image [https://i.postimg.cc/DfGRCnCK/OIG3.webp]
Introduction to the Swarm:
Croccitus Pestilentia, commonly referred to as Croccticai (Croc-ti-cai), represents a highly invasive pest species that emerged in the aftermath of the Ndarja cataclysm. These organisms exhibit an insatiable appetite, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and human settlements alike. Their diet is alarmingly diverse, encompassing crops, wood, natural flora, and even animal flesh.
Croccitus Pestilentia operates in swarms, utilizing a highly efficient predatory mechanism. Upon encountering potential sustenance, these pests deploy a process of liquefaction, using their specialized claws to break down organic and inorganic material. The resultant slurry is then consumed en masse, transported back to their queen as sustenance.
This species has been identified as one of the principal contributors to mortality rates in the post-Ndarja era, significantly impacting agricultural productivity, infrastructure stability, and human survival. The relentless feeding behavior and reproductive capabilities of Croccitus Pestilentia necessitate ongoing research and intervention strategies to mitigate their destructive impact on affected regions.
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Biology of Croccitus Pestilentia:
Croccitus Pestilentia is characterized by its distinctive morphology, including two prominent horns on its head and multiple stingers distributed across its body. These stingers are equipped with liquefying toxins stored within their remarkably hard abdomens. This toxin serves both as a projectile weapon and a potent neurotoxin when delivered via direct bite.
These organisms operate in swarms, directed by pheromones emitted by the "Swarm Hosts." Swarm Hosts are responsible for leading the group to food sources, tending to the young, and serving as the queen’s loyal guards.
The lifecycle of a typical Croccitcai involves three developmental stages: Sacs, Larvae, Pupae, and Adult.
At the stage of a Sac, they are laid by the queen inside bodies of captive humans taken by the Swarm Hosts. The eggs would lay dormant inside an alive human's flesh, whom is mostly paralyzed and affected by the dew fed to them by the queen through oral contact, which leads to memory loss, hysteria, and a sense of impending doom. At the Larvae stage of their lives begin after bursting out of the orifices of the human captive, which then the dead body is liquified by the swarm hosts, which is then fed to the larvae for nutrients.
Upon hatching, larvae are cared for by adult members of the nest, receiving protection and nourishment as a priority second only to the queen. Within a few hours post-birth, larvae transition to the pupal stage by curling into a ball in a cool area of the nest, during which their exoskeletons harden to an exceptionally durable state.
During the pupal stage, which lasts several days, the larvae remain dormant among hundreds to thousands of their counterparts. The completion of this stage is marked by the cracking of the pupal shell, from which emerges a new adult Croccitcai. This rapid development cycle, from egg-laying to adult emergence, spans only a few days, resulting in the swift proliferation of the species, often leading to their dominance over local ecosystems.
Swarm Hosts are specialized Croccitcai selected by the queen through the administration of a unique substance known as "Queen's Dew.". This substance induces significant physiological changes, granting them an appearance similar to humans, yet with wings, horns, and hardened skin. Swarm Hosts possess extraordinary speed, capable of traversing long distances in mere seconds, thus earning the distinction of being the fastest species in Arix, at recorded speeds of 325 meters per second. There are rare instances where humans have become Swarm Hosts by merging with Croccitcai during their liquefying process; this phenomenon has been documented only twice in recorded history. Swarm Hosts present considerable challenges to neutralization due to their superhuman strength, durability, and speed, rivaling entire armies in combat effectiveness.
Queen Croccitcus is the singular queen of the species and is believed to be the original Croccitcai. She was first documented in ANE (After-Ndarja-Era) 142, after which she disappeared for several months before reemerging with millions of offspring. This event, known as the "Croccticus Swarm Disaster" of ANE 143, marked a significant escalation in their population. The queen is capable of assuming a human-like appearance and possesses a unique toxin referred to as "D-43" or "Queen's Dew.". This toxin has dual applications: it can function as a potent medical drug or a hallucinogenic substance.
image [https://i.postimg.cc/G2ygSxxj/OIG4.webp]
A portrait of Queen Croccticus, painted by an unknown deceased victim, recovered after the Queen's downfall.
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> The Records of Croccticus Pestilentia:
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> "Even when the sun is still up in the great blue sky, even when the moon gives off it's light, you'll eventually hear the wings flap, the swarm march, overtaking all beneath their valor, under the Queen's name."
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> - Everglad Kenneth, one of the surviving eye witnesses of the Croccticus Swarm Disaster.
Log: Downfall Of the Queen
Date: ANE 143
" That damn Sirus, he provided our squad with those, whatever, things he came up with to counter the Swarm Hosts apparently." Zerl pulled out a serum out of his pockets.
What he pulled out was a syringe, which contained a golden liquid. He stretched his arm towards the camera while holding the syringe.
"Sirus, I swear if one of your another fucked up serums mess this mission up, I'll end you." He puts the serum back inside the pocket with a sigh.
"He told me this serum could counter the speed of the Swarm Hosts, by shooting up our sensory input or whatever-" He scoffed.
The camera moved forward, "What is going to be the main goal of your mission?" A voice asked.
"Kill that bitch Croccticus, of course. If she dies, the species will eventually fuck off via underpopulation."
- Interview with House Veritas, Death Claw Squadron Commander, Zerl Praknovich
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Recording: The Assassination of the Queen, the only non-classified recording of the Disaster.
The squadron infiltrated the main nest located in the Northern region of Tourne-Myrout. The initial descent was harrowing, the oppressive darkness and eerie silence amplifying the tension. Despite being overwhelmed by the sheer number of Croccitcai, the squad managed to progress through the labyrinthine tunnels, their goal the queen's laying chamber situated 200 meters underground.
Upon reaching the chamber, the squad encountered the Swarm Hosts. These formidable foes, with their human-like speed and strength, quickly turned the encounter deadly. One Swarm Host managed to decapitate a squad member with a swift, brutal strike.
"The serum, use the fucking serum, now!" Zerl shouted, injecting himself with the serum provided by Dr. Sirus Adam. The others followed suit, the golden liquid entering their systems. Within moments, their perceptions altered; time seemed to slow, their senses heightened to an extraordinary degree. The camera struggled to keep up, capturing only flashes of movement, screeches, yells, and the roars of rage from the squad members. In the span of two minutes, the enhanced soldiers decimated the Swarm Hosts, their newly acquired speed and reflexes proving too much for the enemies.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Zerl led his squad deeper into the cave system. The air grew colder, the silence more profound. They moved with cautious urgency, aware that the queen lay just ahead.
Reaching the queen's chamber, they found her in a state of slumber, surrounded by her loyal guards. Zerl signaled his team to hold position. He approached the queen quietly. The queen, was massive, towering over several Swarm Hosts. Zerl used his cloaking mechanism, and silently made his way towards the queen's heart.
Zerl steeled himself, drawing his blade with deliberate slowness. He moved closer, each step measured and silent. As he stood over her, he hesitated for a heartbeat, the enormity of the task momentarily overwhelming him. Then, with a swift, decisive motion, he plunged the blade into the queen's heart, ensuring she could not awaken.
The queen convulsed once, then lay still. The chamber seemed to hold its breath, the oppressive atmosphere lifting as the queen's life ebbed away. Zerl withdrew his blade, stepping back to survey the scene. The death of Queen Croccitcus marked a pivotal moment, signaling the beginning of the end for the Croccitcai's dominance, and the great Swarm Disaster.
As the squad regrouped, Zerl's gaze remained fixed on the queen's lifeless form. "It's done boys, the tabs on me tonight!" he yelled, his voice heavy with the weight of their victory. The squad exited the cave, the dawn breaking over the horizon, heralding a new day and the hope of a future free from the Swarm Disaster.
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Everglad documented the events which went off while the Croccticus Swarm Disaster swept through the world. He studied the biology, and the history of the Croccticai, which is all written here. He was awarded by the House of Veritas for his efforts. Which are now archived in the great library of "Mondaine" by House Veritas. He passed away at ANE 145 from natural causes.
- May you, Everglad, rest in Glory. May Therial welcome you to paradise.
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"Adhuc vivit. Mendacium in mundo sparsum est, pacem falsam promittens. Sed ipsa latet, in tenebris nobiscum manens."
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