…/species/devils/steel_sharks.md

The Steel Shark (Kinzokuzame: 金属鮫, “Metal Shark”) is a sentient, highly intelligent, and overtly hostile species of pseudo-mechanical Devil, endemic to the OTHERWHERE. Despite their outward resemblance to mechanical constructs, they are fully organic entities composed of living tissue engineered to mimic the appearance and function of industrial machinery.

Morphology

Steel Sharks exhibit a form mimetic of diesel and steam-powered machinery, including components analogous to engines, pistons, and metal plating. Their tissue is composed of super-cellular structures, capable of coating themselves in alloy-like substances. This material is biologically alive, despite its metallic appearance, and exhibits properties comparable to self-sharpening metals such as depleted uranium.

These entities possess a regenerative mechanism activated by engine activity. Approximately 20% of their biomass can be restored with each rev of their internal engine, a process accompanied by intense heat emission. Their engines are capable of metabolising standard fuels (e.g., gasoline, oil), but are optimised for blood as a high-efficiency energy source.

Sensory Capabilities

Steel Sharks are completely blind, with no visual processing capability. They detect light through tactile receptors, but possess no conceptual understanding of colour. Their primary perception relies on a multispectral system combining echolocation, thermal imaging, airwave sensitivity and chemoreception. This system achieves an average perceptual accuracy of 90% within a 100 m radius. Their eyes, although responsive to stimuli, serve no functional purpose and are presumed cosmetic.

Behavioural States

Steel Sharks operate in two distinct forms:

• Default State: Inactive or resting form, resembling a mechanical weapon. Designs vary but are typically complex and symbolic of heavy machinery. In this state, they remain conscious and alert, even when un-fuelled, though catatonic. Despite functional weakness to water (due to mechanical analogues), they cannot be killed unless the engine core is fully destroyed.
• Humanoid State: Triggered upon consumption of blood, Steel Sharks undergo extensive reconfiguration, assuming fully humanoid shapes. These forms retain human-like anatomical structure, including limbs, facial features, hair, and musculature, while maintaining their alloy-based composition. This form is sustained only while blood is available, or, notably, when in the OTHERWHERE, requiring no fuel to sustain a humanoid form but it still being necessary for other functions. Upon depletion of blood, Steel Sharks revert to their default state.

Cognition

Steel Sharks communicate through a complex auditory language consisting of engine revving, bass roars, mechanical clanging and weapon-specific noises. In humanoid form, they are capable of verbal speech, typically delivered with accompanying mechanical sound effects. Though inherently aggressive, Steel Sharks are highly intelligent, capable of tactical reasoning and adaptive behaviour.

Technology Interaction

Upon physical contact with mechanical or electronic devices, Steel Sharks initiate rapid disassembly, drawing components into their body via internal conduits. These materials are stored internally and can be reassembled on command, either externally or as integrated enhancements. Reconstruction is precise and efficient, maintaining the original function of the device.

Behaviour

Steel Sharks are extremely aggressive in all forms. Even while inert, they produce threat displays (e.g., growling, vibrations). In humanoid form, they are classified as lethal combatants, driven by a combination of instinctual survival behaviour and an apparent compulsion for violence and amusement.

Subtypes of Steel Sharks

Steel Sharks are categorised into several functional morphotypes, known as katachi (形), based on weapon analogues:

• Onokatachi (斧形) – Axe-shaped type: Capable of discharging large quantities of energy at the cost of high fuel consumption.
• Hakatachi (刃形) – Blade-shaped type: Possesses reinforced armour and creates defensive shields capable of absorbing impact and redirecting stored energy offensively.
• Juyarikatachi (重槍形) – Lance-shaped type: Possesses reinforced armour and short-range, high-damage shell weaponry.
• Naginatakatachi (薙刀形) – Glaive-shaped type: Features dual blades and an internal containment unit for bio-agents (e.g., microbes, insects, fungi), used for controlled biological warfare.
• Oyumikatachi (大弓形) – Crossbow-shaped type: Possesses reinforced armour and is capable of both long- and short-range explosive shelling, with secondary shielding capability.
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Reproduction

Steel Sharks do not reproduce biologically. Fabrication is restricted exclusively to Hephaestus, suggesting external, artificial manufacturing rather than natural replication. They display sexual dimorphism and gender cognition, though the biological function of these traits remains symbolic or vestigial.