Futars

The genetic hybrids of human and feline species. The Futars were created with the sole purpose of hunting and destroying the Honored Matres. The Futars take us straight into the bizarre biological horrors of the later Dune sequels (specifically Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune). They aren’t a standard sci-fi alien, they are actually genetically engineered weapon-creatures created by the Bene Tleilax during a dark era known as “The Scattering”. Futars are giant, terrifying, humanoid predators with feline (cat-like) features, boasting incredible speed, razor-sharp claws, and immense physical strength. They possess a primitive, child-like intelligence but communicate using a unique, guttural language. They were manufactured for one specific, dark purpose, to hunt and kill Honored Matres (a savage, hyper-violent offshoot of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood).

Frank Herbert used the Futars to show how messy and unpredictable genetic engineering can be. The Tleilaxu designed them to be fiercely loyal, but they can only be truly controlled by a mysterious, masked group of handlers known as “Handlers”. Even more fascinating is that the Futars are actively resistant to the Honored Matres’ primary weapon – which is chemical and sexual mind control. When the Honored Matres try to hypnotize a Futar, the beasts feline instincts take over, causing it to go into a primal rage and rip the attacker to pieces. They represent a universe where humanity has begun blending its own DNA with animals, just to survive a galactic turf war.