The Dlukus are a primitive sapient race native to the twilight zone of Mercury. The name "Dlukus" was assigned to them by Earth colonists, based on a common sound they make.
Biology[]
Dlukus are described as "gnarled and dwarfish" beings, which walk on a bipedal, but only partially erect posture for the most time, but switch to quadrupedal stance when running. They consume meat, but it's not known whether they're carnivorous or omnivorous. Their bodies are covered in reptilian scales and their hands are webbed. Their eyes are small, but protruding, and seem to have thick lenses that give the appearance of being covered by some thin film.
Culture and society[]
Dlukus are social creatures that live among the fungal forests of their homeworld and have nothing more advanced than stone age technology. They react with timidness at the presence of Human settlers and generally hide away.
The native Heat-Lizards are domesticated by them, and used for a grotesque purpose: since the Heat-Lizards are the only known species native to the crepuscular zone which can venture out into the sun-scorched day zone, Dlukus tribes will tie their enemies to the back of a Heat-Lizard and allow the beast to roam free. While the Lizard travels unscathed under the Mercurian sun, the unfortunate creature on its back is cooked alive, to be later consumed by the Dlukus upon the creature's return.
Appearances[]
- "The Immortals of Mercury", by Clark Ashton Smith (1932)