The sulfur content on the planet can make the atmosphere and weather perilous. However, because it is part of the make up of key amino acids, sulfur is a necessary component of all living cells. As a result, a rugged brand of life has evolved over eons on Arieki.
The ecosystem of Arieki is populated by a variety of indigenous species. Many of the base lifeforms on Arieki have developed around the fumaroles and geysers, or evolved from the seas.
Atta – The global indigenous species of Arieki, the ant-like Atta is a collective society of colony workers.. They are at odds with the other major inhabitants of Arieki (Brann, Humans and Bane), as they plainly see incursions into their perceived territory as a threat, not only to themselves but the ecosystem that sustains them on a whole. Exobiologists have discerned that the Atta are probably solely responsible for maintaining Arieki’s ecosystems and maintaining the habitability of the planet. However, the Atta occasionally attack Brann and Human settlements and are to be considered hostile.
Barb Tick – These small, colony-based creatures live on and beneath the blasted sands of Arieki. They grind food for nutrition and sustenance, and the high mineral content of Arieki’s soil collects in their bodies over time, allowing the Barb Tick to spit out these chunks at high velocity. Barb Ticks also have a symbiotic relationship with another Arieki species, the Beam Manta, as they rely on the Beam Mantas to kill large prey.
Beam Manta – Large, floating creatures that meander lazily close to the surface of Arieki, Beam Mantas use a unique method of attack to bring down prey. Beam Mantas gather electrical energy with their long, slender tails and store this energy in muscle tissue arranged across their back. When the Beam Manta attacks, it bridges a connection between its forward appendages, allowing it to direct a strong electrical pulse at its target. The Beam Manta is incapable of eating large prey on its own, and relies on Barb Ticks to reduce its food to manageable proportions.
Geyser Hopper – One of the lowest creatures of the Arieki food chain, Geyser Hoppers serve an important role in sustaining life on the planet. Hoppers sustain themselves on bacteria and other organic material that can be found near Arieki’s numerous sulfur geysers. As a byproduct of this feeding, they produce and store oxygen and hydrogen in gas form, using it to propel themselves from one place to the next in the ever-constant search for more food. Hence, not only do these non-violent creatures replenish the breathable air, they serve as a constant source for food for nearly everything else.
Magmonix – These large, four-legged hairless creatures evolved into a territorially aggressive species on Arieki. While they generally move slowly, Magmonix walk in a head-forward posture in anticipation of ramming anything they don’t like. A Magmonix’s flanks typically consist of thick plates of hide, in places charred heavily due to enormous heat. They like to live around extremely hot areas such as lava flows and other volcanic regions, and AFS members are encouraged to use their heads before attacking one.