Major Alien Species

There are thousands of known alien lifeforms, most of which are very primitive. It has also been conjectured that there may be forms of life we simply cannot recognize due to vast differences in lifespan or size. Of the known species, a few hundred have evolved to form animated lifeforms of above animal intelligence, and of these some dozens have developed advanced civilizations. The number of advanced space-faring civilizations is much smaller, and here we describe only a few which have been of particular importance to humanity.

Crucians

Without a doubt the Crucians have had the most effect on human history. Although pursued nearly to extinction in the aftermath of the Great War, pockets of them have survived and are occasionally found. Nowadays there is little direct conflict with them. The Crucians have bodies segmented into three parts, each with a pair of leg-like appendages ending in hands with six digits. They are capable of standing on 2, 4 or 6 legs and can move somewhat faster than humans. Although their physical requirements are similar to those of humans, they communicate in radically different ways. Crucians have a leathery photosensitive skin with three eyes on each segment, and they communicate mostly by visual signals. Because of this, they are sometimes nicknamed “Eyes.” (Full article)

The Bappakana

The Bappakana are an aquatic civilization, living in the oceans of various water-covered worlds, mostly in one particular quadrant. They have long bodies with pairs of fins spaced at intervals and two tentacle-like limbs which they can fold flat against their bodies for greater ease of movement or splay out to handle tools. Although they can live in a wide range of temperatures and pressures they are very sensitive to the chemical mix in their environment, and begin every colonization project with years of careful forming. Their relations with humans have historically been peaceful and profitable, due to the lack of scope for conflict. They produce and trade many materials of interest to us. Contact was first made with the Bappakana in the early years of expansion after the end of the Great War. (Full article)

Ferrets

Since first contact, humans and Ferrets have co-operated everywhere they meet, and through their steadfast loyalty in the Great War they have saved humanity from overpowering xenophobia. The affectionate nickname is not one they chose themselves (they call themselves the Chirrokune, but bestowed upon them due to their resemblance to ferrets, the small animals often kept on starships to control vermin. Ferrets are somewhat smaller than humans, standing about 1.2-1.5 m high, but bipedal with four arms. They are fur-covered (in various natural and artificial colours) and have streamlined torsos. Their heads feature pointed noses with deep-set eyes. Although they can live in the same environment as humans, and have the same biological requirements, they are adapted to much colder environments and hence territorial conflict is rare. Because of their physical (and even genetic) similarity, it has often been speculated that Ferrets are evolved somehow from the same stock as humanity. Despite being widely believed, no conclusive evidence has yet been found for this. (Full article)

Demons

A relatively recent contact, the Demons are famous for being the only known species to have developed psi capabilities beyond a rudimentary level. They are extremely different from humanity physically and psychologically; physically their bodies are irregular and most often roughly spherical but can be any shape as they grow by accretion and have no motive ability, simply blowing wherever the winds of their single planet push them. They communicate entirely by psi, although they are reactive to touch and mate when they collide with each other. Although they are very widely feared (hence their nickname), it is undeniable that humanity has learned much from contact with them. Since the Disappearance the Demon home world has been under strict blockade, and all further contact with them has been barred under penalty of death. (Full article)

Tsihor

The tsihor are a space-faring species connected by eight spacefolds to the Eastern Reaches. They are known for their hairtrigger attack instincts and tsihor culture is known to be intensely clannish and hierarchical. Physically, the tsihor bear a superficial resemblance to giant bats, and they live in the same sorts of environments as humans. Although meetings between humans and tsihor have often erupted into conflict, and continue to do so, both races maintain a keen interest in trade. Humans hunger for the weapons technology the tsihor have spent millenia developing, and tsihor find some aspects of human culture appealing. (Full article)

Forerunners

Forerunners are an artificial species with a creator unknown to humans. They resemble saucers with spokes and tendrils, and live in the vacuum of space. Forerunners are generally found in large convoys, either travelling between stars or preparing themselves for an upcoming journey. Although communication with them is difficult, relations have almost always been good between humans and forerunners. (Full article)

Orangutans

The orangutans are not really an alien species at all, but a species of primates from old Earth which have been recreated and genetically engineered to form societies of their own. Since their creation they have spread to a few planets and form societies different from humans yet similar in interesting ways. Because of this, their relationships with humanity, although generally good, resonate with provocative comparisons. (Full article)