Retric

The Retric are a diverse and resilient species of anthropomorphic Astralics that emerged in the mid-2030s, alongside other races such as the Avec. Reptile-like in appearance, the Retric have adapted to the harsh, radiated environments of the Precipices, a desolate region ravaged by the fallout of the 3rd World War. Despite the initial mystery surrounding their origins, the Retric have since established themselves as a significant presence in the post-war world, forming both rivalries and alliances with other species, including humans.

Physical Diversity: The Retric are known for their wide range of physical characteristics, leading to the development of ten distinct subraces. Each subrace exhibits unique traits that reflect their adaptation to different environments and lifestyles within the Precipices and beyond.

1. Scalebacks:
   • Description: The Scalebacks are the most physically imposing of the Retric, characterized by their thick, armored scales that provide excellent protection against the harsh elements and potential predators. Their scales are often a deep, metallic hue, and they have broad, muscular builds.
   • Habitat: Scalebacks are primarily found in the rocky, mountainous regions of the Precipices, where their tough exteriors help them navigate treacherous terrain.
   • Role: They are the warriors and protectors of Retric society, often leading in battles against rival tribes or defending their homes from external threats.
2. Slenderclaws:
   • Description: Slenderclaws are the most agile and nimble of the Retric, with long, slender limbs and sharp, retractable claws. Their skin is smoother and more flexible, allowing them to move with incredible speed and dexterity.
   • Habitat: They thrive in the dense, irradiated forests that have sprung up in certain parts of the Precipices.
   • Role: Slenderclaws are the hunters and scouts, using their agility to track prey and gather intelligence on potential enemies.
3. Swampcrawlers:
   • Description: Adapted to the wet, marshy areas of the Precipices, Swampcrawlers have webbed feet and hands, along with elongated, flat tails that help them navigate through water. Their skin is often a mottled green and brown, providing natural camouflage.
   • Habitat: Swampcrawlers inhabit the toxic swamps and wetlands, where they are skilled at moving silently through murky waters.
   • Role: They are expert ambushers and trappers, using the environment to their advantage to capture both prey and enemies.
4. Sandstriders:
   • Description: Sandstriders are adapted to the arid, desert-like regions of the Precipices. They have light, sandy-colored scales that reflect the harsh sun, and their bodies are built for endurance, with long legs and narrow torsos.
   • Habitat: They are most commonly found in the vast, desolate deserts, where they travel great distances in search of resources.
   • Role: Sandstriders are the nomads and traders, moving between tribes and human settlements to exchange goods and information.
5. Glowhides:
   • Description: A unique subrace, Glowhides possess bioluminescent patches on their skin that emit a soft, eerie glow. These patches are used for communication and intimidation in the dark, underground caves where they dwell.
   • Habitat: Glowhides live in the deep caverns and underground tunnels of the Precipices, where light is scarce, and their glow serves as a beacon for their kind.
   • Role: They are the shamans and spiritual leaders, guiding their tribes through rituals and maintaining the connection with the earth and their ancestors.
6. Venomfangs:
   • Description: Venomfangs are distinguished by their sharp, venomous fangs and serpentine features. Their venom can paralyze or kill, making them formidable in close combat.
   • Habitat: They are often found in the more isolated, dangerous areas of the Precipices, where their venom provides a means of both defense and hunting.
   • Role: Venomfangs are the assassins and enforcers, using their lethal abilities to eliminate threats within and outside their tribes.
7. Steelhorns:
   • Description: Steelhorns have large, horn-like protrusions on their heads and backs, which they use both for defense and during ritual combat. Their scales are particularly hard, almost metallic in texture.
   • Habitat: These Retric prefer the open plains and flatlands, where their horns and strength can be fully utilized.
   • Role: They are the champions and gladiators of Retric society, often engaging in ceremonial battles that settle disputes and establish dominance.
8. Frostscales:
   • Description: Adapted to the cold, northern reaches of the Precipices, Frostscales have a layer of insulating fat beneath their scales and a unique ability to generate heat internally. Their scales are often pale blue or white.
   • Habitat: They are found in the frozen tundras and icy mountains, where they survive in conditions that would be lethal to most other Retric.
   • Role: Frostscales are the guardians of the north, watching over the frozen wastes and ensuring the survival of their tribes in the harshest climates.
9. Windriders:
   • Description: Windriders are the most aerially adapted of the Retric, with large, membranous wings that allow them to glide short distances. They are lighter than other Retric, with a more streamlined body.
   • Habitat: They dwell in the high cliffs and plateaus of the Precipices, where the winds are strong, and the skies are clear.
   • Role: Windriders are the messengers and spies, able to traverse difficult terrain quickly and silently to deliver information or conduct reconnaissance.
10. Tidewalkers:
    • Description: Tidewalkers are semi-aquatic Retric, with fins along their limbs and tails, and gills that allow them to breathe underwater. Their scales are sleek and water-resistant.
    • Habitat: They inhabit the coastal regions and flooded ruins, where they navigate both land and sea with ease.
    • Role: Tidewalkers are the sailors and explorers, venturing out into the radioactive seas and bringing back knowledge of distant lands.

Social Structure:

• Tribal Organization: The Retric are organized into nine distinct tribes, each with its own customs, leadership, and territory. While the tribes often work together for mutual benefit, there are also rivalries and conflicts, particularly over resources and territory.
• Rivalry with the Avec: The Retric have developed a deep-seated rivalry with the Avec, another Astralic race. This rivalry is intense and has led to numerous skirmishes and battles over the years. The reasons for this enmity are complex, rooted in competition for territory and resources, as well as cultural differences.
• Relations with Humans: Despite their cold-blooded nature, the Retric have formed relatively good relationships with humans, especially in the years following the reopening of the bunkers. Several Retric tribes have established themselves in and around human cities, working in various capacities, including the challenging and hazardous job of maintaining the sewage systems in the 'brown rivers' section of the Outer City.

Cultural Practices:

• Rituals and Beliefs: Each Retric tribe has its own set of rituals and spiritual beliefs, often tied to their environment and subrace characteristics. Common practices include rites of passage, hunting ceremonies, and tribal feasts. The Glowhides, in particular, are known for their elaborate underground rituals that involve the entire tribe.
• Trade and Alliances: The Sandstriders play a crucial role in maintaining trade routes between the tribes and human settlements. These interactions have led to the exchange of goods, knowledge, and occasionally, alliances that benefit both Retric and human communities.

Role in the Ecosystem:

• Adaptation to Radiation: The Retric have uniquely adapted to the radiated environments of the Precipices, with each subrace developing traits that allow them to thrive in their specific habitats. This adaptability has made them one of the dominant species in the region.
• Ecosystem Engineers: Through their activities, such as burrowing, hunting, and maintaining their territories, the Retric have a significant impact on the ecosystem. They help control the population of other creatures, spread plant seeds, and maintain the balance of the radiated lands.