Hello all, Ric here today with a quick bestiary style video on the dangerous Star Trek creature,
the Mugato. This ferocious beast is native to the planet Neural, the third planet in
the Zeta Bootis system. The planet itself is inhabited by a humanoid species termed
the Neuralese who were at a bronze-age level of technology. The planet itself is protected
by the Federation’s Prime Directive but nonetheless has been the subject of some cultural
contamination from the Klingons and early Starfleet observations.
The planet remains a hotbed of scientific study as much of the flora has stunning and
unique medicinal properties that Doctor Phlox would salivate over. Away teams are allowed
to visit the surface to study and procure some these plants, but interaction with the
natives is to be avoided where possible, despite their awareness of the greater galactic community.
Technology is also to be severely limited in case of further cultural contamination.
Known as Pongidae Theropoda, the Mugato is a large ape-like creature around 2 metres
tall and covered in whitish fur over its leathery tan skin. The largest recorded was 2.2 metres
in height. Atop their furred head is a single large horn, and other spines that run down
its back and along its tail. Its two hands have three clawed digits one of which is an
opposable thumb. Facially, they have a face resembling a great ape, complete with small
ears. Their favoured environment was the savannah
plains where they hunted in pairs. As a predatory species, they have long fangs which deliver
their primary method of killing, their venomous bite. Typically, the Mugato would stalk its
prey, usually attempting to obtain a height advantage where it would then jump down to
pin its target under the its weight. From here, it would bite down and injects its venom.
However, they would often signal their imminent attack by screeching and tapping their chest
giving the target time to react if the Mugato was too eager and pounced too soon.
Mugato venom is potent enough to kill a humanoid in hours. It works as a neurotoxin, which
means that the poisonous substance interfered with and broke down the nervous system. Symptoms
of a Mugato bite included convulsions, pain as the body goes into shock, culminating in
unconsciousness and then death. While the effects of the toxin can be delayed, the only
known cure was the Mahko Root, a knobbly brown root that had to be applied in a specific
fashion. The Kahn-ut-tu shaman would begin a ritual
and apply the root directly to the site of the wound where the fancy flora would then
squirm and draw the poison out of the body. Somehow.
Mugato often travelled in pairs, one male and one female which were mates; however they
existed in larger colonies. While roaming in pairs, they remained mobile, seldom staying
in one location for very long. Their larger tribes seemed to have a form of hierarchy
based on physical prowess and were often found far away from settlements.
Both Male and female Mugato seemed to be of comparable size and both possessed horns,
spines and the same colouration of fur. Infant Mugato, however, lacked the spines, venom
and horn of the adults suggesting they birthed live young.
As the horn is not used to gore its prey, I’m going to postulate that it’s used
in duelling or inter-tribe combat for leadership as the venomous bites might prove to be fatal
to even the Mugato. Reducing the number of their own tribe seems counterproductive so
comparing horns might keep their group strong and alive.
There is one curious example of a single sentient Mugato, that of Ensign Janos. Janos was a
creation of Doctor Marius Bethom, who as a Federation citizen would have been severely
violating UFP regulations on genetic manipulation. This augmented creation had the genes of several
other species, but was eventually granted a commission to serve in Starfleet as an Ensign.
Unfortunately, his tale does not end well as the enhanced intellect eventually faded
and he was released on Neural to join a native tribe of Mugato.
Their ferocity sometimes saw them being taken from Neural and used as prized creatures for
all sorts of things, such as arena fights. This would have required visiting Neural and
the capture and removal of the Mugato, which violates the Federation’s mandate as the
planet is listed as a protected one, with only scientific research permitted.
So, use cation when exploring Neural III and watch for Mugato tracks as they are constantly
roaming the savannah areas searching for the next meal. Encountering one often means that
its mate is roaming nearby and maybe even an entire tribe. Also, unless you’re friends
with a native shaman, don’t get bitten by one. Much like the flora’s medicinal properties,
the Mugato’s venom is equally unique and as of the 23rd century, Starfleet did not
have a workable anti-venom. The Mugato generally cannot be dissuaded from attacking its prey
once it has chosen a target and will eagerly engage multiple opponents, meaning often stunning
or disintegrating it is the only option left. I’m going to be looking at a few more species
that might be considered more, monster-y than simply another alien species from Star Trek
and as these videos aren’t as long, I think I may be able to produce quite a few a week,
however I’m having quite a bit of noisy DIY being done so I’m having to cram things
in where I can. Thanks for watching this Trek Bestiary and
I’ll see you next time for another lore, game or review video. I’ve been Ric and
Goodbye!