Undersiders Formation

Lore & Background

The Undersiders were formed before the bank robbery, with Tattletale recruiting Grue, Regent, and Bitch to establish the team. Their early operations focused on establishing a foothold in Brockton Bay's criminal landscape, often clashing with the Empire 88 and the ABB. Skitter joined the Undersiders after the bank robbery, having been recruited during the heist and officially joining afterward. Her addition brought a strategic mind and a willingness to take risks. Over time, they evolved from small-time thieves to major players in the city's cape scene, eventually taking control of the city's underworld after the collapse of the local Protectorate presence.

In Their Own Story

The Iberian worm lizard has similar morphology to a worm because of its limbless ringed body, but unlike worms it possesses small, underdeveloped eyes, small smooth scales, and most importantly it has all characteristics of a typical vertebrate like a vertebral column, lungs, and closed circulatory system. The head is small and blunt, used for digging, with underdeveloped eyes covered by skin, and a characteristically ridged ringed body covered in scales. Iberian worm lizard tails are short and possess the same scales. It has a small forked tongue used for chemosensory signaling purposes, and a row of small but sharp teeth within the mouth's interior. Its coloration is fleshy-pink, violet, or brown depending on its region. Adults are usually about 150 mm (5.9 in) in total length, but can be up to 300 mm (12 in) in total length. Iberian worm lizards are frequently mistaken for small snakes or large worms.

Reader's Guide

The Iberian worm lizard is believed to be an opportunistic feeder through the study of central Spanish B. cinereus populations. Initially, B. cinereus was thought to feed on the diverse array of prey that inhabited the underside of rocks, but a correlation with feeding habits and under rock prey was not seen. Its diet consists mainly of insects and insect larvae, which are the worm lizard's most abundant food source. While being an overall opportunistic feeder, B. cinereus will instinctively hunt for larger insect larvae and will refrain from eating certain ant species, thus showing a level of prey distinguishing during opportunistic feeding. B. cinereus is also believed to have low energy requirements based on average stomach content in comparison with other lizard species. It is speculated that Iberian worm lizards will search for scarce but energy-rich foods when habitats allow for this type of feeding, but can adapt and feed on abundant and less energy-rich prey when necessary.

Did You Know?

• The Undersiders' original lineup was Tattletale, Grue, Regent, and Bitch, with Skitter joining after the bank robbery.
• Their first major operation was a coordinated bank heist that drew the attention of both the Protectorate and the city's established gangs.
• Tattletale's power, enhanced intuition, allowed her to deduce the weaknesses and secrets of their enemies, often giving the Undersiders a tactical edge.
• Grue's darkness power could block both sight and sound, making him an invaluable asset for escapes and ambushes.
• Bitch's dogs, empowered by her ability, could grow to monstrous size and strength, serving as the team's heavy hitters.