Rate & Stages
Unknown.
Dietary Needs and Habits
All sub-species are carnivorous, but they are primarily interested in Ega/rhesal-enriched blood. As such, they prefer to keep prey alive as long as possible to continue blood production.
Biological Cycle
Unknown.
Behaviour
There is a distinct hierarchy of the species, with the Ba'athorog residing as its alpha-predators. The hierarchy appears simplistic: the stronger suppress and prey on the weaker. Indeed, cannibalism is common and on the rise with decreasing territory and diminishing resources.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Both intelligent and less evolved individuals were tricked and indentured through magical means and pressed into service during the War of the Six; this process became more drastic and the beings were permanently altered by it to become more supplicant.
Average Intelligence
Appears to vary between subspecies, ranging from high (Ba'athorog) and low (Eidlish).
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Varied. Most Azgorach unconsciously operate as a collective and have no true concept of self, regardless of where they sit in the food chain.
Civilization and Culture
Relationship Ideals
Xa'aroch notes that the concept of relationships of any kind is 'foreign' to Azgorach.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
Varied
Geographic Distribution
Related Myths
Related Technologies
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