ArcNebula Codex : Star Mollusc Larvae

Star Mollusc Larvae

Star Mollusc Larvae are the juvenile form of the Star Mollusc. Although relatively heavy they actually float in eddies of the denser gasses found on Gas Giants and similar planets. They do have some natural protection against this harsh environment immediately after they hatch. However, the next part of their life cycle is specifically triggered by burning and irritation caused in these clouds.

A Star Mollusc Larvae will react to this irritation by forming a protective shell and becoming an adult. During this growth period they start to sink to lower levels in the atmosphere as they become heavier. Not much is known about the adult life cycle of this creature, as the depths it resides at once fully grown are extremely hard to visit. But they are thought to live for many thousands of years, mating once every 10 - 20 years.

Star Mollusc Larvae are harvested for use in the manufacture of various items including most famously, the Bot Bomb. The work of harvesting and farming larvae is primarily carried out on Star Mollusc Farms. These farms exist in orbit around Gas Giants which are known to be inhabited by Star Molluscs. "Star Divers" live and work on the farms and during spawning periods journey into the clouds of the planet to catch larvae in specially modified ships. The captured larvae are then transported back where they are either sold to other industries or cultured into specific products right there.

Outside of spawning periods the "Star Divers" work in a similar fashion to more traditional farmers, as they maintain the existing stock of larvae on the farm ready for sale or manufacture.

Both distinct aspects of their work are however extremely dangerous..... Star Mollusc Larvae live in extreme environments so these have to be replicated on the farm. They also have defence mechanisms which can kill other organic lifeforms quite effectively as well as damage their ships. No-one is quite sure why they have such well developed and dynamic defences as they seem not to have any natural predators other than "Star Divers" (who themselves have only come about in recent times) so would not seem to form part of the creature's natural evolutionary path.