Lii-rat

Lii-rat
Base Information
Classification	Chaser/carnivore
Terrain	{{{terrain}}}
Locomotion	Walker
Size	Large
Speed	Extra Slow
Strength	Typical
Social Structure	Large Pack
Weapons	Teeth
Armor	{{{armor}}}
Body Structure
Symmetry	Bilateral
Head/Torso	Head with brain/Senses
Limbs & Manipulators	4 Legs
Tail	tail
Skeleton	Bony Interior
Internal Fluids	Blood
Skin	Hairy Pelt
Natural Weapons	Teeth
Body Shape
Size	Large
Stance	Horizontal
Length/Height	3.0m
Body Profile	typical
Weight	330kg
Details
Edibility	No
Training Difficulty	No
Source
Homeworld	Liikirba (Dagudashaag 1705)
Multi-world	No
Canon	No
Reference	"Library Data: Arnakhish." Signal-GK 10 55.

Lii-rats are a genetically engineered version of the rat, a creature native to Terra (Solomani Rim 1827), and the unintended results of a failed experiment to breed artificial game animals for safari hunters. They are native to Liikirba (Dagudashaag 1705).

Physiology and ecology

The genetic experiments on Liikirba went astray when some of the laboratory rats (Ratus Galactus) escaped and bred with another new sub-species that had arrived in the transporter ships. The other species, (Ratus Neo-thryonomyidae) had a unique genetic trait that caused it to continue growing throughout its life span. Thankfully its lack of intelligence and blind aggression meant that it rarely survived beyond a few years.

Lii-Rats grow up to 4 meters long from nose to tail, with lean muscular bodies. Rodents are generally classified by the single pair of front, chisel-like teeth in each jaw; the upper and lower pairs working against each other to maintain the teeth and the cutting edge. (The name rodent comes from the Latin rodere: to gnaw.) Lii-Rats, on the other hand, had evolved teeth for killing and shearing instead of gnawing and grinding. Lii-Rats have developed a pair of huge upper canine teeth while reducing their lower canines. The lower jaw can open extremely wide. The action of the teeth is a powerful, rapid stabbing movement as the head is brought down over the prey, their main food sources being various native large, tough-skinned animals.

Their size, ferocity, pack instinct and feral intelligence make them extremely dangerous. Despite poor eyesight, they respond intelligently to problems with smells as cues.

Diet and trophics

Lii-rats are carnivores, hunting in packs, the other creatures on Liikirba.

History and background

During the First Imperium Liikirban was set up as a hunting reserve for Makhidkarun executives. Extensive gene engineering of both local and imported livestock was apparently carried out prior to the Long Night to create the perfect (and safe) hunter's paradise.

Scientists from the First Imperium found the biosphere of Liikirba to be in a very early stage of development with almost no advanced lifeforms, and an extensive ecosystem of simpler lifeforms. In other words, it was an ideal testing ground for creating new life and ecosystems. The "Liikirban Biopshere Project" was one of the most ambitious biological projects ever ventured, but it was cut short when the Long Night hit, and abandoned.

When the colony on Liikirba was re-established in -233, the Lii-rats proved to be interesting hindrance. By 1100 Liikirba is home only to Makhidkarun safari staff who escort rich tourists from Vland and Core on their hunt for Lii-rat pelts.

Travellers' Aid Society Advisory

No information yet available.

References and contributors

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

• Jae Campbell. "Library Data: Arnakhish." Signal-GK 10 (1995): 55. via HIWG
• Jae Campbell. Encyclopaedia Dagudashaag (Signal-GK, 2017), 224.
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science