Post by Vipervertical on May 30, 2011 15:01:15 GMT -5
Species Name: Ray
Species Type: Silicon-based lifeform
Planet of Origin: Undeterminable location within the Rishi Maze
Average Maximum age: 1000
Age of Maturation: 200
Average Height: 30 meters (length)
Average Weight: 100 tons
Notable biological features: Telepathic communication.
Specialized organ allows limited manipulation of graviational fields. Partially comprised of dark matter.
The creation of these topical gravity wells are what allows them to move through space (by creating a gravity field strong enough to pull them in the direction they intend to travel), defend themselves (by creating small points of intense gravity to redirect weapons fire), tunnel through hyperspace (in much the same way as they travel at sublight speeds, but with much more intense gravity fields), and project a limited cloaking field based on the bending of light itself.
The cloak in action
Number of limbs and Type: None
Culture: Rays are rarely seen in the galaxy at large, and as such there is very little known about them. While much speculation exists, there is very little factual information about these esoteric creatures.
The truth is that Rays are a peaceful species by nature. They sustain themselves on radiation from stars, and are thus rarely seen in deep space. This "feeding" occurs when the Rays pass through solar storms, absorbing the radiation through their membranes. When no solar storms are available, they simply absorb the background Ultraviolet radiation, which grants them adequete -if not desired- sustenance.
Docile yet curious, Rays (and especially the immature children) will harmlessly investigate spacecraft that they come across, believing them to be living beings themselves. This includes nudging them, attempting to communicate telepathically, and sometimes even giving a gentle gravity-based tap. These actions are sometimes construed as hostile by unaware pilots, who will attack in fear. This of course will upset nearby adults, who will respond in a likewise manner. This rarely ends well for the crew.
Rays will typically travel in familal or clan based groups known as "parliaments." They lack any forrmal government, and instead come to decisions by means of a fair vote, though deference is held for the wisdom and experience of the eldest in the group. If the decision reached was disliked by one or more members of the parliament, they simply break off and create their own parliament with no fuss.
Naturally, every Ray is sensitive to the force, which allows them to communicate via telepathy. There has never been a case of a Ray possessing any more sensitivity to the force than that which is required for telepathic speech.
These sentient behemoths of the stars seem to possess a fondness for music, which is odd for a species with no means of aural reception. They instead will "sing" to eachother and occasionally passing ships telepathically. These "songs" are actually a form of storytelling, passed down from one generation to the next. Those that have heard this will almost always refer to it as the most beautiful sensation in the galaxy.
It should come as no surprise to learn that there is no written language for the Ray.
Ray names are not given at birth, but are instead chosen once they reach maturity (approximately 200 standard years). As their only communication is telepathic, some translation problems occur when attempting to transcribe them in Basic. While some names are chosen based on unique talents, areas of interest, or relation to another, others are chosen based on feelings or experiences.
Common names include (translated as near as possible into Basic):
Star-seeker
Warmth-in-the-darkness
Quick-movement
Joy-of-accomplishment
Melancholic-joy-of-victories-that-are-also-losses
Insatiable-curiosity-that-causes-trouble
Love-that-swells-when-nearby-<insert name of Ray they are interested in> (much like a tattoo, names are permenant. Also like a tattoo, names like this often become embarrassing should the relationship fail)
Ray mating rituals are rather simple. While they possess only a single sex, it would be inaccurate to dub them hermaphrodites. Rather, Rays lack any sexual organs whatsoever. By maintaining physical contact for about 3 standard days, the two Rays will mix genetic material at the point of contact. By the time the two seperate, the child they expose to the vacuum for the first time will be perfectly suited to the environment.
Children are raised by the parliament as a group. Very few will ever learn who their genetic parents are, and fewer still will care.
While Rays do not necessarily mate for life, many form lasting bonds and will only mate with a singular partner if at all possible.
Rays cannot enter any atmosphere, as their bodies are incapable of handling the air pressure of even the thinnest of atmospheres. (They also burst into flames if they are hit by the sonic frequency caused by singing the song Old McDonald. But since that requires them to be in an atmosphere for sound to transmit, this one is a nonissue.)
History: Rays have changed very little over the past few million years. They have experienced no major wars, very little expansion, and almost no outside contact.
They hail from the Rishi Maze, their feeding areas are usually the systems revolving about blue giants, which are their preferred radiation. They have recently begun expanding outwards into other types of star systems, including some that have been civilized by better-travelled galactic citizens.
Several thousand years ago, a spacer returned to Coruscant ranting about living starships. His mad ravings are now thought to be proof of first contact with a Ray.
Over the next few thousand years, many more sightings cropped up, finally prompting the Jedi to send a Knight to investigate only a few centuries ago. This Jedi's writing remains one of the very few scraps of first-hand information on the esoteric giants.
These days, Ray are listed in only the more comprehensive lists of galactic species, and many of these claim the behemoths non-sentient and some even call them dangerous. Sightings have increased in recent years, which may come from incursion into their territory or possibly expansion from the Rays. Both of these are correct, however the biggest reason is simply that they are curious of these strange metallic creatures that come from the galaxy's center.
The stage is set for either a great diplomatic achievement, or perhaps a brutal extermination of this proud yet peaceful race.
A parliament of young Rays in motion
Species Type: Silicon-based lifeform
Planet of Origin: Undeterminable location within the Rishi Maze
Average Maximum age: 1000
Age of Maturation: 200
Average Height: 30 meters (length)
Average Weight: 100 tons
Notable biological features: Telepathic communication.
Specialized organ allows limited manipulation of graviational fields. Partially comprised of dark matter.
The creation of these topical gravity wells are what allows them to move through space (by creating a gravity field strong enough to pull them in the direction they intend to travel), defend themselves (by creating small points of intense gravity to redirect weapons fire), tunnel through hyperspace (in much the same way as they travel at sublight speeds, but with much more intense gravity fields), and project a limited cloaking field based on the bending of light itself.
The cloak in action
Number of limbs and Type: None
Culture: Rays are rarely seen in the galaxy at large, and as such there is very little known about them. While much speculation exists, there is very little factual information about these esoteric creatures.
The truth is that Rays are a peaceful species by nature. They sustain themselves on radiation from stars, and are thus rarely seen in deep space. This "feeding" occurs when the Rays pass through solar storms, absorbing the radiation through their membranes. When no solar storms are available, they simply absorb the background Ultraviolet radiation, which grants them adequete -if not desired- sustenance.
Docile yet curious, Rays (and especially the immature children) will harmlessly investigate spacecraft that they come across, believing them to be living beings themselves. This includes nudging them, attempting to communicate telepathically, and sometimes even giving a gentle gravity-based tap. These actions are sometimes construed as hostile by unaware pilots, who will attack in fear. This of course will upset nearby adults, who will respond in a likewise manner. This rarely ends well for the crew.
Rays will typically travel in familal or clan based groups known as "parliaments." They lack any forrmal government, and instead come to decisions by means of a fair vote, though deference is held for the wisdom and experience of the eldest in the group. If the decision reached was disliked by one or more members of the parliament, they simply break off and create their own parliament with no fuss.
Naturally, every Ray is sensitive to the force, which allows them to communicate via telepathy. There has never been a case of a Ray possessing any more sensitivity to the force than that which is required for telepathic speech.
These sentient behemoths of the stars seem to possess a fondness for music, which is odd for a species with no means of aural reception. They instead will "sing" to eachother and occasionally passing ships telepathically. These "songs" are actually a form of storytelling, passed down from one generation to the next. Those that have heard this will almost always refer to it as the most beautiful sensation in the galaxy.
It should come as no surprise to learn that there is no written language for the Ray.
Ray names are not given at birth, but are instead chosen once they reach maturity (approximately 200 standard years). As their only communication is telepathic, some translation problems occur when attempting to transcribe them in Basic. While some names are chosen based on unique talents, areas of interest, or relation to another, others are chosen based on feelings or experiences.
Common names include (translated as near as possible into Basic):
Star-seeker
Warmth-in-the-darkness
Quick-movement
Joy-of-accomplishment
Melancholic-joy-of-victories-that-are-also-losses
Insatiable-curiosity-that-causes-trouble
Love-that-swells-when-nearby-<insert name of Ray they are interested in> (much like a tattoo, names are permenant. Also like a tattoo, names like this often become embarrassing should the relationship fail)
Ray mating rituals are rather simple. While they possess only a single sex, it would be inaccurate to dub them hermaphrodites. Rather, Rays lack any sexual organs whatsoever. By maintaining physical contact for about 3 standard days, the two Rays will mix genetic material at the point of contact. By the time the two seperate, the child they expose to the vacuum for the first time will be perfectly suited to the environment.
Children are raised by the parliament as a group. Very few will ever learn who their genetic parents are, and fewer still will care.
While Rays do not necessarily mate for life, many form lasting bonds and will only mate with a singular partner if at all possible.
Rays cannot enter any atmosphere, as their bodies are incapable of handling the air pressure of even the thinnest of atmospheres. (They also burst into flames if they are hit by the sonic frequency caused by singing the song Old McDonald. But since that requires them to be in an atmosphere for sound to transmit, this one is a nonissue.)
History: Rays have changed very little over the past few million years. They have experienced no major wars, very little expansion, and almost no outside contact.
They hail from the Rishi Maze, their feeding areas are usually the systems revolving about blue giants, which are their preferred radiation. They have recently begun expanding outwards into other types of star systems, including some that have been civilized by better-travelled galactic citizens.
Several thousand years ago, a spacer returned to Coruscant ranting about living starships. His mad ravings are now thought to be proof of first contact with a Ray.
Over the next few thousand years, many more sightings cropped up, finally prompting the Jedi to send a Knight to investigate only a few centuries ago. This Jedi's writing remains one of the very few scraps of first-hand information on the esoteric giants.
These days, Ray are listed in only the more comprehensive lists of galactic species, and many of these claim the behemoths non-sentient and some even call them dangerous. Sightings have increased in recent years, which may come from incursion into their territory or possibly expansion from the Rays. Both of these are correct, however the biggest reason is simply that they are curious of these strange metallic creatures that come from the galaxy's center.
The stage is set for either a great diplomatic achievement, or perhaps a brutal extermination of this proud yet peaceful race.
A parliament of young Rays in motion