Re: The Kra'Vak

They sound a lot like the Snouts (or Ffithp, if you're being PC) from
Pournelle and Niven's FOOTFALL.

John Atkinson wrote:
> 
> Yes, they are an agressive species, even against other clans.  This is
> mitigated by a strong "surrender/switch" reflex.  When a Kra'Vak is in
> such a bad situation that further resistance is futile, they will, as
> individuals or as groups, surrender and switch sides.  This has the
> effect of limiting the damage inter-clan warfare does.  This carries
no
> stigma for the defectors--in a larger or richer clan, they may need to
> work for additional priviledges, but a smaller clan may immediately
put
> them in action-perhaps in the same battle.  Culturally they are
largely
> innocent of betreyal, treason, or use of flase surrender/switches.
> These reflexes are the glue that prevents species annihilation and
> violators of this code are generally hunted down by all sides.
> Leaders are also checked by this reflex--if a leader is doing truly
> poorly, his followers/subjects may pack up and leave.  This is again,
> normal and accepted.
> They will have deep problems with the human concept of fighting to the
> last man without considering surrender.
> This urge to limit the devestation caused by inter-clan conflict also
> explains their prediliction for kinetic weapons as opposed to
> beam--limits collateral damage.  Kra'Vak have a very long period of
> 'adolescence' where the K is not fully mature.  Thise pre-sexual K
make
> up most of the "enlisted" elements of their armed forces.  They are
> competing for the right to progress to full sexual maturity, based on
> the reccomendations of their superior "officers".
> 
> John M. Atkinson