AETERNII
Behaviour and Habits
The Aeternii are the prime antagonist for the world of Broken Gate, while the majority of conflict will occur between human factions, the Aeternii represent an existential threat to humanity as a whole. Each Aeternii, at least in the lore, is an individual and their looks can vary greatly between them.
The Aeternii are neither nocturnal nor diurnal, and interestingly remaining active at all times of the day without the need for sleep or rest. Aeternii are carnivorous, their diet is wide ranging, including almost any living creature that they can subdue. Including saurians, arthropods, and humans. There has never been an instance of an Aeternii eating another of its kind, even going as far as ignoring opportunities to feast on the carrion of their fallen kin. The hunting tactics of Aeternii change with the individual, due to the stark contrast of natural weapons and abilities present to each. It should be noted that the Aeternii do not hunt solely for survival purposes, sometimes seemingly choosing to hunt for sport, tearing apart victims and leaving their corpses to rot. Though this is rare as the shear bulk of nutrients needed to sustain a larger Aeternii is incredibly high, and more often than not will lead to the Aeternii eventually starving to death. The larger Aeternii, categorized as CAT 5 or above show distinct differences in their behaviours to those smaller in size. With the former choosing, more often than not, to roam the lands of Terranuo in search of prey and the latter choosing to remain either at the ruins of Requiem in the ‘nests’ that have been built there or within dwellings of their own choosing, most commonly taking the form of caves or ruined structures.
Anatomy
The stark differences between Aeternii individuals causes many to question whether they are the same species or a community of similar species banding together in a symbiotic relationship. The large Aeternii can vary incredibly, so much so that one would, without prior knowledge, not consider them to be of the same species. Upon looking at an Aeternii many different characteristics can be seen on the same individual, traits usually seen only on entirely separate species. Skin and hair, exoskeletal plates, mandibles, compound eyes, dorsal spines, etc.
The mating rituals of the Aeternii are entirely unknown to mankind, with new Aeternii arriving through the Quantum Gate rather than through any type of reproduction. This seems to contradict the need for a ‘Nest’ which the Aeternii guard with a violent proclivity. There have however been instances of cocoon like structures present within Aeternii nests, never though have they been observed to contain anything.
Aeternii Dossiers
Category 7 Aeternii – Variant-Ae012 ‘Hooknose’
Hooknose, (Variant-Ae012), is one of Terranuo’s most-distinguishable Aeternii, known especially for its barbed jaw-like skull structure, it’s speed and ferocity. Using the superior capabilities of its dog-like legs the Hooknose’ dashes have been evaluated at an upper limit of 90 km per hour, and they routinely reach velocities of 80 km per hour while pursuing their prey.
Hooknose is coated almost entirely with tough, sinewy muscle with a thick layer of dark grey skin and has a lighter and weaker underbelly. Their faces are distinguished by a prominent hook-like bone structure that curves from the outer corners of its skull, reaching out forward like a horn, matched equally by the lower jaw’s structure. This Jaw-like structure can exert massive amounts of pressure and is perfectly capable of liberating even the largest TARGEs of their limbs. It also uses it’s this ‘Jaw’ as a means of communication, snapping it close to produce a loud burst of sound that travels long distances.
Another notable characteristic of the Hooknose are their strong extended fingers with extremely long claws. These claws are the Hooknose’ primary means of attacking, with powerful it’s powerful muscles it can pierce through even the densest of armour, capable of peeling the iron shell straight off a TARGE. Hooknose stands just over (55?) m tall and has a violent temperament. When prey is spotted, it takes no time in letting its prey know that it has it in its sights, with a guttural howl and quick snapping of it’s mandible like jaws.
Like all Aeternii, Hooknose subsists mostly on prey items made of flesh, feeding largely on humans and the fauna of Terranuo but also consumes and processes Thorium. They are wanderers and rarely remain in the same place for long, seen scouring the surface of Terranuo seeking their next meal.
In conclusion, Variant-Ae012 is to be avoided at all costs, it is large, capable of extraordinary violence and faster than any TARGE in working order today. With its foul temperament conflict is certain. If encountered, stay out of sight, and remain silent until it passes, which it soon will. If hiding is not an option, retreat will be neither. A Category 7+ TARGE may be capable of holding its own, driving the beast off or conceivably even overcoming it. Anything less should seek shelter as soon as possible or risk inevitably perishing.
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
Notable specimen for Project-SyAe000. Keep updated, notify of changes.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae039 + Variant-Ae040 ‘Stomper’
Stomper, (Variant-Ae039+Ae40), is a unique specimen seemingly uniting two separate species of Aeternii. The main body of the Stomper has a makeup similar to the majority of other Aeternii, consisting of tough, sinewy muscle under a layer of thick dark skin. It does however possess an armoured pouch-like growth on its spine which hosts a secondary Aeternii of indeterminate makeup. This secondary, parasitic Aeternii is fiercely protective of its host and will react immediately to threats by extending its vine like appendages to grapple and whip would be attackers.
The two creatures are seemingly essential for the continued life of the other, if one perishes the life of the other is soon extinguished. (When one perished, the other is sent into a rampage state.)
As this variant has been observed multitudes of times, never one without the other, and witnessing the development of an armoured pouch for which the parasite may live. We can only conclude that what was once a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship has evolved into a true combination of two previously independent species.
The Stomper possesses two sets of arms each with unique attributes and functions. It’s forward most pair of arms are used to crush smaller prey and are it’s primary form of offensive capacity. They are also the most prominent of its appendages and are where its name is derived. Drawing power from its oversized forearms and shoulders, the Stomper is capable of bringing down its colossal paws with astounding destructive power. Nestled between its powerful forearms and its hind legs are a pair of smaller arms ending in a singular scythe-like claw. Used primarily in self-defence these arms are not nearly as powerful but are capable of discouraging larger beasts or TARGEs from engaging in close quarter combat or coming too close to its weak points. Another notable characteristic is the armoured skull that it uses to bash its foe.
While not very fast, the Stomper will pursue its prey with a slow persistence. It is capable of moderate busts of speed, charging at a foe and barging them with its armoured skull and powerful arms. Then harassing its opponent with its claws and the parasite’s tentacles forcing the foe to disengage.
Preferring to prey on smaller creatures, the Stomper crushes its prey and consumes its pulpy remains. Like all Aeternii, Stomper subsists mostly on prey items made of flesh, feeding largely on humans and the fauna of Terranuo but also consumes and processes Thorium. They are primarily sedentary and rarely move beyond the places their claimed dens. They can be seen patrolling certain areas on the surface of Terranuo, but largely remaining close to the ruins of Requiem.
In conclusion, exercise moderate caution when in the sights of the Variant-Ae039, while it is devastatingly powerful, it is only a threat when in close quarters. Retreat is almost always an option as it is a slow, lumbering beast. Categories 4 and up are sufficient to combat the Stomper but ranged munitions are strongly recommended. Category 3 and below are encouraged to avoid confrontation as they are small enough to suffer severely under the Ae-039’s devastating trudges.
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
Encourage recovery of living parasite. More data is required, notify if specimen collection occurs.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae014 ‘Fakeface’
Fakeface, (Variant-Ae014), is a strange specimen with an unknown purpose. The head of the Fakeface is shrouded with a highly-armoured imitation face sporting a beak-like mouth to open and close it’s true face. Because the mouth is unable to devour and swallow anything it is suspected to be a purely destructive Aeternii.
Fakefaces are almost never seen standing up and whether it can stand up is debatable. Although it is one of the largest Aeternii known of it is still considered to be an stealth-attack predator. Their human-like hands and their ability to crawl make them rather adept at climbing which only enhances their ability to sneak attack. Fakefaces are nocturnally predatory and stationary by day.
These specimens are always found alone and almost seem anti-social to other Aeternii.
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
More data is required, notify if collection occurs.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae098 ‘Snatcher’
Snatcher, (Variant-Ae098) is one of the least documented Aeternii known. They are exclusively found in the night time and always seem to appear almost out of nowhere. When a Snatcher is found it is always because it has found it’s prey.
Snatchers are extremely tall (Approximately 70m) with dangling, tentacle-like claws which latch on to it’s prey and retract back into the Snatcher’s body. Snatcher’s are slow moving and extremely quiet.
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
More data is required, notify if collection occurs.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae101 ‘Screecher’
Screecher, (Variant-Ae101+Ae199), is what seems to be a genetically advanced Aeternii. With very human-like behaviours it is seen communicating with other Aeternii almost as if it were directing them, although this does seem inconsistent.
Screechers are always found with a parasitic specimen infecting their body. The Screecher indicates this is not intentional based on the erratic ‘itching’ like behaviours it shows.
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
Encourage recovery of living parasite. More data is required, notify if specimen collection occurs.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae010 ‘Drooler’
Drooler, (Variant-Ae010), is one of the smallest yet most numerous Aeternii ever discovered. Standing approximately 3 meters tall with scythe-like middle fingers it is certainly a threat to even some of the most well-equipped CAT 3 TARGES.
The name ‘Drooler’ is derived from the constant drooling these Aeternii display. Upon examination it appears to be some sort of pheromone used to communicate with other Droolers.
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
Encourage recovery of saliva. More data is required, notify if collection occurs.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae044 ‘Bonesaw’
Bonesaw, (Variant-Ae044), are one of the most aggressive specimens discovered thus far.
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
More data is required, notify if specimen collection occurs.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae003 ‘Juggernaut’
Juggernaut, (Variant-Ae003),
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
More data is required, notify if collection occurs.
Category 4 Aeternii – Variant-Ae034 ‘Bruiser’
Bruiser, (Variant-Ae034),
Edit: K. Sleikenkriecha
Encourage recovery of living parasite. More data is required, notify if specimen collection occurs.
