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Ceryx Xenozoological Species Log #1: Ghillie Spiders

My colleagues, and all relevant readers, today I am covering one of the first new species our fleet has encountered on the expedition. Following curious rumors and fanciful tales from the Exonet and local settlers, the third fleet touched down upon a dry planet covered largely by vast stretches of arid grassland and salt plain. Towering monoliths of rock jut from the surroundings and titanic volcanic chains rise from what sparse large bodies of water seem to exist. The world is habitable due to it's atmosphere, but hardly hospitable. Regardless a sizeable population of mixed races has made their homes here in 2 major centers with a dozen smaller settlements interspersed between.

Besides vast and easily accessible mineral deposits the planet appears to have little to offer most spacefaring races. The local life is largely relegated to gargantuan forests of fungi that tower over the arid landscapes and allow lesser life to flourish in their shadows. And the vast stretches of a hardy grassland speckled with patches of large and stubborn brush that seems remarkably fire resistant. Outside of the spores of some towering fungi causing extreme panic and hallucination if inhaled, little else of the local flora is of interest at this time. Of fauna, only one species has drawn our full interest. Most are smaller vertebrates or vermin. However a large bipedal arthropod species has become something of a menace or point of concern for settlers.

The Ghillie Spider.

I shall provide a quick and organized overview for your perusal.

{DESCRIPTION}

The information we have secured on them is somewhat dubious, but largely reliable, including our own investigations. The Ghillie Spiders are a broadly eusocial caste-based species with a superficial resemblance to old-earth arachnids. Highly intelligent and capable of conversing or barter with the settlers, they exist in massive hives that can have upwards of millions of members beneath the surface. The species has predatorial characteristics and behaviors, regardless of the fact they are completely herbivorous by nature and may be incapable of even feeding on vertebrates. Their primary source of food are the towering fungi and large plant cultures that exist on the world. Leaving their predatorial acts and physical design leaning completely towards two purposes. Resource acquisition and breeding. The latter of which is the source of distress and contention with local settlers.

They seem to average in height at roughly 6 feet tall. However spotting one as small as 2-3 feet tall or one as enormous as 10 is not unheard of. It is believed they simply continue to grow as they age, this is relevant to their authority structure and will be covered later. They are tan, brown, or pale yellow in color (although there are reports of silver and gold varieties), with a bulbous and somewhat flexible abdomen that has organs analogous to spinneretes. They are capable of excreting a remarkable substance, an organic resin, that can be threaded by the spinneretes into a durable silk or more generally excreted in a sizeable glob. The resin itself will slowly harder into a firm rubbery substance with properties similar to latex, if with vastly increased tensile strength and resistance to environmental stresses.

The general structure of their bodies is largely humanoid, or, at worst semi-feral. 4 eyes facing forward decorate their spiderlike heads, the two above the primary eyes are roughly 50% smaller but appear important to light detection and emotional expression. They have thick, but stubby, mandibles that appear less for biting and more for grip or protection. Within their maw these arthropods have something akin to a feeding tube or a proboscis. A massive and highly prehensile muscled tongue that can extend roughly half their body length. Within the first few inches of internal structure there are jagged lines of minerals that can be folded out to puncture and saw into materials. This seems to be exclusively used in feeding on their primary fungi food source and is of no threat or concern otherwise. It is also noted this species has a "social stomach" able to feed others with the locking or insertion of their tongue. The only other known factor of their mouths is the saliva. They produce a powerful numbing agent that can leave most conventional species with sluggish or unresponsive limbs, the purpose of this becomes clear later.

Ghillie Spiders have a bipedal digitigrade posture, their feet having three thick 'toes' tapered with short, curved, carapacial claws. The design seems to be for hooking superficially into material, no doubt for climbing or traction in loose soil. The same can and cannot be said for their hands. It is suspected it may be based on the role within society, but the number of arms and the structure of their hands seems to differ between notable groups of individuals. Ones that can be considered drones or workers have digits nearly identical to that of their toes. Hardened claws for gripping and digging. While others have smooth and slender digits for greater articulation, or even lack the hardened carapace in general in order to generate as much tactile information as possible. The amount of limbs they can have also seems to vary from four to eight. Workers and drones seem to uniformly have 2 arms and 2 legs. While higher castes have a greater amount of limbs utilized in variable ways depending on their purpose in the hive. Regardless, the species is remarkably strong, even the smallest of their kind that is trusted outside the nests appear to at-least be a match for an adult human.

[Note: A popular example resulted in the "Bug-Slut" meme on the local Exonet. When a worker on the "RedStar" Ranch was ambushed by a smaller and freshly matured spider while they cleaned a breeding stand. Finding themselves forced into the contraption as the spider in question certainly got it's use out of the device.]

Uniquely, this species lacks most of the natural armor of normal arthropods. Much like the Churrlin (To be addressed later) they have a sturdy internal structure and a softer or rubbery outer flesh over the majority of their bodies. The exception (usually) being their heads, lower legs, and forearms. With intermittent plating along their shoulders, spines and groin. Generally enough just to protect what is most vital. Something of a cross between the conventional exo and endo skeletal structure. However this provides benefits exclusive to their species. Their rubbery hide excretes a fine layer of adhesive slime that retains moisture and protects them from direct sun exposure. When mixed with their resin, the adhesive properties are amplified by an order of magnitude, hence leading us to why they are called "Ghillie Spiders" at last.

Ghillie Spiders craft their own carapace. Using portions of the environment and harder materials to temporarily graft to their skin. Not only providing natural camouflage but a more replaceable and reliable defense than simple carapace. They are experts at stealth, having a layer of sensitive bristle-like hairs along their heads, spines, shoulders, and mandibles that allow them to detect a wide variety of things. From simple air movement, to scents and reverberations. It may be how they hear as well. Remarkably, the species is capable of enhancing the natural strength and durability of many organic materials with their resin. The key reason they have become a creature of interest to us. By using their saliva to keep resin from hardening, they can soak a material (usually fungal bark) until it is saturated. Upon curing, the new material gains hardness similar to ballistic ceramic at less than half the weight. It is curious why they would have need for such a thing. It may be a coincidental or vestigial function they have repurposed, but the defensive potential is without question. Regardless, it allows the species to act upon much of their less-savory behaviors with virtual impunity.

Before addressing sexual characteristics and behaviors I will finish this part of the journal with an observation of their culture and caste system.

{CASTE AND SOCIAL BEHAVIORS}

As a broadly intelligent eusocial species it comes as no surprise that the Ghillie Spiders have a deference and caste system to organize their vast hives. While they can be separated into 3 general castes with little difficulty. Within the three is a more complex authority and job structure. A worker may be a worker, but never trek outside of the hive in it's life time. Or vice-versa, rarely ever entering the hive besides living and feeding quarters or the exchange of information. The job or task structure is quite rigid. With little or no mobility to expand into different work regardless of caste or authority unless the hive is lacking population or in desperate need.

As individuals age and grow, their own well of authority seems to increase as well. Some subvert portions of the caste structure as exceptions to the otherwise rigid structure of law and order within their hives once they reach a venerable age and size.

That said the general castes seem to be:

>Workers: The most numerous of the species and lowest within the structure of authority. Tasked with the general labor and maintenance as builders and cleaners. Enforcement and protection as soldiers. Or scouting and foraging as "Scavvers", a moniker given to them by the locals. An average height of 6ft. This caste is notable for exclusively having a single pair of arms and legs, the most humanoid by far. It is near-exclusively workers that are encountered by the planet's inhabitants. Generally less intelligent than the higher castes, but the most adaptable overall. Their forearms and lower legs coated in tough chitin. Four fingers to each hand with spadelike tips for digging and climbing. Carapace often tan, rust red, or brown. They will often color and plate themselves to mimic vegetation, rock formations, or piles of scrap.

Venerable or elder workers uniquely control a greater realm of authority than the middle caste. Often positioning themselves as foremen or generals within their specific job structure that can act with autonomy for the betterment of the hive. Few seem to reach this age for reasons not entirely known, so those that do most certainly wield gravitas worthy of their experience.

>Artisans: The second-most numerous of the hive. Their roles and purpose are still somewhat dubious, but what we have ascertained is thus. The resin of Artisans is considered to be the highest quality, at least for the purposes of crafting. We suspect that both diet and the biological caste may affect the subtle properties of resin. A worker likely produces a hardier and more reactive form of it to use in harsh climates. Artisans seem to be solely focused on the research and experimentation with their resin and broader material, both in designs, chemical applications, and artistry. Indeed, Ghillie Spiders have a shockingly grand appreciation for artistic expression and creative works.

Artisan jobs appear to be as doctors and medical professionals, craftsmen and metallurgists, architects, or farmers and botanists. Certainly on the more intellectual side of the hive order, but highly practical.

Artisans tend to have a paler or brighter tone of skin and carapace than workers. Have the largest abdomens and appear to produce by far the most resin per bodymass of any caste. Stand an average height of 8ft. And have 2 pairs of arms and legs. This caste seem to have the greatest resemblance to what one may call "Driders" from old human folklore. They walk upon 4 heavily armored legs ending in 2 flexible hook-like claws each. They tend to have a greater coverage of chitin and bristle-like fur along their bodies than any other caste, oftentimes 90% of their surface area or greater. However this chitin is uniquely thin and flexible, more akin to supple leather than carapace.

Each of their hands has four articulate digits, the chitin or flesh of their fingers is remarkably close to human skin in sensitivity and structure. Lastly they have six eyes, with the last two positioned closer to the center of the head and between the other two pairs. The greater abundance of hair and eyes no doubt important when they are the bulk of research and design. As a personal note I find it gives them an amusingly scholarly look.

[NOTE: My own personal experience with an Artisan was shockingly pleasant. In exchange for a few digital logs of information I was permitted to converse with a gorgeous member of their kind within the hive. A towering individual with a marbled ivory carapace and remarkably analytical mind. We discussed history, metallurgy, and the process of electrolysis. Electricity itself being a key topic of fascination for them. I cannot deny I found myself somewhat charmed by the alien's remarkable grace and charisma. And he must have felt the same to some degree. He wanted to keep me, and made such known both verbally and physically. He had a bitter and invigorating scent that seemed to cling to me after each visit. I somewhat miss it, and him. Though my efforts did provide the expedition with our first official clutch of their eggs! That is to say, yes, I had repeated coitus with him at the behest of my superiors]

>Nobles: The last and most enigmatic of the castes. Little is known about the nobles outside of heavy speculation and the rare few recordings we have of them. The largest of the species by far, but relegated to a population representing only 0.5-2% of the colony. Our only lead into their specific task and importance may be logistical. But the authority they wield is without question.

Nobles seem to be capable of communicating and delegating across great distances, effectively they may be living server hubs that can articulate and process information for the broader hive. It is thusly speculated that each hive may have it's general behaviors and functions swayed by a noble (or nobles) with a strong personality. It is safe to assume then that nobles are by far the most intelligent, potentially biological super computers. The only other known behaviors we have on record is their propensity for collecting treasures and trophies to display or fawn over. Or their love of music. Nearly every recording and record notes a noble wanting to sing, articulating a musical instrument, or listening to music in some form as it performs nondescript duties. Our on-board psychologist has suggested this may be a form of instinctual meditation to prevent the creature from going mad.

The resin of nobles is notably metallic gold in coloration, even collecting spools of their silk to display or fashioning clothing they use to decorate themselves and their possessions. Unfortunately we have no samples to conclusively study without invading a hive. Something that is firmly against our non-invasive expedition.

To size and description. Nobles stand on average 10-12 feet tall with 3 pairs of arms and legs. They uniquely have a single pair of eyes with discernable yellow pupils, and are the only caste to sport full prehensile antennae with short soft bristles fanning to the sides. The towering leaders have an enormous collar of supple fur around their necks and shoulders alongside large crests of the sensitive bristle-like hairs along the scalp, chest, forearms, and abdomen. They are almost devoid of chitin entirely. With only their scalp, mandibles, collar, shoulders, sternum, upper back, and feet having any at-all. Otherwise the nobles are relatively bare, flowing figures and soft spongy flesh with firm muscle underneath it exposed to scrutiny besides a gloss of oils that keep it moisturized. We suspect this is all to benefit their hypersensitivity. Their means to pick up on all sensory information available and process it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

That is not to say the nobles do not cover themselves or dress. They are known to adorn themselves with their golden silk and that of artisans to make shockingly beautiful and ornate gowns and dresses. If the limbs did not indicate their status, the jewelry and fashion certainly would. Regrettably that is the extent of our information on them as of yet, the hive is exceedingly protective of their leaders.

{SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIORS}

=It is now we will speak of their sexual characteristics, breeding habits, and behaviors. You have been warned=

The Ghillie Spiders as a whole have a rather alien thought process. Each member is an individual with their own personality and preferences, but mentally geared towards the social benefits of their hive. While capable of a wide array of emotions and a sense of empathy. They view anything outside of their hive in a purely logical matter of costs, benefits, and resources. While the species is fully aware of the sapience of the settlers for example, this only matters to them in terms of threat-assessment or acquisition. A Ghillie Spider would never approach to ask about your day unless there was a blatant material benefit. From how we've observed the species, this may be something in their mental programming, not taught. A good explanation for why such an intelligent and capable species has little technological development.

Conveniently, we have an abundance of information on this due to first-hand accounts and recordings from volunteers and survivors. The first noted instance of interaction between the species was 2 weeks after the disappearance of a settler after an intense argument with his girlfriend. Initially suspected he left the planet or died in the wastes. He returned to his shared apartment with two bugs in tow, virtually naked besides latex resin arm and leg sleeves alongside a generous coating around his midriff to help support a notably pregnant belly. He simply "Took what was his" and left to "begin a new life" in their hive. The pregnancy was of tremendous confusion and speculation until a further incident involving the disappearance of a colonial soldier.

A bug was soon discovered that was wearing a few scraps of the soldier's armor plating. Upon questioning and light bargaining a volunteer agreed to be taken back to the hive while surreptitiously recording.

It was from there we discovered a wide variety of things. The first of note that the species was entirely hermaphroditic. They possess stunningly large and productive internal male organs behind a subtle sheathe of soft carapace in their groin. Alongside an enormous ovipositor that can be mated with as-is in the tip of abdomen or extend from it to achieve coitus. Whether or not they will be carrying eggs appears to depend on the current population density within the hive. Both appendages are highly prehensile. Phallus and Ovipositor size appear mostly relative to body mass. Though their male appendages never seem to go below 10-inches, they tend to even out at roughly 25% total body length. Whichever is greater.

Seminal production in even the smallest subjects seems a bit excessive and obscene in volume. The testes are located within the abdomen and never stop producing sperm. The bugs seem to have a large capacity for storing their 'excess', but individuals who go days without release are noticeably bloated and sexually aggressive. For reasons beyond our current understanding they are utterly unwilling to masturbate without a partner or victim. There are recorded cases of a desperate drone cornering a settler for no other purpose than to ejaculate on them. Or for that matter the rare drone that will casually approach and offer sex if an individual is a known "Bug-Slut".

The ovipositor is similar in size when protruding from the abdomen at 30% length, often a royal purple or violet hue in colouration and coated in a viscous feminine nectar with a sweet and citrus-esque odor. The organ is heavily muscled and frighteningly strong. Tipped with soft blue feminine lips that lead to a taper for insertion in hosts, the organ is, unsurprisingly, incredibly sensitive. Often leaving spiders in moaning and chittering fits of orgasmic curses if a lover can gain a firm grasp on the length.

As for actual reproduction. It is as simple as implanting eggs in one 'parent' and ensuring they are fertilized. Between the spiders neither parent seems to matter regardless of genetics or caste in regards to the percentage of young that may be of higher quality. The problem stemming from the species semi-parasitic reproduction habits and either belief or observation that the alien races on their planet have a greater propensity for producing quality offspring. As the entire hive benefits, the species has been rather insistent on finding the best breeders when there are 'slots' available. And as they view such targets not as individuals, but products, they hold little reservations in simply abducting any errant settler that piques their interest. Utilizing their numbing saliva, strength, and resin to bind and carry away victims into a new life within the hive. If the eager bug does not decide to mate them right then and there first. That said they are not foolish. The species has been learning from those it's captured somehow. Be this casual conversation or something else involving the nobles is unknown. But they are more than aware enough to determine if the risk is worth the attempt. A pair of armed soldiers is far less likely to be attacked than the solitary farmer out for a stroll.

That said some corollary evidence exists to affirm there is truth to the belief of better breeders. A settler that escaped from them apparently had a high value and produced a much greater than average output of the median caste. High enough that the bugs were willing to approach diplomatically and barter instead of risking any harm to the settler in question. Although, after being rebuffed, they appeared to make no other attempts to contact or collect the victim. However, after a week back in the village, the victim vanished once more. A thorough examination of recorded evidence revealing the spiders simply resorted to observation and stealth, waiting for an opportune time to abduct the victim in the night. While the species will act in what they see as the most efficient and logical manner to obtain what they desire. It is clear they will not easily be denied.

As a side note we have secured access to a great deal of resin in a similar bargain. Officer Baye volunteered herself as leverage after several spiders noted something in her was of potentially high value.

Quality of life within the hive as a breeder seems to be contingent entirely on value and behavior. Those who willfully submit and enjoy their place are given free reign to explore large portions of the hive, or interact with others provided they behave and do not interfere. This does come with the caveat that your one and only purpose in the hive is for sexual gratification and reproduction. If a hive member desires to use you, you have no recourse but to submit and pleasure. Aggressive and defiant breeders will find themselves bound in breeding stands or strung to the walls in resin with only feedings from the spider's large tongues and the breaks between horny workers to look forward to. Your value as a breeder will determine the lengths they may go to to keep you happy without resorting to forced binding. The finest of victims may even find themselves treated as treasures, decorated as such and given bodyguards/partners to serve and mate them exclusively.

It is important to note that despite the treatment of defiant victims, the former lack of empathy they have for outsiders is greatly tempered with breeders. Who are now for better or worse members of the hive with specific roles to fill. We even have records of budding romance between abductees and specific members of the hive, alongside notes of such members introducing fetishes and bondage. A notable example being the very male that was first abducted.

To date the only observable side-effect of frequent breeding and birthing their young appears to be a feminization of males and amplified fertility in females. Likely due to the body's response and frequent reintroduction of pregnancy hormones. Though all victims have also been noted to gradually calm down and accept their place in the hive no matter how defiant. We suspect pheromones but whether this is stockholm syndrome or another effect is uncertain.

======================================================================

That is the extent of general information without providing a full investigation and report. We are happy to provide answers to any questions fielded towards the expedition.

-Ceryx Dorogan: Archivist#884