Chi'xilixi
Appearance
Chi’xilixi are large insectoid bipods that have changed very little in their eons of existence. All have six limbs, compound eyes, antennae, and chitinous exoskeletons. Clothing is minimal if it is present at all, and serves more to carry weapons and supplies than protection from the elements. Their technology is crude, and weapons consist primarily of spears, axes, knives, hand-thrown projectiles, and basic bows and arrows.
Habitat
Chi’xilixi reproduce quickly and are extremely adaptable, thus they are widespread across Malakath. While the largest population resides in the northern deserts, they are also abundant in the southern jungles and have even spread to low mountains and coastlines. They reside in massive hives built from sand, dirt, and organic material mixed with their own saliva. These structures are under constant construction, with the oldest reaching truly colossal proportions. Nevertheless, while their above-ground dwellings are impressive, Chi’xilixi hives extend much, much further below ground.
Traits
Chi'xilixi care little for other races and are almost solely focused on their own hive's expansion and prosperity. While they are not wantonly aggressive (except to the Straline, for unclear reasons), they will not permit intrusion into their territory without permission, and visitors are closely watched.
Chi’xilixi boast thick yet light exoskeletons, large compound eyes, gnashing mandibles, and six multi-jointed and strong limbs. Their antennae are especially sensitive to chemical stimulation, and those that possess wings are capable of quick, agile flight.
Their mouthparts do not permit them to speak the common tongue. However, some individuals bear "translation stones." These enchanted stones are worn like a tight-fitting collar, and permit a Chi'xilixi's words to be projected in seemingly any number of languages. The origins of these stones are unknown, but it is unlikely they were created by the Chi'xilixi.
All Chi’xilixi within a single hive are born from a single queen, and they possess a very limited hivemind within individual colonies. While each individual retains their own identity, they are often aware of the emotions and sensations of their nearby hivemates. This phenomenon is strongest the closer a chi'xilixi is to their place of birth, yet the reason for this is as of yet unknown to outsiders.
All Chi'xilixi, with the exception of queens and drones, are sterile.
Chi’xilixi boast thick yet light exoskeletons, large compound eyes, gnashing mandibles, and six multi-jointed and strong limbs. Their antennae are especially sensitive to chemical stimulation, and those that possess wings are capable of quick, agile flight.
Their mouthparts do not permit them to speak the common tongue. However, some individuals bear "translation stones." These enchanted stones are worn like a tight-fitting collar, and permit a Chi'xilixi's words to be projected in seemingly any number of languages. The origins of these stones are unknown, but it is unlikely they were created by the Chi'xilixi.
All Chi’xilixi within a single hive are born from a single queen, and they possess a very limited hivemind within individual colonies. While each individual retains their own identity, they are often aware of the emotions and sensations of their nearby hivemates. This phenomenon is strongest the closer a chi'xilixi is to their place of birth, yet the reason for this is as of yet unknown to outsiders.
All Chi'xilixi, with the exception of queens and drones, are sterile.
Lore
History
Chi’xilixi are an ancient species, going back so far that their origins can be traced through fossil records. These suggest that the species originated in the lush midland forests of Malakath, where nutrients were plentiful enough to support the growth of large arthopodic life. In time, hives began migrating further from the continent's epicenter, and there are now established populations throughout the continent. The desert-dwelling hives are the most numerous, followed closely by those that remain in the tropics. Coastal and mountain populations have also been described, but they are either fewer in number or far more secretive.
Written records have not yet been discovered by outsiders, but this is not surprising. Most Chi'xilixi are fiercely protective of their territory and unwelcoming to visitors. Different hives are known to be hostile to one another, to the point that some scholars have suggested that the various hives may in fact be classified as separate species. Debate on the subject is ongoing.
It is clear that the Chi'xilixi are hiding much of their civilzation's knowledge and history. Despite their primitive technology, they have survived for eons, and there are scarcely any areas of Malakth where they do not exist.
Few Chi'xilixi know the full story of their origins, and refer to oral history from their elders.
Written records have not yet been discovered by outsiders, but this is not surprising. Most Chi'xilixi are fiercely protective of their territory and unwelcoming to visitors. Different hives are known to be hostile to one another, to the point that some scholars have suggested that the various hives may in fact be classified as separate species. Debate on the subject is ongoing.
It is clear that the Chi'xilixi are hiding much of their civilzation's knowledge and history. Despite their primitive technology, they have survived for eons, and there are scarcely any areas of Malakth where they do not exist.
Few Chi'xilixi know the full story of their origins, and refer to oral history from their elders.
Society and Government
Chi'xilixi society is hive-based. Each hive, or colony, is birthed from a single queen, meaning that all individuals within said colony are siblings. Their hives are monarchal, with fierce loyalty to their queen and progenitor. Chi'xilixi are typically born into roles, with certain individuals bearing different physical traits reflective of their place in society.
Notable Hives
Shaxa: In recent years the Shaxa have become extremely aggressive. While no Chi'xilixi hive could be described as hospitable, few match the level of ferocity that the Shaxa have displayed. They are known for their dark green, purple, or black exoskeletons and have expanded across much of southern Malakath. The heart of their territory is inaccessible to all who do not wish to die a very unpleasant death.
Following the events of Titanfall the Shaxa have retreated to their normal borders, though they still defend their territory jealously while their queen recovers.
Chi'nzen: This desert hive is the largest single population of Chi'xilixi on Malakath. They rarely venture south of the mountains and have a delicate truce with the neighboring Shaxa (recently strained by the Shaxa's new militance). They are most numerous in the southern to middle desert, with scouts and supply runs venturing further north.
Tokua: These chi'xilixi populate Malakath's southern coasts. They are a small hive and the worst affected by the Shaxa's sudden expansion. They would perhaps be more welcoming to outsiders if they promised to help against their violent cousins, but still balk at the notion of working with Straline.
Following the events of Titanfall the Shaxa have retreated to their normal borders, though they still defend their territory jealously while their queen recovers.
Chi'nzen: This desert hive is the largest single population of Chi'xilixi on Malakath. They rarely venture south of the mountains and have a delicate truce with the neighboring Shaxa (recently strained by the Shaxa's new militance). They are most numerous in the southern to middle desert, with scouts and supply runs venturing further north.
Tokua: These chi'xilixi populate Malakath's southern coasts. They are a small hive and the worst affected by the Shaxa's sudden expansion. They would perhaps be more welcoming to outsiders if they promised to help against their violent cousins, but still balk at the notion of working with Straline.
