Alkurri

 ***WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM ELECTRIC CITY 4: ANDROMEDA*** 

The Alkurri are an intelligent race of arachnid-type creatures, living on the planet Arria in the Andromeda Galaxy. Hyper-intelligent and lethal, these beings plague the other species living on the planet, including those behind the walls of the great cities of Arria. The Alkurri are a constant threat to travelers, especially in the forested areas that they dominate over. The Alkurri have no formal structure, and due to their extremely aggressive nature, it is unsure as to the level of sentience the beings display, but it is widely accepted that the Alkurri act as a hive mind, with one or more active queens issuing commands to the 'drones' via high-frequency sounds.

The lifespan of the Alkurri species is unknown. The only known information is that their young hatch from large egg sacs, which are kept deep in infested forests for protection. The eggpods are typically guarded by a group of drones who not only protect but also provide essential nutrients to ensure a maximum yield of infants. The Alkurri grow to an average height of 6 feet tall, with a leg span of over 10 feet. Certain variants have been seen ranging in size, and local rumor has even hinted to the presence of Alkurri over 20 feet in height. Evidence of these has yet to be confirmed.

The Alkurri's mandibles are extremely resilient, and with a powerful bite force. The Alkurri were observed tearing into walls and structures during raids, and they were able to breach the hull of the Patros using brute strength. The most formidable weapon wielded by the Alkurri is two distinct forms of vemon: One extremely potent neurotoxin capable of rendering even the most hardened individual immobile within seconds of the bite. The second venom contains an unidentified virus capable of erasing all higher brain function and making the victim succeptible to outside influence, essentially turning them into a 'drone' as well. Despite the ability to 'hear' the commands of the Alkurri, infected individuals do not appear to be connected to the Alkurri hive mind. Reports from the locals of Arria state that the number of infected persons under the control of the Alkurri are in the thousands.

It's unknown when the Alkurri arrived on Arria, although evidence from their controlled regions indicates that they may be native to the planet. The first documented encounter with the Alkurri came when the Alyssian evacuation starship Patros crash-landed on the surface of the planet, having sustained severe damage from pursuing Empire forces. The vessel crashed in the southern hemisphere of the planet, just outside of a deep forest region. Days after a rudimentery settlement was formed from the scuttled vessel, the refugees were attacked by Alkurri drones, who had poured out from within the forest. Dozens were killed and consumed by the Alkurri, and a number of individuals were infected by their neurotoxin. The colony was able to bunker down until the attack subsided, and used the components from the starship to defend their position, forming a make-shift community.