Wolgos
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Anatomical and biological characteristics
The Wolgos subspecies exhibit several distinct biological characteristics that set them apart from humans. Over thousands of years of adaptation, they have undergone physical changes, sexual dimorphism, and alterations in their microbiome, all in response to their unique neolithic survival strategies and the harsh environment the subspecies experienced in the era before civilisation.
One remarkable feature of the Wolgos is their significant sexual dimorphism. The average height of Wolgos men is approximately 7 feet, while Wolgos women reach an average height of 5'10 feet. Wolgos males are usually far stronger than their female counterparts and have physical builds ideal for brute and violent confrontations; females' strengths, on the other hand, lie in surviving adverse conditions with metabolisms suited to surviving long stretches of hunger and cold.
The Wolgos' skull is marginally thicker than that of humans and able to slightly resist more severe trauma; their skull possesses a unique trait of having double sets of canines rather than a single pair like humans. This adaptation was thought to enhance their predatory and scavenging abilities and that it may have evolved to help their ancestors tear the flesh of human carcasses with ease, in reality it is more likely to be a trait that is neutral mutation rather than an advantageous adaptation .
The Wolgos have also undergone changes in their microbiome, resulting in a symbiotic relationship between their gut, oral and skin bacteria and their survival strategies. One notable example is the bacteria present in their mouths, which have an increased pathogenic ability to cause septicaemia in humans they might bite. This adaptation conferred an advantage to the Wolgos' ancestors as it allowed them to cause debilitating illnesses by biting during confrontations, making it easier to track down human prey that escaped or even caused their death and allowing the Wolgos to scavenge human carrion.
There is another adaptation that has, throughout history, given the Wolgos a fearsome reputation. Certain bacteria found in their microbiome produce metabolites similar to scopolamine, a potent substance known for its mind-altering and manipulative effects. While the Wolgos are immune to these metabolites, they can use their saliva by making sure it comes in contact with their target's epithelial tissues in places like the eyes, mouth and nose. By doing so, the Wolgos can make their prey more pliable, suggestible and manipulable; in the Neolithic era, this was often used to turn their target into a lure that could entice their kin or tribe members into a Wolgos ambush. This trait is often used to this day for a wide range of purposes; the Wolgos are even said to have even developed a way of speaking that promotes the formation of saliva aerosol with the hope of compromising the faculties of the humans they are speaking to. In general, as long as there is no close or intimate contact between humans and Wolgos, this trait is of no concern to humans.
The most striking characteristics of the Wolgos are their complete and universal albinisms; Wolgos have pale white skin with no pigmentation, the hair on their head and body is completely white, and their eyes are usually red or light lilac. A trait that has placed them at a disadvantage when dealing with the sun, and those who are often exposed to it are known to suffer from painful welts and even cancerous growths. The Wolgos often go to great lengths to prevent sunburns and ill effects of sunlight. Their microbiome differences combined with a strong sexual dimorphism have developed a noticeable characteristic noticed by humans; Wolgos men, in particular, often have a deep and strong musky scent even when recently washed or masked by perfume, it's said by humans who interact with them that Wolgos men always tend to smell like as if they had recently engaged in vigorous exercise.
Disease and congenital conditions
The Wolgos for most of their ancient neolithic history numbered in the hundreds and as a result of inbreeding have always suffered as a subspecies from carry over of congenital changes and conditions unique to the subspecies. As their numbers have increased the conditions are less of a risk to their survival but remain a thorn in their biology and health care.
Articulatio Doloris Primitiva, commonly known as ADP, is a congenital ailment that affects the lives of some Wolgos. This condition, rooted in intricate genetic interactions, ushers in a life of joint inflammation and chronic pain. From early stages of life, ADP silently entwines itself around the affected individual's joints, inflicting a barrage of discomfort. ADP launches an inflammatory onslaught on the joints crucial for mobility and activity. As the joints swell and ache, even the simplest movements become burdensome tasks. The condition's impact is not confined to discomfort; it gradually corrodes essential joint components like meniscuses and cartilage. The result is a profound deterioration in joint function, accompanied by excruciating pain.
Cutis Fragilis Solaris, commonly referred to as CFS, is a complex ailment intricately linked to the albinism prevalent among the Wolgos subspecies. This condition manifests as an autoimmune response to the ultraviolet (UV) light that streams from the very sun they encounter daily. Wolgos with CFS bear skin that is astonishingly sensitive to touch, leading to a phenomenon akin to the shedding of fragile petals. Even the gentlest contact can trigger the separation of the epidermal layers, leaving behind a raw expanse vulnerable to infection and discomfort. CFS manifests as a direct response to the body's attempts to shield itself from the UV radiation that penetrates their pale dermal layer. An immune reaction unfolds, wherein the skin's delicate balance is disrupted, leading to the fragility that characterises CFS.
Carbostrangulatus Syndrome hijacks of some Wolgos' ability to efficiently process carbohydrates. Instead of smoothly extracting the life-sustaining energy from these vital nutrients, their metabolism stumbles, leading to a cascade of dire consequences. The syndrome emanates from a defective enzyme critical for carbohydrate breakdown, subjecting the Wolgos to a chronic energy deficit. The symptoms of Carbostrangulatus Syndromes mirror the relentlessness of the condition itself. Sufferers endure an unceasing fatigue that defies conventional rest. Mundane tasks become feats of monumental exertion as their bodies grapple with generating energy for even the most rudimentary movements.
Labbrocorruptio Syndrome, arising from a genetic mutation among the Wolgos, disrupts their symbiotic relationship with their oral microbiome. Their mouths become battlegrounds as an overactive oral biome attacks their weakened defenses. Even minor injuries lead to raw, infection-prone areas, triggering chronic inflammation, degradation, and rot. This condition compromises their immune response, rendering them susceptible to secondary infections, while chronic inflammation distorts facial features and can lead to deformities. The heightened risk of oral cancer looms ominously.