Colosians

Anything else I should know before I go in?
Try and keep yourself from breathing too heavily.
Seriously? Why?
You know how their species is rather airy and superstitious? They fear that you may...breath them in by accident.

— recorded before diplomatic meeting between Humans and Colosians

Everyone is alien to someone else. The full meaning of this line only became apparent once the races of the Andromeda Galaxy began to encounter one another. But among the number of mammalian, insectoid and reptilian species, the Colosians stand out. A gasiform race who unwaveringly follow the words of their gods. And one of the few peaceful races that humanity has encountered in its voyage across the void.

From Witin Misty Depths

Colosians evolved within the depths of a gas giant, formerly designated as HIP 65426 b by Human astronomers, which they call Savakun after their main diety. Their true form and what kind of elements make up their body are unknown and the Colosians keep most details about their biology a secret. Origin and development of the species are a hotly studied and debated topic in the scientific community. A popular theory, based on the emphasis Colosian myth and society seem to put on a "creator", states that they may, in fact, be the result of some form of experiment conducted by an ancient civilisation. A theory better not spoken of in presence of a Colosian, lest one be assaulted for spewing "Blasphemous Lies".

by GARY SANCHEZ

What is known is that Colosians reproduce asexually and possess only small lifespans. When dying they will simply "dissipate", their matter dissolving so completely that no trace of them can be collected afterwards. Their ships are designed to create conditions identical to those inside their homeworld. Similar technology is used within the suits of armour they wear to interact with others. With the exception of the first human that encountered them, no one has ever seen what a Colosian looks like. Their short lifespans necessitate a high birthrate and it is theorized to be the highest in the galaxy, even outclassing the swarmbirths of the Krigan.

Ignoring the Noise

First Contact was accomplished in 2652, when an exploration vessel from the Stellar Confederacy began to investigate strange energy readings from within the gas giant known as HIP 65426 b. The actions taken by the vessel, the infamous CNEV Galtried , seemed to have angered the Colosians, who promptly took the ship and its crew hostage. Thus began the Sakuvian War which ended inconclusively about a year later. Since then, the Colosians have remained a neutral party in galactic affairs. Even wars on an apocalyptic scale have passed them by, seemingly without notice. This, however, could be about to change. Recent decades have seen relations between the Colosians and the Ska'Ani decline sharply, as the deeply religious nature of the former clashes with the scientific cynicism of the later. The Kal Incident already brought the two to the brink of war. With the Confederacy in chaos and unable to act as a mediator, war is an increasing possibility.

Divine Hierarchy

Colosian society, like most aspects of the species, is largely unknown to outsiders. When they interact with other species, they do so on special stations that are usually situated at the edges of a system. What has been gleaned from previous interactions is that their society seems to be structured via a caste system. Using a combination of religious and biological factors, it divides them into fifteen classes, from the semi-deified Renka to the almost enslaved Kadan . Their overarching governing body, the Colosian Covenant seems to be a form of religious order.

Fearsome Dwarf

Based on all available data, it is undeniable that the Colosians are a rather pacifist race. They will not engage in aggressive action unless actively attacked. However, this does not mean that they do not prepare for eventual conflict. At 1.735 warships, the Colosian Navy is the second-largest among the Minor Powers. Despite their gaseous form they are not to be underestimated when it comes to planetary combat. In terms of the development and utilization of Battlesuits and Mechs they are unquestionably ahead of almost every other species. The Colosians are very aware of their unique weakness and therefore prefer to destroy any enemy from a distance.

Enigmatic Traders

It is only through trade that the Colosians have contact with the wider galaxy. They are experts when it comes to the extraction of valuable gases from with gas giants, especially Metran. Trade in-between Colosian systems is non-existent, every colony an autark part of the Covenant once it is fully established. Aside from gas, the Covenant also exports their expertise, a large array of companies offering their services to any race wishing to exploit their gas giants to the fullest. They are rarely settling in other nations, almost always either merchants or gas miners. With a strong work ethic and usually keeping to themselves, they are a welcome sight to most races.

To Appease the Creator

by Yuval Halevy

From what has been observed of Colosians outside their native space, they tend to structure their day around a series of religious ceremonies. Prayer, which usually involves the burning of a reddish substance is done three times a day, each session lasting twenty minutes. These prayers are observed, no matter the location or situation. Additionally, they form the pillars around which several more, although minor, rituals are held. They seem to differ from cast to cast, although only five of them are known to venture outside Colosian space. Many of them include strange hand or arm motions, attempts to replicate swirling motions perhaps. Colosians do not proselytize, stating that their beliefs are guidelines laid down for them only to follow. Other races would have to follow their creators and will not be disturbed while doing so. As such they tolerate any other religion in their presence, even engage in lively discussion about faith, but will react violently against conversion attempts.

Kul Araka Sri Ina Ika Ana. Hadu Aldu Akku Noa Savaku.
Here this humbles Souls words oh Great One. Let my step always follow in the Path of Savakun.

— First line of a Colosian prayer

by Kévin Barbot

Scientific Name

Caelus Auris Colosia

Lifespan

10 Eden Standard Years

Average Height

Unknown

Average Weight

Unknown

Average Length

Unknown

by Simon Fetscher

Basic Data - 01.3000

• Convenant Systems: 120

• Colonized Systems: 48

• Total Population: estm. 23.000.000.000

• Fleet Size: 1.735 Warships

• Core Region: Gravian Arm

Why Humanoid?
An often noticed oddity is the fact that the suits used by Colosians outside their natural habitat have a strong resemblance to humans. This has led many to the false belief that they were once a humanoid race that evolved into their now gaseous form.
The truth is far more mundane. Humans were the first alien species encountered by Colosians and they built the humanoid suits to make diplomacy easier. It would take another 150 years before they encountered another race and by then had simply gotten used to the humanoid suits.
Diplomatic Relations
At the moment, the Colosian Convenant has a neutral attitude toward its neighbours. However, tensions with the Ska'Ani League are rising.
Colonization and Neutrality
One reason why the Colosians have managed to remain neutral toward their neighbours is that one main source for conflict, Colonization Rights rarely has to concern them. Their unique physiology allows them to make use of gas giants and gas planets, meaning that they can make use of many systems others consider worthless. Ressources can potentially cause tension with other species, but generous trade treaties usually satisfy the other party.
Savakun
Located in the southeastern corner of the galaxy, within the Crisnifth System, Savakun is situated in its stars habitable zone. It contains about 7 Halveter masses and orbits its star in 109 days.

by Gancheng Li