Hyperion Chronicles: Information Sheet-The Beast
Hyperion Chronicles
The Beasts
A newly developed and constantly changing bioform that absorbs and corrupts living males of compatible species. Records indicate the first example of the form started as a long worm like larvae that was used in experiments by the Earth Sphere Military for weapons grade solutions. All test subjects were presumed dead or contained until Subject 0A broke free on the Hyperion Star, causing it's crews destruction and the birth of Subject Omega, known to him and the species as simply Keris. Little is known about how they spread or evolved to their current state, and what follows is purely based on known species and data gathered through the dedication of the Earth Sphere. (Authors Note: Some of these forms have not been seen in the story so far, they will be noted as such)
Keris: Little is known about this entity, though it seems to act as a central hive mind for the Drones and director of the other species. How it does such is unknown at this time, and its true form can only be guessed at.
Drone: Appearing as a human male of no older then 20, the Drone is the foot soldier and worker of the Beast Species. Few have been collected and studied, though they appear to have a large central neverous system and brain. Drones can appear as any species, capable of conversing with any other race and are used most often as sleeper agents in communities.
Breeder: The breeder is one of several massive forms of Beast, appearing like a wolf legged bed more than an actual creature. A long tail extends from its back, equipped with multiple tentacles that have been noted to spit acid and other chemicals at prey. It's back is a mass of sticky hairs that can shape and controt into more tentacles, though it is primarily used to hold down prey as they are raped and converted on the spot to better facilitate the Beasts mission on a planet. How they breed larger species then themselves in unknown.
Collector: Massive insect like entities, the Collector is a specialized Drone type that is used to harvest and transport males of any species to the Drop Beasts. They are somehow capable of atmospheric flight and can survive space for short periods of time. Reports indicate they appear as massive pray mantis shaped creatures standing easily three stories tall, their prime set of arms looking more like living net like sponges. Collectors have been noted to catch prey in these sponge like appendages, sucking them down into the body through some form of unseen mouth in the arms.
Drop Beast: Truly massive Beasts, Drop Beasts range in size from small conventional Earth Sphere Dropships to massive Capital sized beasts. How they survive space is unknown, as is what they're true make up is. No living creature has ever been seen escaping from a Collector on its path to a Drop Beast.
Hive Resonator: Hive Resonators are both a "structure" and a Beast unto itself. They appear as massive cyst like growths on planets that pulse with psychic energy. They seem to be control nodes for whatever directs drones and other Beasts.
Warrior Caste: The Warrior Caste is several varying forms of Beast, all with the role of defending other Beasts and slaying sentient creatures that oppose their progress.
Brute: Brutes are the typical Beast, appearing as gray fleshed humanoids with muzzled faces and black pits for eyes. They are fast, oddly agile and strong with armor like skin. They have been known to rape any warriors they find before turning them over
Paragons: Appearing as humans or other various species, Paragon's use weapons stolen from the race they are invading, used more to destroy moral then actual combat. They seem to be generals and directors of Brutes.
Royal Warrior: Only several of these creatures have been seen, standing easily at twenty feet tall, though appear much like brutes. Little is known about this caste.
Bishop: The newest and most feared of the Beasts, the Bishop appears always as a slender human with flowing white hair and dark tan skin, radiating a field of psychic energy that turns all who get within range into simpering, slobbering animals. Only one has been witnessed, taking out an entire city in under an hour. It seems capable of breeding, and it is thought the Bishop is the next stage of full beast Evolution.