Post by Apollyon on Apr 14, 2010 12:25:15 GMT -5
Species Name: Xel'Naga
Species Type: Amalgamative Reptilian
Planet of Origin: Xel'Naga
Average Maximum age: Due to several biological factors, including their natural Force sensitivity as a species, their significantly durable and healthy constitution and physiology, and the nature of their powerful metabolic functions, the Xel'Naga possess exceptional longevity, with the average lifespan lasting roughly six to seven thousand years. Because they are a rarely seen off their homeworld, which resides in the Unknown Regions, it is believed by many unfamiliar with their species that they are perpetually ageless or temporally immortal.
Age of Maturation: Unlike most species, while the Xel'Naga age unitedly as a species, the occurrence of reaching maturation between the males, who mature slightly faster, and females of the species differ greatly due to their slow aging process. Males of the species are considered to be youths until they live past what's called their "Seventh Revolution", which equates roughly as 127.4 years according to the Galactic Dating Standard (with each "Revolution" equating roughly 18.2 years). Upon that date, males are considered to have reached adolescence until their "Thirtieth Revolution", which equates roughly as 564 years to the GDS.
Upon their "Thirtieth Revolution", all male Xel'Naga are considered to have entered adulthood, although are still considered to be very young by adult standards. This measuring system differs from the female Xel'Naga, who reach their own adolescence after they live past their "Ninth Revolution" (equating 163.8 years according to the GDS). The time gap between adolescence and adulthood is also greater for females than it is for males (the latter of which possess six revolutions between the two stages), with the time of adulthood occurring upon their "Eighteenth Revolution", which equates to 327.6 years according to the GDS.
Because females age slightly slower than males do, female Xel'Naga generally live slightly longer life spans than males do. However, all Xel'Naga are considered to reach elder status in their society upon their "Two-Hundred Fifty-First Revolution", which equates in their society as 4568.2 years in the GDS.
Average Height: The average height for male Xel'Naga is roughly 3.4 meters, while the general height measure for female Xel'Naga is closer to three meters flat.
Average Weight: Female Xel'Naga typically weigh some 136 kilograms, while the average weight of male Xel'Naga is roughly 145 kilograms.
Notable biological features: The Xel'Naga are a truly wondrous species in the galaxy and are among the few in existence that are naturally sensitive to the Force, and have even evolved around said traits. Most notably, they bear a semi-reptilian physique, with avian and mammalian undertones. All members of the species has glowing blue eyes (although due to their species' spontaneous mutational genetic structure in their optic polygenic quantitative trait locus and their iris' concentration of multiple characteristic pigment types, their eye color occasionally changes from it's typical blue to select shades of green, red, or purple). The Xel'Naga have an extraordinary metabolic system as well, possibly evolved from their natural Force-sensitivity. Although they are not impervious to all diseases, the Xel'Naga are extremely resilient and immune against most biological viruses and illnesses. This in addition to their natural reptilian traits, also grant them impressive cellular regenerative abilities; many could regrow lost limbs within days. heal from trivial wounds in minutes, and grave wounds within hours. Extending back from the crown of their heads, the Xel'Naga have a bony crest. Beneath it, emerging from the back of the head, are their nerve cords which allow them to access their species' gestalt.
Among their most distinguishing traits are their lack of a common anatomies. The Xel'Naga possess no mouth, nose, or ears. Perhaps their most intriguing biology is their skin, which is a natural phenomenon unto itself. The entire Xel'Naga species is able to derive adequate sustenance from the absorption of water and cosmic radiation through their skin, which is typically silvery grey, though also occurs in shades of dark red, brown, dirty green, and other shades. However, their skin also functions in other ways; the Xel'Naga's bizarre skin enables them to also hear by processing frequencies that ambulate around them and smell by absorbing ambient odors via the skin. It is further unique in that it absorbs whatever frequency of concentrated light is within their proximity. Thus, if a Xel'Naga is near a concentrated light source, such as a green neon light, their skin pigments caught in the light will alter their skin tone to appear green. Physically, the Xel'Naga are superior to Human and Near-Human species, and most other reptilian as well in terms of strength and speed. In addition, the Xel'Naga are superbly adaptable to all but arctic conditions.
Lacking a physical mouth, the Xel'Naga speak entirely telepathically, revealing that the species is naturally Force-sensitive. The Xel'Naga's form of communication is so finessed, transmitting their toughs alone, it eliminates the language barrier often found between species, allowing him to communicate with any species that species possesses a sentient language and vocabulary. The clarity of a Xel'Naga's "voice", under normal circumstances, is relative to their position toward others. Their telepathic "voice" is broadcast directly from their psyche, thus the further an away an individual is from the Xel'Naga's position, the less clear and audible their telepathy (or "voice") is, making it seem to most species that they are speaking physically via a method different from Humans. Thus, their telepathy can be heard by any in their vicinity unless they filters it.
Number of limbs and Type: The Xel'Naga possess digitigrade legs, semi-permeable skin covered in scales, four digits on his hands (of which two are thumbs) and toes, a broad chest and shoulders, and a narrow waist with a slim midsection.
Culture: The Xel'Naga have a society deeply rooted in their most ancient traditions and ways, from their social structure to their language, "Khalani" which in their language means "Voice of the Ancients", and is the mentally "spoken" by the Xel'Naga. Although not gender dominant, male Xel'Naga typically hold positions of power more often than females do, although many female Xel'Naga do and have positions of authority. The Xel'Naga value unity above prominence, making their species far less volatile and more peaceable than most others. Because of their observations of the violence of other species, some Xel'Naga have developed a minor xenophobia against other species.
The religion of the Xel'Naga is called "Dae'Uhl" which means "Path of Ascension". Dae'Uhl revolves around three figures in the Xel'Naga's history beginning with one who led the Xel'Naga people out of the era known as the "Aeon of Strife", a period of time where the planet was in a constant state of war. These three were the most powerful of the species to develop their superior Force-sensitivity; Khas, Adun, and Aiur, and through the course of several thousand years, the three led the Xel'Naga to a period of spiritual enlightenment, and shared their discoveries of what they called Dae'Uhl. Over generations, the Xel'Naga's Force affinity strengthened, and eventually led to their evolution past the need of common anatomies, such as mouths.
The Xel'Naga government is akin to a hierarchy, and are ruled by an Archon, who presides over the Xel'Naga people. Unlike most cultures, the Archon of the Xel'Naga are forbidden to wed another or to produce offspring, and must train their successors chosen by the Xel'Naga Conclave, which is the ruling body beneath the Archon. The Conclave is a body of twelve, and is responsible for choosing a child among the Xel'Naga to be the next Archon. The Xel'Naga are also responsible for attending to political, economic, social, and military matters. Beneath the Conclave is the Xel'Naga Caste, who are the chosen among the Xel'Naga to be the adjudicators and enforcers of Xel'Naga law and tradition. The Caste are chosen to watch over multiple sectors of Xel'Naga and protect it's people.
History: The sophisticated Force-sensitive Xel'Naga species originally began as species of hunters and warriors unnamed among themselves, and were incredibly adaptable and had unmatched strength and speed. However, the most intriguing ability of the species was the mostly latent psionic link that is shared by the entire race. This link was a form of instinctive telepathy, enabling a select few of them to communicate with one another, so that such small groups could work together efficiently.
The members of the species to discover their powers were named after their world and called the Xel'Naga, meaning "Hallowed Existence", and were initially revered as gods, as the rest of the species with their powers still latent looked towards the Xel'Naga with respect and a lust for knowledge. However, as the understanding and personal awareness of the Xel'Naga grew, they began to place greater pride in individual achievements rather than the benefit of the community. The various tribes sought to distance themselves from one another, following a single Xel'Naga, seeking their role not only within their immediate society, but the universe beyond them as a whole.
However, the tribes began to fear treachery from their Xel'Naga masters, and in seeking to sever themselves from the Xel'Naga, attempted to destroy the psychic link that they possessed. This dissolved whatever remnants of brotherhood or unity that the Xel'Naga had created. With chaos erupting across Xel'Naga, in the eve of the "Day of Darkness", the Xel'Naga's tribes then turned against each other, beginning the Aeon of Strife, the most devastating civil war in recorded the species entire history. During the Strife, Xel'Naga advancement slowed, and the individual tribes of the Xel'Naga waged a massive war with each other. Little is known from this time due to loss of historical records. The most famous tribe from this time period is the Akilae Tribe, which are to this day, descendants of this tribe are renowned as the Xel'Naga's finest psionic warriors.
The Xel'Naga tribes descended into something resembling madness as they attacked one another. As the Strife drew on, many tribes focused their attacks on the Shelak Tribe, as they had been the only tribe to be led by two Xel'Naga. During the latter part of the Strife, the Shelak Tribe was frequently attacked by other tribes due to their constant veneration of the Xel'Naga. These attacks sometimes focused on the alleged "holy artifacts" they possessed rather than just the tribe members. Two servants of the Xel'Naga, Savassan and his apprentice Aiur were scholars, more interested in studying the Xel'Naga than in engaging in war with the other tribes. They announced they would leave the tribe in order to better study them. The two began to study the abilities of the seemingly unique Xel'Naga. During their journeys, when they happened upon a trove of crystals, they found that they were able to form a psychic link with each other.
When they returned to the tribe to show off their discovery of becoming Xel'Naga, however, Telkar, the Shelak Tribe leader, insisted on using them and their new found techniques as a weapon. Savassan believed that mentally linking with other tribes would instead end the war, since they would realize what things they had in common.
Further deciphering of the mysteries of their powers led the two scholar to a deeper understanding of their species. Savassan and Aiur learned the way which their society could be healed. The emergence of the unique few of the species developing a telepathic link caused the self-hatred that drove the Strife onward. Re-creating the link among all would enable them to heal by feeling the collected positive emotions and end the Strife.
With this power, Savassan, now renamed himself as Khas, traveled through Xel'Naga, teaching the others of the species how he encountered to join the telepathic link and become Xel'Naga themselves; this became a philosophy called the Dae'Uhl. Eventually Khas reunited the majority of his people, now called the Xel'Naga as a species. However, the Xel'Naga still segregated themselves by tribe. This came to an end during what was called the Golden Age of the Xel'Naga, approximately four thousand years after the Aeon of Strife. Although the Dae'Uhl ushered in a new era of peace for the Xel'Naga following the Aeon of Strife, not all were willing to embrace the new doctrine. These Xel'Naga, known as the Rogue Tribes, feared the Dae'Uhl. Also fearing the majority, the rogues held no ill-will toward their brethren and attempted to live their lives unnoticed as best they could.
Some one thousand years later the Xel'Naga tribes under the leadership of Kortanul, the son of Khas, had collected records on the locations of the Rogues. Kortanul ordered the young executor of the Xel'Naga tribes, Adun, to discuss the Rogue Tribes with him. Adun was shocked by Kortanul's description of them. By cutting themselves off from the Khala, it was feared that it could create a new Aeon of Strife. Later, Adun was given a collection of the locations of the "rouges", unable to bring himself to execute the "rogues", as his mental linkings with them showed that they were sane and had no intention of harming the other Xel'Naga. He telepathically created illusions of the executions to Kortanul, meanwhile relocating the "rogues" to places of safety. However, Adun knew that Kortanul would eventually discover his disobedience, so he began teaching the rogues how to mentally cloak themselves the Xel'Naga tribe leaders.
Centuries later, Adun later came to power as the leader of the Xel'Naga, and made immediate efforts to completely unite the Xel'Naga people, removing the tribe barriers, as well as the barrier of different creeds. Amidst much difficulty from adamant believers, Adun came to unite the Xel'Naga regardless of creed, although out of loyalty to Adun, later came to accept the Dae'Uhl as their own. Adun became known as the one who truly united the Xel'Naga, and established a new order to maintain the unity of the Xel'Naga, with the creation of the Conclave and Caste. When the time to appoint a leader came, the Xel'Naga Conclave chose to continue under the leadership of Adun, who ruled until his death. Countless centuries later, the Xel'Naga eventually came into contact with other races in the galaxy. Although greatly repulsed by the more violent ways of life embraced by the galaxy's sentients, some Xel'Naga have since chosen to escape into the stars.
Species Type: Amalgamative Reptilian
Planet of Origin: Xel'Naga
Average Maximum age: Due to several biological factors, including their natural Force sensitivity as a species, their significantly durable and healthy constitution and physiology, and the nature of their powerful metabolic functions, the Xel'Naga possess exceptional longevity, with the average lifespan lasting roughly six to seven thousand years. Because they are a rarely seen off their homeworld, which resides in the Unknown Regions, it is believed by many unfamiliar with their species that they are perpetually ageless or temporally immortal.
Age of Maturation: Unlike most species, while the Xel'Naga age unitedly as a species, the occurrence of reaching maturation between the males, who mature slightly faster, and females of the species differ greatly due to their slow aging process. Males of the species are considered to be youths until they live past what's called their "Seventh Revolution", which equates roughly as 127.4 years according to the Galactic Dating Standard (with each "Revolution" equating roughly 18.2 years). Upon that date, males are considered to have reached adolescence until their "Thirtieth Revolution", which equates roughly as 564 years to the GDS.
Upon their "Thirtieth Revolution", all male Xel'Naga are considered to have entered adulthood, although are still considered to be very young by adult standards. This measuring system differs from the female Xel'Naga, who reach their own adolescence after they live past their "Ninth Revolution" (equating 163.8 years according to the GDS). The time gap between adolescence and adulthood is also greater for females than it is for males (the latter of which possess six revolutions between the two stages), with the time of adulthood occurring upon their "Eighteenth Revolution", which equates to 327.6 years according to the GDS.
Because females age slightly slower than males do, female Xel'Naga generally live slightly longer life spans than males do. However, all Xel'Naga are considered to reach elder status in their society upon their "Two-Hundred Fifty-First Revolution", which equates in their society as 4568.2 years in the GDS.
Average Height: The average height for male Xel'Naga is roughly 3.4 meters, while the general height measure for female Xel'Naga is closer to three meters flat.
Average Weight: Female Xel'Naga typically weigh some 136 kilograms, while the average weight of male Xel'Naga is roughly 145 kilograms.
Notable biological features: The Xel'Naga are a truly wondrous species in the galaxy and are among the few in existence that are naturally sensitive to the Force, and have even evolved around said traits. Most notably, they bear a semi-reptilian physique, with avian and mammalian undertones. All members of the species has glowing blue eyes (although due to their species' spontaneous mutational genetic structure in their optic polygenic quantitative trait locus and their iris' concentration of multiple characteristic pigment types, their eye color occasionally changes from it's typical blue to select shades of green, red, or purple). The Xel'Naga have an extraordinary metabolic system as well, possibly evolved from their natural Force-sensitivity. Although they are not impervious to all diseases, the Xel'Naga are extremely resilient and immune against most biological viruses and illnesses. This in addition to their natural reptilian traits, also grant them impressive cellular regenerative abilities; many could regrow lost limbs within days. heal from trivial wounds in minutes, and grave wounds within hours. Extending back from the crown of their heads, the Xel'Naga have a bony crest. Beneath it, emerging from the back of the head, are their nerve cords which allow them to access their species' gestalt.
Among their most distinguishing traits are their lack of a common anatomies. The Xel'Naga possess no mouth, nose, or ears. Perhaps their most intriguing biology is their skin, which is a natural phenomenon unto itself. The entire Xel'Naga species is able to derive adequate sustenance from the absorption of water and cosmic radiation through their skin, which is typically silvery grey, though also occurs in shades of dark red, brown, dirty green, and other shades. However, their skin also functions in other ways; the Xel'Naga's bizarre skin enables them to also hear by processing frequencies that ambulate around them and smell by absorbing ambient odors via the skin. It is further unique in that it absorbs whatever frequency of concentrated light is within their proximity. Thus, if a Xel'Naga is near a concentrated light source, such as a green neon light, their skin pigments caught in the light will alter their skin tone to appear green. Physically, the Xel'Naga are superior to Human and Near-Human species, and most other reptilian as well in terms of strength and speed. In addition, the Xel'Naga are superbly adaptable to all but arctic conditions.
Lacking a physical mouth, the Xel'Naga speak entirely telepathically, revealing that the species is naturally Force-sensitive. The Xel'Naga's form of communication is so finessed, transmitting their toughs alone, it eliminates the language barrier often found between species, allowing him to communicate with any species that species possesses a sentient language and vocabulary. The clarity of a Xel'Naga's "voice", under normal circumstances, is relative to their position toward others. Their telepathic "voice" is broadcast directly from their psyche, thus the further an away an individual is from the Xel'Naga's position, the less clear and audible their telepathy (or "voice") is, making it seem to most species that they are speaking physically via a method different from Humans. Thus, their telepathy can be heard by any in their vicinity unless they filters it.
Number of limbs and Type: The Xel'Naga possess digitigrade legs, semi-permeable skin covered in scales, four digits on his hands (of which two are thumbs) and toes, a broad chest and shoulders, and a narrow waist with a slim midsection.
Culture: The Xel'Naga have a society deeply rooted in their most ancient traditions and ways, from their social structure to their language, "Khalani" which in their language means "Voice of the Ancients", and is the mentally "spoken" by the Xel'Naga. Although not gender dominant, male Xel'Naga typically hold positions of power more often than females do, although many female Xel'Naga do and have positions of authority. The Xel'Naga value unity above prominence, making their species far less volatile and more peaceable than most others. Because of their observations of the violence of other species, some Xel'Naga have developed a minor xenophobia against other species.
The religion of the Xel'Naga is called "Dae'Uhl" which means "Path of Ascension". Dae'Uhl revolves around three figures in the Xel'Naga's history beginning with one who led the Xel'Naga people out of the era known as the "Aeon of Strife", a period of time where the planet was in a constant state of war. These three were the most powerful of the species to develop their superior Force-sensitivity; Khas, Adun, and Aiur, and through the course of several thousand years, the three led the Xel'Naga to a period of spiritual enlightenment, and shared their discoveries of what they called Dae'Uhl. Over generations, the Xel'Naga's Force affinity strengthened, and eventually led to their evolution past the need of common anatomies, such as mouths.
The Xel'Naga government is akin to a hierarchy, and are ruled by an Archon, who presides over the Xel'Naga people. Unlike most cultures, the Archon of the Xel'Naga are forbidden to wed another or to produce offspring, and must train their successors chosen by the Xel'Naga Conclave, which is the ruling body beneath the Archon. The Conclave is a body of twelve, and is responsible for choosing a child among the Xel'Naga to be the next Archon. The Xel'Naga are also responsible for attending to political, economic, social, and military matters. Beneath the Conclave is the Xel'Naga Caste, who are the chosen among the Xel'Naga to be the adjudicators and enforcers of Xel'Naga law and tradition. The Caste are chosen to watch over multiple sectors of Xel'Naga and protect it's people.
History: The sophisticated Force-sensitive Xel'Naga species originally began as species of hunters and warriors unnamed among themselves, and were incredibly adaptable and had unmatched strength and speed. However, the most intriguing ability of the species was the mostly latent psionic link that is shared by the entire race. This link was a form of instinctive telepathy, enabling a select few of them to communicate with one another, so that such small groups could work together efficiently.
The members of the species to discover their powers were named after their world and called the Xel'Naga, meaning "Hallowed Existence", and were initially revered as gods, as the rest of the species with their powers still latent looked towards the Xel'Naga with respect and a lust for knowledge. However, as the understanding and personal awareness of the Xel'Naga grew, they began to place greater pride in individual achievements rather than the benefit of the community. The various tribes sought to distance themselves from one another, following a single Xel'Naga, seeking their role not only within their immediate society, but the universe beyond them as a whole.
However, the tribes began to fear treachery from their Xel'Naga masters, and in seeking to sever themselves from the Xel'Naga, attempted to destroy the psychic link that they possessed. This dissolved whatever remnants of brotherhood or unity that the Xel'Naga had created. With chaos erupting across Xel'Naga, in the eve of the "Day of Darkness", the Xel'Naga's tribes then turned against each other, beginning the Aeon of Strife, the most devastating civil war in recorded the species entire history. During the Strife, Xel'Naga advancement slowed, and the individual tribes of the Xel'Naga waged a massive war with each other. Little is known from this time due to loss of historical records. The most famous tribe from this time period is the Akilae Tribe, which are to this day, descendants of this tribe are renowned as the Xel'Naga's finest psionic warriors.
The Xel'Naga tribes descended into something resembling madness as they attacked one another. As the Strife drew on, many tribes focused their attacks on the Shelak Tribe, as they had been the only tribe to be led by two Xel'Naga. During the latter part of the Strife, the Shelak Tribe was frequently attacked by other tribes due to their constant veneration of the Xel'Naga. These attacks sometimes focused on the alleged "holy artifacts" they possessed rather than just the tribe members. Two servants of the Xel'Naga, Savassan and his apprentice Aiur were scholars, more interested in studying the Xel'Naga than in engaging in war with the other tribes. They announced they would leave the tribe in order to better study them. The two began to study the abilities of the seemingly unique Xel'Naga. During their journeys, when they happened upon a trove of crystals, they found that they were able to form a psychic link with each other.
When they returned to the tribe to show off their discovery of becoming Xel'Naga, however, Telkar, the Shelak Tribe leader, insisted on using them and their new found techniques as a weapon. Savassan believed that mentally linking with other tribes would instead end the war, since they would realize what things they had in common.
Further deciphering of the mysteries of their powers led the two scholar to a deeper understanding of their species. Savassan and Aiur learned the way which their society could be healed. The emergence of the unique few of the species developing a telepathic link caused the self-hatred that drove the Strife onward. Re-creating the link among all would enable them to heal by feeling the collected positive emotions and end the Strife.
With this power, Savassan, now renamed himself as Khas, traveled through Xel'Naga, teaching the others of the species how he encountered to join the telepathic link and become Xel'Naga themselves; this became a philosophy called the Dae'Uhl. Eventually Khas reunited the majority of his people, now called the Xel'Naga as a species. However, the Xel'Naga still segregated themselves by tribe. This came to an end during what was called the Golden Age of the Xel'Naga, approximately four thousand years after the Aeon of Strife. Although the Dae'Uhl ushered in a new era of peace for the Xel'Naga following the Aeon of Strife, not all were willing to embrace the new doctrine. These Xel'Naga, known as the Rogue Tribes, feared the Dae'Uhl. Also fearing the majority, the rogues held no ill-will toward their brethren and attempted to live their lives unnoticed as best they could.
Some one thousand years later the Xel'Naga tribes under the leadership of Kortanul, the son of Khas, had collected records on the locations of the Rogues. Kortanul ordered the young executor of the Xel'Naga tribes, Adun, to discuss the Rogue Tribes with him. Adun was shocked by Kortanul's description of them. By cutting themselves off from the Khala, it was feared that it could create a new Aeon of Strife. Later, Adun was given a collection of the locations of the "rouges", unable to bring himself to execute the "rogues", as his mental linkings with them showed that they were sane and had no intention of harming the other Xel'Naga. He telepathically created illusions of the executions to Kortanul, meanwhile relocating the "rogues" to places of safety. However, Adun knew that Kortanul would eventually discover his disobedience, so he began teaching the rogues how to mentally cloak themselves the Xel'Naga tribe leaders.
Centuries later, Adun later came to power as the leader of the Xel'Naga, and made immediate efforts to completely unite the Xel'Naga people, removing the tribe barriers, as well as the barrier of different creeds. Amidst much difficulty from adamant believers, Adun came to unite the Xel'Naga regardless of creed, although out of loyalty to Adun, later came to accept the Dae'Uhl as their own. Adun became known as the one who truly united the Xel'Naga, and established a new order to maintain the unity of the Xel'Naga, with the creation of the Conclave and Caste. When the time to appoint a leader came, the Xel'Naga Conclave chose to continue under the leadership of Adun, who ruled until his death. Countless centuries later, the Xel'Naga eventually came into contact with other races in the galaxy. Although greatly repulsed by the more violent ways of life embraced by the galaxy's sentients, some Xel'Naga have since chosen to escape into the stars.
