Thursday, 14 March 2013

Tweeshach

Some generations ago, Tweeshach evolution did away with distinct genders. Fossil records suggest that at one point, the proportion of males greatly exceeded that of females, and it is strongly believed that the removal of gender requirements for reproduction was to counter the ever decreasing population of a Tweeshach ancestor; this has yet to be proved, but is the widely accepted theory.

The Tweeshach specialise in xenohistory and xenobiology, they not only have a significant interest in their own history, genetic or otherwise, they have significantly interested in how most other species in the galaxy continue to exhibit dual genders. This has led to Tweeshach being responsible for the creation of the main GSF galactic archives. They also make some of the best doctors due to their extensive knowledge of other species’ biology.


Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Kord

The Kord originate from the industrial planet of Gemi and are the most prolific ship builders in the GSF; they are responsible for the design of most Space Corps ships.

Although relative latecomers to interstellar community, their engineering skill and extensive ship yards saw them fast tracked into the GSF not long after its formation and within a decade they had standardised ship design throughout the GSF and Space Corps. The Kord have the second highest proportion of engineers within the Space Corps; second only to Humans.

Most Kord prefer to spend their time in overalls or jump suits, modifying something that was perfectly fine the way it was; really, who really needs a sonic spoon or a hydro fork?

ADDENDUM: The Kord now have the most engineers within the Space Corps since the Human Extinction Event.


Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Allcson

The Allcson are a reptilian species from the planet Narrasti, a planet covered in equal wetland and desert regions across the surface, and approximately 50% water.

Not the first reptilian species encountered by humanity, they had already become trade partners with a number of future GTU and GSF species. As a result the Allcson were one of the original species to be involved in the GTU and the GSF.

One of the most notable Allcson in recent history was Admiral Kuula, who was in command of the 6th Fleet during the Akiran War. The 6th Fleet were one of the front line offensive fleets and were instrumental in a number of major campaigns that helped turn the tide of the war. During the war Kuula lost his left arm, leg and eye when his command ship, the SCS Ben Nevis, was disabled during the Urodela campaign. Although Kuula accepted the cybernetic replacement limbs, he outright refused a replacement eye and opted to wear an eye-patch. This led his crew to believe that the Admiral had a sixth sense because he appeared to be able to “see” on his blind-side, which a number of cadets found to their chagrin.


Sunday, 10 March 2013

Eomian

When first contact with the Eomians was made by humanity, there was a lot of initial excitement. Other than the Eomians being one of the first species Humans made contact with, the media led with the story that humanity had finally discovered elves; to great disappointment, they were wrong.

Originating from Eomi, the Eomians do somewhat resemble certain depictions of the mythical elves, but in every other way they are relatively unremarkable. Following a similar evolutionary path that Humans followed, Eomians evolved from a long eared primate and they just never lost the ears. Much of Human history is mirrored, in one way or another, in the history of the Eomians, with ancient civilisations constructing colossal burial tombs in the desert, through the dark ages and their own crusades, into a renaissance and industrial evolution, the age of the atom and microchip, and finally into the modern age of  anti-matter and interstellar exploration. This has led to the formation of some cults made up from both Humans and Eomians that believe an external force intervened set both species off on the evolutionary path together. These cultists neglect to consider that many humanoid species across the galaxy followed similar evolutionary paths.

Regardless of the facts, Humans and Eomians still see each other as sister races and they have incredibly close ties, especially as both species can interbreed with a 99.9% success-rate without the aid of drugs. Many Human-Eomians were lost in the recent events that led to the extinction of the human race, as anyone with even partial human DNA was killed. A week of mourning was held on Eomi while the rest of the galaxy appeared to make no attempt to recover from the event.


Saturday, 9 March 2013

Algol

Originating from the wetland planet of Damci, the Algol are the only sentient and truly amorphous species in the known galaxy.

When interacting with the wider galactic community, the Algol will assume an appropriate shape, be it humanoid or otherwise, in an effort to blend in. The most popular shape the Algol assume is that of the Alexans as the Alexan Science Foundation were the first species to encounter the Algol when they first set forth from their native system. The Algol can morph into any shape with the same volume, which has led to some amusing incidents, such as the time an Algol attempted to morph into the shape of a Jark during a diplomatic function; the Algol in question managed to morph perfectly, only they were half the size of the average Jark child. Although the Algol try their best to blend in with non-amorphous species, this is only partially achieved as they cannot alter their colour. Green is the most common Algol colour, but they do come in a variety of colours and hues.

Algol reproduction is a form of self-sacrifice as during mating, a pair of Algol will merge and gradually separate parts of their bodies to form a third. The resulting will grow as it matures, but the parents are never able to replace their lost mass. This has led to instances where rather sexually active Algol parents are significantly smaller than their many off-spring, as a result, most Algol only reproduce twice. An Algol can have intimate relations with other species, but they cannot reproduce. Although an entirely asexual species, they will assume the form and nature, of the most compatible gender for their non-Algol partner.


Friday, 8 March 2013

Tori

The Tori are a species of sentient humanoid plants from the planet of Landare, a planet home to few animals, all of which are species of insect. This allowed the Tori to evolve without any major interference from predators; although most the insect species are herbivores, their populations never increased to such an extent that this hindered the natural development of the Tori.

Due to their plant origins, Tori do not exhibit body hair; however many do have leaves, flowers or vines growing from their scalps. These hair equivalents vary greatly depending on the particular genus that a Tori is descended from. Regardless, all Tori are covered in chloroplasts, and produce most of their energy from photosynthesis. Although they can extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this is insufficient to sustain a Tori and allow them to perform most day-to-day tasks, as a result they can digest normal food stuffs to supplement their carbon requirements.

As with all sentient plant species in the galaxy, the Tori have a very close connection to nature, and a large number serve as botanists aboard science vessels. Starship Captains are always happy to have Tori on board due to the positive effect they have on their non-plant crew members. As Tori photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from atmosphere and expels oxygen, this reduces the demand on ships life support systems. It also improves the performance of many crew members when working within close proximity to a Tori crew member due to the reduced carbon dioxide and increased oxygen present in the vicinity.


Thursday, 7 March 2013

Zuhaitzan

The Zuhaitzan, native to the forest planet Pyll, are often considered one of the most wise and respected species in the known galaxy. This is partly due their extremely long lifespans, running into several thousand years, and their deep connection to nature.

An arboreal species, the Zuhaitzan evolved from the forests in the northern hemisphere of Pyll; however, they are now spread throughout the various regions of the planet. They are especially drawn to the equatorial forests as these tend to have the largest trees, some growing in excess of 150 metres. Their towns and cities start at ground level, but extend high up into the trees, with most trees housing a number of Zuhaitzan tree houses; entire families are known to live on one tree.

Zuhaitzan have a tough, bark-like skin that sprouts various leaves, and in the spring, female Zuhaitzan blossom a variety of colours, depending on which specific genus they are descended from. Females that have taken posts on starships, where there is no sense of the seasons, can go for a number of years without blossoming; however, this has been shown to have a negative impact on the women in question. During a blossoming is the only time at which a female Zuhaitzan is fertile and able to conceive; the impact of not blossoming on an annual basis appears to affect body chemistry and, in extreme cases, can result infertility. As a result, extensive research has been undertaken to artificially induce a blossoming for those working for prolonged periods in space, though most prefer to take positions planet side, or at least in orbit, rather than on ships destined for prolonged deep space exploration.

Most Zuhaitzan refuse to serve directly on the GSF Council, but many councillors employ Zuhaitzan advisers. It has been said that only a fool ignores the council of a Zuhaitzan elder.