(Tobeck, Tobeckian, average lifespan 300 years) A race characterize by the promiscuity they possess amongst themselves accompanied by the extreme negativity fostered towards interspecies relationships. They have a life cycle spanning five stages.
Stage one is spent in a spawning vat, a womb-like pit of living tissue which can vary in size and is filled with a nutrient rich, crimson sludge. The vats are usually built by those contributing genetics. Most Tobecks do not have names at this point, as they are hardly considered individuals, and are simply referred to as ‘Spawn’. Each time a Tobeck heads into the next stage of their life, they return to a spawning vat for a few days, or even weeks.
In the second stage, The Tobeck is at its smallest stable form, and its most vulnerable. Their bones are extremely soft, making death a common occurrence if even slight injuries are sustained. Most Tobecks stay near a guardian (careful, matured Tobecks who live in the biomass that houses the vats). Some dare to venture outside early, but this is considered foolish. A Tobeck in this stage is referred to as a ‘Gummy’. In later stages this word is used as an insult that implies weakness, immaturity, and/or fragility. Some Tobeck are given names by sentimental Caretakers (Tobeck who gauge the ‘worthiness’ in young offspring) or guardians during this time, though this can lead to much loss and sadness if the Gummy does not survive.
In the third stage, the children undergo physical and mental trials. While their bodies have firmed and their brains developed significantly, there are few who meet the expectations of the judgmental Caretakers. Those who do not are branded and labeled “Abashed”, a derogatory term for the lesser people. It is uncommon for Abashed to achieve much greatness, as they do tend to have poorer characteristics, but it’s not unheard of for them to get the label removed, given they display exemplary traits in their later life. While the divide between Abashed and Unabashed is not as large as it once was in a more primitive time, the tradition still carries on, and the tension is palpable. This is the stage in which Tobecks are all given a name if they have not already chosen one. While still considered children, if the Tobeck in this stage is Unabashed, it is rude to call them so.
In stage four, the Tobeck has reached maturity. Their physical form is completely solidified and they show all of the characteristics of their genetic strains. Now more robust than most humans, Amerant, or Isboetoes, the Tobecks at this part of their life tend to have a gentle strength to them. Many Tobeck do not proceed to the next stage. Tobecks are considered adults in all rights once they reach this stage, and are given complete independence if they have not already earned it.
Stage five is an optional second pupation. While it can be painful to undergo, it is a very sacred rite of passage for Tobeck who have proved themselves to be extraordinary in some way. War heroes, diplomats, artists, and beloved politicians alike are given this honor. No abashed can achieve this properly, without first getting their brand removed. The Tobeck will spend no less than three weeks in a vat built specifically for them, not very dissimilar from the one they were born in. This is considered an extremely private affair, and more often than not only those conducting the ceremony and the Tobeck undergoing it will be present. If a Tobeck so chooses, however, they may invite others in to witness the end of the ceremony, or to accompany them while their body reforms in the vat. Once the Tobeck emerges, they will be stronger, smarter, faster, more nimble, and larger. This is the peak of maturity, where they are as strong as Urten, as clever as humans, as wise as Isboetoes, and as smart as Amerants. Stage five Tobecks have been known to live for thousands of years, far exceeding their less developed counterparts.
Different Tobecks come from different genetic strains, giving them different characteristics. While interbreeding between different strains is common, it is rare for a Tobeck to exhibit qualities from more than one.
The strains are as follows:
Warrior- Built for strength, warriors exhibit the most plating, and the thickest skin. While all adult Tobecks have plates, these are full-covering and function well as armor against blunt objects. They tend to adhere more strictly to social expectations, and exhibit less raw academic skill.
Serpent- The plating of these Tobecks is small, and nearly scale like. Like snakes, Tobeck of this strain have clear eye lids, allowing them to serve as excellent watchmen, or observers. They tend to exhibit attentiveness, and be unconventional.
Aqua- Adapted to living in the large puddles which make up 30% of the Tobeckian home world, this strain’s Tobecks have webbed fingers and fins, as well as large, paddle like feet. Their plating is smooth like polished river stones, and tends to be muted or green in color. Aqua Tobecks are often fans of zero gravity, as it is more like swimming than walking is, and thus tend to serve as excellent deep space explorers. They can be easily lost in their own trains of thought, but serve as superb company.
Issor- Issor Tobecks, often referred to as the ‘common strain’ is the most common type of genetic strain. They exhibit high intelligence and perform well in classrooms or groups. Their plating is sparser than that of the other strains, but still fairly ridged. Most of these Tobecks exhibit a friendly disposition.
