Archeons
Jovian Apex Predators
Gas Giant Floaters
Sahuri Jovian Kingdom
~85 meters
Marie
- Species Designation: Archeon
- Threat Level: Extreme – Avoid Under All Circumstances
The Archeons are a carnivorous, low-intelligence species native to the deep atmospheric layers of the gas giant Marie. Evolved as streamlined hunters, they have been officially classified as an Apex Predator due to their immense size, predatory dominance, and territorial aggression. They are considered one of the most dangerous lifeforms in the Cooper's Star system.
1. Echolocation
Archeons are eyeless creatures, having evolved in a lightless environment. Instead, they navigate and hunt using a powerful form of echolocation. The deep, thunderous roar they emit acts as a sonar pulse—mapping their surroundings with precision. A chilling rule of survival: if you can hear an Archeon's roar, it can see you.
2. Intelligence
The Archeon's physiology is optimized for brute strength, not thought. Composed of approximately 92.5% muscle tissue, 1.5% brain matter, and 6% bone and organic plating, its low cognitive function makes it highly aggressive and indiscriminate. It will attack anything it detects, often mistaking even non-living objects as prey or rivals.
3. Diet
Archeons primarily feed on Glide-Plankton, vast swarms of floating microorganisms found in the upper atmosphere of Marie. However, due to the massive caloric intake required to sustain their bulk, Archeons have been observed cannibalizing one another during periods of scarcity. Their attacks on intruders, be they organic or mechanical, are often territorial, not driven by hunger. Prey is swallowed whole and digested alive in powerful internal acid chambers.
4. Appearance
The Archeon possesses a highly muscular, streamlined body encased in organic pressure-resistant plating, an adaptation to the extreme pressures found deep within the gas giant. Its body is predominantly orange-black, interspersed with rare gray spotting. When provoked, it is capable of launching itself at incredible speed, using its reinforced cranium as a battering ram. The scanned specimen measured 85 meters in length.
5. Gliding and Movement
Propelled by six massive pairs of fins, Archeons are capable of sustained gliding through the dense atmospheric layers of Marie. They typically operate at depths around 250 kilometers, but may descend to depths exceeding 500 kilometers to escape other predators—including their own kind. Their primary mode of attack involves high-speed head-on collisions, obliterating targets with sheer kinetic force.
Assessment Threat Level: EXTREME
- Direct encounters are to be avoided at all costs. Ships, drones, and lifeforms entering Archeon hunting grounds have a negligible survival rate. Engage only with high-clearance observation equipment or remote probes from orbit.