RACE DESCRIPTIONS for STARS!

Kla'al'al

Size: 0.6 to 0.9 m in length; .9 to 1.3 m wingtip to wingtip
Mass: 4 to 9 Kg

Appearance: An Avian race with six limbs. Two legs, two arms and two "gripping wings". Kla'al'al come in a wide range of colors (ranging from White to Irridescent Black and including Creams, Yellows, Oranges, Reds, Purples, Blues and Greens). Their feathers come in a variety of patterns -- "two-tone" Kla'al are quite common. Most Kla'al are extremely limber and generally quite playful. On the other wing, they are also quite "territorial" and occassionally aggressive.

Culture: This jolly race celebrates "play" above all things. Brilliant and clever engineers and ship-handlers, Kla'al'al do not worry much about what "tomorrow" will bring. They have a tremendous zest for life.

Racial Goals: Treating Life as a game, Kla'al'al seek to get as many "toys" as possible.

Type of Government: Loose (and seemingly chaotic) Federation

Head of State: Jean-Pierre "JP" Gizzardd

Other Individuals:

Lala Wingg, former Chair of the Kla'al'al (retired in 2454)
Herman Claww, Vice Chair
Hester Crestt, secretary to the Vice Chair
Jon Lee Rogierr, one of Wingg's opponents (an Elencher agent), currently in prison
Waylon Spurr, planetary militia leader
Farley Featherr, militia hothead -- head of the Code Planetary Guard
Josiah Tailss, acting head of Kla'al'al security
Granville Hawkk, noted economist
Farina Talonn, head of the colony at Pop
Sarah Lee Cakee, a militia captain at Viscous -- "Protector of the Vis"
Vivian Thrushh, head of a clan settling the West at Wood Shed
William "Bill" Randolph Firstt, editor of the "Galactic Enquirer"
Wanda Eyess, Tri-D psychic
Tom Cruzz, owner of "6-12" convenience store
"Elvis", the legendary "King"

Deceased Individuals:

George Combb, security forces spokesbeing (tortured to death)
Wilmot Beakk -- saviour of Lala, died in Assassin's attack
Laetitia Spurr (Waylon's second cousin), stopped assassin, later murdered

Earthly Ambassador: bluebear@redshift.com (Jeff Hudelson)

Kwa'ali

Size: Kwa are 2.1 to 2.6 meters high; Ali are 0.8 to 1.1 meters
Mass: Kwa range from 40 to 75 Kg; Ali average 3-5 Kg

Appearance: Tall and Thin, the Kwa are generally swathed from ground to crown in multi-colored robes. They are generally Homonid in shape; but are of Avian descent. The Ali, unlike the Kwa, have retained the ablility to fly. They are very colorful, running the entire gamut of rainbow. Almost constantly in motion, the Ali are the telepathic "eyes" of the Kwa.

Culture: This symbiotic relationship is little understood by most races. The Kwa are the "brains" of this "dual race" of Kwa'ali; while the Ali not only act as the eyes of the Kwa, but also (in a not very well understood manner) their "conscience". The current ethical and cultural standing of a Kwa is determined by the number and color of his or her Ali. In a few cases, when a Kwa's Ali have disapproved of the Kwa's actions, they have left him; resulting in the Kwa committing suicide. Therefore, while less intelligent than the Kwa, the Ali are certainly a significant member of this Symbiotic pair. A mercantile "race", the Kwa'ali are famous for their exquisite workmanship and honest dealing. Because of the Ali, the Kwa are noted for their duly famed ethics in all of their dealings. While they do not "give" anything away; when they strike a bargain, they stick to it. An extremely musical "race", Kwa'ali entertainers are very highly in demand throughout the Galaxy.

Racial Goals: Renowned for their honesty, the Kwa'ali are often asked to perform as judges for conflicts between other races. The pursuit of knowledge is their primary occupation. Also, they are excellent businessmen.

Type of Government: Little understood. It is associated with the Ali and their interaction with Kwa. Nevertheless, everything seems to "run on time".
Head of State: currently Keri Kwa (subject to change at all times)
Other Individuals: n/a
Earthly Ambassador: bluebear@redshift.com (Jeff Hudelson)

Xenos

Size: 2.4-2.8 meters in height
Mass: 150-250 Kg

Appearance: Gross lumpish, tripedal creatures with six groups of three tenacles. Three large "insectoid" eyes. Slimy surface coloration is blotchy pinkish/purple with green/brown blotches. Large orangish to pale yellow "suckers" on tenacle surfaces are the mouths of this "bug-eyed monster".

Culture: Without any redeeming qualities. This race is generally regarded as the most obnoxious in the known Universe. There is a huge reward posted by the Galactic Council for their complete destruction. They consider all other races to be "vermin" whose only value is as food creatures. Xenos believe that keeping their word is a sign of weakness. They especially enjoy feeding on living creatures as the creatures' families watch. Then feeding on them, of course. Torture is second nature to them -- they seem to enjoy the suffering of their victims. Trust them only if you wish to perish (and be served at dinner).

Racial Goals: Devour all other races (inflicting as much pain as possible, of course)

Type of Government: Vicious Byzantine-like Empire
Head of State: Emperor Merde Lollipoop
Other Individuals: all better than you
Earthly Ambassador: bluebear@redshift.com (Jeff Hudelson)

Note -- the Xenos are intended to be the "villain" in a pair of upcoming games.

Hoki
Size: 1m tall at the shoulder
Mass: 300 kg

Appearance: The Hoki are short, squat and powerfully built due to the high gravity on their home planet. They have almost leather hides from the scorching heat but their skin is decidedly sensitive to other elements. So much so that they would rarely be seen in a craft with ram scoops. The three sexes are indistinguishable except by scent.

Culture: So far no-one has managed to get close enough to document much of their culture. However it is known that they aren't big on communicating unless it is neccesary. Mindless chit-chat has been known to infuriate these nuggety little creatures to the point of unpredictable and random violent acts.

Racial Goals: To become nothing short of the most admired creatures in the galaxy.

Type of Government: Monarchy
Head of State: Drleka de Hoki
Other Individuals: Spiritual Leader: Hmpha de Hoki --- Vice head of state - Drlaka de Hoki (note: any confusion between the Drleka and the Drlaka could result in civil war )
Earthly Ambassador:

Kondors
Size: 2.5 meters in height
Mass: 60-75 KG

Appearance: Birdlike, with wingspan similar to height. Irridescent grey feathers tinged with red at ends. Young can fly but lose that ability as they mature. Three legged/armed with perfect balance so that they can easily stand on one leg and use the other two with their prehensile claws.

Culture: Always aware of their predatory past and can revert if threatened. Tension created between their inherent curiosity and their territorial ways.

Racial Goals: Exploration and room to grow.

Type of Government: Town meeting
Head of State: None....7 member ruling council with rotating chair
Other Individuals: Polly, Baldie, Tweetie, Donald
Earthly Ambassador: flyer@world.std.com

Kuush
Size: about 2.0 meters
Mass: 100-130 kg

Appearance: Vaguely humanoid, with a feline head. Most distinct feature is their four arms. These creatures have excellent senses of sight, smell and hearing and are hard to suprise.

Culture: The struggle for wealth is what drives The Kuush. They used to be a warring and conquering race, but found out that to trade was a much more cost effective way to gather wealth. They pride themselves as being the traders who can offer most products and deliver them in the shortest possible time. A minority want to go back to the old ways of warfare and plunder, but they are not heard as long as good money is being made with the current policy.

Racial Goals: To establish an intergalactic network which will maximize trade.

Type of Government: Council of the richest merchant houses.
Head of State: The current speaker of the council is Ruyad.
Other Individuals: Praxa, Dufful, Shirak and Janus (all leaders of merchant houses).
Earthly Ambassador: keihl@online.no

Shinma
Size: ~1.5m
Mass: ~45k

Appearance: No one outside the Shinma have ever seen what an individual Shinma looks like. In fact, in is theorized that only mates and parents know what an individual looks like. Whenever they are seen they are clothed, head to foot in a form fitting suit. No eyeholes, no hole for the mouth or a nose. It is unknown if they even have such organs.

Culture: The Shinma take life quite seriously. Work above all else except honor. Nothing is more sacred than honor. The Shinma are highly territorial and expect their privacy respected as they respect the privacy of others. The government and social structure are rigid. One is born into both a social and political caste and it is quite difficult to move. The two castes are independant of one another which makes for some rather interesting paradoxes when one's social caste is low and political caste is high.

Racial Goals: Expand, thrive, to be left in peace.

Type of Government: See above
Head of State: Miyu, Xerus of Shinma
Other Individuals: Rava, Chebus os Shinma
Earthly Ambassador:

Breed
Size: 1.4 to 2.2 m
Mass: 40 to 80 kg

Appearance: They are about the size of humans but thin with elf like features like you hear in the story books. The Breed are a very fair skinned race due to the fact that the home world does not contain very much light.

Culture: The Breed are a very loyal people. They stand by their king, and will follow him into good and bad. They have become very heavy traders in the coming years. Trying to rebuild the culture and race.

Having very fair skin, they have developed a planetary shield that will protect them from planets with to much light source. Now they can begin conquest and expansion. There are several rumors about the Breed, but none have been confirmed. No one has ventured in to that cluster of stars for several hundred years. Several years back, rumor had that some had seen them.

Racial Goals: To build a trade route with other races. And rebuild the culture of the race.

Type of Government: Monarchy
Head of State: Our Lord King Midian
Other Individuals: Commander Azrael - Controller of all Warships
Chief Librarian Jarid - UNKNOWN
Earthly Ambassador:

Sho'da
Size: 0.7-1.2 m
Mass: 20-45 kg

Appearance: Dull grey skin. Three short, strong legs, at 120 degrees to each other to form a stable support. Stumpy cylindrical body, with three eyes equally spaced around it, and three mouths. One mouth is used for eating, one for breathing, and one for talking. This allows for continuous communication, even during ingestion of nourishment. (In other words, the Sho'da can talk with their mouth full). Three arms, each terminating in a single hand with three digits. Contrary to their legs, the arms of the Sho'da all protrude from the same side, one directly above one of their legs and the other two to either side of it. This gives the Sho'da a reference point for direction: they are "facing" the direction of their "first leg," which is the leg on the arm side of their body.

Culture: Having three hands with three "fingers" each, the Sho'da naturally developed a base nine numbering system. Most Sho'da buildings are nine-sided, and their doors are triangular. Structures which require exceptional stability (such as military bunkers) are tetrahedral, thus being three-sided (the Sho'da do not count the floor in the number of sides a building has). The Sho'da also have three sexes and mate for life. They have a complicated mating ritual which, among other matters, distinguishes between an unmatched individual, a matched pair looking for the third to complete the triad, and a bonded triad. If one member of a triad dies, the other two will commit suicide rather than face life unbonded. Their society is based on the number three. Indeed, one of the earliest Sho'da philosophers writes, "Is not 3 the perfect number? For, have we not three hands? Have our hands not three fingers? Has not space three dimensions? It is obvious to any who wish to think thereupon that thought is made possible only by this number's perfect three-ness. For, plants do not think, for they have more than three branches. Lesser creatures [which is the name Sho'da give to two-legged or no-legged animals] do not think, for they have an insufficient number of legs. And greater creatures [that is, animals with four or more legs] might have the capacity of thought in some small measure, but their excessive legs entangle and confuse them, and they are forced to always look upon the ground where they go, and thus they have no time to ponder their pitiable condition." When radio messages were first detected from alien life, the Sho'da were shocked to learn that intelligence could exist without three-ness. Once the breakthrough to make warp drive possible was finally achieved in 2387, the Sho'da started preparing a lengthy exploration program to make contact with other races and teach them the virtues of the number three.
After the Revolution of 2418 in which the dictatorship of the Triumvirate was overthrown, the Sho'da began exploring the universe in the hopes of finding a quiet place to live, in peace with other races.

Racial Goals: To find our place in the universe, as one of many equals. The Sho'da have recognized that three-ness is not necessary for intelligence and sentience, and now wish only to live at peace with all friendly races. If a race proves itself to be untrustworthy, though, we may have to defend ourselves.

Type of Government: Republic
Head of State: President Bul'tan, and a Senate of 81 members
Other Individuals: Lan'nor, the hero of the Revolution; Hie'ma and Lin'te, the President's bond-mates; Pol'mer, First Speaker of the Senate
Earthly Ambassador: Robert.A.Munn@wheaton.edu

This information has been made available, in the hopes of establishing peaceful relations, by the New Republic of the Sho'da.

Tress
Size: 2.8-3.2 meters in height
Mass: 100-150 Kg

Appearance: Even though the Tress are generally human in appearance that is a very loose definition. They are a tall race but they are lanky in appearance. It is very unusual for a Tress to mass above 130 Kg. Being one of the plainer races they have very few distinctive characteristics besides their height.

Culture: Tress are a science oriented race. Tress are tinkers by nature but unfortunately most of their inventions are useless to most people. However the Tress have developed enough of useful inventions to become a space faring race. The Tress nature is not limited to their science but also extends outward into the universe in general. Tress are an active race, always being on the move and seldom in the same place for long. Being an intensive investigative race they tend to forget some of the more basics aspects of life. It is often observed that they even forget to breed for decades at a time. Luckily they are a long lived race and when they do remember to breed they do it with the same intensity as their studies. The Tress are indifferent to war, seeing it only as way to try out some new invention. While enjoying investigating other races they tend to shy away from physical contact with them. It seems that most races are shorter than the Tress so they tend to smack their foreheads on others entrance ways leaving their heads scarred. There seems to be no real social structure, but somehow everything seems to get done when needed. Tress shun any official form of government and being a race of integrity and honor seldom feel the need for one. This tends to slow any response to any situation, but once they over come the initial state of confusion things tend to settle down.

Racial Goals: Knowledge and the application of that knowledge.

Type of Government: Self
Head of State: state? What state?
Other Individuals: Sal, that simpleton next door. Says he is going to build a ram scoop. Huh! He could not even tell the difference between a simple inclined plane from a quantum singularity. And then there is Tor, he is even less in touch .... A disrupter he says, phah, small cranial capacity. Now, a mass driver, that is the future I tell you, nothing like hurling an object half way across the galaxy at warp speeds.
Earthly Ambassador: fidler@ziplink.net

Yolun
Size: Male 2.5 Meters, Female 2.0 Meters
Mass: Males 200 - 350 Kg, Females 100 - 150 Kg

Appearance: Humanoid, Both sexes are bald. Skin color can change, depending on the environment of the planet that they live on for the last 4 - 6 years.

Culture: The Yolun are telepathic. While they don't have a "Hive Mind", the Yolun can make decisions as a single entity when the welfare of the race is in jeopardy. Because it is impossible to hide "Dark Thoughts" from each other, the Yolun have never experienced war (until they went to the Stars).

Some decades ago, a Yolun trade convoy wondered into a wormhole (in their original universe), by accident. Once the convoy came out the other end of the wormhole, the entrance vanished. Finding themselves cut off telepathically from the rest of the Yolun race, they decided to find a planet that they could call home. While exploring, the convoy came face to face with the Xenos. During an attempt to contact the Xenos, the Xeno ship opened fire on the convoy. The resulting carnage, left only a couple of Yolun ships fleeing from the nightmarish scene. Not understanding why the Xeno didn't comprehend Yolun's telepathic greetings, they decided to find a planet to hide on until they increased in number.

During the next few decades, the Yolun scientist Romlic, discovered radio and subspace communication waves. He quickly determined that many of the races in their new universe weren't telepathic and required to communicate in this fashion. Studying the communications, the Yolun quickly learned that there are several races in their universe, some peaceful and some not so friendly. And the Xenos greeted all races the same way they greeted the Yolun. The Yolun decided it was time to return to the stars. They broadcast the following message out into space announcing their intentions.

"To all who receive this message:

WE COME IN PEACE.

The Yolun are traders of surplus resources, technology and planets or free passage through Yolun space in return for the same in all of the before mentioned. If you wish to form a trade agreement or an alliance, please contact us before entering our space. The Yolun consider any planet they inhabit or ships in permanent orbit, their property. Yolun space borders will be negotiated with their neighbor(s). Violators of the borders will be warned before being fired on (unless a state of war exists between both races). All are welcome except the Xenos.

The Yolun would rather explore, colonize uninhabited worlds and trade with other races than become involved in disputes with other beings. WE COME IN PEACE. Yolun will defend our space and ships. So beware, if you mess with the Yolun, you're in for some fight."

End of transmission.

Racial Goals: Expand and trade with as many beings as possible to learn the most they can about the universe.

Type of Government: Extremely Democratic
Head of State: The Elder Council
Other Individuals: Romlic
Earthly Ambassador: Starman383@aol.com

Carvanoids
Size: 1.4-1.9 m
Mass: 100-230 kg

Appearance: A little like humans (two legs, one head, two eyes, nose, mouth) exept for their four arms. Four fingers per hand. Grey and red skin, almost like leather. No body hair. Black, shiny "insectoid" eyes. They are not very Muscular and most of the time shorter than humans. Sharp teeth and good sences of smell, sight and hearing. The Carvanoids are very strong compared to their size. The clothing for soldiers (pilotes and ground troops) is a thin but very strong overall. Civilians (colonists) wear similar suits that are a little cheaper and not as strong as the military version.

Culture: The Carvanoids are not very bright. So science isn´t their strongest side. Honor is very important for most Carvanoids, but there are those within this race who don´t like honor, these individual become mercenaries and sometimes space pirates. But most individual in this race fight with honor and pride, but in hand to hand combat the Carvanoids usually go beserk and crush their opponents without mercy. But they are not as fierce as they sound. They like peace better than war; and trade is very important for them. Since they are not too intelligent, and can´t come up with new inventions themselves, they like to trade better equipment against their old. Though sometimes they can grow fond of their old ships and use then until they fall apart, the mercenaries are especially fond of their ships. Sometimes groups of mercenaries are hired by the Carvanoid Space Forces to do missions that are too dangerous for the regular Space Force pilots, and sometimes these mercenaries come back alive and are recruited into the feared "Shadow Hunters". The Carvanoids don´t trust most races, once they do they can get very mad at those who turn their backs on them. So if you´re going to betray a Carvanoid, be prepared to die.
In 2429 the Hokiens declared war on the Carvanoids. The situation between these two races had been tense for a while but the Carvanoids had not expected a war. Panic broke out in many Carvanoid colonies, especially those near Hokien territory. The Carvanoids will fight to the last man and defend their planets whatever the odds are.
In 2437 the Hokien had a revolution, the old government was thorwn out, and a union of Hokien took over the lead. The new Hokien union did not have war in mind, so they declared a peace between the Hokien and the Carvanoids. The war was over, at last the Carvanoids could live in peace, for now.

Racial Goals: To expand, learn, and to trade, peacefully of course.
Type of Government: Emperor and his ministers and advisors.
Head of State: The Dark One, to some known as "Johnny 17" or "Night Stalker"
Other Individuals: Mike "the fearless", Ed "the good one", the (various) Ministers of Foreign Affairs: (1) Jagroth Worthsnagga (2) Gwen Rydell (3) Jake Grouth;
Tyrus Grath (commander of the armed forces) and Quaha Duah (Head of Security).
Earthly Ambassador: johnny17@rocketmail.com OR carvanoid@hotmail.com

Xenos
Size: 2.4-2.8 meters in height
Mass: 150-250 Kg

Appearance: Gross lumpish, tripedal creatures with six groups of three tenacles. Three large "insectoid" eyes. Slimy surface coloration is blotchy pinkish/purple with green/brown blotches. Large orangish to pale yellow "suckers" on tenacle surfaces are the mouths of this "bug-eyed monster".

Culture: Without any redeeming qualities. This race is generally regarded as the most obnoxious in the known Universe. There is a huge reward posted by the Galactic Council for their complete destruction. They consider all other races to be "vermin" whose only value is as food creatures. Xenos believe that keeping their word is a sign of weakness. They especially enjoy feeding on living creatures as the creatures' families watch. Then feeding on them, of course. Torture is second nature to them -- they seem to enjoy the suffering of their victims. Trust them only if you wish to perish (and be served at dinner).

Racial Goals: Devour all other races (inflicting as much pain as possible, of course)

Type of Government: Vicious Byzantine-like Empire
Head of State: Emperor Merde Lollipoop
Other Individuals: all better than you
Earthly Ambassador: bluebear@redshift.com (Jeff Hudelson)

Note -- the Xenos are intended to be the "villain" in this game.

"SWISS" -- Jeff Hudelson (Host) -- 1 in 171 Habitat
Size: 1.4 to 1.9 meters
Mass: 8 to 12 kg

Appearance: Wispy, almost invisible, but covered with rainbow-hued extremely translucent scales. Swiss have from 8 to 24 "tentacles". These extremely light and flexible limbs (when linked to their 6 "Eyes") allow the Swiss to do many different tasks at once.

Culture: The Swiss live for knowledge. Widely knows as totally neutral, the Swiss refuse to trade or fight with anyone. Nevertheless they continue to survive because those who attack them invariably have miserable luck thereafter. Swiss ships are often found around other habited worlds -- but they are never armed.

Racial Goals: The Swiss are the "Historians of the Universe". No one (including the Swiss) seems to know why they must "observe" -- but observe they do.

Type of Government: Not well understood -- seemingly a sort of "federal" system formed by representatives of the various "Cantons" of their homeworld.

Head of State: A most Holy individual known as "The Big Cheese"
Other Individuals: many
Earthly Ambassador: bluebear@redshift.com

Ying / Yang -- Christian & Fraser -- LLH

Size: Height varies depending on age, from tiny saplings to ancient old ones hundreds of metres tall.
Mass: From mere grams to many tonnes.

Appearance: A race of sentient plants, the Yng have divided into two distinct species, the Ying and the Yang, each with their own distinguishing characteristics. When you see a tall, tree-like creature, covered in a thick bark and light blue leaves, this is a member of the Ying. The Yang have a deep blue hue, stand much taller, and are covered with spongy bark and reach for the sun with long tendrils.

Culture: The Yng were formed when their deity, after which the race is named, sprinkled seedlings across the world. Those that landed on solid ground became the Ying, while those that sank into the oceans became the Yang. Their two seperate societies evolved intertwined, and together they developed the knowledge of spaceflight. Two colony ships were sent to explore the universe.

Racial Goals: The Yng wish only to feel warmth sunlight on their outstretched leafstalks.

Type of Government: The Yng are ruled by a Theocracy.
Head of State: The rulers of the Yng take on the name of their respective group. Therefore the leaders of the Yng are named Ying and Yang.
Other Individuals: Stalklings too numerous to mention by name.
Earthly Ambassador:

Setihel (Setipheni/Mucnaeti) -- Todd & Mettius -- LHL

Size: 4 feet
Mass: 100 lbs

Appearance: Bipeds with greenish brown, blotchy skin. Large, wide heads with large independently swiveling eyes near the top. A large mouth and small nose are very predominant on their snouts. They have webbed feet. In formal occasions they were brightly colored loose fitting robes and white headdresses and walk barefoot. In normal work settings their clothes tend to be very utilitarian and in more drab colors.

History: On this day of Igglaki we read from the record of Cutoh. And thus we read . . . .

"Years ago our home of Repiop was attacked by the Setu, beings not created by God, but who came from the stars. They not only attacked us, but they attacked our home world Repiop herself. They caused earthquakes, floods, and other cataclysms. In those days we had not yet left Repiop and traveled into the stars ourselves. Captain Inorom led an attack that captured a Setu scout. From that vessel we learned our first lessons about interstellar travel.

One night Inorom dreamed a dream in which he could find no meaning. He approached Qual, the high priest, and asked it's meaning. Qual prayed and God relieved the meaning of the dream. We must travel to the stars ourselves in order to find peace. We built a small fleet of ships and peopled them with the chosen of the two factions the Mucnaeti and the Setipheni, the warrior caste and the religious caste. Inorom also built another ship, the Equeth, to escort the peopled ships. Inorom himself led the Equeth and Qual led the peopled ships.

The day after the Equeth and her fleet were launched the Setu returned to Repiop and caused such upheavals of the land that all the people save 5000 were returned to the dust. Those 5000 were quickly killed by the invading Setu. The changes they inflicted on Repiop drove its spirit from itself. The now dead planet is still mourned by all Mucnaeti and Setipheni.

But the demonic Setu did not content themselves with the death of Repiop. They cried for the blood of our fair people. The Equeth fleet traveled swiftly. Inorom dared not to turn to either the right or the left lest the Setu overtake and destroy them, but despite all attempts it soon became apparent that the Setu traveled much faster than our people.

The very fate of our race hung in the balance. The Setipheni attempted to negotiate with the enemy, but they would have none of it, they moved into an attack position. It was apparent that we could not win, and in less than an hour would be overtaken. The Mucnaeti resolved to go the way of Repiop with the blood of our enemy on their hands. In this our hour of deepest need, through prayer, a secret of the cosmos was revealed to Qual.

It was revealed to him that they were approaching a rift in the fabric of space and might allow passage to another world. Qual ordered the peopled ships into the rift at all speed. However before they arrived, the insidious Setu ships closed and were moving to block access to the rift. To a man, the warrior caste boarded the lifeboats and what few ships of war they had, and engaged the enemy. Desperately the other ships, now occupied by only the Setipheni, raced towards the blockade and the rift beyond.

They did not know as of yet if passage was even possible or if they would be consumed by the rift. Trusting their fate to the gods and relying on their faith in Qual as high priest they speed on. The warrior caste took terrible losses but some of the lifeboats were able to get past the enemy screen and rammed into the enemy ships with the intent of boarding. Some destroyed themselves on invisible shields, the others grappled with the enemy and boarded fighting within the bowels of the enemy vessels.

Again technologically outmatched they were defeated handedly on all ships but one. Inorom ordered the Equeth to grapple one of the Setu command ships. The Mucnaeti entered and captured the Setu ship. Inorom and his warriors intended to continue the battle aboard the newly captured ship, but God spake to Inorom and said, "Take thee and thy followers into the rift and follow with Qual for even now it begins to close. I shall in my own time destroy the Setu and they shall never harm thy people again."

Inorom ordered all his warriors to withdraw and flee into the rift. Some few angered by the slaying of their families refused to follow, but most obeyed their leader despite their doubts. Just as Inorom's followers were entering the rift it closed. The rift bridged two groups of stars. Qual and the Setipheni left the rift and entered peaceful space and settled a planet with his people. Inorom and his followers entered the new group of stars in a different space and settled there.

God has revealed to me, Cutoh, that some time later the group of stars from whence we come has passed the way of Repiop also the Setu passed the way of Repiop with those stars, and so we see that God's promise to Inorom was verily fulfilled.

Now, my people, these are the words of Cutoh. I, Nomma, have also dreamed a dream in which God has told me that on the day of Igglaki of the next year being the 2400th year that we shall again return to the stars and seek out our brethren the Mucnaeti. God also told me that on that same day the Mucnaeti shall begin their journey into the stars and seek us. Now let us prepare."

Culture: Divided into 2 castes. The Setipheni and the Mucnaeti. The two groups have been long separated and seek to come together again. The Mucnaeti are the warriors. The Setipheni are the religious caste. Though it is rumored that they have defensive fleets of warships, and that warships often escort missionaries preaching the word to other peoples. The Mucnaeti are well equipped crack troops. Though most all of them believe the traditions of the Setipheni they seek further truth through exploration and outward expansion. The Setipheni tend to look inward for increased knowledge. The Mucnaeti tend to be aggressive especially when defending their families and their more passive cousins the Setipheni.

Racial Goals: To reunite the Setipheni and the Mucnaeti into one people. Also the Setipheni record the history and prophecies of their people as well as seed the stars with the knowledge of the truth. The Mucnaeti wish to also expand into new frontiers and explore the universe in search of greater truths.

Type of Government (Setipheni): The Setipheni are a theocracy led by a high priest and a counsel of elders. Other officials are appointed by the high priest and counsel.
Type of Government (Mucnaeti): The Mucnaeti are ruled by an emperor who is advised by his ministers.

Head of State (Setipheni): The Setipheni high priest is named Nomma.
Head of State (Mucnaeti): The Mucnaeti emperor is named Namalh

Other Individuals: The head of Setipheni security is named Inorom
The Mucnaeti minister of war is also named Inorom.
(Note: both are named after the Inorom from the preceding history).
Earthly Ambassador:

Per-Pali / Per-Puli -- Eric L. & Paul -- HHL
Size: 1.3 m in height (when resting)
Mass: 130kg

Appearance: Ovoid in shape with 7 equidistant visual organs in a band near the top end and ambulatory/manipulative limbs at the bottom. Colour is constantly changing, especially in the ultra-violet range (see below) which makes it difficult for many other races to actually see them.

Culture: The Per-Pali (which translates roughly to 'Those Who Stayed') are an ancient race of methane breathing cephalopods. Their prefered habitat is large, high-temperature planets, though excessive radiation levels are fatal for them. Their language consists of subtle voluntary changes in skin colour patterns. Consequently, the development of a Universal Translator was a very difficult undertaking for them.

They consider themselves artists above all, though as their visual organs are sensitive mainly to ultra-violet, their works are indecipherable to most other races.

Centuries ago, before the Sznip-Fermi war, their discovery of primitive warp drive technology led to great upheavals amongst their people. Some considered that the technology must be used to colonise new worlds, whilst others held the view that their homeworld was the only appropriate place for their people. These differences were resolved peacefully, as is their nature, however, and those who wished to leave the homeworld to found new colonies were allowed to do so. These became known as the Per-Puli, or 'Those Who Left'.

During the general conflagration known as the Snip-Fermi war, however, the Per-Pali completely lost contact with their more adventurous bretheren, and for centuries it was believed that all the Per-Puli worlds had been destroyed - together with the vast majority of the then Universe. This confirmed the Per-Pali in their belief that the homeworld was the best place for them.

Recently,however, tenuous communications have been re-established, which proves that at least one one Per-Puli world has survived the holocaust (and has led to changes of attitude amongst the Per-Pali).

Racial Goals: Their aim now is to forge closer contacts between the two sections of the Peri (rough translation 'Our Kind'), so that each may learn from the experiences and expertise of the other. Both the Per-Pali and the Per-Puli have maintained their ancient traditions of peaceful co-operation, however, and their aim is to achieve this through negotiation with other races should they find any inhabiting the stars between them.

Type of Government: Consulting Autocracy. Amongst the more conservative Per-Pali the government head is hereditary. Amongst the more adventurous Per-Puli the head of government is apt to change with the different challenges which the race faces. Both leaders are compelled to consult large councils of advisors before reaching decisions, however.

Head of State (Per-Pali): Primoper (Rough translation - First Pattern)
Head of State (Per-Puli): Genroper (Rough translation - Current Pattern)
(NB: Both are honorific titles rather than names)
Other Individuals: Council membership is in constant flux
Earthly Ambassador: p.lydiate@zen.co.uk

Potaytos/Potahtos -- John & Laura -- HLL
Size: The male of the species is approximately 4-8 inches in length. The female of the species is approximately 5-6 feet in length, due to massive bloating and retention of starchy deposits.
Mass: Males--approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of a pound -- Females--approximately 200-350 lbs

Appearance: Other than sheer physical size, the appearance of a Potatoan differs little between the sexes. The skin is a light brownish/yellow, often with encrusted dirt. Anywhere from three to fifteen eyes can be found on your average Potaton, thus making it a bad idea to sneak up next to one.

Culture: Pronounced "poe-TAY-toes/poe-TAH-toes", the potatons have little in the way of "culture," though they are famous for their variety of culinary skills.

Racial Goals: Primary goal--reproduction, hence the phrase: One potato, two potato, three potato four, five potato six potato seven potato MORE! (note: to those of you who never used this to pick who was "it" in hide-and-go-seek, I suggest litigation against your parents for raising you as a sheltered, demented human being).
Secondary Goals--removing stigma of the unliked "French Fried Potatos", finding new ways of cooking their dead, and eliminating their greatest threat, the entity known only as "Julia Child."

Type of Government: Three tiers of government--the Mashed Potatos see over the masses. The Scalloped Potatos rule over the military, and the Au Gratin potatos rule over all and settle all foreign disputes.
Head of State: Mr. Potato
Other Individuals: Mrs. Potato, Hot Potato, and Dan Qualye, who is of the "Potatoe" lineage
Earthly Ambassador:

Fog/Fov -- Ralf & Markus -- HLH
Size: 1.8 m - 2.0 m
Mass: 80 - 100 kg

Appearance: Aquanautic Humanoid-form. They have evolved from oxygen-breathers to water-living beings. They have swim skins at hands and feet. They have deep blue eyes with water lenses. No hairs on their whole bodies. They can survive pressure up to 40 bar (on Earth 400 meters water deep).

Culture: Because of environmental and air pollution on the planet Fogabar, the water level rose to cover the whole planet in a 200 year period. The Humanoid lifeform changed (using genetic tech into an aquatic lifeform. Within 100 years 10 tribes went their own way, became Scientists and built a generation starship, settling another planet. The remaining 15 tribes stayed behind and specialized in understanding how to live underwater.

Racial Goals: The two actual Prime Ministers of the 2 Planets want to get contact to each other. They have been talking to all tribal Dukes, and the Dukes say with a huge majority that the first goal of the two branches of the race is to effect the reunion the tribes.

Type of Government: Every Tribe elects a tribal Duke every Fog year (532 days). All tribal Dukes meet every 20 days in a council, where they make laws.
Head of State: On New year day the Dukes are electing a Prime Minister.
Other Individuals: n/a
Earthly Ambassador:

Chuffers/Chaffers -- Eric B. & Kevin -- LHH

Size: The average Ch[u¦a]ffer has a 3.5 meter diameter.
Mass: The average Ch[u¦a]ffer has a mass of 155 Sol Kg

Appearance: All Ch[u¦a]ffers appear to the untrained eye as identical; spheroid with no noticeable appendages or orifices. Looks can be deceiving, however, for each is actually unique beneath their outer, pale blue membrane. This membrane can be retracted to allow the various orifices access to the outside, and through which all the "normal" bodily functions can be performed.

Culture: Ch[u¦a]ffers are highly group oriented, having passed through a time of internecine strife that lasted centuries on their home world. Being "telepathic", and lacking any organ for speech, they are accustomed to communicating at a level unknown to other races. Rather than supress their individuality, however, this evolutionary path actually enhanced it - each Ch[u¦a]ffer's mind is distinctly it's own, and can not be mistaken for another (or hidden) by it's fellows. The conflict this engendered led to the development of the "Cho Ra Ken", the 89 Laws of the Chuffdom, the first of which is that the Ch[u¦a]ffer's life is always subservient to the Chuffdom, the Chuffdom being the "group mind" (for lack of a better phrase) that all Chuffers can, if willing, participate in. The Chuffdom has, over the years, determined that the way of the Chuff lies outward, and has turned the group efforts towards leaving the homeworld.
An interesting facet of the Ch[u¦a]ffer's is their mode of propulsion. Being lighter than the home atmosphere, they propel themselves above the surface via jets of gas released from their body.

Racial Goals: To spread the Chuffdom to new worlds.

Type of Government: The Chuffdom acts as one, as it has since it's creation.
Head of State: The Chuffdom
Other Individuals: Huh? See above.
Earthly Ambassador:

"SWISS" -- Jeff Hudelson (Host) -- 1 in 171 Habitat
Size: 1.4 to 1.9 meters
Mass: 8 to 12 kg

Appearance: Wispy, almost invisible, but covered with rainbow-hued extremely translucent scales. Swiss have from 8 to 24 "tentacles". These extremely light and flexible limbs (when linked to their 6 "Eyes") allow the Swiss to do many different tasks at once.

Culture: The Swiss live for knowledge. Widely knows as totally neutral, the Swiss refuse to trade or fight with anyone. Nevertheless they continue to survive because those who attack them invariably have miserable luck thereafter. Swiss ships are often found around other habited worlds -- but they are never armed.

Racial Goals: The Swiss are the "Historians of the Universe". No one (including the Swiss) seems to know why they must "observe" -- but observe they do.

Type of Government: Not well understood -- seemingly a sort of "federal" system formed by representatives of the various "Cantons" of their homeworld.

Head of State: A most Holy individual known as "The Big Cheese"
Other Individuals: many
Earthly Ambassador: bluebear@redshift.com

The Keladon (UFISC)

*** Message From the Keladons' SETI Programme ***

Greetings and Felicitations to all Sentient Beings! After years of isolation (enforced by the recently overthrown Religious Dictatorship) the Keladons are about to take to the stars! To seek out new life and new civilizations - to boldly go where no highly-radiation-resistant Arthropod has gone before!

Our religious records tell us that we were created in the image of God (a 2m long oval, 1 m high, with sensory organs and manipulating tentacles at one end, tough exoskeleton and 7 pairs of short, slender legs). This doctrine has fallen into great disfavour, however, especially in the wake of the...enforced retirement of all priests during our recent revolution. If there is a God, surely Himshe will be able to walk on ALL worlds, not just the low gravity/high radiation planets favoured by our species...? Consequently, our diplomats are instructed to work on the premise that all races are created equal (and are friendly until proven otherwise).

The Keladons are a peaceful, ordered but private people dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge - our ruling High Council is made up of the most brilliant scientists which our world has to offer. We hate surprises, yet respect the privacy of others - hence our concentrating on scanners designed for distance at the expense of penetration.

Although we are not a warlike race, the recent revolution made soldiers of us all - those spurning our tentacle of friendship and attacking the Keladons will find us tough and hard to beat. We doubt that this will ever be put to the test, however, as the only things we seek from our interstellar neighbours are their friendship, their understanding and their peaceful co-operation in the field of scientific research.

Councillor Kela-Dar, Head of Research, Planetary School of Xenology, pp The High Council of Keladon

Keladon's Earthly Ambassador can be contacted at p.lydiate@zen.co.uk

The Telnors (UFISC)

For thousands of years, the Telnors believed that their home planet was the only habitable planet in the universe. As a consequence, they have developed great skills at modifying their own planet's environment in the hope of making it a better place to live.

The initial environmental conditions of their home planet were hash to say the least and that has forced them (the ones that have survived) to be almost immune to environmental conditions. This has also forced them to value cooperation and diplomacy; the only way the Telnor could really have survived on a planet bombarded with such high dose of radiation. They have evolved directly from insects, which is another reason why they value cooperation and diplomacy.

The Typhus (UFISC)

If the rumors are true, then Typhus is not a race of creatures, but an individual entity banished from his own galaxy (for unknown crimes), deposited through a handy wormhole. Sent with only rudimentary survival supplies, his banishment should have served as a death sentence, but he was fortunate to land on a precursor factory world, complete with a population of Markanoid worker clones. A flip of the switch and he was back in business, baby. What crimes he committed? Unknown. What are his plans now? Unknown, but whatever you suspect is probably true.

The Gatay

For the past 200 years, a group of people called Gatay has been pirating about the universe. At the year 2400, their leader died in a violent war with a powerful empire in the far side of the universe. A new leader has emerged. His name is Thiehard. To avoid the powerful empire's pursuit, he has lead his people to a distance galaxy and promised them a start on a new life. He told them that the only way to fight the empire is to become as powerful as they are. So they begin their quest.

The Hegemony

Greetings, We are the Hegemony. We are a tightly knit society that places special emphasis on the role of the family. In times past this emphasis caused great upheavals in our social landscape. But we are over that now [we hope] and we seek a place amongst the stars. A place where we can share our views with the rest of the galaxy. Our aim is a peaceful existence with other sentient beings among the stars. As a people we are glorious to look at, or so we think, but others find us less scintillating and that is their perogative. Our long flowing manes, bushy tails, and retractable claws are a comfort to us, if not to some we have met; again that is their perogative. We like worlds that are hot and full of danger. We need to experience the heavy hand of gravity to help our muscles and bones grow as is their perogative.

The Xai

A strange mix of fragility and strength are the Xai (which begins with "zzz" and rhymes with "why"). Their skin is a thin membrane that breaths in oxygen from the surroundings, and exhales nitrogen. Their hairless bodies move slowly in daily routine. But their minds are brilliant, their weapons of destruction terrifying.

The Xai rose up to space faring status not through a series of technological breakthroughs, but by contact with an inter-dimensional species that considered them spiritually ready to live amongst the stars. Using the technology of these beings, they have designed many high tech devices in the propulsion and biotechnical areas.

The Xai are peaceloving, but easily agitated. They beg all other races to heed their warning: Don't mess with The Xai.

The Diarmadh’im

We are a Magic loving, Humanoid race that has been banished from the once mighty planet Earth. We of the DIARMADH’IM have spent the last 400 years being banished from Earth like planets. We of the DIARMADH’IM will not stand for this any more.

Lets break down the DIARMADH’IM name: DIAR taken from the word Diary for we have documented proof of all the past wrongs the other races have done to us. MAD as in MAN As DIARMADH’IM and finally our respects to H’IM our founder and past leader of the all mighty DIARMADH’IM.

LET THE MAGIC BEGIN

The Passii

Not too long ago the Passii were a peaceful low-tech mining people whose main concern was to pull as much of the valuable chulium (a rare mineral) out of the ground on their home world, Pastituta.

One day whilst working in the mines trying to find their precious chulium they uncovered a long-forgotten piece of alien technology. Being a simple people they weren't too sure what the machine did but the scientist of the day assured them it they would benifit greatly if they all climbed in and had someone turn it on. Their honorable leader, Sollipius Soulliminagic Jackson III, was the Passius who chose to turn the macine on ..... They received no real benefit as it was some form of land based stargate.

Now the Passii are lost and a long way from home and they have changed. They decided mining in ignorance isn't the way home. Instead, they must dedicate themselves to the sciences of what they refer to as "the magic", they must get out of the mines (and maybe now they aren't quite so peaceful), so they will consider any alliance which may help them get home.

The Vipers (GDL)

Located in deep space live the peaceful race called the Vipers. All was well with the Vipers, until that dreaded year (now know as the Spawning Session) came. In that year the population of the Vipers multiplied a million fold. The leaders desperately tried everything they could to control the amount of baby Vipers that were being born each day.

But they could not stop it. Finally they resorted to a (for them) radical idea -- develope the tech to colonize other planets. Now the Viper race is a special race. they have the capability to adapt instantly to the planets that they colonize to the best that their tech allows them. They are also an honorable, diplomatic race, that tries to find and make peace with every race they encounter. anyway, so began the exploits of the race, the Vipers!

The Sendari (GDL)

The Sendari are a small (50 kg) reptilian race. The race uses an upright stance or movement and the fore limbs are only one third the size of the hind. Two sets of opposable digits at the end of the fore limbs provide good dexterity. The head is oval and stocked with an unreasonable number of small teeth. Skin/scale color are a number of patterns in green, brown, and black. The pattern indicates the social class of each individual. Though most races do not consider the Sendari very bright, they did manage to eat all the competing species on their homeworld. Their primary purpose in expansion from their homeworld seems to be the location of new, tasty food animals.

The Ricorae

**tap tap tap** **feedback**

"Is this on yet? Where do I talk into? It's already started? What the h... Ahem, Greetings, Sentients and those who fake it... This is the Voice of the Ricory. After receiving various emissions and strange programs from space we have decided to announce our presence to the Greater Galaxy. We are an industrious race who only want to develop our little corner of the galaxy into minimalls and suburbs, participate in Ricorian activities, and devise various new recipes for the matter phase known as "Spam."

**various voices in background, one possibly "Mmm, Spam..."**

"To those who come in peace, we offer our friendship. To those who come in war, we offer your race's picture on our milk cartons with the caption, 'Have you seen this race? There's a good reason...'"

**strange laughing sound, similar to swivel chairs rolling across sand**

"We hope this message will be received with the good grace in which it was given and that a new period of friendship and lovemaking will take over the galaxy. This was the voice of the Ricory..."

**faint prompt by another's voice**

"Oh yes, ahem... In order to facilitate friendship among our races, whenever boarding a Ricory vessel, please resist the urge to roll around on all of the various swivel chairs of many varieties and patterns..."

**embarrased cough**

"Ahem... er... that'd be us... oh, flarb, this is so ridiculous..."

**transmission ends suddenly**

The Borg (GDL)

We are the Diborgions. Or Borg for short. We are are unknown in most parts of the last universe, being refugees from the Fermi & Snzip war. We know many things, efficent ways to dismantle ships, engines with less fuel usage, and many more things. We are travellers, merely wanting to explore our new surroundings.

Do not think that "Resistence is Futile". We are actually a biological race that cannot survive the extremes of other planets, so we live in giant suits, that means we can live ANYWHERE. But there is a price to pay for this, we have a high infant mortality rate.

We are generally peaceful until provoked. We have many little differences in our population, resulting in many varieties of Borg. As a result of being isolated in our environmental suits, we generally don't socialize with others. But our emperor is kind and treats other non-borg well if they do not anger him.

The Xerkonites (GC)

Xerkonites (pronounced, "Zer Cone Ites") are an average height bipedal species. Dark blue, leathery skin makes them highly resitant to the elements. Biolumenescent eyes glow purple in a passive mood (peaceful) or orange in an agressive mood (going to kill you or die trying). The array of horns on their heads determine the dominant leader of the species (large array of horns favored).

Emperor Ak't'gal: "We the Xerkonites in the interest of cultural understandning have decided to provide a 3rd person perspective of our government which is the Xerkon society." In peace time the Xerkonites have a highly bureacratic society/government. Everyone has specific tasks to perform and rules to follow. Those that do not conform and contribute to the well-being of society are generally executed for treason. There is a bureau for everything imaginable. The only one that other races generally hear about is the Bureau of Diplomacy. If war should ensue the bureacray is dissolved and the Emperor and Empress have direct control over every aspect of society. The Xerkon code of honor prevents the Emperor/Empress from abusing this control. The Xerkonites in general have no tolerance for dishonerable motivation, beliefs, and behavior.

The Seekers (GC)

The seekers are crab-like creatures, approximately 1 meter tall. They have a translucent shell, which has the discomforting property of making their internal organs visible to others. Their natural habitat is primarily a liquid environment; they must wear suits if liquid is not readily available in the local environment. The have a highly defined caste system which defines their role in society, the major castes are leader, worker, warrior, explorer, and engineer/builder. Other specialized hybrids are possible, but primarily the Seekers maintain separate breeding stocks consisting of the primary castes.

The Seekers are a very social race and pursue agreements concerning treaties and trade as opposed to initiating wars. Teamwork is emphasized internally by the nature of their caste system, and comes naturally when dealing with other species. They put heavy emphasis on exploration and colonization however, which can lead to conflict in some cases. On the other hand, they enjoy the art of negotiation, so conflict is always the last choice for the Seekers.

The Midians (GC)

Midian was once a very well known trading planet. The current population on Midian is made up of a lot of different races. Currently the planet is growing and starting over. Several years ago a war broke out, fighting started over trade routes and planet control. Midian became a safe haven for all races.

We have had no further contact with anyone. From what we can tell the war wiped out both sides (and changed the very shape of space). So we have now started seeking other planets to expanded. We welcome all who wish to trade and work together.

The Niakie

The Niakie are a short huminoid race, standing a mear 3'6" on average. Up to a short time ago we were captives of a militant race who terrorizied us indivually and as a race. We revolted and nearly died as a result! What technology we have we managed to steal on our way out! We have built up defences against them coming and getting us again, and will decimate anyone that has any affiliation with them!

But don't get us wrong, we value the friendship of anyone that is willing to show us the same -- and will stand by our friends if their cause is just. That is the purpose of this transmission -- to encourage like-minded races to contact us.

This STARS! Network site is owned by Bluebear. (Jeff Hudelson) Want to join the STARS! Network?
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This page was updated on October 1, 1998

This page was created in November 9, 1997