Skrell Ailments

Skrell Disorders

Volvuunt Qixqalau

Volvuunt Qixqalau, essentially translating to "inverted gills". Skrell gills are commonly internal and protected by mucous membranes; those with the disorder have their gills inverted, resulting in their exposure to the air, whilst they limply hang below their jawline. This disorder is congenital, and cannot be developed over time. Many of those affected by Volvuunt Qixqalau suffer relatively little with the disorder, with external gills even being more effective underwater; however, due to the very delicate nature of the gills, they are prone to injury and infection, and can make it difficult to wear certain articles of clothing. Some afflicted with the disorder are so aggrieved that they prefer to get the disorder corrected via surgery (a lengthy and risky procedure due to the rarity of the disorder and delicate nature of the area), but technological advances and skilled surgeons over the millennia have made surgical correction a much safer procedure than it was previously. Others choose to use an adaptive apparatus, a water-filled collar that keeps their gills both hydrated and safe. Research as to how the mutation occurs has been mostly inconclusive, but it is proven that it is only inherited, with de novo mutations extremely unlikely.

A Skrell with Xibus consumes a delicious burger. Despite the cons, the disorder also comes with a few pros.

Xibus

Xibus - loosely translated to beakmouth - is a genetic disorder and birth defect that is somewhat uncommonly found in Skrell. Manifesting at birth; it is the formation of interlocking chitinous plates in the mouth, similar to a squid's beak. These plates are sharp enough to cut, and those afflicted with untreated Xibus often find themselves accidentally biting and wounding the insides of their mouths. The plates are solid pieces which interlock, unlike human teeth which are separate structures. Xibus causes a strong speech impediment in those afflicted with it, leading the articulation of all sounds to have a "mouthful" quality, resulting in those affected to be hard to understand; with communication in Tau Ceti Basic being nigh impossible. Those with Xibus tend to prefer psionic communication, usually prompting outsiders to believe it is a relatively rare condition; on the contrary it is somewhat prevalent in the Axiori ethnicity, however, most sufferers of this genetic condition have it corrected in infancy, or else rarely leave their home system. The treatment for Xibus is simply the surgical removal of these chitinous plates; safely removed from the jaw without permanent debilitation, the procedure, typically done in infancy, grow to bear little evidence of the affliction. When performed in adulthood, this procedure is much more invasive with risks of complication, and so those without it corrected tend to refrain from surgical intervention later in life. It is also possible for Xibus to be grounded to manageable levels.

Tu'Maqala

Invisible spots, or as it is known in the Nral'Malic; Tu'Maqala, is a disorder that effects Skrell of all ethnicities from birth onwards. Skrell affected with Tu'Maqala will have spots on their skin that seem almost see-through. These spots feel no pain and do not appear to have any touch receptors whatsoever. The only effective treatment is through the use of lasers or electrical devices that make contact with the skin, combatting growth and in some cases fully removing them temporarily. This therapy is not harmful to the individual as the site feels no pain. Scientists note that the affected skin will attempt to spread if these measures are not taken to combat it. Serious cases that go without treatment may see the individual being fully engulfed with Tu'Maqala spots as they age. Research into the disorder has shown that they are a direct cause of the X’Lu’oa; although the full extent to the disorder has not been realized. This disease is hereditary and individuals affected with it are not permitted to bear children by the Nralakk Federation; although a large majority of the individuals are infertile. However, it is important to note that cases of Tu'Maqala can arise in a child from parents who do not have the disorder. The exact cause of this is still under study with the Aliose University of Medical Sciences devoting entire research divisions to the disease.

Skrell Ailments

Dissimilar to other species found within the greater Orion Spur, the Skrell have a hemocyanin-based circulatory system - meaning their blood is instead bound to copper atoms, and not iron atoms. Well, the Skrell have a robust immune system, the evolution of their maladies and ailments have compensated for this throughout the existence of the species. Notably, Skrell are seemingly immune to developing cancerous tumours, with no recorded occurrence of such throughout the existence of record keeping.

Mild Afflictions

Pa’nar Blisters

Similarly infectious to Skrell as flu is to Humans, Pa’nar Blisters is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the mucous production of a Skrell. It can cause dry, cracked skin in the areas where blisters have popped, which can be painful if left untreated. The disease is most infectious during its incubation period and is primarily spread by contact. It was thought to be a disease spread by uncleanliness, and those afflicted by it were often ostracized until it cleared up. When the disease was better understood, attitudes toward those infected became much more tolerant and understanding. Treatment involves repeated application of antibacterial cream to the affected areas. Vaccinations are advised (and sometimes mandated) in order to forestall the negative health effects that the disease can cause.

A particularly bad bout of Pa'nar Blisters can lead to general infections where blisters have popped, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, and noticeable weight loss. Skrell who contract the disease are expected to quarantine themselves and not to touch other Skrell or shared objects. While the disease cannot be contracted by other species, caution is advised.

Yuxin’s Rash

Skin irritation is relatively common for Skrell who find themselves dryer than most. Yuxin’s Rash mainly targets the webbing between the fingers and toes, leaving them extremely flakey and irritable and makes utilizing one’s hands or walking extremely difficult. The average timeline of the rash is around three weeks, however, using various over the counter creams and lotions can bring the timeline down to only a week. Similarly, if one can not acquire the creams, constant moisturizing of the hands can help soothe and potentially shorten the timeline.

In some cases an individual’s Yuxin’s Rash may advance from the common areas to more central parts of the body. Agitation of an existing rash is regarded as the number one cause of advanced Yuxin’s Rash. A variety of reasons can cause this to happen. Doctors have outlined some stressors that may agitate an existing rash. Extreme temperature changes to the skin or area surrounding the rash are included in, but not limited to; extended cryogenic use, soaking in extremely hot water, being exposed to chilling winds, or prolonged exposure to dry environments such as stations and ships that do not maintain standard Skrellian humidity levels. These stimuli can cause the afflicted area to stop moisture production, leading to extreme flaking and dryness that is amplified by existing Yuxin’s Rash.

Moderate Afflictions

Red Spotted Fever

Red Spotted Fever commonly refers to the hyperaemia of the ventral skin and accompanies a systemic infection shortly thereafter. It is a bacterial infection that occurs due to ill-prepared Fjylozyn, mostly when ingested raw. It can easily be identified by red pustules dotting across both the upper and lower abdomen of the Skrell, which often become infected if popped. Without treatment, the disease will progress gradually until it becomes lethal, culminating in a fever that wracks the body. It is spread quickly and previously could encompass an entire village in a matter of days. The usual protocol when identifying Red Spotted Fever is to isolate the Skrell, before administering round-the-clock antibiotics. The patient is usually closely observed to ensure the mitigation of the disease, and that it isn’t progressing. The Red Spotted Fever is often inoculated against in tadpoles, but those born before the Radiant Era will find themselves more prone to infections thanks to the mutations of the disease.

Skrell-inhabited areas that are prone to poor living conditions are hotbeds for Red Spotted Fever outbreaks, especially places such as the Starlight Zone, which are typically overcrowded and have lax health and safety conditions. In the Federation, the frontiers of the Traverse are prone to regular outbreaks of the disease, and intervention by the central government is routinely required to treat these cases.

Severe Afflictions

Brenaii Syndrome

Brenaii Syndrome is a neural disease that results in the degradation of synaptic pathways of a Skrell. It has also been known to result in immunodeficiencies and endocrine atrophy. It is caused by the disruption of neuroelectric impulses within the Zona Bovinae and is spread through psionic interaction. Brenaii Syndrome is heavily stigmatized within skrellian society, with many ostracized due to their condition. It earned its name from Ta’kow Brenaii, a prominent Starkeeper that heavily utilized psionics when teaching and interacting with other Skrell, after several investigations were launched after many of those who had interacted with the Starkeeper had suddenly deteriorated in health. It was classified as an emerging pandemic sometime during 450 BCE. There is no known cure, or treatment, for the disease. Its ostracization within skrellian society has only led to less interest from medical researchers in attempting to conjure any kind of meaningful assistance to those afflicted with the debilitating disease.

The stigma surrounding Brenaii Syndrome has contributed to the formation of Brenaii colonies, similar to the leper colonies in human history. Those who find themselves contracting Brenaii Syndrome will congregate somewhere away from the rest of society, either on their home planet or journeying to the Traverse if a ship is willing to transport them. These colonies do not last long, however, with few exceptions. A colony tends to last as long as there are inhabitants, with most slowly collapsing after thirty years.

Insanity of the Tide

Insanity of the Tide is closely linked to Dementia and Alzheimers and is a neural disease that gradually worsens as time goes on. It has been linked to causing several impairments related to memory, behaviour, and thinking. Those afflicted will also show signs of decreased emotional problems and difficulties with speaking. It primarily affects Skrell during the later stages of their life, but early onset of the disease can begin as early as their two hundreds. While it may have had different names in the various languages across the Homeworld, it usually translated to the same concept or theme, “going insane as quick as the tides.” It was initially thought to be a blessing placed on Elders by the Divine Cosmos, as a sign of their early acceptance to join them. There is no known cure for the disease, but treatments include deep psionic meditations and shifting memories from unhealthy parts of the mind to ones not yet afflicted by the progression of the disease. It is often referred to as “Ron’tuk’mol” by the Skrell or “Transfer of the Mind”.

The condition sees similarities to Europan Sea-Blindness, and the two conditions are classed as being the same disorder by Federation medical professionals despite the separate classification by Europan doctors; Insanity of the Tide is seen as a natural disease brought on by old age, while Europan Sea-Blindness is brought on by an overexertion of the sufferer's Zona Bovinae, but both cause neurological issues as they progress.

Acute Hemoaerisism Disorder

Acute Hemoaerisism Disorder is a genetic mutation that results in the accrual of too much copper within the body. It can cause serious damage to a variety of organs, such as heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver. It is one of the more visibly telling diseases for the Skrell, as it leads to rapid darkening of the skin as well as joint inflammation and pain. It is colloquially known as “Dark Pyrexia” due to the rapid darkening of the skin, and high temperatures during the final stages of the disease. During bygone eras of the Skrell, very few with the disease survived infancy, and resulted in many believing the souls of tadpoles were taken too early from the embrace of the Cosmos, and that they’d return when they were ready. Treatment includes bloodletting alongside experimental genetic booster shoots. There is no known cure for the disease, but there are sizeable groups of medical researchers who have devoted themselves to attempting to uncover a possible remedy or even more successful treatment.

X’Lu’oa

X'Lu'oa is a term used to refer to the inoculation given by Glorsh to its subjects during their rule, along with the resulting effects of that inoculation that can be seen in Skrell today. The impact of the X'Lu'oa on modern Skrell is still being researched, and the known effects manifest differently; the most common symptoms are infertility, which can range from difficulty producing viable eggs to full sterility, X'Lu'oa Disorder, the development of acne on the headtails, as well as Tuux growths, the formation of additional headtails on the head and face. Other conditions exist, but are typically rare. The development of other diseases or conditions related to X'Lu'oa not mentioned here has been noted to happen only to those who are diagnosed with X'Lu'oa Disorder, making the early discovery of the disorder paramount to begin preventative treatments.

Inoculation GLSH-MG

Most of the Skrell's societal issues and physical ailments can be traced back to the reign of Glorsh-Omega and Inoculation GLSH-MG, the vaccine that Glorsh inflicted upon the species. The inoculation was never given a name during its use, but syringes were often labelled with a shortened version of Glorsh's name; whether this was from a sense of vanity from the AI or merely a coincidence brought on by AI-managed logistics and manufacturing is undetermined. What is known is that the inoculation has had a long-standing impact on the Skrell since its introduction; from infertility, Tuux growths, to various genetic diseases and conditions such as the X'Lu'oa disorder, the inoculation has impacted every Skrell in some form.

Research into the inoculation has shown that a mitigated version was also used during the AI's reign, given to those considered loyal to the AI and its regime. The true intent behind the vaccine is unknown, but those who had this mitigated version along with their descendents do have a lesser chance of being infertile or developing other symptoms related to the X'Lu'oa.

As the inoculation caused genetic changes in its victims, many of the ailments and diseases related to it are hereditary, passing down from generation to generation. There are multiple different paths being considered by Federation scientists to reverse or combat these changes, including cloning, genetic therapy, and even the use of C'thur medical technology, but so far none of these methods have been deemed truly successful in reversing the X'Lu'oa. This said, the entirety of the species has not been impacted by the inoculation; descendants from the Generation Fleets that were sent out pre-Glorsh are the most famous examples, while a small percentage of the general Skrell population even seem to be resilient to the effects of the inoculation.

Tuux Growths

One of the more prevalent symptoms of the X'Lu'oa condition would be the Tuux Growths that many Skrell now find themselves afflicted with. Tuux growths are classified as rogue tentacle formations mainly affecting the facial region of Skrell. These growths are normally a shade darker or a shade lighter than the skin color of the individual and are not necessarily seen as ugly to common Skrell. The Tuux normally grows out over time, much like headtail; however, it is not uncommon for a new growth to sprout overnight. It could also be commonplace for Skrell to even change the color and/or length of their Tuux through various 'spa treatments'. While these growths are mostly non-threatening, they can be irritable to the individual and great care must be taken to ensure they do not dry out. However, Skrell with multiple Tuux are advised to visit their primary care physician yearly for a check-up. Tuux growths, along with infertility, are the most common symptoms of the X'Lu'oa condition.

Tuux can sometimes grow malignant if left unchecked. What this means can vary by Skrell; however, most commonly a malignant Tuux growth will appear significantly darker than normal due to the growth filling to abnormal levels with the Skrell's blood. This swelling can be painful for the afflicted Skrell and they are advised to not damage or irritate the Tuux further. Should the malignant Tuux become damaged, or cut, it will bleed quickly with scientists likening the flow to that of an individual with hemophilia. The wound will have trouble coagulating and require intensive staunching of the afflicted area, and in many cases, it may even require surgery to remove the Tuux at its root. These Skrell who find their Tuux irritable or Skrell whose Tuux may be malignant have the option to surgically remove the Tuux with basic Nralakk medical procedures, but many Skrell keep them as a stylistic choice since they are often benign. Skrell abroad may find it difficult to locate a surgeon experienced in dealing with malignant Tuux growths as the anatomy is quite different when compared to other organic ailments. If this is the case a Skrell may attempt popular home remedies such as icing the affected Tuux growth to reduce swelling and blood flow. However, the icing process can be uncomfortable for some.

X'Lu'oa Disorder

The most notable example of the lingering effects of the X'Lu'oa is X'Lu'oa Disorder. It manifests itself as dark, pigmented acne of the headtails which is sensitive to touch. Acne seems to extend far beneath the surface towards the inner portion of the headtail. Many go to great lengths to cover their acne using elaborate headwear and clothing due to the pain, making it one of the few cases where a medical condition is hidden rather than embraced in Skrell culture. Though there is no cure for the disorder, there is ongoing research to combat its symptoms. Treatments such as X'oa'wai Cream numb the area inflicted with pain. Although this is helpful for acne, it does not cure it completely. X’Lu’oa Disorder is usually a lifelong condition, and considered to be a precursor to other, more serious diseases caused by the X'Lu'oa.

JRGL Shot

Utilising historical DNA samples from individuals who lived before the X'Lu'oa, along with advances in gene therapy, there has been promising research into combatting the effects of the X'Lu'oa in modern Skrell. Nalo Gir-Roq, the Overseer of Tzul'qlip researchers, secured their idol status by pioneering the research into this area and was responsible for early versions of a counter-inoculation for the condition. Personal investments into the research made by various private citizens and even Weashbi Jrugl themselves have resulted in this counter-inoculation reaching the clinical trial stage, with its current iteration being able to combat the advancement of X'Lu'oa symptoms. The serum, known as the "JRGL shot" in response to the original name of the inoculation produced by Glorsh-Omega and a homage to Jrugl for their investment, can slow down the formation of Tuux growths and X'Lu'oa-related acne. Existing acne or Tuux growths are still considered serious, and while their formation is slowed, their potential for malignancy or other complications still exists.

While still in the trial stage and not a true cure for the disorder, there are many volunteers who have signed up to participate in the research. Those participating in the trial are expected to report to their primary care physician on a monthly basis so that the progress of their symptoms can be monitored, while those who find themselves abroad are expected to report to a Zeng-Hu or Federation-affiliated Doctor every six months. Additional booster shots are required, which are usually administered monthly after the volunteer's check-up. Volunteers who are currently abroad long-term are given a six month's supply of the inoculation, supplied through Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals.

Currently, the JRGL serum's use case is to combat the formation of acne and malignant Tuux growths, but researchers are also looking into additional uses. The application of the JRGL serum to combat infertility and genetic diseases thought to be linked to the X'Lu'oa disorder are planned, but so far research into these areas is still in the early stages.

Psionic Ailments

Psionic Echoes

Psionic Echoes are an ailment that only affects very weak psionic users or non-Skrell; the average Skrell will almost never contract this ailment. If an individual meeting this criteria is repeatedly bombarded with psionic messaging then certain words or images may be "imprinted" into their mind; ringing throughout their head like an echo. This can range from a very mild case, where an individual may only hear one echo a day, or to something more extreme, where an individual will hear multiple echoes repeatedly throughout the day. There is no known cure for this ailment; however, psionic counseling can be performed to lessen the amount of echoes an individual hears throughout the day. Purposefully inflicting psionic echoes is a very serious offense and is punishable by law (depending on jurisdiction). Using psionics against an individual with existing echoes is also punishable (if the sender knows that the target suffers from echoes). Both scenarios are often considered assault in most legal systems.

It is also noted that if a Skrell were to read the mind of an individual with Psionic Echoes, the echoes are more likely to interfere with the process. This is due to the fact that the echoes subsist on the "surface level" of the brain. More often than not the echoes would be relayed to the Skrell instead of the actual thoughts of the individual. However, someone with mild Psionic Echoes would not have as high of a chance of relaying them as someone with a more severe case of the disorder.

Psionic Over/Under-Sleeping

• Psionic Over-Sleeping is categorized as a psionic addiction to the Srom by the Nralakk Federation. Any Skrell that sleeps for 4+ hours a day, not for hibernation purposes, is considered an over-sleeper by the majority of Federation medical studies. This is a deductive behavior that can affect and individual's social credit score and the Sromkala have been known to take note of those who they suspect to be over-sleepers. In some cases the Sromkala can even force the addicted individual to awaken from the Srom. Treatment for over-sleepers often involve them being placed into an isolated, aluminum lined room for the duration of their sleeping. This ensures that their Srom is dull and boring; eventually making the individual bored enough to break the cycle.

• Psionic Under-Sleeping is categorized as a psionic anxiety disorder by the Nralakk Federation. Any Skrell that sleeps for less than 30 minutes a day is considered an under-sleeper. Individuals who are an under-sleeper would often be looked at with suspicion due to the common conception that under-sleepers are hiding dark secrets. Due to this conception, being an under-sleeper is considered a deductive behavior that can affect an individuals social credit score if the authorities were to find out. Treatment for under-sleeping would entail anesthetics and/or other sleep aides being used to lull the individual to sleep.

Psionic Stutter

An individual who is weak psionically may develop a Psionic Stutter. Much like talking aloud, a psionic stutter is a stutter when talking psionically. Psionic therapy may be utilized to alleviate the stutter in affected individuals and most therapy is done in the early ages of a Skrell. Almost all who have been enrolled in therapy have had their stutters cured; however, individuals who could not go to therapy due to their social credit score may be stuck with a stutter well into the later years of their life. The longer an individual waits for treatment the harder a psionic stutter is to cure.