Pathfinder

## Overview

The Dugara'oma otherwise known as Pathfinders are Serpents elite fighting force of the Black armor rank. Observed to be second highest ranking species on the field, just bellow the Juggernauts. The Pathfinder species is fast agile and makes a vastly Superior scout then most Aetherian species, even the Talon and Nodith. In the field they have been observed to in addition lead small scouting missions have also been placed in charge of units when the commanding Juggernaut leaves. This suggests that they are highly respected by their Juggernaut commanders which suggests that they are very important to Serpent's military structure.

## Morphology

### Legs

Starting with the feet one could easily notice the Dugara'oma's glowing neon claws, these are used in CQC for devastating effect as they possess an intense nerotoxian that is injected into their target, the venom is lethal and will kill a person in up to twenty minutes. The Dugara'oma has plantigrade leg structure and posses four toes.

### Tail

The Dugara'oma have a long thick tail that acts as a counter balance well running or in combat, similar to the Talon or Nodith. This thick tail can be used in CQC as its large size and thickness can deliver a dangerous slam into a target.

### Arms

The arms also possess the dangerous neon glowing venom talons and are generally beefy and can rival some of the more physically strong species in Aetherian.

### Torso

The Dugara'oma has a long thin torso that adds to its enormous height, this long thing body seems to be a left over from when they were a more snake like species. They also are covered in a thick scale covered hide that is strong enough to prevent small arms fire from penetrating their body, it also deflects blunt impacts adding to their CQC ability.

### Head

The Dugara'oma's head is very thin with a flat snout on the end, glowing eyes, what appear to be spikes jutting out the back of the jaw bone and a large hood structure. The hood is normally kept down but when agitated it is opened, it also features two pultruding spikes near the top of the hood, these do not appear to server any purpose.

## Equipment

### Weapons

#### Serpent Plasma Carbine (SPC-01)

The Pathfinders have only been seen using a large plasma cannon. It has an unorthodox stock on the back and strait grip that has been described as very uncomfortable. The Carbine is also unwieldy large to most Aetherian species, much to big for most species to hold. The weapon has two firing modes:

1. A normal burst of plasma
2. A large ball of pure plasma that vaporizes anything within a 20 meter cone in front of them

This weapon seems to hold a special significance to them as only Pathfinders have ever been seen carrying them. Whether this is for religious or practical reasons is unknown.

### Armor

#### Combat harness

The Dugara'oma wear a light set of armor that covers only some of their body that covers their chest, hips, arms and legs. It is believed that the Dugara'oma rely more on their shields and scales then the actual armor.

## Speculation

It has been noted in field observations that Pathfinders appear to be all female, this is backed by the few autopsies performed. There are several explanations for this:

1. Limited survey sample. The few reports from survivors happened to see just females
2. They are an all female species. Similar to the Acar they are mono-gendered, though autopsies haven't proved or disproved this.
3. Males do not fight. It could simply be that the males of the species serve another role and front line combat is for females only.