Insectoids

Insectoids, also known as chrymorphids or Sirians are a powerful and robust species of alien animal with tough skin and four legs, capable of reproducing through a parasitic attack.
== Fanon Tactics ==
* Insectoids have a cinematically high DR of 12, completely blocking most handgun shots. For balance, it is recommended that Insectoids have a reduced DR for fire and burning damage, although this is unneeded for particularly powerful monster hunter squads.
* A rapid-fire weapon, such as an SMG or assault rifle, may be able to take down an Insectoid. Likewise, the ultra-tech laser pistol of the Grey may even the playing field, although acquiring one from high command may be difficult.
* If at all possible, use as many mechanical, Unliving, or otherwise robotic assets as possible. Insectoids cannot reproduce with plastic and metal bodies, although they may be confused by them. 
== Ecology ==
Like many cinematically powerful creatures, Insectoids are an extinction-level invasive species, limited only by their near-animal intelligence (IQ 6), their solitary lifestyle, and mysterious aversion to converting non-human species. The most common theory is that Insectoids are an alien bioweapon, which explains their targeted predatory nature. Another, not-contradictory hypothesis posits that Insectoids get their intelligence from their prey's genotype--this could spell disaster if they ever implanted in a Grey, Nordic or other hyperintelligent alien species!
Insectoids take a mere 3d hours for gestation, and approach maturity around two days after birth.
=== Space Adaptation ===
Insectoids have Sealed, Vacuum Support, and Doesn't Breathe, allowing them to survive the harsh vacuum of space.
== Themes ==
On a thematic level, insectoids aren't just big animals. They represent a sort of super animal, too powerful and/or clever to be bound by modern technology. In TL9+, mankind has long been at the top of the food chain. The Insectoid, and similar creatures, reassert the concept of humans as prey, which is a fundamental for monster-themed horror. This concept is mentioned in the Fear of Nature section in GURPS: Horror.
== Examples ==
* Many of the Insectoids traits are reminiscent of the Xenomorphs from Alien--namely, their remarkably tough skin, unnatural speed, and endoparasitic reproductive scheme (laying eggs in prey).
** While possibly inspired by these, the Insectoids have extra legs, and their venom attack turns a human into a venom zombie, which protects itself and its internal egg for 10-11 hours before exploding into a Baby Insectoid. 
== See Also ==
* Monster Hunters (series)
* Not to be confused with the Dungeon Fantasy race of beetle-people, coleopterans!
== References ==
* Monster Hunters 5: Applied Xenology
Category:Race Descriptions