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'''Denebian slime devil'''s are notoriously foul animals native to [[Deneb IV]] in the [[Deneb system]]. |
'''Denebian slime devil'''s are notoriously foul animals native to [[Deneb IV]] in the [[Deneb system]]. |
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| − | ''Although Denebian slime devils were first mentioned in {{e|TOS|The Trouble With Tribbles}} (set in 2267), the inhabitants of Deneb IV, the [[Bandi]], were not contacted by the [[Federation]] until 2364 ({{e|TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}}). According to {{ss|TOS|Where Everybody Knows Your Name}}, "Denebian slime devils" come from [[Denebia]], although the reference may be to the drink of that name rather than the animal. The [[Deirr]], natives of [[Deneb Kaitos IV]], have seemingly slimy skin consistent with their having evolved in the same ecosystem as a creature called a "slime devil" ({{n|TOS|My Enemy, My Ally}}), suggesting that the animal might come from Deneb Kaitos IV rather than Deneb IV.'' |
+ | ''Although Denebian slime devils were first mentioned in {{e|TOS|The Trouble With Tribbles}} (set in 2267), the inhabitants of Deneb IV, the [[Bandi]], were not contacted by the [[Federation]] until around 2364 ({{e|TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}}). According to {{ss|TOS|Where Everybody Knows Your Name}}, "Denebian slime devils" come from [[Denebia]], although the reference may be to the drink of that name rather than the animal. The [[Deirr]], natives of [[Deneb Kaitos IV]], have seemingly slimy skin consistent with their having evolved in the same ecosystem as a creature called a "slime devil" ({{n|TOS|My Enemy, My Ally}}), suggesting that the animal might come from Deneb Kaitos IV rather than Deneb IV.'' |
==Physiology== |
==Physiology== |
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Revision as of 19:59, 3 November 2008
- This article is about the animal. You may be looking for Denebian slime devil (drink).
Denebian slime devils are notoriously foul animals native to Deneb IV in the Deneb system.
Although Denebian slime devils were first mentioned in TOS episode: "The Trouble With Tribbles" (set in 2267), the inhabitants of Deneb IV, the Bandi, were not contacted by the Federation until around 2364 (TNG episode: "Encounter at Farpoint"). According to TOS short story: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name", "Denebian slime devils" come from Denebia, although the reference may be to the drink of that name rather than the animal. The Deirr, natives of Deneb Kaitos IV, have seemingly slimy skin consistent with their having evolved in the same ecosystem as a creature called a "slime devil" (TOS novel: My Enemy, My Ally), suggesting that the animal might come from Deneb Kaitos IV rather than Deneb IV.
Physiology
Slime devils vary in size from a few centimeters to three meters long and can weigh up to 215 kilograms.
- The Worlds of the Federation claims Denebian slime devils only grow up to 1.2 meters and 26 kilos.
They have four limbs with very sharp claws which can easily shred an EV suit, and jaws strong enough to bite through most footwear.
Slime devils hunt using a form of natural radar, which is emitted from the array of appendages around their heads. They also sense their prey from the olfactory opening in the center of their heads. (ST references: The Worlds of the Federation & The Starfleet Survival Guide)
The slime devil's head is also very tough and contain reflective minerals which can actually reflect phaser fire (ST reference: The Starfleet Survival Guide).
Behavior
Slime devils generally hunt fish and other aquatic lifeforms found in the oceans and swamps of Deneb IV. They will also attack land animals as large as an average humanoid, but typically only if the animal is near the waterline as slime devils are somewhat ungainly on land. (ST references: The Worlds of the Federation & The Starfleet Survival Guide)
The slime devil's favored mode of attack is to spear their prey with the claws on their forearms and then drag it down underwater, where they will pin it down on the bottom and tear the prey apart with their teeth. For smaller prey, they may attack directly with their teeth. (ST reference: The Starfleet Survival Guide)
Surviving Slime Devil Attack
Slime devils are not found in large numbers and the colony on Deneb IV only has a population of 17,000. However, the planet is a popular destination for shore leave and slime devils will attack if they feel their territory has been invaded or their eggs are in danger. (ST references: The Worlds of the Federation & The Starfleet Survival Guide)
When attacked, it is important to act quickly, as you will not have long before you are shredded by the devil's teeth and claws. Your best chance of escape is not to get pinned down. If you are attacked, kick, stab or phaser the animal's abdomen or thorax. Always be wary of the head, as slime devils have a powerful bite and their heads are extremely tough and can ricochet projectiles and reflect phaser fire back at the attacker. The head can also provide an opportunity for attack: if you can reach the olfactory opening and attack it, the animal will normally retreat rather than let its sensory organ be damaged.
If you are pinned down, you have limited opportunities for escape. In the few seconds you have before it strikes, you must prepare yourself in a posture to reflect the attack as best as possible, then you must attack its olfactory sensor and attempt to break off as many of its radar appendages as possible. If you succeed in escaping, get to the coast as fast as possible. (ST reference: The Starfleet Survival Guide)
History
In the 23rd century, the name was used as an insult. In 2267, Klingon officer Korax referred to Captain James T. Kirk as a slime devil, which angered Ensign Pavel Chekov. (TOS episode: "The Trouble with Tribbles")
In 2280, two crewmembers from a landing party from the USS Madrid became injured by a pack of slime devils on an unnamed planet. They were rescued by Cadet Dmitri Valtane who, armed with only a stick, managed to ward them off. (ST game: Starship Creator)
Connections
- Denebian slime devil article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.