(This is an informational text on Quots, a fictional species I mention often in my Roblox worldbuilding. It is intended to be consumed alongside the IPurQuot fanfiction I am writing for maximum clarity. As this post is fairly long, I have put the rest under the Read More tab. Also know that this post is likely to update, as some information is currently left out.)
Overview
Quis venand, the Common Quot [kwōt], is a carnivorous, sentient monotreme that primarily feeds on Robloxians, Noobs, and Guests. Quots are known for being exceptionally intelligent mimic creatures, having evolved to resemble humans to an uncanny degree.
Internal Physiology
Quots have body structures nearly identical to that of a human save for their digitigrade legs, three-fingered hands and feet, secondary eyes, and quills around the neck and wrists. The main internal differences in Quots include a greater bone density, larger organs, a different reproductive system, and wider blood vessels with thicker ‘mucus-like’ blood.
External Physical Features
The average Quot stands at about 5’10” (178 cm) and 275 pounds (125 kg), with a body fat percentage of about 35%. Quots typically have smooth off-yellow skin on their head, hands and feet, with darker skin covering the rest of their body and covered by a thin coat of black fur. In the winter, Quots get much thicker fur and typically gain around 30 pounds (14 kg). Quots are also notable for their 3-digit hands that include two clawed fingers and an opposable thumb. These sharp claws primarily assist Quots in combat and dissection of prey. The eyes of a Quot are oval-shaped similarly to a Noob’s, and may look identical when staring head-on, so a Quot’s pupils may only be visible when they are looking to the sides. Quots also boast pairs of small secondary eyes on the sides of their head, which aid in motion tracking when hunting.
Markings
While by nature most Quots look very similar, all have distinctive markings somewhere on their body. These can include spots, geometric shapes, stripes, and markings with no distinct shape or multiple different shapes. These markings, which are passed down through family lines, are crucial for Quot parents to identify their young amongst other Cites. Markings vary in color greatly, with the only color not found in Quot markings being purple. Markings that are yellow or similar in color to a Quot’s skin are known as ‘stencil marks’, as they will only appear on the dark parts of a Quot’s body.
Reproduction
The majority of Quots are unisexual, both capable of gestation and able to contribute genetic material. However, thorough research has not been conducted on copulation in Quots. The gestation period in a Quot lasts 7-8 months, after which the parent will lay 2-4 eggs. Typically these eggs take between one hour and 2 days to hatch, during which one or both parents will keep close watch over it until it hatches.
Cites
Cites are the young offspring of Quots. Immediately after hatching they are, on average, 8 inches (20 cm) long and weigh less than 2 pounds (1kg). Cites are entirely defenseless aside from rudimentary quills, and their ‘cute’ appearance has caused many humans to try and keep Cites as pets. It is important to know that not only is owning a Cite highly dangerous given that they will grow up into an adult Quot, but under Robloxian law it is also highly illegal to keep one as a ‘pet’. Reports of illegal Cite ownership or selling can be sent to the hotline at +1(555)-400-CITE.
I Found a Cite Alone, What Do I Do?
If you encounter a Cite above 4 weeks old alone in the wild, do not approach it. While some Quots will be kind to humans who are unthreatening, others may be hostile or, in the worst case scenario, hungry. If you are not a Quot and/or are unfamiliar with the Quots in the area, leave the Cite exactly where you found it. If a Cite is under 4 weeks old or found in a residential area, it has likely been abandoned. Do not attempt to find its parents, and do not take it home on a whim. Be aware of the responsibility if you do decide to keep an abandoned Cite; when under human care they are legally classified as human children until the age of 13, after which they are treated as Quots and must be civilized as such, and euthanizing a Cite before it matures or treating one like a pet rather than a child will result in felony child abuse charges.
Dietary Habits
Quots are obligate carnivores, and typically consume about 5-7 pounds of meat daily. As they are apex predators, Quots are not particularly picky with their prey; while they are commonly known to hunt humans, Quots have also been recorded preying on livestock or household pets in times of desperation or loosely populated areas. During winter or in cold areas, Quots are observed to eat considerably more to maintain warmth. For this reason, entering Old Banlands Forest and other known areas of Quot residence is strongly advised against between the months of November and January.
Danger to Humans
Many Quots use their adaptation for mimicking to blend in with human society, primarily disguising themselves as Noobs to blend in amongst humans before often killing and eating them. If you find an undisguised Quot, they may have noticed you already and will likely enter active pursuit. In this case, it is advised to run as fast as you can and try to climb a ladder to gain elevation; due to their heavier and larger bodies, most Quots will give up pursuing prey that has climbed too high so as to not overexert themselves. For your safety, guides on how to spot a Quot in your workplace or living space are available in your local town or city hall.
Quot Towns
The uncommon phenomenon known as a Quot Town can pose a very serious threat to humans. This is caused by an event in which large gatherings of Quots descend slowly onto similar-sized towns of humans and gradually phase all human inhabitants out. The event results in a whole small town completely populated by Quots, which can be a lethal danger for those unaware that try to pass through by car or move to a nearby area. If you find yourself in or near a Quot Town, you have a low chance of making it out alive. You will have the best chances of survival by staying in your car or home, not calling attention to yourself, and leaving as fast as possible. Do not speak to any locals. A constantly updating list and map of recorded Quot Towns can be accessed via our website.
Population
The species sits at Least Concern for population according to recent studies, which estimate over 70,000 Quots to reside in Old Banlands Forest alone. Having no natural predators, their numbers have been growing rapidly. This has caused dangerous issues for local mammal populations whose numbers have been decreasing too fast to replenish. An especially grave danger is posed for humans, as large groups of Quots undetected can easily wipe out and take over small towns. The Robloxian government is making efforts to curb this rapid growth.
Quot Societal Norms
Quots are social creatures, and typically live in large colonies within forests. Many aspects of Quot culture reflect that of the humans they live near as an indirect result of mimicking their behavior. For example, Quots living near the Robloxian Capital may act more stuck-up and charismatic, similar to the high-class Robloxians who reside there. Many Quots choose to adhere to gender norms seen in humans despite being a unigender species. This is often seen when choosing a human name, pronouns, and presentation akin to one human gender to blend in, then continuing to present as said gender even after leaving human society. Despite the distance between many Quot gatherings, they most often hold common base ideals. Quots tend to have respect for the Admins, regarding them as gods the way most civilians do, however according to survey data the majority of Quots (up to 80%) do not worship any admins.
Death in Quot Culture
One of the most notable aspects of Quot culture is the immense respect shown for the dead. On account of this respect, any act considered ‘mutilation of a corpse’ is deemed unacceptable in Quot society, and can cause a gathering to become immensely hostile to or outright reject the offending member. Burial ceremonies are custom for all Quots no matter their actions while alive, social standing, or family. The only exception to this tradition is a known rule stating that cannibals are not to be given a proper burial; if a Quot is autopsied after death and found to have Quot biological material in their digestive system that does not match their own, their burial ceremony will be cancelled and the body will typically be left in the forest to rot. Cannibalistic Quots have also been found freshly dead in forests covered in the claw marks of many other Quots, implying a sort of public execution.
Civilized Quots
Strangely, some Quots have been shown to take a more civilized approach with their mimicking behavior; a number of Quots have been observed living peacefully as humans, and feeding atypically for their species by buying food from stores as a human would. Legislation permits Quots of this nature to exist in public and be treated as humans with the possession of a state-issued ‘Civilized Quot ID’. However, there is no legislation currently in place to prevent discrimination against civilized Quots. Additionally, the ID of a civilized Quot may be revoked if the Quot holding it is convicted of 3 or more misdemeanors within a time period of five years, or a felony charge of any kind.
MrDoombringer
The Admin MrDoombringer, while known in Robloxian culture for his advancements in space exploration, is less commonly known to be the ‘King of Quots’. Being one himself, Doombringer is recorded to have created the Quot species in his own image to fix the issue of human overpopulation. He officially resides within the Capital Quot colony, despite also having a home in Robloxia. Most Quots highly respect and revere him as their king, however a small number of rival colonies are strictly against being ruled by an Admin and have tried to take Doombringer from the throne.
Common Diseases and Disorders
Quots are susceptible to many common diseases that are transmissible to humans such as Lyme disease and malaria, so be wary of approaching a Quot regardless of if it appears sick or healthy. Quots are also commonly born with leucism or albinism, more commonly so in snowy areas where their white coloring helps them camouflage.
STAR Mutation
One of the most deadly Quot-specific conditions is a mutation in the STAR gene, standing for Skeletal Triangulation Anomaly Rate. This disorder varies in severity on a scale of 0 to 4, where most healthy Quots have a STAR of 0. A Quot with a STAR of 1 or 2 may be observed to have, among other symptoms: an irregularly shaped head, unnaturally large or bulging eyes, thin and angular limbs, a lack of fur, strangely shaped or multicolor marks, and malformed hands or feet.
STAR 3-4
Along with the above, Quots with a STAR of 3 or 4 may show symptoms such as: Struggle walking or breathing, unnaturally elongated limbs, severely disproportionate body parts, a lack of quills, ‘spikes’ made of bone sticking out at joints and the spine, lack of certain natural instincts, missing teeth, and fatigue. While a Quot with a STAR of 1, 2 or 3 can still live a fulfilling life, almost all Quots with a STAR of 4 do not live past infancy.
Possible Human Infection
While not officially recorded due to a lack of living subjects, it is believed to be possible for a human to be turned into a Quot. It is thought this may happen when liquid biomass from a Quot (most commonly egg yolk, blood, or saliva) enters the human bloodstream. According to scientific speculation, genetic information from this matter being interpreted by the human brain could cause excessive amounts of hormones to be created and released similar to ones in a Quot undergoing puberty. This could cause a human’s body structure to rapidly mutate into a Quot’s over a period of less than five days, potentially completely transforming before even becoming aware of what has happened. If you suspect you may have ingested or come into contact with Quot liquid biomass, visit an urgent care facility as soon as possible.
