KNOWN SPECIES

UNIQUE BIOLOGY

The Khi’Hinn are a species of reptomammals – exhibiting combined characteristics that might otherwise be found in reptiles or mammals exclusively. Drawn from the dry and rocky planet of Khi’Han, the Khi’Hinn are a hardy people, able to withstand their planet’s extreme shifts in temperatures. At night, the temperatures of Khi’Han regularly dip below freezing even at the equator but can climb well above the tolerance of most other species by midday. Unable to rely on consistent temperatures, the evolutionary ancestors of the Khi’Hinn broke with their cold-blooded predecessors long ago.

While now classified as warm-blooded, their metabolic processes are still far slower than many other sentient species, leading to unique characteristics. This slow metabolism allows the Khi’Hinn to enjoy a lifespan longer than any other sentient beings in the known galaxy — with the exception of the plant-derived Shumi. The average Khi’Hinnese lifespan is roughly 250 years, though some members of the species have lived well beyond three centuries. Such a long lifespan is remarkably advantageous, especially considering their long and daunting period of early development.

Khi’Hinnese eggs require nearly eight years of incubation, and a female’s fertility period is remarkably short, especially compared to other sentient species. Especially in the modern day, few parents possess more than two offspring; Most fertile periods aren’t long enough to produce more than a single clutch of three eggs and rarely do all three infants reach full term. Young Khi’Hinn are considered “children” well into their forties, with true adulthood marked by full sexual maturation, usually around the beginning of their fifth decade.

Though still capable of producing throat and tongue-based communication like many other sentient species, the native Khi’Hinnese language also relies heavily on gestures and the release of pheromones. Their facial muscles lack the strength to exhibit much emotion, though many Khi’Hinn have attempted to mimic more common expressions – such as smiling – to better bond with other species. Pheromones are released from exposed glands on the neck or face and are often received by separate organs in the same sites. The Khi’Hinn demonstrate strong sexual dimorphism, with males exhibiting long facial tendrils – known as tikkra – which also act as enhanced pheromone receptors.

A SPIRITUAL PEOPLE

The Khi’Hinn were isolated from the galactic community until roughly a century before the founding of The Light. It was the Solanar that first encountered the Khi’Hinn and uplifted them to the stars, gifting them the technologies necessarily for space travel. Ancient Khi’Hinnese texts argue their sages and mystics – the precursors to modern Venefari Guardians – called out to the Solanar through what would later be known as The Light, summoning them in their voyage to Khi’Harr. While no evidence can verify the claim, it has nonetheless become a foundational principle within interspecies diplomacy.

As a collective whole, the Khi’Hinn are a deeply spiritual people, whose culture preaches mindfulness and contemplativeness. Another core tenant is the belief that ideas are meant to belong to all – a virtue that led to the sharing of the lessons of The Light immediately after its discovery.

Throughout their history, the Khi’Hinn have had very little conflict within their own species, only feuding over water rights or grazing grounds on surprisingly rare occasion. Such a fact often amazes other species, who typically have far more violent and troubling pasts. Even in the sporadic opportunity of open warfare, never has conflict occurred within the region of a Har.

KEEPERS OF THE HAR

The Har, a blend of monastery and laboratory, is considered by Khi’Hinnese culture to be a most sacred site. Immune to the conflicts of the general populace, the wisest and most gifted members of the race frequently find themselves within such conclaves. Countless philosophical and technological discoveries have been birthed in such places throughout the centuries Sometimes personal and sometimes communal, each Har carries different goals and members unique to the task at hand. Participating within a Har is a common right of passage among traditional Khi’Hinn communities, an act which emphasizes the advancement of the species – and now, the galaxy – as a whole. Many Khi’Hinn see participation in the Order of the Light as the greatest of Har, as its purpose supersedes any one species of beings.

It is of little surprise that it was a Khi’Hinn Har that discovered a presence that permeated the universe itself. In a moment that would change the fate of the galaxy, Khi’Hinn sages emerged from decades of Har and revealed their ultimate discovery: Xik’khi’an, The Great Light.

A PEOPLE OF THE SEA

An aquatic people who call the ocean world of Kovo their own, the Koleon are unlike most of their sentient neighbors in a variety of ways. Though capable of existing in terrestrial environments, the Koleon prefer the cool comfort of their aquatic homes. Elaborate underwater cities are common on Kovo, though atmospheric biospheres are found in the majority of these. Most Koleon starships are equally capable in marine environments, with their unique, organic designs often being mistaken for Kovo’s aquatic megafauna by off-worlders. The Koleon fill their hulls with Kovon sea water in the same way that other species fill theirs with breathable atmosphere. The results are heavy, sluggish vessels that are not altogether welcoming to members of other species – yet are stunningly beautiful works of art.

The Koleon are amphibious, able to live both under water and on land due to uniquely adapted external gills and alveoli which appear as bulges on either side of their heads. Though technically a type of cephalopod, Koleon individuals often contort their otherwise boneless and amorphous forms into something both bipedal and humanoid when in the presence of other species. This is partly to give them greater advantage in environments not suited to their natural physiology, but also to provide the cultural advantages of resembling their non-Koleon peers. In atmospheric environments, Koleon often run the risk of dehydrating, and require frequent moisturization to prevent tissue deterioration.

Unlike most other sentient species, Koleon individuals are hermaphroditic, with all necessary components for reproduction. Despite this, the act of procreation does require multiple individuals and typically results in the ovulation and fertilization of all individuals involved. In modern societal settings, most Koleon identify as gender-neutral, a consideration otherwise unknown to the Koleon before they encountered other species.

A PEOPLE OF CULTURE AND ART

Aside from minor coos and gurgles, the Koleon are biologically incapable of producing vocal speech. In their natural, aquatic state, communication is achieved through color changes in the skin – particularly on the face. Out of water, though, Koleon skin loses this pigmentation ability, leaving the Koleon at a distinct expressive loss. In recent years, many Koleon have countered this disadvantage with neural-networked voice synthesizers – though the trend has not yet developed en masse. Most prefer their quiet gestures and passive nature, merely perfecting the art of listening.

Within the galactic community, the Koleon inability to speak has fostered the unfounded stereotype that the species is simple and unintelligent. On the contrary, the average Koleon is far more intellectually capable that the average human, Rikkan, or Nara. While many scientific breakthroughs and philosophies have stemmed from the Koleon, they are best known as remarkable artists.

Within Koleon culture, creation is considered the highest form of achievement. As a result, great works of art and architecture are hallmarks of the Koleon civilization. Design exists as a perfect balance of form and function, with Koleon styles being coveted and mimicked throughout the Empire. Outside of Kovo, Koleon sculpture is considered a major luxury, with private collectors paying billions of credits to acquire their own galleries.

While typically having no use for clothing within their underwater homes, most Koleon choose to ornately decorate themselves within atmospheric environments. Intricate jewelry – often self-made – and luxurious fabrics are quite common within Koleon fashion. Despite the typically-quiet Koleon demeanor, a Koleon’s attire is often a loud reminder of the remarkable abilities of the wearer.

MYTHICAL ORIGINS

Myth and folklore are important within Koleon culture, often expressed in elaborate and colorful underwater dramas. Koleon tradition tells of a “Great Past,” when their people lived and thrived in an entirely different galaxy for millennia – a mythical golden age. Legend holds that their star system was eventually invaded by a brutish race of conquerors who, once repelled, revealed to the Koleon a magical doorway by which they could travel the stars. This door was a gift of the gods, beckoning the Koleon to worlds unknown. A daring fleet of colonists travelled through the doorway, eventually settling Kovo as a new homeworld. Though the ability to travel the stars was later lost, the gods once more reached out to the Koleon in the form of the Solanar, who returned the Koleon to their rightful place as a spacefaring civilization. To this day, the Koleon continue to revere the Solanar with almost god-like respect.

Though there is nothing to suggest any validity to this tale, scientists are quick to notice the strikingly unique genetic configuration of the Koleon compared to virtually every other species on Kovo. If the Koleon are truly native to the planet, their genetics suggest a complete evolutionary departure from all other Kovon life. Many have suggested that the Koleon could very well have begun their evolution on an unknown world and later transplanted by natural – or perhaps unnatural – means. Koleon evolutionary history is glaringly ambiguous.

Regardless of their origins, the Koleon on now an important part of the rich cultural and political fabric of the known galaxy.

The Lakki were developed by ERICA LASSEN as part of the ALIEN DESIGN CONTEST in summer of 2021.

THE WORLD OF LOMALI

Far from the bright center of the galaxy, a small red star plays host to a small red planet. Here, titans stalk towering forests, burrow deep beneath the ground, and soar through the rich atmosphere. Until recently, the planet was host to no great empires or kingdoms, commerce or industry, cities or starports. Only a small, tenacious people who made their lives in the hidden places of their world.

Known today as the Lakki, these people inhabited a niche on their homeworld similar to that of insects on other worlds. Relatively small, cunning and agile, the Lakki were quite ubiquitous across their world, being found nearly everywhere one might look. Fueled by a high birth rate and fast maturation, the Lakki all too often found themselves at the bottom of the food chain.

THE LAKKI

Humanoid in their stance, Lakki have a pair of antennae that protrude from their foreheads and extend backward. These organs are used to sense changes in wind and air pressure on Lomali, giving them advanced warning of approaching predators. Bony ridges that line their cheeks grant them a gaunt facial profile, a trait which biologists theorize make the individual appear thinner and less nutritious to would-be predators. Standing between one-and-a-half to two meters tall, the Lakki are considered diminutive on their homeworld while their natural, warm toned markings help them blend into the natural colors of their environment.

Reaching physical maturity around five-years of age, the Lakki are notoriously short-lived, with most individuals traditionally dying before their twenty-fifth year. Early Lakki culture emphasized the needs of the young, with older individuals being expected to draw away predators and protect the younger tribal members from dangers. Upon reaching sexual maturity, around eighteen years old, Lakki produce large clutches of twenty to forty eggs, which are watched over, and cared for by the entire community until they hatch. Though, until recent times, few would survive to adulthood, those who did would be proficient hunters, gathers and tribe members- well-versed in the traditions and survival techniques of their people.

Until their emergence on the galactic stage, the Lakki traditionally resided in small, close-knit communities, similar to those present in the early days of other species’ infancy. Though their diets consist largely of plant matter, the Lakki are omnivorous. In ancient times, hunters would act in large groups using coordinated attacks to fell some of the creatures native to Lomali. Likewise, their proficiency in trapping, weaving, herbalism, pottery, and language all indicate that — despite their role as prey — the Lakki were a sophisticated people long before the arrival of outsiders on their world.

THE DOMINARI ARRIVE

The arrival of the Dominari forces on Lomali in the years leading up to the Dominari Rebellion would spell the end of the Lakki way of life. Forced into servitude, the Lakki saw their homeworld stripped of resources and their people die in droves. Life under the boot heels of the Dominari changed the Lakki, teaching them cynicism and suspicion, two concepts wholly alien to them before the conflict. During the early days of the invasion, the Lakki accepted the newcomers with open arms, thinking them saviors from beyond the skies, a façade the Dominari were happy to perpetuate. The atrocities visited upon the Lakki are amongst some of the most heinous crimes of Ra’Vana’s regime and recovery has been long and difficult.

With their liberation by the Order of Light shortly following the rebellion, the Lakki have faced something of an identity crisis. Trapped between a desire to return to their life before first contact and their exposure to the modern marvels of the galaxy, the Lakki strive to find unity amongst their people while rebuilding and reclaiming what was taken from them. Though it has been only twenty years since the removal of the rebel forces by the Sellonian Empire and the Order of the Light, an entire generation of Lakki have come and mostly gone. As the diminishing population that remembers a secluded and independent Lomali cries for an adherence to tradition, the wonders of the modern age tempts the more pragmatic younger generation to forge ahead, joining the community.

LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS

Like every species, the Nara are an evolutionary product of their homeworld. The planet of Nara is uncommonly far from its star, creating a surface of brutally cold temperatures and icy winds. Accepting only the hardiest of species, the surface of the planet is desolate and barren.

Beneath the surface, however, are vast networks of caves and tunnels that foster an extraordinarily diverse array of life. Drawing on natural bioluminescence and the rich minerals found in the planet’s crust, vast populations of plant and animal species have developed in the warmth provided by the planet’s molten core. With each system isolated from the next, these underground labyrinths provide a fascinating laboratory for parallel evolution. Life within each cave developed differently from the rest, intermingling only in the rarest of circumstances. While some caves are rich with the foliage and fauna of underground jungles, others are home only to simple slimes or fungi.

It was in one of the largest equatorial cave systems that the Nara first developed. Originally tribalistic and fiercely territorial, most early Naran states seized control of entire cave networks, forcing dissidents and rivals into other systems. Expanding populations later led to a swell of exploration, with migrating groups temporarily braving the conditions of the planet surface to find safer caverns elsewhere.

Naran biology reflects this evolutionary upbringing, with an aptitude for dark environments and a general avoidance of brighter worlds. Though generally more resistant to the cold, they generally prefer temperatures still comfortable to other species.

AMONG THE STARS

From their earliest periods, the Nara have depended heavily on technology to guide the progression of their species. This trend pushed the Nara to reach their industrial period much faster than other civilizations. Underground factories and urban areas drew upon the geothermal power inherent to their environment, fueling the newfound Naran drive for industry. Mining valuable minerals like terracite, haven crystal, and kalur iron became profitable ventures, and further expanded Naran territories once resources were extracted. Even today, Naran engineers continue to lead the galaxy in state-of-the-art development of everything from household appliances to weapons of war.

Despite the tribalism of their early periods, the Nara unified under a single, planetary government roughly a century before their mastery of space travel. At first, Naran ships traversed only their own star system, but the stars called them further. Crafted in a sizeable species-wide venture, the starship Tanorathi — named for a great crystal smith of legend — was the first to set out beyond the Naran system.

A minor mechanical error aboard the Tanorathi changed the course of Naran history when it inadvertently set off the vessel’s distress beacon while deep in interstellar space. The signal attracted the attention of a nearby Solanar scouting ship, and first contact between the species was made. In the following years, the Solanar shared much of their technologies with the Nara, who insisted that they might improve upon the functions and designs. Though Naran history asserts that the Naran push into interstellar travel occurred independent of Solanar influence, the Solanar insist that the Tanorathi was headed to almost certain destruction and the encounter saved the Naran space program. A heated rivalry between the two persists to this day.

A GALACTIC POWER

A half century later, the Nara began to settle the Sarga system, staking a sizeable colonial claim on the barren rock world of Sarga III. Immediately Naran ships began boring tunnels and caverns for settlement purposes, soon leading to a bustling colony. Not long after, the system began to attract the interest of the rapidly-growing human species, who began to colonize the second Sarga planet. The Nara protested the human infraction, but with no meditative body to appeal to, the first interstellar war soon developed. After more than two decades of fighting, the war finally — and reluctantly — drew to a close, ending in a stalemate. Custody of the system remained divided, with the Nara retaining control of Sarga III and the system’s outer planets, with humanity taking control of Sarga I and II, as well as a sizeable asteroid belt between them. A new period of Naran exploration and colonization thrived thereafter.

A far more consequential conflict developed when the Nara — having recently settled the worlds of Shola and Selonae — began to explore the mineral-rich world of Yarut. The native Yaru were already highly advanced but had not yet developed space travel technologies. Despite suggestions to leave the violent Yaru to their own devices, renewed tension in the Sarga system had caused a strong desire for new allies in future conflicts. The Nara hoped that by gifting the Yaru the technologies of space travel, they might recruit a powerful weapon to ward off human aggression.

Yarutian theology had other ideas. Believing the Nara had been sent by their own bloodthirsty deity, the newly-built Yarutian ships began to turn their weapons toward the Nara. By conquering them, the Yaru could prove their worthiness to their Divine Warlord, who in turn would bless their future conquests.

The resulting war was long and brutal. At the peak of the conflict, the Yaru developed a hyper-virulent virus that weakened the very genetic makeup of the Nara it infected. Releasing the virus on all four Naran-controlled planets, the Naran population was instantly devastated. For a time, the other species of the galaxy feared the collapse of the Naran war machine and the rise of the Yaru. Though this concern gave them pause, it was not enough to motivate them to join the conflict. When a series of Yarutian messages were later intercepted — each of them containing detailed plans for waging war against the rest of the galaxy with a combination of biological weapons and traditional warfare — their hands were forced. A combined fleet of Human, Vyxian, and Rikkan warships ultimately annihilated both the Yarutian fleet and their entire planet. When the six-month campaign had ended, the Yaru had been wiped from existence entirely.

RESULTS OF THE VIRUS

Despite the destruction of the Yaru, the virus continues to have a profound effect on the Naran people. In the many centuries and generations since the war, the DNA of the species has continued to deteriorate, leading to a host of genetic abnormalities, birth defects, and other profound health problems. As a result, the Nara have leaned heavily into their technologies once more, dependent on cybernetics and genetic modifications to try and retain a sense of normalcy within their people. Attempts to reverse engineer the Naran genome have proved invaluable in a host of important medical discoveries, but have not been enough to eradicate the virus’s effects altogether.

Naran culture is famously collectivistic, with the phrase “we, not me” (“ashavva hak ashalla”) serving as a common axiom and mantra. An individual’s identity within one’s family and one’s “cave” (a general term used to describe an individual’s national affiliation) are paramount, eclipsing the importance of individual identity. Most Nara take great pride in their history and genealogy, and are profoundly interested in maintaining a sense of honor for one’s ancestors, living family, and descendants.

In defiance of the adversity they have faced, the Nara have continued to play a major role in galactic history, taking their place as one of the leading civilizations of the Empire. Their role within the Guardians cannot be understated, with Nara crystalsmiths serving as some of the most famed crafters in the Order. The Nara continue to develop leading technologies, boasting some of the largest and most lucrative shipyards in all the galaxy.

BORN OF CONFLICT

Owing to its unstable tectonic formations, extreme geological forces, noxious atmosphere, and lack of direct sunlight, the world of Riik would be passed over by even the most desperate colonial surveyor. Seas of molten rock ooze across vast swaths of the planet’s surface indiscriminately consuming everything in their path. Near constant earthquakes shake the world, creating enormous waves of molten stone that spill across the endless wastelands of volcanic rock. Smoke, toxic gas and dust choke the atmosphere, shrouding the world in perpetual twilight. Yet despite its harsh environs, life clings to Riik.

High in the atmosphere, the waters that have boiled away from the world gather and fall back to the surface in freezing torrential rains that can last months. In the places where these rains touch down, life blooms. Fungal spores trapped in the rain quickly breakdown the cooling stone creating nutrient rich soil as chasms fill with rainwater forming rivers and deep lakes. Myco-flora sprout in a myriad of colors, desperately absorbing the hazy light that makes its way to the surface of Riik. In these fertile lands, known as cradles, dense jungles grow in mere months and act as beacons for life. Creatures flock to these places, journeying across barren and desolate landscapes to play out the eternal dance of predator and prey before it is all swept away into molten stone and fire. It is in this world of extremes that the Rikkan evolved.

Early Rikkan culture formed into fiercely loyal nomadic tribes that moved with the brutal seasons of their world. Journeying from cradle to cradle, the Rikkan lived a life of constant pilgrimage, weathering the harshness of a world that purged the weak and rewarded only the most exemplary. As a reflection of their harsh existence, tribal elders taught that weakness is an affliction to be purged and the strength of the individual serves to uplifts all. In this manner the Rikkan people evolved to be adaptable and pragmatic, constantly striving toward strength through self-perfection. The sick, the elderly, and the dishonored were — and in some cases still are — commonly exiled from tribes in a ritualized form of expunging societal weakness. Life on Riik is undoubtedly one of a brutal existence, yet it is a life that many Rikkan chose to return to even in modern times.

THE RIKKAN ASCENSION

What other species would consider civilization came slowly on Riik and was easily swept away time and time again by natural disaster and tribal warfare. The emergence of an unusually large and stable cradle provided the Rikkan with the unique opportunity to settle. Following centuries of war, the place came to be regarded by most as something of a holy site. Known as the Cradle of Peace, the unique landform has now survived for thousands of years; a geographical marvel that, like the Rikkan who call it home, refuses to fall to the raging world around it.

The Rikkan people have a simplistic written language, preferring to rely on their oral traditions for all but the most essential information. The most famous of these stories tells of beings with hair of ash who descended through the soot choked clouds and landed in the Cradle of Peace. These beings claimed that they had arrived to weigh the worthiness of the Rikkan people and — should they be deemed fit — the Rikkan would be gifted with the knowledge to leave their world behind and explore the stars. The visitors told tales of others beings that had ascended after showing themselves ready to contribute to the larger galaxy, each contributing to the celestial host. It is said that the Rikkan tribal leaders bickered over what they could present to prove themselves worthy. After much debate, it was the Rikkan hero Raz Lhaheer who determined that the Rikkan would demonstrate for these invaders their most sacred cultural tradition: War.

As they limped back into the skies, the visitors rained fire down upon the Cradle of Peace, destroying much of what the Rikkan had built. To this day, this tale is retold to impart several lessons to Rikkan chldren. Foremost of these is the belief that a life devoid of conflict breeds weakness. In the legends the visitors are said to have made two mistakes: First, they failed to destroy the Rikkan people, who rebuilt with a renewed and unified purpose. The second was to introduce them to the stars. Never in their long history had the Rikkan known that anything lurked beyond their choking skies. It took less than a century for the first Rikkan starships to break the atmosphere of Riik.

In the modern world, this legend is contradicted by the partially corrupted data files of the Solanar and remains a contentious topic between the two species. The now-ancient Solanar reports show that an exploratory vessel had inadvertently encountered the Rikkan when making emergency repairs on an uncharted planet (now known as Riik). The report notes that “the horn-headed natives” were primitive and warlike, attempting to kill any who left the safety of the downed ship.

THE MODERN RIKKAN

Regardless, of how their first contact played out, the Rikkan have been a major force in the galactic community since their arrival on the galactic stage. From their contributions to politics, science, and art to their more sizable contributions to warfare and tactics, the influence of the Rikkan people cannot be understated. Unlike the more enterprising humans and Nara, the Rikkan have colonized only one other world — Tallun — originally intended as a place of exile for those unable to face the perils of Riik.

Though their quest for war has dulled in recent centuries, the Rikkan are by no means pacifists. Vestiges of their harsh lifestyle still permeate modern Rikkan psychology and society. The competitive nature of the Rikkan may appear extreme to other species, but their culture emphasizes expunging weakness in others as a means to better the societal whole. The Rikkan are famous for pushing the boundaries of other species, both individually and collectively. To them, conflict is not something to be avoided but rather embraced as an opportunity for betterment and change. Failure is a chance to learn and become better — a lesson that leads to the other species of the galaxy holding many Rikkan at arm’s length.

The most recognizable attribute of the Rikkan is their distinctive horns, growing in two symmetrical sets across their heads. Although distinct patterns are certainly present within tribal and ancestral lines, Rikkan are apt to genetic mutation and unusual expressions.

THE TALLUNIAN SUBSPECIES

This proclivity for variation is shown most notably in the Rikkan who have settled on Tallun. In the few hundred years since the settlement of their colony, the Tallunian Rikkan have evolved into a wholly separate subspecies who now identify as Tallunians. Pure Rikkan often view the Tallunians as soft and weak, having developed on a planet far more lush and suited for life than their original home planet. By contrast, the Tallunians often view their counterparts as simple and barbaric. Animosity is certainly perpetuated between the two groups, but conflicts have forced them into collaboration on more than one historical occasion.

The Tallunian subspecies are differentiated from pure Rikkan in a distinct physical sense. Tallunians generally exhibit different eye colors and smaller – but far more numerous – sets of horns. Scientists have explained this largely in dietary and environmental differences, but they appear to have since taken on a hereditary and genetic component as well. This rapid evolution is a prime example of the high mutability of the Rikkan genetic code. The unique Rikkan genetic structure is further expressed in the wide variety of skin colors, hair types, heights and body types found throughout the species. In terms of intraspecies variety, the Rikkan and Tallunians are second only to humanity.

Unsurprisingly, Rikkan Radiants are often drawn to the more physical sects of Bellati and Vindori. It was the martial prowess of Rikkan warriors that curated five of the seven saber forms used in the modern day, basing their styles on ancient military traditions. Despite this, Rikkan and Tallunian Guardians of other sects are often among the best in their chosen field, using their innate drive to push the limits of what is possible and what is known.

A UNIQUE FORM OF LIFE

The Shumi hail from the world of Arbora – a planet whose unique climate systems make nearly all of its land masses covered in lush, tropical rainforest. Weather patterns pull warm air and rain from the equatorial oceans towards the poles, forcing a largely homogenized climate of warmth and humidity. Even at the extremes, temperatures rarely venture below freezing.

Yet Arbora’s weather patterns are far from the planet’s most unique feature. Amidst the planet’s vibrant green jungles are the galaxy’s only known ambulaplantae – a class of thousands of species of organisms that possesses features typically common of both plants and animals. Commonly referred to as “amplants,” these creatures originally evolved from plants. An evolutionary offshoot roughly 120 million years ago allowed their kind to branch away from their rooted ancestors by developing unique neural and muscular systems. Originally thought to have developed as a means of chasing valuable sunlight, the ability to ambulate (or move) eventually took on far more sophisticated purpose. The amplants are now able to roam freely through the Arboran forests, acting much like animals. Unlike the homeworlds of every other species, the world of the Shumi contains no creatures that could be fully classified as belonging to the Animalia kingdom.

Amplant biology is unique; While their cells still look and act much like plant cells, they have – over time – developed a sense of flexibility and strength much like muscles among animals. With robust neurological systems, they can think and respond with the speed of their typical animal counterparts. Most species of amplant – especially the larger and more highly-evolved forms – are capable of both photosynthesis and the digestion of other organisms (with the systems responsible for digestion acting as a more developed form of food breakdown common to carnivorous plants on other planets). To the casual viewer, amplants are nearly identical to animals in their ability to move and respond to their environment, yet their internal biology sets them apart considerably. Now, the amplants – from the tiniest spore mouse to the greatest canopy grazers – rule as the masters of their world.

THE CULTURE OF THE SHUMI

No species of ambulaplantae exemplify this more than the Shumi, a race of sentient beings that hail from Abora’s lush northern forests. Emerging from a highly developed strain of amplants, the Shumi have taken on almost humanoid characteristics within their long evolutionary development. They are both bipedal and highly intelligent, leading to a species that assimilates well with the other beings of the galaxy while still maintaining some of their earlier plant-like features. Like most sentient beings, the Shumi have a highly-developed auditory language, a system of writing, and a technologically-advanced culture.

In the centuries since their first encounter with the Solanar, the Shumi have made great strides to try and further lean into the normalcies of galactic life. Though the Shumi long ago developed a biological need for food, their culinary culture at the time of the encounter was simple and lackluster – more utilitarian than a means of enjoyment. Since then, the Shumi have blossomed into the food world, introducing a myriad of exotic fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies that have significantly changed the diets of beings around the galaxy. Similarly, Shumite fashion on Arbora was previously non-existent, with clothing virtually unheard of beyond simple jewelries and accessories. Though this practice is still common on Arbora, most off-world Shumi have adopted clothing as a regular practice. Even then, Shumite clothing is usually minimal, as individuals often prefer to accent their bodies with living things. Shumi regularly allow other plant species to grow from flexible pores in their skin, creating a colorful and vibrant addition to Shumite fashion.

More novel ideas to the Shumi were the ideas of individual gender and family lineage. Like most plants, each Shumite individual possesses all the necessary components for reproduction, only requiring other individuals to crosspollinate. As a result, no Shumi is entirely “male,” “female,” or otherwise, yet many Shumi still choose to adopt the societal trappings when amongst other species. Taking on gender-specific pronouns and even cultivating one’s body shape to better fit the “norms” of other species is common but never expected. Young Shumi develop from fertilized spores and are generally cared for by communal “rearers” in municipal gardens for the first several years of life. Rarely is a Shumite individual ever aware of their specific parents.

The Shumi progressed through civilized development much like any other species, developing impressive cities beginning roughly ten thousand years ago. Recognizing the need to reduce urban sprawl, most Shumite cities depend on vertical expansion, typically taking on a pyramidal, ziggurat-like design of ascending urban levels. While terraforming and stonecutting are Shumite specialties, most structures – and indeed, most of Shumite material culture – is “grown” rather than “crafted.” Shumite artisans – often referred to as “cultivators” – guide the development of native plants into monuments, structures, and – in the modern day – even starships. While the care and protection of the natural world is paramount to the species, the Shumi are also masters of cultivation and artificial selection. These affinities have led to a remarkable variety of altered species better suited to existence on any number of worlds.

To most outside sentient beings, true Shumite culture appears as a strange contradiction of ideas. For the most part, Shumi emphasize the ideas of symbiosis and cooperation, emphasizing an almost karmic view of life and existence. Yet at the same time, the Shumi are highly competitive, securing lands and resources from others with an almost striking – and sometimes cruel — severity. Most scientists explain this in the Shumite evolutionary psyche. The Shumi – like simpler plant forms – are keen to secure valuable resources to survive, but also recognize the need to act cooperatively with other species (or sometimes other Shumi) in order to best achieve that survival. Just as a plant might choke out other species but simultaneously give homes to others, so too to the Shumi operate within society, economics, politics, and more. Being seen as advantageous and supportive to a Shumite individual is essential to keeping in their good graces.

THE HUNGRY DEATH

While the Shumi have certainly encountered their fair share of natural disasters within their long history, few compare to the devastating plague that struck in the years preceding the Dominari Rebellion. Often remembered as the “Hungry Death,” the crisis was caused by a natural mutation within a variety of bacteria typically common to the forest floors of Arbora. When that bacteria’s natural affinity for breaking down vegetation on the forest floor began to target living tissue, the result was a devastating infection that threatened to wipe out nearly every species on the planet. The Shumi were particularly vulnerable to the plague, which seemed to develop a particular interest in Shumite neural tissue. Infection caused a sudden wave of debilitating memory loss and the disruption of muscle control, leading to an agonizing and painful death within a matter of days.

It was the Guardian Order – particularly the Ordo Medicari – that was the first to try and resolve the crisis. When initial attempts at controlling the bacteria proved ineffective, many Shumi began to lose faith in the Order, turning instead to alternative medicines and black-market remedies. When the Dominari began their rebellion in 898, many Shumi similarly abandoned hope in the Empire. The Dominari promised the resources needed to end the crisis and swayed most of the surviving population to their cause. As the war dragged on – with no end to the infection – the Shumi slowly began to reconsider their position. By war’s end, they had turned their backs on the Dominari and returned to the Empire and the Order. Shortly after the conflict a cure was finally developed. Though quickly administered, it would still be some time before Arbora could be truly healed.

Though Shumi are often capable of living for more than five centuries or more, the “Hungry Death” wiped out an estimated 96% of all Shumite individuals older than two centuries. As a result, Shumite society has fundamentally changed since the infection. While ancient Shumi were once venerated and respected, the current generation now struggles to connect with its ancestral roots. Where wise and seasoned rulers once led, only young and inexperienced individuals remain. The Shumi have come to depend heavily on the Order as a result, who have offered to assist in planetary administration for a time. While most welcome this move, there are many Shumi who worry the experience could fundamentally change Shumite culture forever.

Tutorial by Dann/Darker Larper

FIRST AMONG THE STARS

The ancient histories of the people who call themselves the Solanar are largely lost, the ravages of war and time having ensured that the early days of their people are resigned to myth and legend. What is known is that the Solanar were the first to reach out across the stars. Unlike those who would follow them into the far reaches of the galaxy, the Solanar ascent was born not of wanderlust or expansion, but of survival. Born to Toa, a world orbiting a dying star, the people originally called themselves the Toahii, or “Those of the Soil.”

The records that have survived describe Toa as a paradise, a world so rich in resources and life that scarcity was altogether unknown to its inhabitants. They tell of a culture that slowly developed over hundreds of thousands of years and emphasized the here and now. With little need for change, progress came slowly to the children of Toa who spent their days focusing on the arts and individualistic pursuits. It was in this manner that the Toahii existed for ages — until an existential threat shook the stability that had always defined their world.

The continued expansion of their sun had begun to shift the balance of their planet. Solar radiation and a steadily increasing global temperature caused cataclysmic weather phenomena that devastated the Toahii. Recognizing the looming threat, the people were forced to set aside their individualism and adopt a more generational focus: The Toahii would have to abandon their home. Developing the first interstellar ships, their best and brightest boarded their generation ships and took to the stars.

In an event that they call the Solastiathriin, the world of Toa was scoured by flames and consumed by their star. Those lucky enough to have fled on the colony ships could only watch in horror as their homes and families were lost forever. These survivors, recognizing that their world had been lost, stripped themselves of the name Toahii and became the Solanar, “Those without Light.” As refugees, they wandered from system to system, desperately seeking a new home. Unable to find a world that met the ideal of Toa, the Solanar begrudgingly settled on Nevi Prime. Declaring the planet as their temporary home, the Solanar continued their search for a world more akin to their own. This search that continues to this day.

SORROWFUL WANDERERS

It was through the continued expeditions of the Solanar that first contact was made with the Khi’Hinn, Nara, and Rikkan. In each case, the arrival of Solanar ships heralded the uplifting of each species into the galactic community. Yet in spite of all that they discovered, many Solanar began to abandon hope for their new paradise after centuries without results. Though the Solanar have settled on many worlds since their exodus from Toa and are amongst the most powerful and influential of the peoples of the Sellonian Empire, many still consider themselves a people without a home. The art, music, and literature produced by the overwhelming majority of Solanar centers around the idea of a paradise lost and a people with no hope. It is through this lens of melancholy that most of the other species have always viewed the Solanar. No people are a monolith, however, and there were those who never failed to retain a sense of hope and optimism.

HOPEFUL SPIRITUALISTS

Though many faiths and cults exist within the Sellonian Empire, the Solanar are perhaps the most unified in their religious beliefs. A doctrine known as Toanathiiri has persisted in Solanar culture since their exodus from Toa. Central to this system of belief is the idea of a cosmic balance — most notably the assertion that the destruction of Toa must portend the recreation of their paradise elsewhere in the galaxy. Though the Revelation of the Light by the Khi’Hinn monks was seen by all peoples as nothing short of miraculous, the Solanar saw this event as a more personal revelation; a sign of the rebirth of their lost star somewhere in the expanse of the unknown. To many, this was the first spark of hope in generations. Committing tremendous amounts of their resources, the Solanar have spent centuries seeking out the location of their precious reborn homeworld.

Within their own culture, Solanaran Radiants are viewed as bearing a gift from the spirit of Toa, a blessing that carries with it significant cultural weight. Radiants are expected to become religious leaders within Toanathiiri and to use their gifts to aid in the search and reclamation of Toa. Though there are certainly individuals who have shunned this responsibility, such individuals are often labeled as heretical and banished from their families and communities.

Throughout its history, the Sellonian Empire has varied in its acceptance and tolerance of the religious views of the Solanar. The role of Solanaran Guardians, however, has been — at times — a hotly contested topic. Recognizing their codependency, the Solanar and the Empire go to great lengths to ensure that Solanaran Guardians are as beholden to the Order as any of their peers while still providing them with the freedom to pursue their cultural and religious responsibilities.

THE WONDERS OF VYXEX

The world of Vyxex is dominated by a single vast continent that covers over sixty percent of the surface of the planet. The unique tectonic stability of Vyxex has allowed its natural landforms to remain largely unchanged for millions of years, resulting in vast, deep canyons cut by the march of ancient rivers. Due to the proximity to its star, the planet plays host to lush tropical rainforests and complex ecosystems which rival even those found on the Shumite world of Arbora. Inland seas and lakes are plentiful as daily rainfall collects and makes its long and winding journey back to the ocean. The home of the people known as the vyx teems with life, all of it under the unflinching monoliths that dot the land.

The cliff faces and canyon walls across Vyxex bear enormous and complex carvings of long forgotten figures, towering over the rivers that wind through the continent. Monuments of stone are scattered across the landscape, each carved with intricate geometric patterns or depicting ancient Vyxian individuals and native species. These innumerable works stand silently as the jungle clings to their bases with vines and mosses. Yet on Vyx, even these towering monuments are dwarfed.

The oldest known structures in the galaxy, the twelve Vyx temples known collectively as the “Quah,” are monolithic structures that protrude hundreds of meters over the canopy of the rainforests below. These five-sided obelisks run for nearly two kilometers along the ground on each side and are constructed of cut stones each fitting together securely enough to form an airtight seal. Every inch of these titanic structures is carved in awe inspiring relief, bearing ancient religious iconography and depictions of Vyxian legends as the soar into the sky. Inside, winding passages and spacious rooms form a labyrinth of complexity that even Vyx temple masters find difficult to navigate. From the openings and vents carved across the surfaces streams a heavy crimson colored gas. This gas cascades down channels cut in the stone to the jungle floor below, where it mixes into the air of Vyxex. The few non-Vyxian scholars that have seen the monuments in person say that it appears as though the stones are perpetually bleeding.

This gas, known as quatrazine, is a unique and powerful compound that seeps out from the center of the world of Vyxex to the surface. In high concentrations the gas has a deep crimson hue and is heavier than most other ambient gases. As life evolved on Vyxex, it did so in the presence of quatrazine. As such, creatures native to the planet require at lease trace amounts of the unique gas to breathe. Archeological evidence suggests that the Quah were built over particularly large quatrazine fissures in ancient times. In their native language, the Vyx refer to quatrazine as “spekta sotal” which translates roughly to “breath/blood of the gods.”

A LONG HISTORY

Archeological evidence suggests that Vyx society was slower to develop than most other species, having lingered in a stone age for over a million years. Unlike most other species of the galaxy, there is little evidence of Vyxian tribal warfare nor intra-species conflict. As their society slowly developed, ideals of modesty and propriety became codified and embedded in their cultural identity — ideals that for many exist to the modern day. For millennia, the Vyxian family unit was largely based around the proximity to their temple, with the name of the nearest quah being used as other cultures would use family or tribal names. With a strict caste system in place for most of their existence, names carry a great weight to the Vyx as a signifier of societal standing. Though strict adherence to a caste system has been officially abandoned by the modern Vyxian Collective, lingering societal pressures still exist within quah to unofficially adhere to these values.

Despite the unification the Vyx under a single government, it still took centuries before the Vyx finally took to the stars. In the infancy of their interstellar journeys a chance encounter would see the Vyx reluctantly dragged onto the galactic stage. The Vyxian space craft Bahl Soth picked up a signal of unknown origin. Upon investigation, the Vyx came across a lethally crippled warship a drift in space. Unbeknownst to the Vyx, this craft was of human origin and had been badly crippled following an encounter with the Nara. Recovering the craft and its few remaining crew, the Vyx transported the wreckage to their home system. The technology found onboard the ship was far more advanced than anything the Vyx posessed at the time. Faced with the discovery of a potentially hostile alien race, the entirety of Vyxex began to prepare to defend themselves from a new, highly advanced enemy.

Three members of the human crew were discovered to be alive and treated by Vyxian veterinarians, but soon expired. Postmortem, the discovery that their biology lacked any trace of quatrazine caused the Vyx to reexamine what they thought they knew about the conditions under which life could develop. When the human warship Dauntless Vigil arrived over Vyxex soon after, a tense standoff unfolded as both sides attempted to communicate. Eventually the language barrier fell and a deal was stuck. In exchange for the Vigil’s peaceful departure, the Vyx exchanged the bodies of the deceased crew members and ten thousand canisters of concentrated quatrazine gas.

Examination of the unique gas by human scientists allowed them to synthesize the breakthrough medical compound known today as Mata. This compound brought immediate breakthroughs in barriers that had plagued the doctors of the galaxy for centuries. It continues to do so today. Following their ceasefire with the Nara, the humans returned to Vyxex, seeking to colonize the planet for its precious quatrazine. Upon their arrival, the human fleet was confronted by a fully-prepared Vyxian Collective battle fleet and turned away.

MODESTY ABOVE ALL

Since their first encounter with the humans, the Vyx continue to be fiercely territorial when it comes to their homeworld. Few outsiders are allowed access to Vyxex’s surface and are often placed under constant supervision while planetside. The Vyxian sense of decorum and modesty often contribute to the difficulty many species have when negotiating with Vyxian individuals.

When away from their home planet, Vyx must wear breathing apparatuses to supply them with the quatrazine they require. Though they are capable of existing without the apparatus for short periods of time in standard atmosphere, very few Vyx will remove their rebreather in front of non-Vyx individuals. Doing so is often considered immodest. A more tragic aspect of the Vyx place in galactic society shows that it is not uncommon for professional thieves and mercenary bands to attack Vyx individuals and settlements with the goal of stealing their quatrazine canisters. Such supplies often fetch a high price in Black-Market dealings.

Over the centuries, the Vyxian Collective has earned its place in the galactic community as a reliable ally and the only provider of refined quatrazine gas. This market that has made the Vyx a financial powerhouse in the modern day. Vyx Guardians often face a social stigma from their own people with many regarding them as having risen above their station. While many Vyx Guardians still adhere to their societal standards of modesty and propriety, some have found a total rejection of these ancient societal practice to be liberating.

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