Gatcheralis

The Gatcheralis are a curious species that evolved on a planet far removed from the influence of the Zooniverse.

Biology
A Gatcheralis resembles a small half-shelled peapod with short legs and fingers and two eyes with a feathery purple antenna.

Background
Gatcherals had no great claim other than their ability to reproduce at a remarkable rate and were the first race in the Zooniverse to invent the obshonker, a ritualistic object, which is an achievement since they lack any obs.

The only setback to life on the Gatcheralis's world was the massive overcrowding. Thus the species developed a mindset that the sooner they died the better off they were. One of their most eagerly awaited events was the Deathfest that happened each full lunar cycle involving mass suicides, by throwing themselves into a bonfire.

A well informed business Zoon who discovered the Gatcheralis saw a way to make a profit by harvesting the Gatcherlis for food. However when the first harvest began, the crew that was dispatched to collect the Gatcherlis were uninformed that the Gatcherlis saw vessel bringing certain death as the best thing to the global lava storms. As the voidcraft approached, the Gatcheralis prepared and waited. They took down the ship in the skies before it even landed, overtaking the crew and commandeering the vessel as their own. The Gatcheralis they set the voidcraft on a course for Quizeen a planet of culinary delights and certain death. From that point on all voidcraft heading to the Gatcheralis's homeworld were manned by condemned criminals and as for the harvest they left it to the suicidal aliens.

Upon reaching Quizeen, the Gatcheralis were more than willing to throw themselves into the mouths of consumers, to be prepared and cooked in any fashion.

It was during the Ambassadors' Banquet at the Ko-Maru Festival did the Gatcheralis make their debut to the galactic scene as a popular dish. Even the cooks struggled to keep up with demand and several wars broke out over the Gatcheralis after the ambassadors returned home. Due to the resulting gluttony and bickering, the Gatcheralis were outlawed in certain sectors of the Zooniverse.

Culture
For the Gatcheralis, life was one long blissful, self-imposed bloodbath. To them they reproduce in hope of gastronomic fame and satisfy the palate of all manner of Zoons.

The trouble though was that the Gatcheralis were enthusiastic about being eaten in no matter what was being prepared, so long as they were part of the main course. Some Gatcheralis even soaked themselves in sageril syrup to make themselves more tastier than their comrades. Obesity became rampant among the species and a status symbol.

Their harmonious existence though was only once disturbed when a certain philosopher questioned on being eaten as a fruitful and productive way of life. Though it was explained reasonably to the rest of the population, they did not accept it and drove the philosopher out as they were content with their happy lives. Any Gatcheralis that shared over even heard his beliefs were persecuted.

Appearance

 * Zooniverse Issue 001 (1986)