====== Gearwerk ======

The gearwerk is a common companion of [[mechalus_species|mechalus]] characters. Although not an organic creature per se, it is wrong to call the thing a machine. Many who do no understand the nature of a gearwerk assume that it is a robotic assistant.

Modern gearwerk begin their lives as pollywog-like creatures grown in breeding vats. Although they are certainly organic at this stage, they cannot survive outside the fluid baths in which they dwell.

When would-be owners decide to purchase a gearwerk, they visit a breeder and indicate the exact characteristics their new pet must have. Through a series of cybernetic implants and attachments, the gearwerk is given the desired characteristics. For example, a mechalus who serves as the engineer on a starship might purchase a gearwerk with cybernetic tools and implants that allow the creature to assist her in her work. Breeders include among these extensive life support mechanisms that allow the creature to survive outside the breeding vat.
The characteristics of individual gearwerks vary greatly, as breeders can engineer them to undertake many tasks. While the typical gearwerk is not outfitted with any form of armament, they are sometimes equipped with tools they can use in self-defense. On rare occasions, of course, some breeders incorporate weapons and even armor in a gearwerk. Such creatures are often employed by the mechalus in much the same way that humans might use a guard or attack dog.

Because of the many roles they are engineered to fill, it is impossible to give a detailed description of the gearwerk. In general, however, the mechanical body resembles a long-limbed, five-legged spider. At the nexus of its legs is a carriage built around the tad-pole-like body. A number of thin, organic tendrils (usually two) sprout from the fleshy part of the body. Although not as nimble as hands, these serve the creature well.
{{tag>mechalus pet}}