Approved Species Dren-Gorth

[Seras Goto]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a drengir variant
• Image Credit: N/A
• Canon:
  • Drengir
  • Exogorth
• Permissions: N/A
• Links: N/A

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Name: Dren-Gorth
• Origins: Al-Khālī: The Academy of the Dead
• Other Locations: Various worlds it is seeded to for biological weapon attacks
• Classification: Botanical
• Average Growth Cycle: The Dren-Gorth lifecycle begins with microscopic spores released from pods carried by augmented Drengir or embedded within asteroid fragments. These spores infiltrate organic or silicon-based hosts via contact or inhalation, integrating Drengir's botanical matter with Exogorth's silicon-based biology. Within 3-5 days, the spores trigger a transformation, forming a hybrid entity within the host or asteroid matrix. Full maturity is reached in 10-14 days, with the Dren-Gorth developing a cavernous, toothed maw and vine-like tendrils. The hybrid can live for centuries in asteroid environments, reproducing by splitting into smaller entities or releasing new spores. Death occurs only through catastrophic destruction or prolonged isolation from sustenance.
  Viability: Dren-Gorth flourish in asteroid fields or low-gravity, oxygen-poor environments rich in stellar energy or mineral deposits. They require minimal water or sunlight, deriving energy from asteroid minerals, stellar radiation, or consumed organic matter. They thrive in cold, rocky terrains but can adapt to planetary surfaces with sufficient mineral content. Once established, Dren-Gorth can survive indefinitely with access to resources, and harvested fragments remain viable for up to one week.
  Description: Dren-Gorth appear as massive, grotesque hybrids, blending the Drengir's plant-like tendrils with the Exogorth's silicon-based, slug-like structure. They form cavernous, toothed maws within asteroids or hosts, with green-black vines and crystalline growths protruding from their surfaces. Their presence radiates a dark side aura, unsettling to Force-sensitive beings and nearby flora.

PHYSICAL INFORMATION

• Average Height: 10-900m (dependent on growth stage and host/asteroid size)
  Average Length: 50-1000m (dependent on growth stage and environment)
  Color: Dark green to black botanical tendrils interspersed with reddish, silicon-based crystalline structures; red flesh and green saliva in maw-like structures.
  Nutritional Value: None; consumption is lethal due to toxicity and physical trauma.
  Toxicity: Highly toxic via contact or inhalation of spores, which can infect organic or silicon-based lifeforms. Infection is lethal to most species, though Force-sensitive individuals may resist temporarily. Large quantities accelerate transformation, leading to rapid assimilation into the Dren-Gorth's root-mind.
  Other Effects: Spores induce mental corruption, fostering aggression and susceptibility to the Drengir's collective consciousness. No medicinal qualities; exposure causes disorientation and physical pain due to crystalline growths.
  Distinctions: Dren-Gorth are defined by their dual botanical and silicon-based nature, capable of burrowing into asteroids or overtaking organic hosts. Their massive size, toothed maws, and ability to host micro-ecosystems (e.g., mynock-like organisms) within their bodies set them apart. In colder environments, they develop denser crystalline structures, while warmer climates enhance tendril growth.

Strengths:

• Collective Ecosystem: Dren-Gorth combine the Drengir's root-mind with an Exogorth-like ability to host internal ecosystems, allowing them to sustain and control diverse lifeforms within their bodies. This enhances their resilience and ability to lure prey, as their ecosystems attract unsuspecting ships or creatures.
• Adaptive Resilience: Their silicon-based structure makes them highly resistant to blasters and lightsabers, while their botanical components allow rapid regeneration in mineral-rich environments. They can split into smaller entities to propagate or survive destruction.

Weaknesses:

• Force Nullification: Force-nullifying fields disrupt their root-mind connection, causing disorientation and halting regeneration, leaving them vulnerable to collapse or fragmentation.
• Force Light Vulnerability: Light side Force abilities, such as Force Light, destabilize their dark side-infused structure, causing rapid decay of both botanical and silicon components.
• Vacuum Dependency: While adapted to low-oxygen environments, complete exposure to a vacuum halts their regeneration and can lead to death if prolonged, as they require minimal oxygen for botanical processes.
• Progenitor Dependency: Like Drengir, Dren-Gorth are linked to a Great Progenitor. If the Progenitor is neutralized or destroyed, all Dren-Gorth suffer disorientation, hibernation, or death, depending on the severity of the Progenitor's fate.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Dren-Gorth were engineered in the shadowy laboratories of Al-Khālī's Academy of the Dead by Sith alchemist Seras, who sought to create a bioweapon combining the Drengir's predatory sentience with the Exogorth's silicon-based resilience. Using Sith alchemy and bioengineering, Seras fused Drengir spores with Exogorth genetic material harvested from asteroid-dwelling specimens. The resulting hybrid was designed to infiltrate asteroid fields or planetary surfaces, transforming environments into predatory ecosystems that could engulf ships, colonies, or entire worlds. First deployed as a test on remote asteroid belts, the Dren-Gorth proved devastating, consuming mining outposts and converting them into breeding grounds for further spores. Their ability to mimic natural asteroid craters made them ideal for ambushing unsuspecting vessels. Seras continues to refine the Dren-Gorth, aiming to enhance their resistance to Force-based defenses and expand their capacity to seed entire star systems, positioning them as a terrifying tool of Sith domination.

 

[Srina Talon]

Seras Goto

This is good to go. [APPROVED]