Otscygan[awt • sī • GAN]




Males ♂

Description

The masculine embodiment of this grotesque creature is a devilish integration between two incredibly rare arthropods of Voilas; the diminutive mantis and the skulking centipede given incredible size by the tainted environs. Its protective exoskeleton gleans a slightly bronzed colour, the surface composition a striking resemblance to polished brass alloy. Its thorax is segmented, its plated exoskeleton mimicking slightly shingled scales. Its freakishly sylphlike forelimbs are manipulated by sinewy shoulder blades, its entire claw structure hispid and sheathed in slick barbs. The otscygan muscle anatomy is integrated by a tangled web of intricate nerves, its retractile quality surpassing the flight instinct of its quarry. Otscygan crawl upon the earth with dozens of paired insect legs, the armoured skin a slight translucent sienna. Their angular joints possess incredible speed and mobility in scuttling forward and backward. Otscygan cannot move sideways, nor can they jump.

The male otscygan cranium structure is intriguingly complicated, integrated with several adaptations for their evolved lifestyle. Otscygan have four mandibles and one lower split jaw, the entire maw slick with slightly corrosive saliva. The largest pair of mandibles - protruding beyond the side of the creature's upper fangs, are used for grasping and hauling in large bulk. The other set of mandibles are small, sprouting beyond the shadow of the large pincers. They are the strongest and the hardest in density, used for crunching bones and appendages. The saliva is thought to aid in digestion, however it is strangely used in dissolving metals. The post-apocalyptic damage upon Violas caused these insect mutants to evolve to consume metal to intake their hereditary iron deficiency because of the scarcity of meat. The crown is crested by five to seven protrusions, resembling a webbed hand crafted of solid bone. Otscygan have eight crimson eyes; none have pupils. Otscygan vision is average in the males, finding it difficult to see in the darkness. The tongue extends far beyond the lower jaw, its tip frayed with barbs. These barbs do not secret venom – instead, it leaks acid to dissolve metal.

Otscygan have incredibly versatile tails, the end swinging a dangerously solidified spiked bone club. Otscygan possess an intricate garden of bone spires behind their crested heads, which provides protection yet decreases agility in turning their neck. Otscygan males stretch to an impressive length of forty-six feet, standing upon their disjointed thorax to strive a height of eighteen feet.

[Please refer to this link for an image:http://recherche-misfit.deviantart.com/art/Otscygan-2009-144142914. Yes, I have permission to use this image - because I sketched it ]

Behaviour & Intelligence

A glowing symbol is occasionally discovered upon the powerful pronged wings of this sickening creature, the insignia indicating the level of its intelligence. If the insignia is radiating excessive brilliance, it indicates that the creature is summoning its reserved strength. The colour of the symbol is incredibly significant in identifying its true aptitude for strategic thinking. If the colour is green or white, it indicates a fairly passive creature who may only voraciously strike if provoked. Truly wild leviathans proudly display violet or scarlet insignias, this segregated genus easily piqued and is unafraid to accept slaughter as a doctrine. Scientists have discovered at least four newly analyzed colours, which are gold, silver, black, and blue. The behavioural mannerisms of such colours are unknown. It is a rarity to observe an ancient rune impressed upon this beast's crested skull; this reflects a frighteningly high degree of cunning and agility. While these runes remain a mystery, the local denizens draw superstition, some claiming it to be a guild experiment while others defend it as a diety fallen from the heavens. Otscygan are extremely territorial, defending their quarters and their kin with fierce jealousy.


Dietary Habits

Otscygan only have one dietary requirement, which is to prey upon living creatures for their bloodied meat. Strangely, it is the males that hunt which is unlike particular species that rely on the females to scour the glades like a scourge. This is because the females are sensitive to daylight, and cannot live beyond the subterranean world. Otscygan have been classified as ambush hunters, preferring to lurk in the shadow and strike when it is appropriate. It is rare to observe an extensive chase by an otscygan, though it is a common affair of the males who possess the violet and scarlet emblems.

Otscygan have evolved into an advanced species with a very unique ability to consume the majority of metals. In a post-apocalyptic universe, the otscygan learned to thrive on metals when meat was unavailable as to absorb the necessary nutrients required to survive. Luckily, scientists have discovered that otscygans may only eat certain metals in their diet – otherwise, it inflicts fatal illness. Mercury, tungsten, and nickel are incredibly poisonous to the insects. Otscygan can consume limited amounts of lead, though it is rare to see them willing to swallow it.

Females ♀

The female persuasion of this species certainly do not mirror their masculine counterparts, their appearance strikingly similar to a surprisingly massive earwig. Female otscygan possess diminutive albeit stout forelimbs, mainly used to burrow beneath the soil. It lurks in complete darkness, their nocturnal vision incredibly advanced. Scientists have discovered intricately carved drifts and tunnels beneath cities, their infinite size spanning an impressive 934 feet. Female otscygans never venture beyond the comforting security of their earthen hovel, residing in the dirt where they produce and care for young until the cluster of eggs hatch. Otscygan always mate for life and while scientists do not have conclusive evidence as to why, the research departments have their theories. It may be because the life span of the otscygan brushes against the triple digits. It may be because of their immense territorial behaviour and courting rituals, which can last up to seven years. Scientists do agree on one thing: when otscygan produce young, they have a great chance of survival. This classifies the species as incredibly versatile and very dangerous.

Otscygan do not require parenting to raise their young, as the offspring possess the natural instinct to survive and forage at birth. Otscygan of both genders only mate once in their lives, producing six to twelve tiny insect clones between autumn and late winter. The eggs hatch in the spring and early summer, ready to breath in the toxic pollution of the desolate wasteland. The mother otscygan is extremely protective of the eggs prior to hatching, curling her plated body around the cluster to keep it safe from the elements and other subterranean animals. Once the eggs hatch, the mother and father venture away from their offspring, probably to live their lives hunting and surviving. The children travel the land in search of their own territory and repeat the cycle.

Strengths

* Intense Speed: Otscygan have incredible sprinting capabilities, their hollowed legs permitting short bursts of intense speed.

* Protective Exoskeleton: Otscygan have dense metal exoskeletons that mimic bronze shields, mainly from their years of consuming metals.

* Swift Strikers: The otscygan muscle anatomy is integrated by a tangled web of intricate nerves, its retractile quality surpassing the flight instinct of its quarry. Otscygan strike quicker than the human eye can decipher, looking like a barbed blur.

Weaknesses

* Dislikes Noise: Otscygan absolutely hate excessive sounds, particularly vibrations possessing a higher frequency. It upsets their internal structure by disrupting the metal qualities they have absorbed in their diet, causing it to vibrate intensely. It has been rumoured that one may cause an otscygan to rupture its vital organs by smashing a brass gong or a pipe into a hollow pole.

* Cannot Regenerate: Otscygan evolutionary adaptations have hindered this creature's ability to regenerate its limbs, should they be dismembered by weapons, magic or machines.

* Slow Turns: The otscygan physical structure is concentrated on a defensive style, and thus is heavier and denser in mass than many creatures. The clusters of protruding bones that sprout behind its skull shield have made it nearly impossible to turn its neck, leaving it vulnerable to being blindsided. Its body of interlocked plates have cause difficulties in curling and winding smoothly, making it an awkward runner.

* Poor Endurance: Due to its massive density, the otscygan cannot run for an extended period of time, succumbing to fatigue easily.