Futuristic The Deep Dark: A Space-Age, Intergalactic Freeroam RP

[Jarkov Malachai]

There's totally room for two species like that. It's a big universe. But they are yours so do whatever you feel is right (^.^)

Are you entirely sure about that? I mean these things (granted id only be using Class A, B and ... well probably never C) are rather good at making things get clusterfucky REAL quick. True they don't go out of their way to find fights unless were talking about the Iron Monger Clans of Dredge, they generally hide in the shadows and try to survive that way but should someone shoot or try to catch one as they are prized slaves and work horses... people die... Very quickly and with their intestinal organs splayed all over the walls and eyes blank and confused as to what killed them.

 

[Vindictive]

Well it's up to @Cry U 945 if they'd fit within the setting but both your species sound awesome and a little frightening - I like them!

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

Species Data-Base


File #37


Organism Assessment
​

Name of Subject Species: Serai’Drahkoul


Scientific Name of Subject Species: Pending. . .


Common Name of Subject Species: The Dredge


Average Height: 9-12 Ft. Imperial / 3-4 M Metric


Average Weight: 650 – 1250 Lbs.


Average Color: Unable to determine, Data insufficient. . .


Average Life Span: Unable to determine, Data insufficient . . .


Average Physical Description (from Toe to head):


Please note that Physical Description differs Depending on Host


The Organism stands mainly on bipedal legs which are entirely animalistic in origin and in their function. Ending in four digit clawed serrated elongated paws which tear great furrows into the earth agitatedly with a single wicked back spur higher up on the foot which itself is peculiar sight. Reminiscent of High heels is the best description that can be given on how the Organism’s feet rest upon the ground with only the toes touching the dirt and the rest of the paw and leg raised off the earth. This gives the Organism the most intriguing way of walking, almost a regal sort of grace as it places one foot before the other such as the Queens, Kings and nobility do, with delicate precision, fluidity and graceif it may be said so.


The Thighs of the Organism are, from the specimens that have been able to be observed, overly large and without a doubt powerful, made for running down and killing fleeing prey.


(See Biological for more Info)


The Organism has a tail which is approximately 1.5X as long as the creatures over all height and entirely prehensile. Covered as well in that biological chitin which the rest of the creature has all over its body though this particular region of chitin seems to be able to lock together to function as a living broad sword or flare up and rotated on the defined Axis which is the tail like a meat grinder. The tail looks to help with the Organism with standing on two legs acting as a counter balance due to the biological form of its hind legs.


The upper torso is sleek and well defined, muscles bulge underneath the biological armor that angles outward and shows almost no visible breaks when the Organism is not moving… or eating.


Jutting out from the chest are four limbs/arms which from observations look entirely capable of being operated independently by the Organism unlike other species which could only use one pair on the same thing at once due to insufficient mental capacity. While these forearms are nowhere the size of the hind legs, there are two pairs of them and sufficiently muscled and easily capable of holding the Dredges weight and then some. These forearms end in six digit clawed hands which all fingers are shaped much like a simians save that two of the digits are on the other side of the palm and act similarly to thumbs yet not thumbs. The claws themselves are delicate enough for precision work but are strong and curved that anything caught in that grip would not be escaping without serious injuries.


The head itself however is the most terrifying, like a dragon out of legend almost, covered in that biological armored chitin, with wicked head spikes that angle backwards coming to a tapered point, combines that with the six burning jeweled faceted eyes that seem to see more than the normal spectrum give a fearsome appearance. The Spinal cord is reminiscent of that of an owls as the Organism is able to rotate its head in a complete almost 360 degrees before having to rotate the other way back to its normal positioning. The bottom jaw seems normal, save when the creature screams at you, it then splits apart down the middle to reveal a gaping maw which if need be to digest large prey that goes all the way down to the upper chest filled with hundreds of lovely thumb sized fangs. The Organism’s tongue can telescope to a distance of about two feet and is frayed with many small slender tentacles that pulsate and glow, reminiscent of a pine branch almost.


The entire Organism is covered in a thick, biological chitin which grows outward from specific points on the Subject Species body and can flare upwards from said points to reveal the soft, supple skin underneath which feels like the finest of leather and is highly sensitive to pressure changes. On this skin are certain patterns of bioluminescent chemicals which can light up and change colors in accordance with the Subjects mood.


It was once observed upon the meeting of two of these creatures that they froze, the biological armor flared up and made a sort of ripple effect which made our watchers and cameras lose sight of them momentarily though the Subjects moved not and began emitting a series of extremely fast light flashes before both dropped back a few feet and left the other alone.


(See Biological for more information regarding Subject)


Biological Assessment -


Movement capabilities -


The Organism’s known as the Dredge have perhaps one of the most amazing yet disturbing mobility mechanisms that have ever been documented. The video’s do not do it justice, this fluidity, this seemingly effortless grace. The creatures leg and foot structure force it to walk with a dainty pace, careful steps that even on all sixes like serpents or ghosts they seem to leave no trace of their existence or passing upon the earth that they tread upon. It is a well-oiled machine, there can be no doubt the biological marvel that is the Dredges Mobility system as you watch one of these seemingly large and graceful creatures run after a fleeing target and nearly 40 mph with that same grace. Their muscles flow almost too well together, too perfectly for any words to adequately describe.


The Organisms, though large, have sufficient agility to perform feats of maneuverability that should be impossible.


The Dredge species can fit into almost any hole or crack that they can get their head into. This can be a devastating psychological weapon when combined with the illusion/blur effect that the Organism’s biological chitin can put into effect as during a maze test, the control group armed with heavy weaponry had sealed off every door leading to their command post. Subject had been fired at and wounded early on and then had not been seen after being wounded save for brief moments before seemingly leaping off and vanishing.


Two hours into the test Control group was completely wiped out as Subject #37 entered the room via an air duct directly above the control group. Those that survived the initial shock were then beheaded or eaten.


The effect on those in charge of watching said test was substantial as they seemingly could not understand how Subject #37 was able to fit into such a small space and afterword’s showed substantial fear and even paranoia when around the Subject Organism and near air ducts.


Average Top Speed: 58 Mph


Average Jump Height (all six limbs on ground): Approximately 4X the Organisms full height.


Parasitic or Symbiotic –





Imagine this facilities surprise and horror when Subject #37, our only subject that has lasted more than 4 days in confinement, disappeared from its cell after a standard biological testing of blood, muscle structure etc. The entire complex went up in a uproar that it hasn’t seen since the incident of 15’. Everything was locked down and no one was allowed to leave until Subject Organism was found. #37 was found in one of the last places that was expected… On the skin of Dr. Alexandria Laskin, yes on her skin.


The entire Organism that is Subject #37, all near 750 pounds of it, transformed itself into a 2D creature or life form and had bonded parasitically to the surface of her skin like a full body Tattoo. This launched a full series of studies as Subject #37 refused to be removed from Dr. Alexandria Laskin (From then on to be termed Control #82) skin. Biological scans showed no life form on Control #82 surface area but it was detected that genome synthesis was going underway as well as explosion of growth akin to Mitosis and a transference of Sugars, acids and other basic building components from Control #82 to Subject #37.


Control #82 then began to report feelings of exhaustion and fatigue where upon soon after voicing these concerns quickly fell asleep in the containment chamber.


Approximately Eight hours later Subject #37 left Control #82’s skin and resumed usual activities completely ignoring Control #82 despite all previous life forms entering the room with the Subject Organism had been immediately attacked. In fact when security forces were sent in to fetch Control #82 they were attacked with all almost maniacal and frenzied series of blows by the Subject Organism #37. Seven of the twelve men sent in were either seriously wounded or killed before Subject #37 could be subdued and Control #82 safely removed from the containment chamber.


Control #82 reported feeling refreshed if a bit heavy afterword’s and no serious harm could be found physically or deep X-ray and bio scans. It was determined Control #82 was to be sent back in with Subject #37. When Control #82 was reintroduced to the Organism it showed no signs of interest and paid no mind other than a quick sniff and poke with a forelimb.


Over two more months of observation this sort of Phasing from Tattoo to fully fleshed life form happened many times, almost every day. Subject #37 then began showing alarmingly increasing signs of intelligence, even attempts of communicating as it began screaming harsh cries that seemed to be words at the doors when shut. Scans showed that increased cranial activity in the Organisms brain had almost tripled. The most startling sign of intelligence was another month after when Subject #37 stood when placed in a maze test and it simply stood there for nearly an hour at the entrance of the maze and then abrupt faced and used the passcode to unlock the sealed door and walked all the way back to its containment cell. No casualties or injuries thanks to a quick thinking staff member who sounded the containment breech alarm.


Conclusion: Due to the volatile Nature of Subject Organism’s alleged home world, Magnus 7, which the species were discovered upon, it is entirely possible that the Organisms species evolved this intriguing survival mechanism to adapt to their homewards volatile and unpredictable nature.


It seems that the Subject Species is capable of using this survival mechanism to take specific traits from the host species by converting into this 2D form and biologically synthesizing onto the host to commence genome splicing through and or just under the skin. It is still undetermined as to how this is done as Bio scans don’t pick up the Subject Organism when Phased onto the host but oddly enough the weight is still present as when Control #82 was going through examination and a weight reading of almost 900 Lbs. shocked researchers. However continuing on with genome splicing and the like, as case in point in this particular scenario, when Subject #37 Phased onto Control #82, it was able to enlarge its mental capabilities to an alarming rate which even surpassed the hosts. Further testing showed that Subject #37 was entirely capable with the right host to live in aqueous environments by Phasing onto a sea creature and then after 6 days Phased off having adapted a semi-functioning pair of gills. Subject #37 was not able to re-adapt on its own however to land based environments until another suitable Host species was given though it frequently asked for Control #82.


We now believe that the reason all other previous test subjects perished was because due to this very survival factor was the Organisms own damnation. Their genome structure is so unstable that if it is not re worked and grounded through the Phase (the term now used for the transformation from 2D to 3D) that it rapidly destabilizes and self-destructs as it mutates out of control then initializing the Fade (term used for when Subject Organism dies it Phases into 2D form and then Fades into nothing rendering autopsies and other forms of study useless).


The Subject Organism does not loose mass in this form, rather it is condensed and when this extra weight is put upon a host the Organism has adapted as well otherwise its sheer weight would crush most other Species. The Organism acts like an exo suit in the broadest of terms. While the Dredge is on the hosts skin synthesizing, the Host gains notable strength and speed as the Subject organism wishes its host to live and not die while it itself is on the hosts body recuperating.


Female variants-


/Sex is actually a choice more or less for the Subject Species, as they can change their own gender. It is believed that while they have no gender when born, any imbalances upon the local population is filled by conscious decision to fill in said gaps and keep the species overall strong. Female variants do have breasts on the chest, one pair which is half way covered from the bottom up by a series of reverse Chitin plates that form a natural support. However if this is trait is standard or an adaptation it is unknown as not all observed Females of Subject species were observed to have Breasts. Female Variants also as most members of the opposite sex do, larger hips, thighs and are all around more dangerous than their male counter parts as per the norm in Nature though the males are much sleeker and faster, but make no mistake that the average civilian cannot outrun one of the Subject Species.


Adaptability -


This institution now holds strong in the belief that the Subject Organism’s biological trait known as the Phase is responsible for the species large and diverse gene pool as well as the ability to adapt to almost any environment should a suitable host species be found. Due to the volatile nature of Magnus 7, the Subject Species alleged home world, such a thing would have been crucial survival as the constantly shifting landscape and weather patterns would have annihilated anything lesser of constitution.


Given the right host, they could adapt to almost any environment save the vacuum of space and even that some of those housed here at this facility are not even certain of that.





Physical Strength – (numbers still shifty, need to solidify them, find out total crushing force, walking distance, stamina etc. Piston maneuver also extremely important physical feature, to remind self in case of brain fail, Grizzly bear)


The Dredge are capable of lifting into the air above their head approximately 2X their own weight and throw it nearly 3X as far as they are long due to the way the Subject Organisms muscle structure and body works. The easiest way to explain it is that the Organism is more push than pull, more striking power with sheer brute force. For example, Subject #37 was purchased from an asteroid mining company and was at top peak physical condition at the time of his transference. The Company was smart enough to feed the Subject adequate amounts of nourishment in order to limit its other workers from being eaten. Subject #37 was used as a drill to literally punch away at the rock with its armored fists.


Subject #37 has recorded at its highest, a single punch with the force of almost 4,370 PSI. To put this into perspective, a single punch from Subject #37 is akin to being crushed by a 250 pound anvil dropped from 11 feet above you.


They are extremely capable creatures physically though mentally is as of yet unable to be determined due to… conflicting data points.


Intelligence- (note to self: Details, Dredge are able to enlarge their mental capacity by having intelligent hosts and expand and or broaden their horizons. Finish rough finalizations of how it works, put draft in here)


Armor capabilities- The Dredges natural chitin is a wonderous thing! Its hundreds of layers of small graphite chips all interwoven with biological nanotubes to add both stability and lessening the weight of said chitin while remaining its strength. (figure out how graphite layers interwoven with smaller graphite nanotubes in honeycomb shaped structure and their defensive capabilities. Numbers that are available are sketchy at best. If no solid information is found, continue with the whole toenail explanation… thing… I know what I mean)


Regeneration/healing capabilities – Dredge have normal healing factors alone, on their hosts they can regrow entire limbs except the head for obvious reasons much like a starfish can regrow limbs but they do not reproduce the same way as a starfish does by fragmentation.


Reproduction – Subject Organism has a high mortality rate not for the mother, but for the offspring as the female must remain on a host for almost 75% of the time while pregnant so that her children’s unstable genome does not self-destruct. However growing young is an extremely tiring process and exhausts both the Organisms and hosts recourses so the Female must have her mate and herself often hunting to fuel the offsprings development. Every second off the host is precious and dangerous as they might develop of mutating potentially dangerous mutations and die in the womb as is what happens most often to the young unborn Dredge. Gestation is about a full year, so that long period of time also greatly increases the risk of death to the unborn offspring but not much can be done about it.


The Mother herself undergoes basic preparations, hips widen, building up of body fat and the like.


However, some Dredge have mutations/adaptions that change the way they raise and give birth to young. It all depends on the host species and we have only seen one egg laying Dredge on a dessert environment. The Subject Organisms natural talents at stealth and secrecy have made it nigh but impossible to find out more sadly.





LifeSpan -


We have formulated a theory that since the Dredges genetic material is refreshed so to speak whenever it Phases onto a host and its genome code is constantly changing, that the Subject Organism is entirely capable of living forever as its cells can replicate eternally for their countdown timer, so to speak, will never hit zero on how many times they can replicate.


Growth –


There have been recorded sightings of truly monstrous Dredge out there amongst the stars, the largest being recorded the size of a medium sized hill (designated Class E). It is believed that because of the Organisms amazing digestive system, nothing is ever wasted and all is broken down from metal to bones, and meat. The Dredge never ever truly stop growing though the process slows down the Larger the Organism gets as it required more energy and food to supply such a massive creature. Intelligence and dexterity is also believed to be a limiting factor the larger a Dredge gets the more brain power is required to oversee the workings of such a body.


Most Dredge will never reach this size as there are a limited host species which can support a creature of that magnitude unless that those ancient creatures have found a way to live and or adapt to living without said host species… If so, it is in this scientists immediate recommendation they be terminated.

 

[LeviathanL]

I don't feel much for the conversion to 2-dimensional tattoos, but it doesn't seem overly problematic to any kind of plot.

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

I don't feel much for the conversion to 2-dimensional tattoos, but it doesn't seem overly problematic to any kind of plot.

I wasn't being literal on that note, sorry if it sounded that way.


And if its a simple character driven rp yea they are not to ground breaking

 

[LeviathanL]

Well I am impressed with the details, (though for some reason I keep imagining them as deatclaws, too much fallout for me lately).

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

Well I am impressed with the details, (though for some reason I keep imagining them as deatclaws, too much fallout for me lately).

*waves hands in the air dismissively*


Not even the finished version as the finished version isn't done and neither was that one (obviously)


Theres an entire two pages alone to what the blood of the Serai'Drakhoul does to non Dredge organisms if it gets to the bone marrow or blood stream and super amplification begins. (basically if your a guy you turn into one of them via slow painful modifications, girl you uh... give birth to one that's you but not you as your now a Dredge chest burster style from the stomach... its pretty nasty)

 

[LeviathanL]

that's messed up bro

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

that's messed up bro

It is, granted around its a 10% chance of happening, usually the Dredge blood will simply eat away at yours and it will kill you painfully but quickly.


The Dredge created this way are viewed as Abominations and Half-Breeds even though they are, at the completion of Super Amplification, scientifically a member of the Serai'Drakhoul with no trace other than some mannerisms or psyche imprints of the original species.


Ironic since the Dredge can breed with almost any species and have children, I suppose though those children will always be Dredge no matter what the other partner so it makes a certain kind of sense.


Dredge mortality rates are... rather brutal to, 85% of children die unborn in the womb due to the unstable and shifting genomes of the species resulting in highly fatal mutations which kill the offspring before they are born.


Same goes for newly born, only one out of 15 live past the first year.


This, along with the whole Genome instability thing, was one of the ways I balanced my critters by making sure there wasn't a lot of them. I mean there isn't a chance in hell any human, unless they were Master chief on steroids with a few mini nukes, could 1 v 1 a Dredge. Id still bet on a Class B versus a few squads of heavily armed shock troopers. Id bet heavily.

 

[Quarantinetimer]

How much time went into the dredge when you first designed them? Two months? Half a year?

 

[Cry U 945]

Alright so, first thing first, assuming you're in, @Jarkov Malachai, I'll add you to the roster.


Now onto the Dredge.


While reading over them initially, they seemed quite overpowered, however, that fact is also countered by the mortality rate and unstable genome, so good on you there.


Assuming that the creatures are limited to a frontier terror or occasional form of captured wildlife, I'd be fine with their implementation as long as it doesn't rend the story to pieces with some form of hidden info, which I doubt will happen.


Also, the 2d tattoo thing, even though I realize it's not literally a tattoo, made me a bit skeptical. However, trusting it'll be balanced quite well, I'll overlook it.


That should be it for now. I also apologize for the long wait for GM input, that was error on my part.

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

How much time went into the dredge when you first designed them? Two months? Half a year?

My summer vacation. I had nothing better to do than hike in the mountains and think of diabolical murder monsters stalking me in the dark.

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

@Jarkov Malachai[/URL], I'll add you to the roster.
Now onto the Dredge.


While reading over them initially, they seemed quite overpowered, however, that fact is also countered by the mortality rate and unstable genome, so good on you there.


Assuming that the creatures are limited to a frontier terror or occasional form of captured wildlife, I'd be fine with their implementation as long as it doesn't rend the story to pieces with some form of hidden info, which I doubt will happen.


Also, the 2d tattoo thing, even though I realize it's not literally a tattoo, made me a bit skeptical. However, trusting it'll be balanced quite well, I'll overlook it.


That should be it for now. I also apologize for the long wait for GM input, that was error on my part.

Yea don't worry, aside from my characters (since ill be a Dredge and its host, of course) odds are no one in the rp will ever see another Dredge other than some tales told.


They stick to the shadows since most species generally either freak out and try to kill them upon sight, and or freak out and capture them on sight since the things are rather big black market items to experiment on and or slavers though... Catching a Dredge is like trying to steal a cub out from a nest of hungry pissed off lions and all you've got is a bone knife. Shit doesn't end well.


The Dredge ill be using is more or less like the above, a Class B, maybe around 9 -10 feet tall, some modifications to its genome to make it original.


Wouldn't use a Class C, those things definitely not what your looking for, and or the Class D and or E.


Had some fun with them though in a nation building rp though, Nagashira Raad and Aligora, the Sisters of Suffering, Twins of Terror, Duo of Despair. Nothin' better than waking up to annihilate a thousand men for those two... But that's what happens with Class C 20 feet tall Iron Monger clan Dredge in power suits with miniguns.


So yea no ill stick with my reasonable class B Dredge and host, chillin' cause being OP is never really fun since pretty soon everyone just avoids you and blah. The reasons are obvious. Im sure we have all encountered OP things in an rp and it doesn't take long to realize it just sucks the fun out of everything.

 

[Quarantinetimer]

Your writing style is uncannily reminiscent of the articles on the SCP database. The clinical tone, redactions and precise numbers on the dredges look just like an SCP entry. Do you write for the foundation?

 

[Vindictive]

[QUOTE="Jarkov Malachai] Nothin' better than waking up to annihilate a thousand men for those two... But that's what happens with Class C 20 feet tall Iron Monger clan Dredge in power suits with miniguns.
So yea no ill stick with my reasonable class B Dredge and host, chillin' cause being OP is never really fun since pretty soon everyone just avoids you and blah. The reasons are obvious. Im sure we have all encountered OP things in an rp and it doesn't take long to realize it just sucks the fun out of everything.

[/QUOTE]
Well I'm glad because nigh-indestructible 20 feet tall super monsters with small artillery and power armour sounds a bit too "rich" for my tastes and I'd probably lose my interest if they were your characters in a person-scale RP like this (^U^)


The Class B sounds plenty powerful enough anyway.

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

Well I'm glad because nigh-indestructible 20 feet tall super monsters with small artillery and power armour sounds a bit too "rich" for my tastes and I'd probably lose my interest if they were your characters in a person-scale RP like this (^U^)
The Class B sounds plenty powerful enough anyway.

Yea, but that was against some guy who had 'near limitless' recourses and troops and had giant ass death mechs which could annihilate continents.

 

[LeviathanL]

no kill like overkill

 

[BELL]

I'd love to join this, but I have to go for now. Would you be okay with reserving a character slot?

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

Your writing style is uncannily reminiscent of the articles on the SCP database. The clinical tone, redactions and precise numbers on the dredges look just like an SCP entry. Do you write for the foundation?

No but your not the first person to say that about me and mine. The first time I had no idea what SCP was and had to go look it up and I must admit the similarities are frightening but rest assured my beasties are original and I do not write for the foundation.

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

no kill like overkill

No kidding, I blew it hit up any way. Tunneled under it and let it fall down into a pit and detonate its own core. *shrugs* turn their own strength against them.

 

[Vindictive]

So you'll be playing as one of these monsters and the host?

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

Unless someone wants to be the things host, there are some perks. Health Regen, Increased physical capabilities., awareness and the beast is obligated to protect ya.


Down side is you weigh an extra 500 pounds and have a few thousand year old creature living in your head.


But I suppose its kinda cool when you have six arms to do the dishes

 

[Vindictive]

Ah ok just wasn't sure if you were putting it forward as purely a non character race or playing it. I got the impression from @Cry U 945 that they were being evaluated as wildlife we might encounter rather than a playable race. Frontier terror could also mean playable race tho so I wasn't sure.

[QUOTE="Cry U 945]Assuming that the creatures are limited to a frontier terror or occasional form of captured wildlife, I'd be fine with their implementation as long as it doesn't rend the story to pieces with some form of hidden info, which I doubt will happen.

[/QUOTE]

 

[Jarkov Malachai]

Ah ok just wasn't sure if you were putting it forward as purely a non character race or playing it. I got the impression from @Cry U 945 that they were being evaluated as wildlife we might encounter rather than a playable race. Frontier terror could also mean playable race tho so I wasn't sure.

Eh, could go either way, perhaps he wrote it that way so we could make our own minds up about them.


But yea, the Dredge that we might see odds are would be of the Feral designation, living blissfully unaware of larger concerns as their animal hosts of whatever planet they might have found themselves on. Thinking only of the now and never of the when.


Then theres the Awakened Dredge who have hosted on a cognatively advanced species like Humans and or some other intelligent species and their minds evolve out from their innocence into a rather rude awakening of ethics, morals and clusterfucks. Generally Dredge go insane for a little while after this, having your brain woken up like that and all those new ideas shoved in your head doesnt do good for your mental state of mind. These guys are on the more rare side as Ferals are the more norm for Dredge, they (after the slight bouts of madness) can work more or less like any man or intellectual creature with goals, ideals and agendas.


Lastly theres the Enlightened Dredge, the higher ups, the big boys, the Dredge who are so old they've advanced to the next cognition level and gleefully hide in the dark manipulating the strings.


Never actually made and or rped as an Enlightened Dredge though ive created a basis for one. I figured its best to just leave those in lore and avoid all contact with them.

 

[Vindictive]

Well I should be able to post my non-player despicable race soon. Just need to get back to my notes.