Stalkers-Incomplete, Subject to Change
May 4, 2014 16:35:01 GMT
Post by pragmaticpolymath on May 4, 2014 16:35:01 GMT
Stalkers - Venator Sapiens
The Stalkers, also known as Predators and Lurks, are another common species found in Protectorate space. On their homeworld of Sheol, they are apex predators. Every aspect of their physiology and psychology is optimized for predatory habits. Right around the time that Humans made contact with the Followers, the Stalkers were beginning to experience the equivalent of the Italian and European Renaissance, with their species becoming more increasingly sophisticated, with artistic expression and creativity flourishing.
When the Protectorate made contact with the Stalkers, they were entering what would be their equivalent of the Age of Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution. They were unable to explore and develop these facets of their civilization before they were conquered by the Protectorate, who used force of arms and sheer ruthlessness to give the Stalkers' predatory nature and high intelligence and creativity a run for its money.
After they were taken over by the Protectorate, Humans began to use the Stalkers for work suited for predators like them, such as black ops work, suicide missions, grey fox ops, and the like, especially in instances where the use of Humans was expected and too costly. They are seen as animals and disposable tools by those in power; states of existence that their Human overseers and masters have no problem with constantly reminding them of.
Etymology
The Stalkers were first given their name by SIDAS contractors who were deployed to handle random incursions on Human settlements that were being constructed to mine Sheol of her resources. They noticed that the Stalkers were masters of crypsis and that in most circumstances, they were hard to detect, much less lock onto and hit. Someone wanted to call them “Riddicks” after said individual began to notice that they had characteristics similar to the fictional sociopathic anti-hero, Richard B. Riddick. Unfortunately, it didn't catch on.
History
Not much is known about the history of the Stalkers, aside from the fact that by the time Humans had made contact with them, they were on their way to developing a planet-spanning civilization of great power, knowledge and opulence. No one is quite sure how that would of happened, considering that the Stalkers themselves are competitive apex predators, but many have theorized that their proclivities towards polyamory would of probably had some input. No one knows for sure.
Biology
Being apex predators, the Stalkers have a physiology and psychology optimized for their predatory habits. Their strength, speed, dexterity, agility, coordination, reflexes, senses, intelligence, intuition, creativity and memory are all magnitudes above baseline Humans and Humans with some degree of gene augmentations. Nevertheless, Humans with extensive augmentations and in Power Armour could contest a Stalker with a high degree of success. Stalkers themselves are bipedal, but because of their ancestry, they are capable of moving on all fours if need be. Physically, they have features similar to the chiroptreans and lupines of Earth
Basic anatomical and physiological description of the species. General appearance, notable characteristics, sensory organs, sexual dimorphism (if present), etc.
Life Cycle and Breeding
The species' life cycle, childrearing and breeding process
Diet and Feeding Habits
The Stalkers are omnivores, with high carnivorous tendencies, due to their evolution. Even though their ancestors were primarily carnivores, certain terminus apex(civilization turning points, that determine survival or extinction) forced them to become omnivores over the course of their existence. Nevertheless, they are still predominantly carnivorous, and their dental work shows this.
Because they are predators, The Stalkers have a higher than average basal metabolic rate. In fact, their caloric intake is 4,500-6,000 calories per day, depending on their lifestyle. What would be considered a full meal for a Human, would be considered light eating for a Stalker. Because their metabolism is so high-powered, they can starve to death if not properly fed.
To counteract this, the Stalkers have developed a biological mechanism that prevents them from overeating and from starving to death. It is similar to how lungfishes desiccate themselves, to preserve themselves during long periods of drought. Their bodies produce elevated levels of endogenous Ala-(D) Leuenkephalin (a mammalian hibernation-inducing peptide) and dobutamine, which strengthens the heart muscle during periods of inactivity, which gets used whenever they chose to put themselves into a state of hibernation, to preserve their resources, and to accelerate their recuperation, by breaking down reserves of fatty tissues and such.
Race and Subspecies
What ethnic races or biological subspecies exist within the species as a whole, and what they look like
Habitat
Stalkers prefer low-light environments to dwell in, although they are not against well-lit environments. They're just light-sensitive and have to wear specialized eyewear to keep them from being snowblind. Temperatures and terrain are irrelevant, as they can live anywhere that they find comfortable, although they do prefer to keep their sleeping areas cool, as it helps regulate their elevated body temperatures, that come as a result of being high-activity/high-energy organisms.
Culture and Behavior
Social Structure
Stalkers are neither patriarchal or matriarchal. In fact, their families depend on the raising, rearing and input of not just the parents, but cousins, aunts, uncles and the like. Sexism in any form, is strange to a Stalker, and they find it inefficient when only one person is involved in the life of a child and beyond. Elders are respected in the community, but their word is not absolute and above reproach. Any sort of conflict between the Elders and anyone else and vice versa, is handled through debate or through combat. If one party is victorious, the defeated are made to quietly retreat from the conflict with their dignity intact. Any escalation results in exile.
Social Interaction
Stalkers are universally known for three things: being horribly blunt, for being sarcastic, and for having a black sense of humor. A lot of things that would offend Humans, the Stalkers find to be humorous. It comes from being predatory. It is believed that their bluntness, sarcasm, and black humor, combined their polyamorous habits, is what lead to the Stalkers being able to trust one another to a great degree, to develop culture, and not just be clinical sociopaths who couldn’t trust each other, like their ancestors were. They find kinship with the Followers, who have a sense of sarcasm and black humor that the Stalkers find enjoyable. They respect the Followers, but aren't above giving them shit for stupid crap that happens, knowing full well that the Followers would call them out on their stupid crap.
Sexuality and Love
Stalkers, by their nature, are polyamorous. Monoamory is such a strange concept to them, as predators. To that end, Stalkers have do not experience things like unrequited love, and find it strange and selfish when Non-Stalkers treat loved ones as property. Nevertheless, consent is essential in Stalker society. Rape is frowned upon, because it is seen as childish and weak, and those who engage in it, are seen by Stalkers as pathetic, unfit to pass on their genes, which are detrimental and useless. Courtship rituals are pretty straightforward among the Stalkers. They're not complicated. A male or female will approach their desired mate or mates, and will go to great lengths to prove that they are worthy of intimacy and mating. Love and Sex are seen as social lubricants among the Stalkers, not just tools for survival. They facilitate emotional and mental bonding, which is essential for not only the survival of the species, but of their livelihoods as well.
Habits and Behaviors
Stalkers have a love for simple, but elegant necessities and fineries, in life. They abhor elaborate and ostentatious designs and frippery, simply because they feel it detracts from the overall beauty of an object, whether it's art, music, literature. They love well-designed stories and movies, but they can't stand it when culture is bogged down by excessive natter.
To this end, anything that a Stalker uses, weaponry, power armour, etc. is functional, rugged, reliable, and beautiful, without being overstated and loud. Their predatory sensibilities have lend to this cultural norm. Even though their culture has been ruthlessly suppressed by the Protectorate, they have taken to enjoying Human culture within reason. They're finicky and selective of their entertainment.
Rituals and Rites
Common rites, rituals and other misc. cultural data
Language and Speech
Even though their written and spoken language has been stamped out by the Protectorate, the Stalkers do retain an innate "battle-language" that stemmed from their predatory natures. It's not a language in the way that Humans would understand it. It's similar to Hadzane and various other Human languages that make use of clicks and other vocal noises, such as humming and growling. It's a very simplistic language, and it helps the Stalkers hunt and work more efficiently, especially when conducting black ops missions.
Common Name: | Stalkers |
Scientific Name: | Venator Sapiens |
Classification: | Humanoid Biped |
Terrestrial Analogue: | Species Mammal; Unknown |
Homeworld: | Sheol |
The Stalkers, also known as Predators and Lurks, are another common species found in Protectorate space. On their homeworld of Sheol, they are apex predators. Every aspect of their physiology and psychology is optimized for predatory habits. Right around the time that Humans made contact with the Followers, the Stalkers were beginning to experience the equivalent of the Italian and European Renaissance, with their species becoming more increasingly sophisticated, with artistic expression and creativity flourishing.
When the Protectorate made contact with the Stalkers, they were entering what would be their equivalent of the Age of Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution. They were unable to explore and develop these facets of their civilization before they were conquered by the Protectorate, who used force of arms and sheer ruthlessness to give the Stalkers' predatory nature and high intelligence and creativity a run for its money.
After they were taken over by the Protectorate, Humans began to use the Stalkers for work suited for predators like them, such as black ops work, suicide missions, grey fox ops, and the like, especially in instances where the use of Humans was expected and too costly. They are seen as animals and disposable tools by those in power; states of existence that their Human overseers and masters have no problem with constantly reminding them of.
Etymology
The Stalkers were first given their name by SIDAS contractors who were deployed to handle random incursions on Human settlements that were being constructed to mine Sheol of her resources. They noticed that the Stalkers were masters of crypsis and that in most circumstances, they were hard to detect, much less lock onto and hit. Someone wanted to call them “Riddicks” after said individual began to notice that they had characteristics similar to the fictional sociopathic anti-hero, Richard B. Riddick. Unfortunately, it didn't catch on.
History
Not much is known about the history of the Stalkers, aside from the fact that by the time Humans had made contact with them, they were on their way to developing a planet-spanning civilization of great power, knowledge and opulence. No one is quite sure how that would of happened, considering that the Stalkers themselves are competitive apex predators, but many have theorized that their proclivities towards polyamory would of probably had some input. No one knows for sure.
Biology
Being apex predators, the Stalkers have a physiology and psychology optimized for their predatory habits. Their strength, speed, dexterity, agility, coordination, reflexes, senses, intelligence, intuition, creativity and memory are all magnitudes above baseline Humans and Humans with some degree of gene augmentations. Nevertheless, Humans with extensive augmentations and in Power Armour could contest a Stalker with a high degree of success. Stalkers themselves are bipedal, but because of their ancestry, they are capable of moving on all fours if need be. Physically, they have features similar to the chiroptreans and lupines of Earth
Average Height (Male) | Value in Metric: 1.82 meters |
Average Weight (Male) | Value in Metric: 99.7 kgs |
Average Height (Female) | Value in Metric: 1.61 meters |
Average Weight (Female) | Value in Metric: 86.13kgs |
Basic anatomical and physiological description of the species. General appearance, notable characteristics, sensory organs, sexual dimorphism (if present), etc.
Life Cycle and Breeding
The species' life cycle, childrearing and breeding process
Diet and Feeding Habits
The Stalkers are omnivores, with high carnivorous tendencies, due to their evolution. Even though their ancestors were primarily carnivores, certain terminus apex(civilization turning points, that determine survival or extinction) forced them to become omnivores over the course of their existence. Nevertheless, they are still predominantly carnivorous, and their dental work shows this.
Because they are predators, The Stalkers have a higher than average basal metabolic rate. In fact, their caloric intake is 4,500-6,000 calories per day, depending on their lifestyle. What would be considered a full meal for a Human, would be considered light eating for a Stalker. Because their metabolism is so high-powered, they can starve to death if not properly fed.
To counteract this, the Stalkers have developed a biological mechanism that prevents them from overeating and from starving to death. It is similar to how lungfishes desiccate themselves, to preserve themselves during long periods of drought. Their bodies produce elevated levels of endogenous Ala-(D) Leuenkephalin (a mammalian hibernation-inducing peptide) and dobutamine, which strengthens the heart muscle during periods of inactivity, which gets used whenever they chose to put themselves into a state of hibernation, to preserve their resources, and to accelerate their recuperation, by breaking down reserves of fatty tissues and such.
Race and Subspecies
What ethnic races or biological subspecies exist within the species as a whole, and what they look like
Habitat
Stalkers prefer low-light environments to dwell in, although they are not against well-lit environments. They're just light-sensitive and have to wear specialized eyewear to keep them from being snowblind. Temperatures and terrain are irrelevant, as they can live anywhere that they find comfortable, although they do prefer to keep their sleeping areas cool, as it helps regulate their elevated body temperatures, that come as a result of being high-activity/high-energy organisms.
Culture and Behavior
Social Structure
Stalkers are neither patriarchal or matriarchal. In fact, their families depend on the raising, rearing and input of not just the parents, but cousins, aunts, uncles and the like. Sexism in any form, is strange to a Stalker, and they find it inefficient when only one person is involved in the life of a child and beyond. Elders are respected in the community, but their word is not absolute and above reproach. Any sort of conflict between the Elders and anyone else and vice versa, is handled through debate or through combat. If one party is victorious, the defeated are made to quietly retreat from the conflict with their dignity intact. Any escalation results in exile.
Social Interaction
Stalkers are universally known for three things: being horribly blunt, for being sarcastic, and for having a black sense of humor. A lot of things that would offend Humans, the Stalkers find to be humorous. It comes from being predatory. It is believed that their bluntness, sarcasm, and black humor, combined their polyamorous habits, is what lead to the Stalkers being able to trust one another to a great degree, to develop culture, and not just be clinical sociopaths who couldn’t trust each other, like their ancestors were. They find kinship with the Followers, who have a sense of sarcasm and black humor that the Stalkers find enjoyable. They respect the Followers, but aren't above giving them shit for stupid crap that happens, knowing full well that the Followers would call them out on their stupid crap.
Sexuality and Love
Stalkers, by their nature, are polyamorous. Monoamory is such a strange concept to them, as predators. To that end, Stalkers have do not experience things like unrequited love, and find it strange and selfish when Non-Stalkers treat loved ones as property. Nevertheless, consent is essential in Stalker society. Rape is frowned upon, because it is seen as childish and weak, and those who engage in it, are seen by Stalkers as pathetic, unfit to pass on their genes, which are detrimental and useless. Courtship rituals are pretty straightforward among the Stalkers. They're not complicated. A male or female will approach their desired mate or mates, and will go to great lengths to prove that they are worthy of intimacy and mating. Love and Sex are seen as social lubricants among the Stalkers, not just tools for survival. They facilitate emotional and mental bonding, which is essential for not only the survival of the species, but of their livelihoods as well.
Habits and Behaviors
Stalkers have a love for simple, but elegant necessities and fineries, in life. They abhor elaborate and ostentatious designs and frippery, simply because they feel it detracts from the overall beauty of an object, whether it's art, music, literature. They love well-designed stories and movies, but they can't stand it when culture is bogged down by excessive natter.
To this end, anything that a Stalker uses, weaponry, power armour, etc. is functional, rugged, reliable, and beautiful, without being overstated and loud. Their predatory sensibilities have lend to this cultural norm. Even though their culture has been ruthlessly suppressed by the Protectorate, they have taken to enjoying Human culture within reason. They're finicky and selective of their entertainment.
Rituals and Rites
Common rites, rituals and other misc. cultural data
Language and Speech
Even though their written and spoken language has been stamped out by the Protectorate, the Stalkers do retain an innate "battle-language" that stemmed from their predatory natures. It's not a language in the way that Humans would understand it. It's similar to Hadzane and various other Human languages that make use of clicks and other vocal noises, such as humming and growling. It's a very simplistic language, and it helps the Stalkers hunt and work more efficiently, especially when conducting black ops missions.