Insectile creatures, somewhat like the sketches made in some Syrneth sites, that can mimic a human to near-perfection; however, their chitin shows under the false skin when they are wounded. They gradually revert to an insectoid form as wounds accumulate, and show tremendous strength and toughness.
The heroes' first encounter with these beings took place in Quintus 1668. When they returned to San Cristobal after their adventures in Barcino, they discovered that don Lucas had been replaced by such a creature, which proved a fearsome foe; it only went down after Constanza discharged two pistols point blank against its head. Figuring that the switch must have taken place while Lucas was alone with General Alzais Bisset du Verre, the heroes returned to Barcino to free don Lucas and had to fight another similar creature in the guise of the general. Presumably the real general was replaced some time ago. This creature was far stronger than the other, and the heroes only wounded it. A truce was eventually established, and "the general" agreed to return Lucas. After this, all the heroes woke up on the Maris Stella, unable to recall how they had gotten there. The mysteries surrounding the creatures and what happened to our heroes have yet to be solved, although as far as we know none of us are currently bugs. Thalusai may also have replaced other members of the Empereur's secret service, notably General François Etallon du Toille.
To complicate matters further, during the heroes' recent visit to Bryn Bresail, the Sidhe referred to Juan as "Thalus the Enemy", while the Fir Bolg called him "Ancient Ally". They suspect this had to do with the Syrneth claw-like artefact he had worn since the adventure of the Bonita's treasure. Finally, the heroes came to face the Thalusai in the Highlands, where the ancient race had engineered a rupture between the Sidhe and humanity. There, they fought an epic battle and defeated five of these creatures, then foiled the Thalusai plan to sunder Avalon from Bryn Bresail.
