Difference between revisions of "Ketyr"
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Revision as of 18:46, 28 November 2013
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The Ketyr are a species of subterranean carnivores, native to the planet Earth. It is unknown how the Ketyr came to be - very few scientific tests have been conducted on them, due to their reclusive nature.
Because of their underground lifestyles, the Ketyr are eyeless creatures. However, very old specimens can develop sophisticated eyes with a natural ability to function in extremely dark environments, needing a minuscule amount of light in order to allow for sight.
Eyed Ketyr are often referred to as "Alphas", since they have lived for the longest and are generally at the top of the social hierarchy. The average life span for a Ketyr is around 90 - 110 years, but some have been known to live up to 150; the older a Ketyr gets, the more intelligent it becomes - most Alpha Ketyr can even speak human language, as well as communicate using their own language, known as "Ketyrean tongue".
Every specimen has a set of tough claws, which are able to dig through the dense rock deep underground; but it is only until they reach the age of 17 that they are able to do so, since their muscles need to develop in order to allocate a substantial amount of power behind the digging motion.
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
There are four stages of development for the Ketyr species; the first being the "Young Stage", which is from 0 - 15 years old. A baby will be given time to grow and develop its brain to a reasonable standard, where it eventually enters the "Gamma Stage"; they are the lowest within the social hierarchy, and serve mainly as hunters or workers, building nests within their respective communities. The Alpha stage lasts for 30 years, from 15 - 45 years old. The next stage of development is known as the "Beta Stage"; it is during this time that a typical Ketyr will begin to grow a blade-like chitinous protrusion from their right arms, replacing the hand altogether - this is a normal mutation, and is used mainly for intimidation purposes, but a Beta will use it as their primary form of attack. Additionally, a Beta will also grow darker in complexion, and 'fill out' more; they become bulkier, and develop larger horns. The final stage is, of course, the "Alpha Stage"; this lasts from 70 years up until death. During the last stage, a Ketyr will gain even darker complexion, their skin and chitinous armour becoming an incredibly dark grey; aside from skin tone, the most outstanding feature of an Alpha are the newly-formed eyes.
Normally, there is only one Alpha within a single Ketyr community. This is simply because of the way the Ketyr hierarchy functions - the Gamma and Beta Ketyr are lead by just one Alpha, and when a Beta enters the final stage of development, it must challenge the current Alpha for dominance of the lesser types. It is a fight to the death, and surrender is not an option.
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING PATTERNS
A baby Ketyr certainly can't do much, but 0 - 15 years is arguably the most important stage of their lives. It is during this period that a Ketyr will learn about the world around them, much the same as all infant animals; a young will often attempt to taste objects nearby, using their tongues to feel the textures and shape. To communicate with older specimens, the young will make a variety of squeaking noises; the more distressed it becomes, the louder the squeaks it makes.
From the age of 8, all Ketyr begin to understand their native language, which is normally taught to them by the Alpha; this is usually achieved by a mass gathering within a large cavernous area, and can only be described as a "lecture". The same is also done with human language; the Alpha will pass its knowledge of the known language to the other Ketyr, educating them in "Surface-dweller speech". However, most Gammas are unable to actively speak like a human does, due to inconsistent vocal chords - but they can understand simple commands and phrases, sometimes even mimicking only a few words at a time.
Beta stage Ketyr are normally able to speak "Surface-dweller tongue" with more success than a Gamma, and can also understand it to a much greater extent. However, a Beta's understanding is outclassed by that of an Alpha, which can normally hold conversations with humans to a fairly good standard - albeit somewhat illiterate.
