-
BıologчThe Ssarae have adapted to their environment and role in the food chain following the epoch that changed their species, due to this they have developed uniquely specialized biological systems.
Echolocαtıon|Tele-Sensorч Through membranous cartilaginous ganglia -that follow nerve paths to a subcranial sensory cluster - on ridges about the head of the creature, they can generate and interpret biosonar and telesensory emotional information; aka, empathy.
Fur|Hαır Their fur is incredibly dense, so much so that water does not reach the skin. This is achieved by the 'guard hairs' that trap the water away from the dense inner fur that insulates.
-
TrımorphısmThe Ssarae have sociogenetic dual-trimorphism, where they develop based on both their biological and social position, there are three socio-archetypes classified thus: -
FangsTwo fangs are more 'tusk like' coming down from the top of their mouth. They are curved, helping to hold prey and lock them into their bite. These two fangs have nano serrated edges that the Ssarae use for tearing and shredding flesh.
Solenoglyphous FangsAnother set of fangs just inside the 'tusks' are solenoglyphous fangs that are able to inject venom from two differing glands located at the back of the upper jaws, just behind the eyes. These fangs are fragile and breaking either has been known to be fatal to unlucky Ssarae.
ThroatA feature of the elongated neck- has present several cartilaginous ridges and rungs that contract and expand to help them swallow prey whole by crushing and raking simultaneously.
VenomThey possess two kinds of venom that they can release, each with prominent properties: neurotoxins in the venom can slow, immobilize and bring prey to a euphoric, hypnotic state. Secondly, the venom can be proteolytic, with highly degrading enzymes that break down lipids, nucleic acid, and proteins to aid in the proper digestion of large prey.
JawThe jaws of the Ssarae are complex machinations. First, the mandibular bone is split, and not solid, instead highly cartilaginous tissue fills the space. The maxilla bone also shifts due to cartilaginous joints between palettes rather than solid bone. This, paired with a hyper-kinetic jaw and shifting lower cranial structure allows for a high-powered bite force.
RespırαtorчThe lungs of the Ssarae are long and highly membranous, running the length of their backs, this allows them to have a larger lung capacity. An auto-defense response present is their Spinacles which are proprietary within their nostrils and are connected directly to their trachea.
Lobαl FınsThese cartilaginous fins on the head's side help direct and stabilize in an aquatic environment. They encompass the small goat-like ear to also assist in collecting audio-sensory information during submersion. -
SubbeThe diminutive Subbe archetype is not without its own strengths, but with their heights ranging from a petite 4.5 feet to 6 feet, they are often dwarfed by their kin. Their dew sap is distinct in that it rapidly brings about Hypnagogia and Phantosmia, overwhelming both the visual and olfactory senses of their enemies, giving them either chance to flee, or an advantage in a fight. They are commonly found in subservient roles to the former two archetypes through either an innate trust of protection or trepidation of death, yet defiance is not unknown in the boldest of Subbe types.
DommeCommonly seen as 'lesser' to the intimidating Apex, they are not without their own boons. Their height ranges typically between 5.5 feet and 7 feet with their weight ranging proportionally in the healthy specimens. Their senses are more advanced than the Subbe archetype, and their dew sap has been known to be highly paralytic, even leading up to Hypoxemia. A feature they rely on in combat. They often display tremendous cunning and tactics, often making superior partners to their large, more adapted relatives, and at times even seen leading in their own fashion, through political intrigue and alliances rather than outright challenging for leadership, though not without their own ability to fight.
ApexAre the largest and most evolved of the species. They have the most adaptive senses and the sap of their dew claw is beyond the normal paralytic compounds, often leading to muscular atrophy in severe cases. Their height ranges from 6.5 feet to upwards of 9 feet, and their weights range with proportional equivalence. These are stereotypical alpha controllers within the Ssarae society, frequently found leading fearlessly at the heads of hunting pods, nomadic clans, and even chiefdoms. They tend to muscle their way through social interactions through either physical domination or intimidation.
Adaptive Mesopic Vision
Their eyes possess complex nuclear rods and adaptive tapetum lucidum, as well as a flattened cornical layer. A nictitating membrane protects from environmental or prey defense response. As a species, they have exceptional vision both above and below water but the cultural dimorphism between subbe and domme archetypes lead to varying levels of both aquatic and nocturnal vision.
Subbe archtypesSubbe archtypes have poor vision both above and below water, most if not all have next to no visual acuity in dark and low light. They have round pupil types.
Domme archetypesDomme archetypes have the benefit of the Adaptive Mesopic Vision as the membranes, cornea, and tapetum lucidum all shift to filter the light, and their vision below water and in darkness improves. They have diamond pupil shapes.
Apex SsaraeApex Ssarae have the full benefits of their Adaptive Mesopic Vision, their vision being arguably better below water than above,
and their night vision extends to include texture and ultraviolet filtering. They have slit pupil shapes.
