Mahlok
 "Demons" |
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Mahlok |
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| Pronunciation: | MAH-lock |
| Homeworld: | Omolgeth |
History
Like many of the Native species, Mahlok history is largely a mystery to Humans, but it is known that Mahlok technology actually advanced somewhat slowly despite their great intelligence. The Mahlok formed an alliance with Space Dragons to carry them in and out of planetary atmospheres in transports, leading to a delay in Mahlok developing their own starlight drives. However, they became interplanetary conquerors very long before Humans ever discovered the galaxy of Nova Refuge, as by the time Humanity arrived, the Mahlok were well-established as one of the most powerful species.
Society
Despite how much they commit themselves to conquest and war against other species, the Mahlok rarely squabble amongst each other, committed to a sense of brotherhood and advancement together as a civilization, always ready to revere the greatest among them and elevate them to positions of power, often without jealousy or treachery. Generally speaking, they fight as one to carve their vast empire across the galaxy, though most of the actual labor and combat involved is undertaken by their assorted conquered and enslaved species, most notably the Slashrim, for whom the Mahlok created the Mahlo-Slashrim language. Mahlok as a whole often see themselves as the most powerful beings in existence, with plenty of them holding the opinion that Mahlok are destined to rule all others, with the highest positions in Mahlok society attained only by those who display great intelligence and skill in tactical warfare, with excellent ability to command their slaves. Their society is male-dominant, with Mahlok females generally staying away from battle to rear the children in adherence to Mahlok tradition. Mahlok are a communal species, so thsoe few Mahlok who choose to separate from their own kind are shunned and hated by outcasts. Mahlok are somewhat infamous for moving slowly, both physically and otherwise, taking great time to consider their every move.
Religion
Although the Mahlok preach often to their Slashrim followers about the power of the deity Helexith, the Mahlok do not believe in nor follow this religion. Most Mahlok seem to be utterly irreligious, though a few rare Mahlok still subscribe to some unknown ancient earth-god cult from their home planet that speaks of how every planet has a god resting deep within the core of every celestial body.
Biology
Though Mahlok have a very human-like build, they are sometimes considered to rival the Achmer as one of the strangest species in the galaxy. The skin of a Mahlok is transluscent, rubbery, fireproof, absorbs all forms of energy, and clearly shows heat building inside it; their skin is so tough it is virtually impenetrable to all but the best non-blazer armor-piercing projectiles and cutting weapons. When not summoning flame, all Mahlok appear a general shade of red, with thin, black lines like natural tattoos covering their entire bodies. The patterns of these markings are entirely unique to each individual and, indeed, are generally the only way to tell individuals apart. Mahlok have no visible genitals and often wear no clothing in their own culture, particularly as it makes their unique markings more evident.
Mahlok also have no hair, mouth, nose, or ears except for round protrusions in the approximate location of a human's ears, but they do have long, thin eyes with no pupils, always glowing bright yellow-white in color. Mahlok have heavily developed foreheads, and the back of the skull is somewhat elongated. It is unknown, biologically, how a Mahlok speaks; their voice often sounds somewhat muffled and echoes from within their own body. Mahlok blood is known to be hot as magma, bright yellow and extremely dangerous when first spilled. Upon a Mahlok's death, their very blood hardens almost to stone, making dissection all but impossible and leading to Humans never discovering details of their biology. The most well-known aspect of the Mahlok is their ability to produce flame from any part of their body. They can produce this flame at will from their own internal heat; how it is possible, Humans still do not know.
Sex and Reproduction
Mahlok reproduction has never been studied by Humans, but it is known that Mahlok reproduce at a slower rate than any other sapient species in Nova Refuge, resulting in the smallest galactic population. Mahlok children have smooth, unmarked skin until they reach puberty at around 25-30 TSCs, at which point their distinct markings will indicate their new status as adults.
