Odd Piece of the Week: Paramites

[Manco]

(you knew it was coming eventually)

Previous threads:

• Chroniclers
• Inside Info from MO Development
• The Song Engine
• Nathan Interviews Lorne Lanning Again
• The Delicate and Docile Meep
• Molluck’s Vault
• Scrabs

Just what are Paramites?

http://oddworldlibrary.net/archives/..._paramite.html

Scrambling, scurrying, chattering, and conniving, Paramites seem pathetic enough at first, but don't be fooled. Following a Paramite is to invite doom; after a twist and a turn through Forest Temple corridors, you'll find yourself backed into a tight corner, with a wild brood of paramites swarming out of every shadow. Wrestling a Paramite is like having a hornet's nest explode in your shorts, only not as much fun.

http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/st...al_english.pdf

On their own, they’re cute in a stomach-churning sort of way, but put them in packs and they get vicious. Kind of like children.

So what’s the deal with these weird spidery creepos? Do you think they’re cute? Why do they have gross handmouths, and does it mean they’re related to Sligs??? no

Further reference:

TOGG – Paramite
Oddworld Encyclopædia – Paramites
Oddworld Wikia – Paramite

[Phoetux]

Those were my favorite species of the first two OW Games. They're cute but better watch out since they can be assholes in the deep after all.
Back in the days I specially loved the fact that they look like hands and spiders. And when they roar in the AE gamespeak (right when they say c'mon, stay and attack) man that was scary cauze they really looked like hands trying to get you.



I would adopt one if I could, but only one since once they're two or more they fuck you up.

[Gunnr]

I luv those little guys. I like how they don't really a bug you unless you invade their "space bubble" (understandable) and how they would lead you to meet their friends and fam before having you over for nice meal, with you as said meal.

[Vince]

I love the inspiration that hands and fingers had on the art style of these creatures.
Paramites especially, but also the Sligs.

I also love how muscular they are as well, it really shows off the thought that went into their anatomy.


But yeah, they must be a relative of the Sligs. In fact, the Sligs kind of looks like to a Paramite, how a tadpole looks like to a frog.
With the under-developed back legs, and 'fingers'.

[Nate]

They needn't be related to Sligs. There's plenty of examples of convergent evolution to show that similar features need not be evolutionarily related.

On the other hand, Paramites and Scrabs were originally named 'Arachnid Jr' and 'Arachnid Sr'. I've wondered if those were only placeholder names or if there was a plan to have one be the larval form of the other. You could sortof see the Scrab's beak as being merged together tentacles. Sortof.

[UnderTheSun]

All this talk about Paramites' cladistics, and relation to Sligs. Maybe we should ask a real Slig?

Yeah sure, and Slogs used to be Scrabs! Bwahahaha! And this tiny bug I’m crushing will one day grow into a giant dirigible, bwahahaha! I love your imagination, chump, it makes me feel good about having mechanical feet to keep on the ground.

Better than nothing. How about their relationship with Scrabs? Let's see what Alf has to say.

You people won’t be happy until every Oddworld creature is cousins with every other Oddworld creature!

Keep in mind this was after he called Mudokons being related to Clakkerz absurd. Take it or leave it.

[Vykker Lady]

Paramites are so cute. I love their movements and little chirps. I'd love one as a pet. Or if anything a plushie... COUGHowiprettypleaseCOUGH

[Crashpunk]

If you're getting one as a pet. Make sure you only get one.

For the love. of. god. only get one.

[OWI_Alex]

If you're getting one as a pet. Make sure you only get one.

For the love. of. god. only get one.