Vratix

Basic Information

Anatomy

Vratix are an insectoid species with large compound eyes, long thin necks, and six limbs sprouting from a cylindrical thorax. The pair of limbs closest to their heads, extending from their "shoulders," are triple jointed with tridactyl hands, and serve as "arms," but they also sport a hook-claw near the second articulation to assist in climbing. The second, middle pair, sprouting from above the abdomen, are massive, strong "legs," allowing a Vratix to perform impressive leaps. The last pair, situated at the end of the abdomen, are vestigial, as they serve only to prevent the abdomen from dragging on the ground. Small, thin hairs cover their bodies and change color to express emotion. Vratix excrete denin, a chemical that alters the color of their skin to reflect their mood, and is connect to their speech patterns of clicks. Despite their non-standard linguaforms, they can communicate with other beings via Basic, usually in the interest of trade. They are also slightly telepathic, capable of sending thoughts with other Vratix that they related to.
Vratix are a logical and straightforward species that have trouble grasping abstract concepts like art and music. However, they can solve complex problems by examining every detail and angle. Culture is centered on the hive mentality. They generally refer to themselves as the plural we rather than I, and usually under their hive name. They were generally a sociable species, preferring all information to be delivered personally.

Ecology and Habitats

The Vratix keep Knytix, a smaller insectoid species, as pets and for the creation of dwellings (their saliva used to make a mud-like paste that is then dried to make bricks). The Vratix also ear the Knytix on certain occasions, when the owner of the Knytix offers his pet to another Vratix as a sign of high respect.
Their homeworld of Thyferra is a temperate world with two moons. The Vratix mainly inhabit the the thick rainforest that dominates the planet's surface in mid-sized villages of high towers and circular terraces.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

All Vratix have two names. The first is their hive name, the second a given name. Examples include Akarin Xerer, Akarin Ricaev, Qlaeren Hirf, Qlaeren Rhirr, Toqor Reen, and Toqor Irfwix. Notable Vratix include: Qlaern Hirf, Zalk't, Plurra, Seeqov Thranx, Xeshen Kra, Yopaxtul, and Spraug.

Major Organizations

Despite the domination of the Bacta Cartels over Thyferran socety, Thyferra's planetary government is run by the Vratix. The High Canir serves as planetary governor.
The Verachen were formally the premier Vratix-led bacta cartel in the decades before the Empire. Later, under Xucphra and Zaltin, the Verachen ("Master Blenders") were dispersed throughout the other operations in the form of chief supervisors and laborers.
The Ashern are as of late a terrorist organization opposed to Imperial--or really, any non-Vratix--interference on Thyferra. They had previously been a populist group that lobbied specifically against the alien-run bacta cartels and the dissolution they brought to Vratix values.

History

Vratix used bacta for thousands of years, and were not hesitant to share their secret with the galaxy at large. During the Galactic Republic, a thriving business evolved around the sale and distribution of bacta. They tolerated the relationship with the off-worlders who wished to exploit bacta, and preferred to work the kavam fields from their villages.
Feeling that they had lost control of their destiny, a Vratix resistance group, the Ashern ("Black Claw" in the native language), was formed. In 15 BRS, the Ashern helped orchestrate a coup; revealing that Xucphra Corporation had sabotaged the supply to drive up prices of the Stark Hyperspace War gave the Vratix governmental control and ushered in freewheeling trade.
A famous Vratix was Yopaxtul, who won the "six-legged being" category at the Mobquet Presents: Fastest Land Beings event held on Teyr in 15 BRS. It won the 100-meter race in a record-breaking 6.132 seconds.
During the Clone Wars, Xucphra and Zaltin again seized control of Thyferra, and during the New Order, Palpatine eliminated all but those two bacta producers. These two cartels would be the Galactic Empire's bacta supply. During this time some Vratix resorted to terrorism to beat out competition in the bacta market.

GURPS Race Template: 42pts
Attributes
DX-1 [-20pts]; IQ+1 [+20pts]
Secondary Attributes
SM +1 (1.5-2m tall, long body), Move +2 [+10pts]
Advantages
360° Degree Vision (Easy to Hit, -20%) [+20pts];
Acute Senses (Acute Touch+2) [+4pts];
Damage Resistance 2 (Carapace, Can’t wear armor, -40%) [+6pts];
Extra Legs (Four legs) [+5pts];
Claws (Sharp claws, top pair only) [+5pts];
Super Climbing 1 [+3pts]
Disadvantages
Easy to Read [-10pts];
Odious Racial Habit (Touching others) [-5pts]
Racial skills
Jumping at DX+2 [+4pts]
Features
Hive-mind; No creative expression; Long neck