Zelosian Hawk-Wasp

Crim

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ZELOSIAN HAWK-WASP
"Why is this a thing? Were the forces of evolution having a bad day?"
"It sees me. No no no no no no KRIFF KRIFF KRIFF KRIFF!"
"We are going to need a bigger can of wasp spray..."
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"
- Common reactions to the Hawk-Wasp



BIOLOGY
The Zelosian Hawk-Wasp is one of the many horrifying creatures native to Zelos II. Second only to the roaming hordes of zombies in terms of panic-inducement, the Hawk-Wasp is a hawk-sized, botanical wasp. Its exterior shell is similar to bark, with stomata replacing tracheae as the gas-exchange structures of the animal. The digestive system, like most botanical races on Zelos II, is supplementary and therefore has much less capacity-per-mass than that of normal wasps (or hawks). Its wings flap several times per second to keep the hawk-wasp aloft, but these wings tire out after a few minutes of flight, forcing it to land and rest. It was a primary set of appendages - two large legs with a set of pincers on each. The pincers are used to grab, mutilate, or otherwise manhandle prey. Since the hawk-wasp has a tiny mouth, it must tear its prey apart with these pincers and eat them bit-by-bit. The pincers are also used for walking; they can grab branches or stable structures or they can walk on the ends of the pincers.

There are three more pairs of smaller appendages that can hold food over long distances. The hawk-wasp communicates with other members of its species with anthers and stigmas. These reproductive organs are analogous to both antennae and... reproductive organs. The most horrifying part of the hawk-wasp, however, is the stinger. While the stinger does not produce toxin, nor does it generally yield a fatal sting unless one is allergic to it, the sting is incredibly painful. Almost debilitating in its potency, the worst pain lasts for five terrible minutes. And that's just from one sting. Should an individual be swarmed, nerve damage may occur.


Breeding
The hawk-wasp does not lay eggs, nor does it engage in intercourse. Instead, it spreads pollen via its wings. It has anthers and stamen on its face, which act as antennae and are used for communication primarily. The stigma and style are located on the abdomen of the hawk-wasp. When the ovules are fertilized, the seeds are then carefully planted in the hive.

STRENGTHS
The Hawk-Wasp has an incredibly powerful sting, it requires sunlight rather than food, it has a strong pincer grip, and there are a grand total of three people in the entire galaxy who aren't terrified of it.

WEAKNESSES
Like Zelosians, the Hawk-Wasp cannot see very well in the dark. It is significantly weaker at night and very few hawk-wasps survive past germination.

BEHAVIOR
The Hawk-Wasp's intelligence is comparable to that of a hawk. While that is not particularly intelligent, that is brilliant for an insect (or a plant, for that matter). It is incredibly territorial; a hawk-wasp will not leave its territory unless it is dying. Likewise, so long as an individual does not enter its territory, the hawk-wasp will remain docile. The hawk-wasp defines its territory by 'pollination borders.' Male members of the species frequently 'patrol' the edges of its territory. As if flies over these paths, it drops pollen, effectively marking the border. Should one cross this border and be noticed, the hawk-wasp will attempt to attack from behind, flying in the air and stinging the back or neck before swooping back to make another attack run.

Hawk-Wasps tend to make their hives surrounding trees. These hives will be made of regurgitated mud, sticks, and paper. Hives resemble hawk nests in structure, though they appear similar to wasp nests. The queen hawk-wasp largely remains in the hive for reproduction. Hawk-wasps, due to their territorial nature, cannot be tamed without implants or Sith magic. But who would keep a wasp as a pet? In addition, it does not attack botanical species (e.g. Zelosians).

DIET
Fear
Rodents, other insects, nectar

INTENT
I asked myself, "what would be the most horrifying pet for a Sith Lord?"
So I made a pet wasp.

Also, I'm going to be posting a planet profile for Zelos II soon and I figured I'd give it some flavor.
 

Crim

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It takes more time to say falcon-hornet. Time that could be spent running away from it.
 

Malon

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Love this. Nothing to really suggest here. You've covered your bases well—just keep in mind the regular rules regarding NPCs if you use this as a pet for your characters. Approved.
 
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