Kissh'ik

Background:

Kissh'ik (pronounced kih-sheek) is a star spider whose function within the collective is to scout new worlds, discover species with useful genetics, and report back to the weavers. She serves as both a network node and amplifier for the weavers, can exercise limited leadership over other star spiders, and is able to synthesize a number of compounds in her venom glands, which she can inject with her fangs or spray from her chelicerae. The two glands are independent, so Kissh'ik is able to create two-component compounds that would otherwise harm her. She needs air, food, and water to survive, but is able to enter a dormant state similar to cryogenetic stasis during which she uses almost no energy, which allows her to survive droughts, famines, and even the vacuum of space for extended periods.

Part of an incursion on the human planet of Politeia IV, Kissh'ik went to ground in the lava tubes surrounding the starship boneyard after the human military response killed most of her group. Scouting the tunnels, she eventually came to understand the patterns of predation the various human groups were engaged in, and she decided to participate by hunting the most violent individuals one after the other. In the process, she was able to reconnect with a number of other spiders and form a sizeable local collective which would be ready to respond if the weavers called them to action.

Like all star spiders, Kissh'ik has both a collective identity and an individual identity. She is insatiably curious about life and the universe, enjoys both hunting and stalking prey. She can be protective of the star spiders and people she considers to be "hers," and while she has the patience and cunning of all star spiders, she almost always prefers to attack from the shadows rather than set up complicated traps and ambushes.

She has bonded with the human, Zack Lancestrom.

Appearances:

The Starborn Heir

The Voidburned Queen

The Sunforged Prophet