Introduction to Scorpids
Scorpids are a race of- surprise! - giant scorpions, designed as an alternative to the common Dwarf race used in fantasy settings. As such, they live underground and are generally the font of industry and magitech in The Abyss. Scorpids range in size from 4 to 30 feet long at adulthood, usually about a quarter as wide. Octopedal. Have large claws designed for grabbing and crushing, along with a tail with a venomous stinger. They have Low-light vision, but require at least some light to see. Omnivorous, though they prefer to eat things high in iron to keep their plating strong.
There are five genetic castes, in order from small to large, they are: Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, and Onyx.
Opals are the smallest of the scorpids, and their claws are more suited to fine movements, often leading them into crafting professions.
Emeralds have a healing liquid rather than a venom in their tails, and proportionately smaller claws as compared to the other castes. Typically become doctors, teachers or farmers.
Sapphires have a three-pronged grabber at the end of their tail rather than a stinger, effectively giving them an extra limb with which to manipulate their environment. They tend to work with technology and magitech.
Rubies are the stereotypical "Warrior" caste, though it would be more accurate to describe them as simply having thicker plating and sharper claws.
Onyxes are the largest of the castes, and use their size to their advantage as builders and architects.
Scorpids are somewhat socialistic, raising their children communally and working for the good of the tribe. Their general line of thought is "What benefits us all benefits me most". As such, caste-based discrimination is an offense worthy of exile or even death. The young are painted while young to produce bioluminescent patterns that will stay for the Scorpid's entire life, representing biological caste, tribe, and name. Tribes tend to compete with each other rather than wage war, and the Scorpids are overall a peaceful people, preferring to stay safe and tinker away at the universe.