Publisher's blurb:
On a distant ringed, world you can find the existence of a sentient crustacean race that has forged a very orderly, and mostly predictable society. These beings, known as the Stikka, are technologically advanced and logical in mindset. Being insectoid in appearance and standing well over the heads of many other off world travelers, the presence of a Stikka can be a bit intimidating to the uninformed. Those who have been around Stikka for awhile will know that these beings are dreadfully boring but not instinctively aggressive.
Physical Characteristics:
The Stikka are a race of tall, crustacean like beings that with oversized mandibles, multiple eyes, and long spindly legs. These legs end with complex digits that the Stikka can use to grasp and manipulate objects when needed. Their bodies are protected with a hard carapace that provides them with protection from injury and hostile elements. When damaged this carapace is able to heal and "regenerate" damaged areas in the same manner of time that it takes the flesh of most creatures to heal.
The adult Stikka stand between 6 and a half foot to 7 and a half foot. They typically weigh between 300 to 500 lbs. Their internal fluids have chemical properties that allow them to adjust their body temperature to handle extreme temperatures outside of their protective carapace. Stikka have been known to function without compliant in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stikka are hermaphrodite but require mating in order to fertilize their eggs. The Stikka generally do not mate as pairs but rather meet in groups. Fertilizing is achieved by releasing a mist. After this brief, unaffectionate ritual is performed the Stikkas depart and then each lay 1 to 12 eggs within 4 to 9 (1d6+3) days. In primitive times the Stikkas simply buried these in a mud hole and abandoned them. Stikkas now have special hatching chambers that protect the eggs and offer ideal heat and moisture. Stikka eggs hatch after roughly 70 days. Juvenile Stikka are quick growers, reaching full maturity within 8 years.