Unreviewed Dren-Vong

[Seras Goto]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

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

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Name: Dren-Vong
• 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-Vong lifecycle begins with microscopic spores, released from pods carried by augmented Drengir or infected hosts, which infiltrate a host body through inhalation or contact. Within 24-72 hours, the spores invade the host's bloodstream and bone marrow, rapidly multiplying and integrating Yuuzhan Vong-inspired organic material with Drengir matter. The host undergoes a painful transformation, sprouting bony growths and botanical tendrils within 48 hours, reaching full maturity as a Dren-Vong hybrid within 5-7 days. The host's original consciousness is subsumed by the Dren-Vong root-mind, and the hybrid remains active until the host body deteriorates (approximately 1-2 months) or is destroyed. Seeds produced by mature Dren-Vong can restart the cycle if planted in suitable environments.
• Viability: Dren-Vong thrive in oxygen-rich environments with abundant organic life, such as temperate or tropical planets with dense animal or humanoid populations. They require minimal sunlight, as their energy is derived from consuming living hosts, but they prefer moist, nutrient-rich soil for seed germination. Once established, they can survive indefinitely in a host, provided a steady supply of organic matter. Harvested Dren-Vong material (e.g., spores or tissue) remains infectious for up to 48 hours outside a host.
• Description: Dren-Vong appear as grotesque hybrids of their host species, with twisted, green-black botanical tendrils and bony, Yuuzhan Vong-like protrusions erupting from the skin. Their forms vary based on the host, but all exhibit a predatory, plant-like appearance with thorned vines and a gaping, toothed maw. They emit a faint, eerie aura detectable by Force-sensitive individuals, radiating dark side energy.

PHYSICAL INFORMATION

• Average Height: 1.8-2.5m (dependent on host species)
• Average Length: N/A
• Color: Host's natural coloration overlaid with dark green, black, or brown Drengir matter and pale, bony Yuuzhan Vong growths. Foliage-like tendrils may have red or purple accents.
• Nutritional Value: None; consumption is fatal due to toxicity.
• Toxicity: Highly toxic via inhalation, contact, or ingestion of spores. Even minimal exposure can initiate infection, which is lethal to most humanoid and animal species. Yuuzhan Vong are immune, and Jedi may resist due to Force sensitivity, though prolonged exposure increases risk.
• Other Effects: The Dren-Vong's spores can corrupt non-host sentients, inducing paranoia, aggression, or susceptibility to the Drengir root-mind. No medicinal qualities; exposure accelerates infection and mental domination.
• Distinctions: Dren-Vong are distinguished by their hybrid nature, combining the Drengir's plant-like sentience with Yuuzhan Vong's organic, bone-like structures. Their spores are nearly invisible, enabling stealthy infection. Unlike pure Drengir, they can manipulate host bodies as "meat puppets," retaining some host abilities (e.g., piloting or combat skills). Seasonal variations are minimal, but infected hosts in colder climates may develop denser, thornier growths.

Strengths:

• Collective Consciousness: The Dren-Vong share a dual-layered collective mind, combining the Drengir root-mind with a Yuuzhan Vong-inspired hive intelligence. This allows seamless coordination, rapid learning, and the ability to assimilate host knowledge, making them adept at strategy and deception.
• Infectious Domination: Their spores can infect and convert hosts into Dren-Vong, spreading the root-mind's influence. Infected hosts may betray allies, luring others to Drengir or Dren-Vong for consumption or infection, amplifying their spread like a plague.

Weaknesses:

• Force Nullification: Exposure to Force-nullifying fields (e.g., ysalamiri) disrupts their connection to the root-mind, rendering them sluggish and unable to coordinate or heal, often causing physical collapse under their own weight.
• Force Light Vulnerability: Light side Force abilities, such as Force Light, deal catastrophic damage, rapidly deteriorating their botanical and organic structures and severing their root-mind connection.
• Vacuum Exposure: Like pure Drengir, Dren-Vong cannot heal or survive in a vacuum, as they require oxygen to regenerate their organic and botanical components.
• Progenitor Dependency: The Dren-Vong are tied to a central Great Progenitor. If the Progenitor is put into stasis or destroyed, all Dren-Vong suffer disorientation, hibernation, or death, depending on the severity of the Progenitor's fate.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Dren-Vong were developed in the secretive laboratories of Al-Khālī's Academy of the Dead, where Sith scientist Seras combined Drengir biology with the Yuuzhan Vong's Vongspawn virus through a blend of Sith alchemy and advanced bioengineering. Discovered during experiments to enhance the Drengir's already formidable abilities, the Vongspawn virus was integrated to create a more infectious and controllable bioweapon. The goal was to produce a hybrid capable of rapidly subduing entire populations by transforming them into obedient, predatory extensions of the Drengir root-mind. Unlike the technobeast variants, which relied on nanites, the Dren-Vong used organic Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology, making them more resilient and adaptable to organic hosts. Seras's experiments aimed to deploy Dren-Vong as a planetary-scale plague, capable of converting populations into puppets that could pilot ships or lure others to their doom, spreading the infection across star systems. The Dren-Vong were first seeded on remote worlds as a test, with devastating results, as entire colonies were consumed or converted within weeks. Seras continues to refine the Dren-Vong, seeking to overcome their vulnerabilities to Force-based defenses and enhance their infectious range, solidifying their role as a cornerstone of Sith biological warfare.