Reptiles

“We'll provide refuge for the weary.”
All these years you’ve spent living in the Capital, only to learn an entire species of reptilians have been thriving under your very feet *the entire time*. An air of mystery still surrounds their existence, and while you wish to seek out more knowledge.. Every attempt at crossing those bridges seems to be constantly met with a forceful pushback.

They were initially hinted at during Event 11 [The Maze Beneath ] but had not been properly confirmed until Event 16 [Frostbite] during the conclusion RP when every clue led back to the tunnels.

## General Overview

Shrouded in mystery, the reptilian species take great care in keeping their secrets exactly that— *secret.* Living underground has its perks, and for decades they’ve thrived without needing to rely on anyone or anything on the surface. Where their genetic shortcomings have raised concerns, they’ve learned to adapt..— to change the core of their very species.

Known for being cold blooded, Reptiles have learned they can cross breed with warm blooded species to flip the switch on their genetic code, creating a hybrid sub species that will continue on for generations.

This has allowed them to slowly build a larger number of their kind that can brave harsher temperatures, allowing them to go further than their burrows deep beneath the surface.

Their opinions of those on the surface are unwavering and they want no part of the war that continues to regularly threaten their sanctuary.

*You are nothing but rats, a true pest to the surface world.*

## Cultural Additions

Due to the disconnect from the surface world, the structure of the Reptile settlement has a large number of differences, as detailed below.

### **Technology --**

Technology in the reptile city is far beyond anything that the Capital has ever seen. These advances almost seem *otherworldly*, but the Reptiles have just had the time, knowledge and dedication to their craft.

The technological level is closer to modern real day tech and *more*. Such things include automated electrical doors, elevators, hands free wireless tech, advanced prosthesis, coded AI technology, and *more.*

### **Hybrid capabilities / Abductions --**

The Reptiles have slowly learned to adapt by mixing their blood with warm blooded species from the surface. These warm blooded hybrids are able to traverse more harsh temperatures and climates, allowing the Reptiles to extend their reach.

At times these hybrids would find their way to the surface to steal someone away or take advantage of a lone traveler of the tunnels. These *prisoners* would be taken back to the hub and, in a way, *harvested.* This is not to say they are sacrificed by any means, but their reproductive cells are taken to help incubate future hybrids via in vitro fertilization before being artificially planted.

No harm comes to these involuntary donors and eventually they are returned to the surface with a missing chunk of memory that has been altered to remove the existence of those who live beneath the surface.

A prime example of these abductions can be referenced from 11 [The Maze Beneath Event 11 [The Maze Beneath]] where Neah of House Rufus and Hugh of House Faust had gone missing; only to turn up a week later with little to no memory of the lost time.

### **Settlements / Information on traps --**

The reptile settlement is vast beneath the Capital, but how far this underground city actually reaches is a mystery. It is clear there are layers of tunnels that expand the full length of the city and more, turning even the most determined explorer around in circles over and over. Littered along the lengths of these vast tunnels are traps of many kinds— from basic trip wires to indescribable puzzle rooms that spin on an axis.

It has been made clear these traps are intended to keep intruders out— but due to the stubborn nature of those from the Capital, a door had been reached. This had prompted Nix and several other Guards to explain their sudden appearance, but the apprehension was loud and clear. There is no trust for anyone from the Capital.

In that same vein, it *is* open to the Rebellion and those who seek asylum from the totalitarian government.

### **Military / Rebel alliance --**

Due to their stance on the war above, the Reptiles have come to an agreement with those part of the Rebellion to offer them refuge and assistance when needed. This can often be seen in the form of supplies, a roof over their heads, passage beneath the city, and more.

While the Reptiles do not have an organized military, they do have what they call the Guard. These select few are guardians of the city below and spend their time patrolling the tunnels, setting traps, corresponding with the Rebellion and just keeping an ear to the ground in case anything were to threaten the sanctity of their home.

The Guard and Reptiles have the utmost respect for Technician class as they are the ones advancing technology for the entire city. Any other position is considered grunt work / manual labor and is not highly sought after except for the most aggressive of reptiles.

### **Reliability on heat tracking/vision --**

One of the key traits of the reptilian species is their ability to maneuver in little to no light. This stems from their ability to perceive heat signatures and track appropriately due to their cold blooded status. This ability is shared between the warmer blooded hybrids and many are able to refine these abilities as they grow up.

It is a necessary skill required for anyone who wishes to join the Guard due to the fact the tunnels have little to no light, whether natural or artificial.

## Reptile Applications

When it comes to applying with a reptile, everything above needs to be properly and carefully considered. First and foremost a **REPTILE CHARACTER SLOT** must be purchased accordingly via the Black Market. Once the transaction is processed, you may use the reptile application provided via a moderator. The following requirements should be kept in mind:

* Reptile passives can lie in nearly any stat— but regularly can be applied as a +1 DEF boost. Due to their hybrid lineage, this stat can be placed anywhere but you must have it approved by a moderator.
* Reptile 5 stars are considered less like military generals and more like Guard veterans. These characters may be referenced as mentors or just more seasoned guardians.
* Any Playable Reptile lives within the City Below and how you define their upbringing it up to you. These characters may travel to the surface but it is encouraged only to travel that way if strictly necessary.
* Hybrids are an everyday thing to the Reptiles and there is no stigma against them. Pure blooded Reptiles are considered rare like hybrids are in the Capital— few and far in between.
* Moderators will be extremely strict with these applications, so feel free to run any and all ideas by one of them before submitting! We are here to help.

Here is a small charge to help you better understand the classes that you may use when applying as a species other than the base Cats and Dogs.