- "70 Virginis Species": A
sophont species native to the EuPelagic world of Chinlé. When
encountered, they had become a fledging interstellar species,
tentatively colonizing a small number of neighboring stars.
- Aagüla (Methanae eflo sapiens):
The Aagüla are the dominant species of the so-called "Red Dwarf
Empire", a polity located within the Local Neighborhood, and extending
to within only a few light years of Sol. it was founded 216,000
years ago, although its growth is slow due to the deliberate and
methodical nature of the species. Native to Asimovian Type worlds,
the species was provolved by the Tsubar'ey some 2 million years ago, and
had at one point lead a millennia long war against their overseers,
called the Local War. While the conflict was resolved, the Aagüla
remain reclusive and often openly hostile towards all alien species,
including the Tsubar'ey and Humans.
-
"Angelics" (Primocogitarius sapiens sapiens): The
earliest known civilization, which had expanded to cover most of the
Milky Way. Extant from 6.82 to 4.52 billion years ago, the
civilization likely slowly fell victim to cultural senescence,
eventually leading to the isolation and extinction of the species.
-
"ArcBuilders" (Primus condoquadrivius): This is the
species which created the ArcWay network, which tied together their
interstellar polity within the Local Neighborhood, a polity which
existed from 800,000 to 120,000 years ago. That polity vanished
literally overnight, and for completely unknown reasons. The
ArcBuilders (or "Builders") were adapted to various Gaian worlds,
although they seem to have rarely expanded to such worlds not orbiting
G-type stars.
- Arim-Ojefo-Joi: An extinct
sophont species, native to a Dunwalli ringworld. However, they
utilized the ringworld's resources to such a degree that the biosphere
collapsed, causing the extinction of all life on the structure.
-
Arsemian: Native to the Gaian world of Arsemis, orbiting
Lambda Serpentis, this species was well into a computer technology
revolution when first encountered.
- "Bugs Province": Transplanted
populations of the Tsalos'ey, moved by the Tsubar'ey, and
technologically and culturally provolved until they established
themselves as an interstellar polity.
- Cath'thetiki: A primitive,
semi-nomadic species on the world of New Phoenix, orbiting the star Nu
Phoenicis. Their culture is extremely violent, with many different
clans or tribes in almost constant warfare. However, this warfare
is largely ritualistic, with no real gain from victories, save that of
standing among the other tribes. It is thought that the species
was provolved from native animals by the Eiyogsha, an individual of
which can be found in the heart of the Cath'thetiki territory.
That individual, having reconfigured itself into some form of city or
complex, is either dead or in some form of hibernation, for no activity
has been noted. The Cath'thetiki themselves revere the complex,
and will not enter it.
- Children of Kastiel: A
species of Human heavily genetically modified in order to survive the
harsh conditions of their homeworld, Kidian, orbiting Omicron-2 Eridani.
A Lost Colony in origin, it is believed that the originators of the
species modified themselves following the fall of the Sivata and the
closing of the ArcWays. The Children of Kastiel are a highly
robust species, in possession of a culture deeply seated in concepts of
honor, ritual combat, and the attainment of spiritual equality with
nature. When first encountered, their culture was divided among
many different regions, each one based on a rigid feudal caste system.
- Devasnid: A species of Human
heavily genetically modified, and native to the Lost Colony world of
Kelari, orbiting 107 Piscium. The modifications are believed to
have been performed some time after the fall of the Sivata and the
closing of the ArcWay network. indeed, the planet's entire
ecosystem seems to have been modified and carefully terraformed,
resulting in a ecological balance of predators. That is,
everything on this planet hunts everything else, with only a small
minority of creatures being completely herbivorous. Curiously, the
planetary arrangement itself seems to have been arranged. The
Devasnids themselves are divided into two distinct subsets, the male and
female. The males are often of a somewhat lower intelligence,
inclined to violence, while the females are quite intelligent and
capable of killing via a set of poisonous spurs in their wrists.
When encountered, the Devasnids existed in one small region, at a quite
low level of technology and cultural sophistication, but were
nonetheless considered to be the planet's apex predator.
-
Dunwalli (Dunwalli sapiens sapiens): The dominant
species of a now extinct galactic civilization, extant from 1.35 billion
to 600 million years ago. Evidence suggests that they first arose
on a world either seeded or otherwise terraformed by an even older
species, possibly even the Angelics. They are known for the
apparent large numbers of Bishop rings left behind, most of which are
either senescent or completely abiotic. The polity is believed to
have fallen due to heavy dispersal over time, and the loss of contact
and interrelationships necessary to maintain their technology.
-
Eiyogsha (Immortalus mentis eiyogsha): The Eiyogsha
civilization was extant from 588 to 363 million years ago.
However, the species eventually perfected the means to extend their
lives, and over time individuals began to integrate themselves into
massive spacefaring machines - starships, for all intents and purposes.
Reproduction ceased, and slowly entropy has reduced the species to near
or full extinction.
- Eldradara, the "Far Siders" (Abscondita
primo antecessor): The dominant species of the galactic
civilization of the "Far Side". The polity seems to have been
founded some 270 million years ago. The species itself is a
filter-feeding free-floating type of creature, perhaps up to 19 meters
in length, possibly native to Khonsonian Type Jovian worlds.
-
Gruy-koi, the "Magni" (Magnus semotus galactica):
The dominant species of the massive Galactic Assembly galactic
civilization. Native to BathyGaian worlds, this species founded
their civilization some 5.2 million years ago, and have since expanded
to become one of the most advanced cultures in the Galaxy, exceeded only
by the Tsubar'ey.
-
 Igii: A sophont species located on the world of Igom,
orbiting the star Tau Ceti. This species is a heavily provolved
form of Terran feline, the genetic work apparently performed by both
Human and Sivata agents. However, the Humans of this world either
died out, or removed themselves at some point, leaving the Igii to
develop naturally. When encountered, they had developed into a
remarkably Earth-like feudal society (some speculate that this was
somehow "built into" their genetic make-up) that was just beginning to
shift from a combative system of Houses to a scientifically-orientated
culture.
- J'huyn'ta (Jhunai sapiens sapiens):
The dominant species of the now extinct J'ta Imperium, which was extant
from 21 to 13 million years ago. Despite its youth, this so-called
"Southwestern Void" civilization managed to encompass a tremendous
amount of space, although their holdings seem to have been quite
dispersed. The polity fell through massive civil war, which had
come on the heels of intense socio-economical unrest.
- J'ryx'ta: A genetically
modified species, derived from the J'huyn'ta, and which served the J'ta
Imperium as a military class.
- J'sai'ta: A genetically
modified species, derived from the J'huyn'ta, and which served the J'ta
Imperium as a labor class.
- Kamannuhana: A species that
is a major member of the "Far Sagittarian" galactic civilization.
This is an ammonia-based species, native to Saganian Type worlds.
-
 Khai: A sophont species on the world of Dradgeworld,
orbiting 61 Virginis. When encountered, the species was living in
an extremely primitive state, largely in the upper levels of the
planet's gigantic forests. However, their culture was rich and
spiritually advanced, and in possession of an almost preternatural
understanding of their environment. The species was driven into
extinction by the Dominion during their brief push for xenophont
genocide.
- LGM-X Continuity: A major
member species of the Galactic Assembly, and a species with a radically
different biology.
-
"Lost Civilization" (Homo sapiens sapiens): A
former polity of Humans, centered on Earth, extant from roughly 11,000
to 7500 BCE. The polity was culturally and technologically
provolved by the Sivata, who aided them in spreading through the ArcWay
network and colonizing a number of planets. With the collapse and
apparent extinction of the Sivata, the Lost Civilization fell as well.
The extrasolar colonies would devolve culturally to today's Lost
Colonies, while those members left on Earth slowly vanished through a
cultural senescence, with some pockets of the culture surviving in
disparate regions of the planet. The last remnants vanished when a
combination of sea level rising and tsunamis submerged their primary
center of civilization.
-
"Moon Men" (Homo sapiens sp.): A subspecies of
Human, genetically bred in the old Lunar nation of Da-luo-tian, and
specifically adapted to the low-G environment of the Moon. This
species remains extant, and has spread throughout much of the Solar
System. Off-shoots of the species have also spread to
micro-gravity environments throughout the Solar System.
-
"Neanderthal" (Homo
neanderthalis sp): A modern species of Neanderthal
man, transplanted to the world of Neverwhere, orbiting the star Kappa
Ceti. They are genetically little changed from their ancestors,
although certain adaptations to the planet's environment have warranted
a classification different from their terrestrial ancestors. The
species had achieved a relatively high technolo9gical sophistication,
progressing as far as early solar system manned exploration.
However, a series of superflares from Kappa Ceti presumably toppled the
civilization, and the species is currently scattered and in a very
primitive state, existing among the ruins of their past.
- "New Lads" (Nova sapiens voci):
The dominant species of the "Novandro" galactic civilization.
Their polity's founding time frame is unknown, but evidence suggests
that it was less than one million years ago.
-
Oswagii (Oswagii sapiens): The dominant species of
the interstellar civilization known as the Union of Synchronized
Systems, located within the Local Neighborhood, and which was founded
some ten thousand years ago or more. The species is adapted to
various Gaian type worlds, and despite their technological advancement,
they often practice high levels of natural conservationism.
However, this also often creates deep conflicts within their own
culture. The species is naturally inquisitive, and exists quite
peacefully with Humankind.
- Phohallii:
A major member of the Galactic Assembly, native to the world of Ksoboo
in the Drammena System. This is an atmospherically buoyant
species, with hydrogen bladders and a five-fold radial symmetry, which
co-exist with autotrophic microbes on the surface of its skin. The
Phohallii have hanging tentacles in sets of three, the largest and
central of which has a muscular pad at the end with finger-like suction
appendages; the two minor tentacles are retractable and whip-like.
The species communicates by changing the color of their skin; it is not
as precise or intricate as similar languages in other species, but what
it lacks in such specifics it makes up for in language subtleties and
contextual references. The young of the species are sedentary,
almost plant-like in nature. Not until they mature do they become
fully motile animals.
- Plyarra:
A major member species of the Galactic Assembly. From the home
system of Yunu, and the homeworld of Plo. They possess a bilateral
fish-like body design, with two long front fins with many short
manipulative, almost finger-like organs at their tips. The body is
stout and superbly shaped for a marine environment, with sensory organs
running along their sides. The head is marked by a semi-extendable
snout sensitive to electrical currents, a protruding forward "sonar
melon", and two short fin-like sensory organs sensitive to chemical
signatures in water.
- "Iskanderites": A sophont
species indigenous to a ThioGaian world, Iskander, orbiting Psi-5
Aurigae, and which had just begun to colonize their solar system when
first encountered by Humans.
-
 Puggle-Na: A sophont species native to the ChloriVesperian
world orbiting Gliese 109. They are a sextapod, capable of both
sextuple and bipedal locomotion, though the former is most often
utilized, the latter being utilized for aggression or food gathering.
- "Rho-1 Cancri A Species": A
non-technological sophont species from a Darwinian world. They are
capable of part-time buoyancy via nitrogen-filled gas bladders.
When encountered, they were primitive hunter-gatherers, and sported a
relatively small population.
- Satlek (Satlek sapiens):
The dominant species of their own interstellar polity, located within
the boundaries of the Local Neighborhood, a polity founded some ten
thousand years ago or more. The Satlek are an ammoniagenic
species, typically found on Amunian worlds. Their relations with
other interstellar polities, including the League, is cool but decidedly
non-hostile.
- Semu-vox: A major member
species of the Galactic Assembly, native to the system of Quomulaal,
with their homeworld being Yunu. They have a bilateral morphology,
and are partial bipeds. There are three pairs of finger-like
extensions protruding from a long neck. The front limbs have sharp
claws and are used as either hands or for knuckle-walking. The
head has a long face, with large ears that not only aid in thermal
regulation, but also provide exceptionally keen hearing.
-
 Shiru'hushu (Homo sapiens aquaticus): An adapted
form of Human, from a Lost Colony located on the world of Orra, orbiting
the star Beta Hydri. When encountered, this was one of the more
advanced Lost Colonies discovered. The species had adapted itself,
presumably with Sivata aid, to a fully aquatic life. Indeed, the
Shiru'hushu appear as the archetypical "mermaids" or "mermen".
Adaptations include the replacement of legs with a tail and flukes, a
thickened layer of body fat for insulation, eyes with protective
membranes, and a gill system located along their torso (although the
air-breathing lungs remain).
-
Sivata (Sivata sapiens): A species adapted
to GaianContinental worlds, and which had developed an interstellar
civilization within the Local Neighborhood based solely on travel
through the ArcWays. Their civilization thrived from 16,000 to
10,500 years ago, and seems to have fallen within a matter of days.
The species itself is thought to have gone extinct in the same amount of
time, although why remains a major mystery. The Sivata had
colonized the Earth during their period of exploration and expansion,
and are responsible for the dispersal of several populations of Humans
throughout the Local Neighborhood, via the ArcWays.
-
 T'chebsoni: An extremely large and terrestrial sophont
species, native to the world of Phione IV, orbiting Beta Comae
Berenices. When first encountered, the species was a migratory
species with minimal tool-use, and were initially believed to be little
more than animals. However, the discovery of their rich, sub-vocal
language revealed their true nature. Indeed, after contact, they
adapted quite naturally and quite rapidly to Human-introduced
technology, to the point where they had begun to experiment with travel
(with Human aid) in their own solar system. The species was wiped
out, however, by the Dominion during their short-lived but intense
program of multi-species genocide.
-
 Thanalé: A sophont species with a most remarkable and
convoluted history. It is not certain if their ancestors evolved
naturally, or were provolved and transported, but the Thanalé trace
their evolutionary history to Earth, and specifically the long extinct
line of Troodontid therapods. However, they did not evolve from
these ancestors directly, but instead seem to have evolved from a
related form of animal left behind after those ancient intelligent
Dinosaurs went extinct. It is as if Humans and chimpanzees
traveled to a new world, with the Humans dying out, and the chimpanzees
later independently evolving intelligence.
-
"Tripods": A sophont species native to the star HD 199476.
When encountered, they existed within a fairly primitive, pre-industrial
society, largely confined to a single continent.
- Tsalos'ey: A sophont species,
commonly referred to by Humans as "Bugs". Their native world was
seeded by the Tsubar'ey during their Third Civilization with biomes from
the Earth of that period. At some point thereafter, the world was
abandoned as the Tsubar'ey plague swept the Galaxy, driving the patron
species into their Third Migration. in the intervening time, a
species of Eurypterid arose to pre-sentience. In recent millennia,
these creatures were further aided by the Tsubar'ey, and have achieved a
relatively advanced, pre-industrial culture. The world remains
quarantined by request of the Tsubar'ey.
-
Tsubar'ey (Tsubareyus heiarchus): The dominant
species of the Orion Corpus galactic civilization, that polity which
encompasses all of the Local Neighborhood, and well beyond. The
Tsubar'ey are a free-floating species native to Brammian Type Jovian
worlds, having been provolved by the T'zeche some 421 million years ago.
They have since moved through five distinct civilizations, interspersed
with five migrations between the Milky Way, Andromeda, and Triangulum
galaxies, and are now within their Sixth Civilization, which began some
5.6 million years ago. They are the most powerful species
currently residing within the Milky Way.
-
T'zeche (Tzechis peregrinus sapiens): The dominant
species of a now extinct galactic civilization, which had been extant
from 747 to 384 million years ago. The species apparently evolved
on a meta-stable Dunwalli ringworld, and which spread out across the
Galaxy via a beamrider network. This network created a series of
civilization "nodes", with large regions of almost no civilization
between them. The polity failed when the species mass-migrated out
of the Milky Way for unknown reasons. It is possible that the
T'zeche still exist, in some form, in an extra-galactic milieu.
- Ultamu: A major member
species of the "Far Sagittarian" galactic civilization. These are
water and carbon-based life forms, native to the various types of Gaian
worlds.
- Urgchitsitnik: A sophont
species at the star HIP 109084.
- Xyln'drea-hulora, the "Sagittarians" ("Nyxus
extragalactus sagittarii"): The dominant species of the
"Far Sagittarian" galactic civilization. These are boron-based
life forms, with a probable extra-galactic origin.
- ZaFarKumor: An extinct
sophont species.
|
What's
New
August 4, 2007
June 19, 2007
June 12, 2007
May 27, 2007
January 27, 2007
-
A major update to the
Big Blue Civilization pages, and a reorganization of their data on
this page.
-
Minor update to the
Southeastern Void Civilization data.
December 4, 2006
December 2, 2006
-
I've added several new or
updated sketches to some of the species listed. Some of these are
also new pages. included are the Arsemians, the Dunwalli, the
Igii, the Khai, the Shiru'hushu, the Sivata, the Thanalé, and the
T'zeche. Neal, you're a machine!
-
I've added an
"Undetermined Species" section. This is a temporary home for new
and proposed species that we have yet to work out, as far as their place
within the setting.
-
I made bold the home
system names for these species; this is pretty much more to help
me than any of you ;)
-
I'm also adding some
proposed new species in the new "Undetermined" section.
November 7, 2006
-
I've added several
sketches to some of the species. Thanks for the excellent work,
Neal! The updated images include ones for the Magni, the
Tsubar'ey, the Angelics, the ArcBuilders, the Oswagii, the T'chebsoni,
the Tripods, the Puggle-Na (who are also a new species to the
setting).
-
Added a new species,
the Puggle-Na, as envisioned by Neal Aaron.
-
I've initiated, at long
last, the Shostak Institute Journal of Sapient Studies.
-
Added the Galactic Map
for Galactic Civilizations.
September 8, 2006:
The Tsubar'ey entry has been completed! A major piece of work for
ArcBuilders, by Neal Aaron.
August 30, 2006: A
minor update to this page. I've also added the Tsubar'ey entry,
courtesy Neal Aaron.
August 14, 2006:
Completed the entry for the Big blue Civilization.
July 7, 2006: Updated
the "Astropolitical State of the Galaxy" with revisions provided by Neal
Aaron.
July 5, 2006: Added a
side entry regarding the development of the current astropolitical state
of the Galaxy, courtesy Neal Aaron.
July 3, 2006: A minor
tweak to the Lost Civilization page. I also began work on the Big
Blue civilization.
June 29, 2006: Added
the first draft entry for the Lost Civilization. I've also tweaked
this page just a bit.
June 6, 2006:
Continued to update the page's new format, as well as to add a few
things on the side.
June 5, 2006: Some
minor updates to this page in regards to the numbers of each
civilization. Also began an overhaul of the page, in order to
reflect new data that is coming in at an amazing rate!
June 01, 2006:
Radical update to this section, including the addition of several
Galactic Civilizations, and a new way to list these civilizations.
May 6, 2006: Minor
update to the ArcBuilder section.
April 17, 1970: Minor
update to the morphology of the ArcBuilders.
March 30, 2006: Began
and completed the entry for the ArcBuilders.
March 19, 2006: A
brief entry for the Tripod species.
March 8, 2006: Began
and completed the addition of the Eiyogsha species.
February 23, 2006:
Completed the T'zeche entry.
February 22, 2006:
Began the addition of the T'zeche species.
February 18, 2006:
Completed the Angelic and the Dunwalli entries.
February 16, 2006:
Completed the initial entries on this page.
February 13, 2006:
Established this page and its data. |