Neron (Homo relicta thermophilus)

Alias: None
Origin: Kela (geothermal vents)

The Neron is a devolved humanoid creature native to Kela’s rare geothermal vents, characterized by its redundant gilled neck, powerful lungs, and pale brown skin with natural silver-orange hair. Once an advanced aquatic species, as suggested by their vestigial gills, Nerons now inhabit freezing Kela, always residing near vents where they live within ancient, complex ruins of their own making. These ruins, built by their ancestors during a lost era of sophistication, indicate a once-advanced culture that has since regressed. Modern Nerons craft basic clothing and primitive weapons and can learn simple Geban language, but they flee when encountered alone. Their presence signals isolated, heat-dependent ecosystems.

Terrain

Nerons dwell exclusively in Kela’s scarce geothermal vents, thriving in warm, humid microclimates amidst the region’s freezing temperatures. They live within ancient ruins constructed in vent systems and are absent from open, cold, or non-thermal biomes.

Lifespan

Nerons have a long lifespan, estimated at 40–200 years, though precise data is limited due to their elusive nature.

Height

Mature Nerons stand 1.82–1.98 m tall with a robust build weighing 145–180 kg. Juveniles are rarely observed and presumed smaller.

Uses

• Ecological Role: Acts as an apex predator in Kela’s vent ecosystems, controlling smaller fauna adapted to thermal environments.
• Cultural Use: Feared by Kela inhabitants; ancient ruins inhabited by Nerons are studied for insight into a lost civilization. Their limited language aptitude interests researchers.
• Guidance: Secure outposts with heat decoys to deter attacks; approach groups cautiously for study, as lone Nerons flee; use translators for basic communication.

Notes

Documented during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 years before modern Geba), Nerons intrigue researchers due to vestigial gills suggesting a past aquatic existence paired with powerful lungs suited for terrestrial life in vents. Their pale brown skin, silver-orange hair, and dark eyes distinguish them. Extant but rare, they pose a hazard near Kela’s vents because of their strength and stealth.