[Singular: Quagnox]
“It is well known that in those early days of galactic exploration, the Zenoxians were the proud pioneers in safer inter- and intra-stellar travel. The peak of their domination (and their perceived arrogance by other races) was accomplished with the invention of their advanced Megatron Z4 shielding system. But decades of success turned sour remarkably quickly for our ancestors – all because of those pesky deep-space critters, their great numbers resembling flickering, shifting walls of doom. A great fall from the lofty heights of Zenoxian pride...”
- Extract from “Myths turned Truths: Zenox and the Quagnaii” by unknown Zenoxian bard
“....and every form of quantative and qualitative empirical study we have tried has not yielded satisfactory conclusions on their origins, even with our best scientists on the case. Could this be another Sluken experiment gone Lorus-shaped and tossed out into the void? Inorganic composition analysis will begin shortly, maybe we'll observe some more fruitful readings...”
-“Reflections on Interstellar Biodiveristy: The Quagnox Problem” by unknown Kaidan Public Interpreter.
Background:
Current theory suggests creature developed in systems where the local star has unusual gravitational and radioactive characteristics thus influencing planets inhabited by the Quagnaii in bizarre ways. Such planets would have rapidly expanding and contracting atmospheres due to extreme photo-dissociation and photo-ionization in the ionisphere. This would often force the Quagnaii to experience huge amounts of radiation due to their exposure to geospace. Eventually they somehow migrated into outer space, possibly hitching a ride on silica asteroids passing close to their home planet.
Key features:
1. Silica-based (rather than the standard carbon-based) organisms that inhabit nests on silica-rich asteroids in the voids of deep space. Nests are clearly visible on asteroids and look a bit like a Rakk nest from Borderlands (see pic).
2. They have what appears to be an organic propulsion system that moves them through the vacuum of deep space. Recent analyses revealed that the emissions of the Quagnaii prepulsion component resemble volcanic gases – presumably from ingestion of silica asteroids.
3. Commonly seen in varying-sized groups: from as small as 5-6 all the way up to several hundred (although this number is rare).
4. Although vicious when they attack, an onslaught will only usually last for a short period (max of 1-2 mins) and then they will retire to their nests as they must conserve precious energy. They rely on quick, focussed attacks on ships that contain silicon-based components. They will attack in waves and are able to disrupt ships hyperdrives, forcing vessels out of hyperspace near their nests in the void of deep space.
5. Unfortunately I'm not a great artist, but in my imagination, they look a bit like a Combine gunship from the Half Life universe (with the emphasis on organic-mechanised hybridisation - see pic below) mixed with something like a Nautilus (emphasis on it's jet propulsion “hyponome” - see pic). They move together in a synchronised, darting fashion, similar to schooling fish called a “swarm”. Their propulsion system are a series of holes along it's dorsal side, with organic-looking flaps that control manoeuvring. They also have two long “tentacles” that are used to disrupt ships from hyperspace (these act similarly to existing hyperdeny weapons).
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). I imagine Quagnaii nests to look similar on the asteroids.
