Hongru

The Hongru are the main force of destruction in the galaxy of the 9. Large, sapient, quadrapeds, they share some resemblance to a snake faced dogs and are directly ruled over by Entropious, the dark god.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Hongru are 2 meter long, 1 meter tall bipedal Calidians (essentially sharing the reproductive and water centered requirements of amphibians with the hair and increased brains structures of mammals). They are heavily furred on their bodies with green and brown colorations, which cover a dark brown skin. They have round mammalian eyes with circular pupils but otherwise a snake-esque face that lacks hair follicles. The skeletal structure is thin, leading to a sleek physique with long, lean muscle tendons.

Genetics and Reproduction

Being cold environment adapted, Hongru were originally slow to replicate and worked together in small packs to hunt. This process has been apparently altered and they show variable breeding patterns depending on the needs of Entropious. Because of this, research is often focused on captured Hongru breeding patterns as an increase in frequency and decrease in duration is indicative of coming raids.

Ecology and Habitats

Adapted for the wastes of the Outer Colds, Hongru struggle to mantain low enough core temperatures in hotter environments. This leads them to over-expend energy and increase their aggression substantially. Large claws and teeth are useful for hunting on the frozen flats, and in packs they are capable of taking down even Frozen Skieks. Their sapient adaptations have allowed them to handle tools and equip armour/weaponry. Because of this, and larger populations, many of the natural prey in the Outer Colds has been wiped out leading to further need for raiding besides their god's desire.

Biological Cycle

Hongru are capable of extremely long periods of hibernation wherein they are capable of reducing energy needs to near zero. To do so, the Hongru seperates itself from water sources and excretes all excess moisture. This signals its body functions to such down until liquid is reapplied. In the natural setting of the Outer Colds this serves to protect the Hongru's cells from extreme cold temperatures, as they would otherwise freeze. When the warmer wet season comes, the body is soaked in the melting water and revives. It is uncertain exactly how long a Hongru is able to hibernate in this way, but individuals have been successfully revived after as long as five earth years.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Actual intelligence bestowed appears set across individual specimens. They are capable of complex problem solving, tool building, and advanced memory "individual Hongru have been noted to recognize handlers decades after last seeing them". However, the ability to understand non-binary concepts appears limited, and efforts to teach Hongru ethics have proven unsuccessful. They have only been given the traits useful to their designed purpose.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Hongru possess a "third eye" below the skin of their forehead which connects to the occular nerves and allows them to see energy radiation. The type of energy seems to be indicated by different color patterns, with red representing living organisms and grey representing mechanical energy. Heat dispersal is a pale blue. This ability to see energy supercedes their sense of vision which is delegated to an assistance role. Therefore, Hongru can see in low/no light environments and staying invisible to them requires a cloaking of physical and energy sources.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Culture within the Hongru is poorly understood. Certain fighting sects appear to employ different weapons, tactics, and signia in their attacks. Armour and weapons have been found with scratches that are clearly intentional and add something to their knowledge.

History

When Hongru were first discovered by Gorisson Amatel in 900 PO the Hongru were simply a species of well adapted animal. They stayed this way for thousands of years, known to be dangerous surely, but largely disregarded due to their existance on rarely visited frozen worlds far out of the way.
It wasn't until the Orphelian wars that the Hongru changed. Blessed (or cursed) by Entropious with the gift of sentience, the dark god shifted thier minds and claws to become nimble, workable for its own purpose. Sense then the Hongru have shown much higher levels of awareness, and while they do not speak a language that any can identify, they clearly are capable of communication. They have been instructed to construct large "cities" centered not on any form of enjoyment or lifestyle but soley to the building of ships, weapons, and tricks of death. They have been infected with "the hunger" an unending desire to consume the energy of every thing both living and dead. They only manage to build up and fly for the push from Entropious to do so. In this, no creature has become so hated or so pitied.

Scientific Name

Hongurus Altomer

Lifespan

85 years

Average Height

1 meter

Average Weight

40-45kg

Average Length

2 meters

Geographic Distribution

Discovered by

Gorisson Amatel