Recorded Xenos Species

Known Species (by overall population)
-Yibrak (Yibrak Mandate)
-Savis (Royal Savis Empire)
-Drax (Federation)
-Quexi (Federation)
-Coryx (Federation)
-Pect’Max (Savis Empire-aligned)
-Auxl (Yibrak Mandate-aligned)
-Asandi (Federation)
-Vesh (Federation associate)
-Other minor Yibrak vassals (pre-spaceflight tech)
-Human (endangered)
-Belcossan (endangered)
-Chorkrum (Unknown)
-Faenwedhe (extinct)
-Kroll (extinct)

>>>>Federation Citizen Species
>>>Drax
Hailing from a shallow Ocean world dotted with a multitude of archipelagos, the reptilian Drax is species to be reckoned with. A fully mature Drax readily surpasses two human metres in height, It is a fool indeed who challenges this resilient species to a test of endurance or strength without the aid of an exosuit to back them up. The structure of their crest is similar to the rest of the skin in its bonelike quality and regenerative capabilities. Only the simian Auxl surpass them in strength, and they are a far rarer sight in this corner of the galaxy.

The Drax Republic is a distinctly martial society, contact with independent alien slavers early in their history led to the formation of numerous alliances designed to support each island against the technologically superior raiders. The successful deployment of the first Sea-to-Air Missile is a much more iconic moment in Drax history than their first manned space launch or the landings on any of their many moons. Every member of their races must serve a term in their citizen soldiery, where the privileges awarded to Drax citizens goes beyond the mere right to vote. Employment, property ownership and the right to procreate are all entitlements that are earned rather than inherent rights. Although the civil and military branches of government are functionally separate a spotless military career is considered essential for those Drax with any aspirations of higher office.

While some Drax are quick to point out that they are left with the burden of defending the Federation while others reap the benefits, most Drax considers themselves the sentinels guarding the gates of the Federation from the unwashed barbarian hordes. It is duty they perform with a bellicose attitude that often puts them at odds with the more peaceful members of the confederation. It was the Drax Republican Guard that cracked down on the human protestors causing trouble on the ocean world of Perspira, ensuring a peaceful turnout for the vote to join Federation space. Criticisms that the referendum was rigged are, of course, baseless accusations without merit or evidence.

>>>Asandi
These feathered avians are among the most long-lived species in known existence, measuring their lives in centuries rather than decades. Their sun-kissed homeworld, if there ever was such a place outside of their stories, has long since been lost to time. Instead the species reside in vast orbital habitats, larger than any space stations of younger species. The greatest of this is the majestic ‘Nest of Many’, a self-contained habitation the size of a small moon with plenty of internal atmosphere and living space for the solitary birdfolk. With a wingspan of over 5 metres, and a similar height when not hunched in their soft cloaks, they are perhaps ironically the physically weakest of the Federation races. Despite their fragility, the remarkable longevity of their species means that there are Asandi alive today that have been flying spacecraft decades before mankind first took to the skies in their flimsy contraptions.

The Serene Asandi Clans advocate a non-interventionist policy, content to live and let live for the most part unless the interests of a particular clan is at stake. It is the Asandi who most frequently frustrate the expansionist ambitions of Drax diplomats, though many Federation Academy officers see this as a small price to pay for the brilliant Asandi recruits too young or bored to know any better. An Asandi behind the control panel of even a half-decent spacecraft is a thing of beauty, their natural aptitude and skill from centuries of experience is without peer.

Asandi seek faultlessness in their chosen path, dedicating entire decades to all manner of pursuits. From interests as lofty as the design of habitable space stations to tasks as inconsequential as the proper serving of cool beverages, they accept nothing less than utter perfection.  Their wealth of experience and ability to pour decades into projects that would exhaust lesser species is remarkable, and often self-evident in Asandi architecture or naval designs, or any Federation work they have a hand in for that matter.
Most Asandi are not without sympathy for the plight of the younger races teetering on the verge of extinction following the Rot, but they have been players on the galactic stage for a long time now and see little reason to extend themselves to preserve others. Humanity is far from the first sentient species to die out where the Asandi lived on, and it will doubtless not be the last.

>>>Quexi
Quexi scholars were among the first aliens to set foot on Earth following first contact, their whole race is apparently obsessed with meeting new sentients and discovering the universe. No taller than 4 human metres, the striking similarity these rotund shelled reptilians bear to now-extinct species of turtles found on the human homeworld was a passing subject of little wonder and much amusement between both races. The Quexi are resilient, but not as strong as the Drax. They are clever and long-lived, though not as scientific as the Coryx or as sage as the Asandi. They are introspective and considerate, but not as spiritual as the Vesh. It begs the question then what the Quexi offer the Federation other than an enthusiastic diplomatic corps and exploratory missions. It is little wonder then that the Quexl are one of the less politically important member species, the Quexi Enclaves are content with maintaining the great libraries of their homeworld and helping foster the adventurous dreams of their hatchlings.

It is a cruel irony on the part of the universe that, when the Rot emerged, Quexi carriers would unknowingly doom the very communities they embraced. Although not immune to the malignant Rot, the hardy constitution of the Quexi meant that it went undecteded in those infected far longer than other species, sometimes even years. By the time a Quexi showed any symptoms they had likely passed through half-a-dozen worlds and made many new friends, most of which would succumb to the Rot long before they did themselves.
The Quexi are the most appalled at their part in destroying much of the very galaxy they wished to explore, enough that a Quexi pilgrim-scholar is a rare sight indeed these days as the race withdraws into self-sufficient communities. The Quexi mourn the snuffing out of the beautiful human race as an unparalleled tragedy. That said, the Quexi also mourned the extinction of the genocidal Kroll.

>>>Vesh
Secluded to a single massive planet of rock spires located on the fringes of the outer galactic rim, the Vesh are the most withdrawn and mysterious of the Federation races. What little the records of the Earth Republic had on them come only from cloak-garbed exiles of their homeworld ‘Blackspire’. The records indicate that the species is mammalian in nature, remotely resembling a nightmarish bat, and their society is some sort of theocracy. Beyond that next to nothing is known, the reason for their placement in the Federation remains a mystery. Their seat in the Federation assembly is almost always empty, though messages carrying a veto on one vote or another that may indirectly impact their interests have been known to arise. Federation historical records point to them playing a major part in the formation of the Federation hundreds of years ago when Faenwedhe hunters and Kroll reavers threatened to choke out all sentient life in this part of the galaxy. Even the proud and long-lived Asandi do not discuss them in conversation, save that of all the sentient species they alone call the Vesh ‘Brother’.

>>>Coryx
A highly science-obsessed species, the insectoid Coryx have only a few sparsely populated colonies on dry, arid worlds given their lack of tolerance for habitation outside of a narrow window. Nonetheless, they are the centre of Federation research and development. Their societies are essentially massive scientific communities, even their menial workers are only working in that capacity to sustain their internship or placement in a research lab or some academic institution. Coryx have the disturbing tendency to willingly undergo radical biological reconstruction to more closely resemble the alien species they are interacting with for extended periods of time. Such transformations, while extensive and impressive, often have an ‘uncanny valley’ effect where they are alarmingly similar but also eerily different in typical insectoid fashion. They are convinced that these transformations are the only polite thing to do, any pushback is put down to their operations falling short somehow. They are somewhat bemused when hosting their own alien guests by the deep reluctance they invariably show in their resistance to undergoing similar experimental procedures to more closely resemble the Coryx themselves.

>>>>Primary Royal Savis Empire Species
>>>Savis
Often compared to a cross between a deer and a fox or some less savoury rodent, these abundant mammals are known for their quick learning and short lifespan. A Savis is considered a fully independent adult at the age of 4, by 40 they are considered to be ancient.
Most Savis display a level of ambition and pride that many outsiders would see at odds with their short lifespan. A Savis does not think themselves smart, they are the -smartest-. A Savis does not think themselves brave, they are the -bravest-. Every waking moment of their short-lived existence is geared towards clambering up the social ladder to the spot that they believe themselves deserving of. This fierce pride in oneself is reflected by the population’s fierce pride in their nation, the constant machinations and squabbling of the Imperial Court should not be mistaken by outsiders as weakness or internal division that will crumble in the face of an external threat. Savis officials callously planning each other’s murder will put aside their differences in an eyeblink to see the Empire achieve victory over the lesser nations, and happily twist the dagger in their comrade’s back once the moment has passed.

>>>Pect’Max
A tributary of the Savis Empire, the piratical avians of the Pect’Max territories have a cruel reputation. Unlike the genocidal, and now thought to be extinct Kroll, Pect’Max raids are just as common but conducted with the aim of securing living slaves to be sold off for profit. Certain Savis officials prefer the use of Pect’Max bodyguards given their proficiency in close combat and willingness to do anything for the right pay, but such clients that do not pay their hirelings well eventually learn that every Pect’Max’s loyalty has its price.

>>>>Primary Species of the Yibrak Mandate
>>>Yibrak
Officially ruled by the Matriarch Queens, Empress Ylk’kz’tk Opak III overseeing the Queens beneath her, in reality the Yibrak Mandate is served and governed by a labyrinthine bureaucracy  of male Yibrak ministers. The Queen’s every need is tended to, their every whim catered for and their every word heeded and obeyed. But the Yibrak are the masters of cutting corners and creatively interpreting edicts to further their own interests. A Yibrak Queen may demand an uptake in mining exports but it is the Ministers that will scrabble and fight tooth-and-mandible, through proxies of course, to ensure that it is they who oversee how it is done and to whom such lucrative contracts are awarded to.

A physically feeble insectoid race, the Yibrak grew to such size and prominence by the good fortune of achieving industry and interstellar flight earlier than most other known species of the modern galaxy. Through relentless and ruthless use of their superior technology and amassed size, they were able to bring the indigenous population of one primitive world after another in their area of space to heel. Whether they faced spear-wielding tribesmen or gunpowder armies their approach was the same. Remove resistance, indenture population, exploit resources. Through such simple and effective methods, by the time humans had achieved spaceflight the Yibrak Mandate was already of such enormous and unwieldy proportions that it held more territory than the Savis Empire and Federation combined. The Yibrak Mandate as a whole is unconcerned with the affairs of external barbarians, and slow to react to incursions or nibbling border disputes. But once its ire is raised, the scale and volume of the force it can bring to bear is mind-boggling.

>>>Auxl
Without a doubt the strongest known sentients on record, these four-armed simians are amazingly resilient and wield massive armaments that would normally be seen outfitted on grav-tanks as mere firearms.
The Auxl were discovered by the Yibrak on the snowy plains of Auxl Prime while these warrior clans were still coming to grips with primitive metallurgy and written language. Seeing the obvious value in these born warriors as elite troops, a particularly cunning Yibrak Minister took steps to ensure the usual conquest and exploitation of primitive natives was overlooked by the Mandate’s Bureaucracy. Instead the Auxl were technologically uplifted by their generous benefactors and several nearby systems with similarly cool habitable climates, but otherwise useless to the Mandate, were gifted to the awed primitives. In return the Auxl Clans swore their everlasting loyalty to the Empress and the Yibrak Mandate, proving to be by far the single most fantastically effective elite troops that would fight to their last breath rather than face dishonour or tarnish their people’s service to the Mandate.
In the centuries since then the Yibrak Mandate has called upon their Auxl vassals many times, each Clan contributing brotherhoods that provide the tip of the lance to the otherwise unwieldy fist of the Yibrak military force. The Auxl are highly sought after, employers will pay mercenary brotherhoods premium rates if they can afford them.

There are a multitude of other alien races within the Yibrak Mandate, though the vast majority of these are the minority populations of subsumed primitive worlds and their portion of the demographic is invariably inconsequential. The Yibrak do not practice such a barbaric custom as slavery. Their indentured servants earn a wage that goes toward paying off a debt incurred that is passed down hereditarily, though the terms of the contract make this possibility a pipe-dream more than anything else and leave little in the way of legal recourse.

>>>>>>Other Known Species
>>>Belcossan
In the last years of the 21st century, the human exploratory vessel ‘RES Archimedes’ detected an unidentified vessel moving discretely through the asteroid fields of the Cherokee System. The sleek ship, apparently unarmed despite its impressive solar sails, was attempting to avoid detection and was non-responsive to the trepidatious attempts of the RES Archimedes to hail them. It was only when the lead scientist, Professor Orlov Sandryski, had the idea to play several records reminiscent of those found on the Voyager missions that the alien ship ceased its evasive manoeuvres and made an approach. Seemingly entranced by the work of the various human musician greats of old, the ship drew close enough to be seen by the naked eye as it played back its own soothing alien symphonies in intermittent bursts.

Eventually languages were sufficiently translated and the musically-obsessed plantoid creatures introduced themselves as hailing from the Belcossan Spring Unity, as they called themselves. They were apparently a race that had also achieved spaceflight only relatively recently and until now they had yet to encounter anything friendly, or appreciative of the arts.
Of all the xenos species, is with the alpine-preferring Belcossans that the Republic has worked together with most closely. Together they cleared the northern sectors of Kroll Reavers that had been plaguing early Belcossan colonisation efforts for decades, and it was a combined Republic and Unity task force that stalled the expansion of the Savis Empire at Three Pines.
Sadly, the Rot tore through Belcossan colonies in the earliest days of the crisis with the same virulence that wiped out the reclusive Kroll and Faenwedhe. No Belcossan world or sprout colony survived the affliction. Pre-existing open trade agreements and humanitarian efforts by the Republic of Earth only served to further spread the contamination as the lengthy pre-incubation period of the Rot was ill-understood at the time. Many of those aided or fleeing were cleared from quarantine zones before symptoms took hold and revealed themselves. Even the more optimistic estimates of the surviving Belcossan diaspora suggest their total species population may be less than a million.

The all but certain extinction of their race has led many Belcossans to believe that the song of their species is doomed to be that of a tragedy. The upbeat tempos and flairs in Belcossan nightclubs are now a rare sight, most of their kind favour dirges and similarly gloomy songs these days. The human ‘Blues’ and ‘Sadcore’ genres are especially popular.

>>>Chorkrum
Little is known to humans about the Holy Chorkrum Empire, save that it is located somewhere on the far side of the Yibrak and Savis territories and is apparently enough of a concern for both superpowers to commit substantial military forces to ward off.
Aside from independent human vessels being firmly instructed by their gargantuan ships to stay out of their way during the destruction of the genocidal Kroll in the 22rd century, human vessels have had no contact with this species.