id: 562
name: WIP Cthonian lore
author: Venrithian
date: 17th October 2021
text len: 2453
views: 14

A Matter on the Cthonian

Cthonians are a race of huge, multi-limbed insectoid beings. Theorized to have originated from the depths of the earth, this warrior race harbors a hatred and xenophobia that rivals that of Beholders and drunken dwarves

Physical traits:  Cthonians stand at 7-8 ft in height, and weigh around 400 Lbs. They allegedly live about 5-5500 years and are mature at 100, though it is possible that they die from combat-related injuries before living any longer, so it may well be higher. They have six limbs, two legs, and four multi-jointed arms that are heavily layered in a thick chitin and end in razor-edged claws. (They seem to constantly grow, perhaps they maintain their length through constant use) 
They have multiple eyes, ranging from four to eight. It is currently unknown if the amount of eyes a Cthonian has actually means anything in their society. More on that later. 
Cthonian Chitin composition seems to reflect the minerals they consume. Some have taken to eating metals to strengthen their natural armour. This chitin grows in layers, the external layer usually being the strongest. (Some have taken to eating Mithril to gain its benefits, suggesting that their chitin will also take on the attributes of the mineral ingested and processed) 

Diet: Cthonians subsist on a mineral-rich diet, consuming rocks, metals, and occasionally crystals. While capable of consuming other more biological substances, they seem reluctant to do so. They consume vast quantities of water that last them rather lengthy amounts of time. Chthonian often go without mineral intake or water for months on end. But once needed, they will consume vast amounts of resources. 

Culture: Cthonic culture seems to revolve around warfare and warfare alone. It's almost a religious obsession with them, and they ruthlessly cut down all those they deem unworthy. Only those who have slain Cthonians do they "respect". Even then, they look down upon the shorter-lived races. Not much else is known about Cthonians save their fascination with the firearms that humans have introduced. They've taken to improve them as well.  
Their rank structure seems to rely on chitin composition and pheromones', those of higher standing have stronger chitin, having lived longer and slain enough to have garnered warrant enough to consume stronger, rarer minerals and metals. Other than this, it is unknown what physical differences truly mean between them.