List of Commonwealth races

Avians
Rampha S: Rampha, P: Rampha, Adj: Ramphan
Physical Traits & Biology The Rampha stand at 5' on average, and resemble toucans. They have lightweight wings that include four-digit hands with opposable thumbs, and tend to have dark plumage in shades of black or grey, striped with brilliant iridescent plumage. They have long beaks that come in a variety of brilliant colors. The colors of feathers and beaks, as well as the shape of the beak itself, can vary significantly among the Rampha. The normal Ramphan diet is extremely fruit-heavy with a strong emphasis on sugars due to their fast metabolism, but Ramphan cuisine is also known for its ingenious incorporation of insects and small lizards as well. Ramphans have relatively short lifespans, with an average life expectancy of 62 years old.
Social Notes Rampha culture is intensely social, gregarious, and pacifistic. The Rampha hail from the planet Babaluma, which itself is the core of the Many-Colored Republics of Babaluma, a federal union of progressive multicultural states. The Rampha are major supporters of the Commonwealth and form an outsized percentage of Commonwealth diplomats and staff. They are a ubiquitous sight around Commonwealth infrastructure.
Benaka S: Benakan, P: Benaka, Adj: Benakan
Physical Traits & Biology The Benaka stand around 6' on average, and are lanky avians with three eyes arranged radially around a stout serrated beak. Their wings are muscular and capable of flight, but they also possess muscular limbs typical of a humanoid. Benakan plumage tends to be in desaturated shades of white, grey, brown and black, with bright stripes over the beak and over the eyes, and on the tips of the feathers. The Benaka have a tremendously varied diet that is predominantly carnivorous. The Benaka have two stomachs and it is a cultural practice to swallow bezoars to aid in digestion, as the Benaka will often eat their prey whole, bones and all. Benaka also experience some sexual dimorphism with female Benaka being of a smaller frame and brighter plumage. Their average life expectancy in their homeland of the Sovereign Duchies of Benakan is relatively low, owing to poor conditions, but Benaka can live to their early eighties.
Social Notes Most Benaka are concentrated in their homeland, the Sovereign Duchies of Benakan, and its mother planet of Birukejo, which is composed of floating landmasses above a gaseous sea. Benakan society is heavily decentralized into autocratic fiefdoms ruled by knight-templars who war against one another. Despite being a Commonwealth observer, the Benaka rarely participate or travel the galaxy, finding it to be a degenerate enterprise. The Benaka are highly religious, and their culture reflects property and its acquisition as a great virtue.

Arthropods
Astacoida S: Astacoid, P: Astacoids, Adj: Astacoid
Physical Traits & Biology Astacoids are exceptionally physically varied but follow several common patterns, resembling crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp in various configurations. Each is characterized by flexible atennules which are used to smell and taste, and small pleopods which are usually nestled against the abdomen, which can be used to grab or hold things. Astacoids also must molt their exoskeleton in a process that leaves them vulnerable for some time. It is difficult to talk about Astacoid biology without great variation, as Astacoids view themselves as templates for specialization, and engage in frequent body modification as well as pre-birth genetic engineering.
Social Notes Astacoids have long been a subject race of the Bōso. Their social structure has come to imitate theirs with several pronounced differences. Notably, the Astacoids breed in cycles, creating massive patches of egg clutches. Different strata of society are allowed to "choose" which offspring to adopt, and how many. Astacoids tend to be extremely intelligent, due to a society that has long valued the pursuit of knowledge over all others. The Astacoids have a somewhat tenuous relationship with the Greuzer, whom they "created." Astacoid supremacism is socially acceptable in the Astacoid League, with the notion of "hypercarcinisation," which believes they are the ultimate life form, being encouraged by state decree. Many Astacoids have left the League via government subsidy to study the galaxy, but remain relatively isolated, and tend to avoid their own kind, for ideological reasons.
Churx In Progress
Xystus S: Xystus, P: Xystus, Adj: Xystian
Physical Traits & Biology The Xystus are thin, spiny arthropods that somewhat resemble phasmids (stick insects). They vary widely in size but stand around 6' on average, and their exoskeletons tend to be in pale shades of grey and blue, with cranial spines that grow translucent plumage in autumnal colors. They have large and powerful mandibles capable of cracking shells and nuts, and four eyes arranged in a half-circle on the upper section of the face. The Xystus live to be 120 years old, on average. They are capable of limited telepathy, not as powerful as the Uub, and use it in a manner similar to echo-location. Their eyesight is very poor and many Xystus go blind before reaching middle age.
Social Notes The Xystus are a relatively small population in the galactic region of Tianxia. During the time of the Celadon Wave, the monastic Xystus were revered as bodhisattvas by Commonwealth colonists, and influenced many colonial religions. Despite their culture being broadly pluralistic, the Xystus- through the political actions of their homeland of Xcagae- often aligned themselves with authoritarian regimes and reactionary causes. Their somewhat moribund society has been in decline for some time.

Humanoids
Cids S: Cid, P: Cids, Adj: Cid
Physical Traits & Biology Cids are humanoids with smooth, virtually flawless skin that is cool to the touch, and complex yellow-toned eyes with W-shaped pupils (similar to cuttlefish eyes) that give them excellent vision. Green Cids have a green undertone to their skin while Red Cids have a red undertone. Green Cids grow very thin and sparse hair, while Red Cids grow thick(er) hair and traditionally wear mustaches or beards. Neither grow any body hair of any other kind. They tend to be the same height as humans on average, and live slightly longer, with 50s and 60s considered to be "middle-age."
Social Notes Cids hail from Rigel, Ĉerɜ in their language (meaning Ash), from which the Commonwealth translation of their name is derived. For centuries, the despotic Rigelian confederation was a thriving regional power, but by 0266, it has long been in decline, leading many Cids to emigrate from their motherland. Cids have numerous ethnic groups but are generally divided into two umbrella groups, the traditionally more urban and spacefaring Green Cids and the hardier, rural Red Cids. Green Cids are more often found across the galaxy. They make up the majority minority in the Kingdom of the Two Voltas, by a significant margin (almost neck and neck with the majority Ibernian population). Red Cids are more common as one gets closer to the Principality of Rigel.
Cormathani S: Cormathan, P: Cormathani, Adj: Cormathani
Physical Traits & Biology The Cormathani The predominant race of the Iphalyte Hierarchy and the Dominion of Traxiana. In Progress
Ibernians S: Ibernian, P: Ibernians, Adj: Ibernian
Physical Traits & Biology Ibernians are tall, thin, pale humanoids with sea-tone hair and eyes. Ibernians have elf-ears and enlargened pupils compared to humans. Ibernians have incredible control over their metabolic processes, essentially changing them depending on the amount of sleep they get. Three hours of sleep is the ideal for Ibernians, who can go days without sleeping before feeling any pronounced negative effects.
Social Notes Ibernians originally come from the planet Iberes. They tend to have high mental resistance but can be overly literal-minded and physically frail. Ibernians are capable of reproducing with humans. The resulting offspring are called Hibernians. Hibernians retain the pointed ears and enlargened pupils of the Ibernian parent, and have faster metabolic processes compared to most humans. Large populations of Hibernians exist in Elysium. In-game, Autolykos Lender is a Hibernian. In Progress
Terrans/Tellurians Bog-standard humans. In Progress
Veredoni S: Veredone, P: Veredoni, Adj: Veredonese
Physical Traits & Biology The Veredoni are believed to be distant cousins of the Ibernians, possibly long ago displaced. Veredoni share Ibernian characteristics like large pupils, and pointed ears. Veredoni are rarely pale however, with a deep ochre undertone, have longer and more distinctly pointed ears, and their hair and irises are significantly fairer, giving them pastel hair. Veredoni are also of human height on average, and do not benefit from the metabolic control of Ibernians. Notably, the Veredoni release powerful pheromones in their sweat, and the Veredoni perfume houses are exceedingly wealthy for this reason. The Veredoni diet is traditionally vegetarian, though this has changed somewhat with their incorporation into the Commonwealth, not without controversy. They are also long-lived, with average life expectancy around 105 years.
Social Notes The Veredoni name comes from the Italian verdone, "dark green." Though the Veredoni population is large, it is mostly centered around their homeland, the Royal States of Qara Binam. Melancholic nostalgia and homesickness are common psychological problems among Veredoni in an often-studied effect. It is difficult to discuss the Veredoni without discussing in-depth the culture of Qara Binam. Humans and Veredoni are capable of reproducing with one another. In Qara Binam, mixed Veredoni-Human children are called "Mael'q," stained. This term is pejorative and regarded as offensive. Mixed Veredoni-Humans prefer the term Veredesci. The Simano, a human ethnicity, are of Veredesci ancestry, and on occasion the ethnicities have been used interchangeably, but Veredesci tend to retain stronger characteristics of their Veredoni parent, such as pointed ears (which the Simano broadly lack) and pheromones, which usually disappear after the 3rd generation.
Plantoids
Dranu S: Dran, Pl: Dranu, Adj: Dranuvian
Physical Traits & Biology Willowy, sinewy plant-like beings with fruiting bodies on their heads and shoulders. They have three-part mouths and prehensile, butterfly-like probiscuses for noses, as well as two compound eyes in a radiating pattern of colors (that allow them to be emotionally expressive, in human perception, with their eyes). The Dranu are about six feet tall on average. Suffering from a genetic disorder that affects their metabolism, the Dranu mature at a rapid rate and rarely live past the age of 30. The Dranu diet consists heavily of sugars and starches.
Social Notes The Dranu have been effected for over a millennia by a degenerative genetic disorder that disrupts their metabolism and accelerates their lifespan. As a result, Dranu society is one of egalitarianism, ascetism, and equal intent.
Cynnswamm S: Cynnswamm, Pl: Cynnsamm, Adj: Cynnswamm
Physical Traits & Biology The Cynnswamm are willowy with fleshy but thin pearly-white bodies draped with striped or stippled "mantles" that resemble gills or short wings. Their heads are covered with fruiting bodies, but they have eyes and mouths that are not dissimilar to those of humans (or their Feltswamm parents), with their eyes being oblong-shaped and black with white concentric circles. Like their Dranuvian parents, the Cynnswamm are effected by the same genetic disorder which shortens their lifespans, and rarely live past the age of 30.
Social Notes The Cynnswamm are the unique offspring of the Dranu and the Feltswamm, which created a third and distinct species. The Cynnswamm are a persecuted minority among both of their parent races, though Feltswamm oppression is outwardly far more violent than oppression by the ascetic Dranu. Due to this persecution, the Cynnswamm have fled to other parts of the galaxy, and make up a significant minority in the Mintaka Bloc- where they have a large representation in the colonial bureaucracy- and the stellar-nation of Cochin.
Feltswamm S: Feltswamm, Pl: Feltswamm, Adj: Feltswamm
Physical Traits & Biology Fleshy and spongy mushroom-like beings, the Feltswamm are capable of shaping their bodies to fit certain social and utilitarian purposes, and like the Dranu, reproduce both sexually and asexually. They tend to be earth-colored, with dark hooded eyes, and are stocky in build, standing around 5'8" on average.
Social Notes The Feltswamm, from their home planet of Bachisti in the Bachis Union of Provinces (BUP), have developed a paranoid and Orwellian culture that stems from a fear of the Dranuvian genetic disorder, but has grown to encompass anything and everything that is not Feltswamm. Nominally clients of the Mintaka Bloc, they have succeeded in alienating much of the rest of the galaxy, and their economy is based principally on the shit work no one else wishes to do. Though travel is highly restricted, the government makes some allowances out of economic desperation. Feltswamm guest workers are a not-uncommon sight in the galactic southeast, as well as deep space scows who transport galactic detritus to be repurposed in the BUP. Some enterprising Feltswamm have used this as an opportunity to flee the oppression at home.
Uub In Progress

Mammalians
Therians S: Therian, Pl: Therians, Adj: Therian
Physical Traits & Biology As uplifts of pre-existing creatures, the physicality of Therians varies widely, but is intended to mirror human physiology in as many ways as possible. The largest share of Therians are Canids (dogs), Felids (cats), and Ursa (bears), though there are Vulpid (foxes), Lapids (rabbits), and Ovid (sheep) as well. Each retains certain qualities of their forebear but with "standardized" genetic modifications such as plantigrade legs and five-fingered hands, as well as eyesight capable of seeing the full spectrum of light. The primary differences between Therians themselves and Therians and other races lies in their adaptability to certain climates and their variation in diets and internal anatomy. Some Therians, such as those who ascribe to the Fauvist ideology, believe that Therians possess superior psychological strength to humans, though this could never be measured objectively.
Social Notes Therians trace their origins to the Pescadona Society of researchers who uplifted the first generations of mammals to a "greater consciousness." This first generation, the Hypercybrids, also created the first Therian cultures, using pre-existing human societies as models. In the nearly seven hundred years hence, Therians have not only appropriated human/Tellurian cultures for their own purposes, but also successfully integrated into many of those same pre-existing cultures. This serves to explain the unusual phenomena of stellar-nations like Solothurn, which has adopted a Teutonic culture.
Hayalians In Progress
Molluscoids
Amphorii A race from beyond the Sheepfold. The Amphorrii call Borghammar's World home, and had developed a complex pre-industrial highland agrarian society before the SSR arrived. The Amphorii have large vase-like bodies on four stalk-like legs, with two stalk-like arms that end in multiple fingers. They have two eyes that are capable of 360-degree vision, and beaks mostly covered by a fleshy hood. In Progress
Boso/Orionids Formerly Loligo. The Boso are also an aquatic humanoid race, though a highly adaptive one. Like the Xipians, the Boso have large craniums, but have highly pronounced facial features (in comparison to humans) with large, thick noses, wide mouths with fused teeth, and large golden eyes. Like the Xipians, they also come in numerous colors and patterns, though they are not bioluminescent, and have a more subdued or muted palette. The Boso have head-tentacles complete with suckers. These tentacles are prehensile, but lack pain receptors, so they can be trimmed at will and still grow back. Boso also have grips on their hands and feet that allow them to grapple and climb easily on most surfaces. The versatility of the Boso has made them the dominant race in the Mintaka Bloc, and they can be found just about anywhere. In Progress
Xipians Formerly Cetti. An aquatic humanoid race that bears similarities to both catfish and cuttlefish. The Cetti have bioluminescent skin, often in vibrant patterns and colors, which reflects their mood. They have mostly humanoid features, with large craniums, subdued nasal features (much of their sinuses are contained inside their heads) and heavy-lidded eyes with grey pupils. Their iris colors tend to come in shades complementary to their accent color. Males have two sets of ornamental barbels around their mouths, which grow and can be trimmed like hair. Xipians have blue-green blood with a high copper concentration, and aragonite skeletons- which often render internal injuries catastrophic. Xipians do not adapt well to arid environments, but flourish in humid ones. Though they are the least adaptive of the Piscine races, they also do well in spaceborne environments, not suffering the atrophying or disorienting effects. They originate from Eridanus. Though fragile, Xipians have superior reflexes and good eyesight, making them natural pilots. Culturally, they have a tendency to use exosuits of all sizes in both civilian and military roles (though not in daily life). In Progress
Piscids
Greuzer The result of Astacoid geneticists trying to uplift monstrous sharks into an amphibious martial race. It went okay at first, but generally the assumption that the Greuzer would be stupid and pliable was incorrect. After the Greuzer were given access to "foldships," spacecraft capable of folding space without the use of a lock, shit really hit the fan. The Greuzer devastated quite a bit of the Mintaka Bloc before devastating quite a bit of the Thuban Empire. They colonized what they called Tartessos and started going their own way. The Greuzer are responsible for initiating first contact between the Commonwealth and the Mintaka Bloc via misdirected foldships wreaking havoc in the Physiocracy. For a long time, they became big Commonwealth boogeymen; at this point in time, they're better accepted, but still have a long way to go, still perceived as brutish and slow-minded. Greuzer resemble humanoid prehistoric sharks, and like the other uplifts, come in a number of different varieties, originally intended to serve in different roles. This system has been cast aside for the most part, except maybe in certain sections of the Mintaka Bloc; notably not Tartessos. They have higher-than-average muscle mass and accelerated growth, becoming mature by the age of 12, but they have relatively short lifespans, and only live to 60 at most. The different types of Greuzer were bred and engineered for specific roles in society. In the past ten years, the new Tartessan government has moved to end this practice of "invalidism," with mixed results, as at this stage it is an internally mediated practice. Differently-abled Greuzer were seen as useless and, while not discarded, occupied positions in the lower stratum of society. In Progress
Anthozine An anemone race (also called the Hydra)- a relatively low-pop race that recently joined the Commonwealth. They have prehensile, sensitive tentacle hair that also function as antenna (and are often decorated or braided), and bright, marbled, chitinous beaks. In Progress

Reptilians and Amphibians
Hashdhem Bipedal iguana-chameleon aliens that can change base color and have weird cone-eyes. The Hashdhem are from beyond the Sheepfold and were one of the first races to make contact with the Commonwealth after the lock was opened. They hail from a damaged ringworld in the Hashdhem system, ruled by a theocratic government called the Inquisitorial Imamate (all translations are approximate). They are broadly friendly and benevolent, and a number of them have actually journeyed from the overpopulated ringworld to other parts of the Commonwealth. The nature of the Hashdhem is a constantly searching and seeking one, as they are amnesiac, with no memory of their culture extending beyond 100 years or so. It is the Hashdhem's piecemeal belief system that they, and the ringworld they dwell on, were transported from the far future in order to avert some calamity, and they essentially are always seeking to find what that calamity might be and how it may be avoided. The Hashdhem have a unique style of shipbuilding- their starships are boat-like, with polygonal and angular plates, usually trimmed with bright metal, and flat-topped, with superstructures resembling buildings. Hashdhem ships, besides being extremely advanced, are thought to be very beautiful works of art, and usually bear some elaborate and arcane name. In Progress
Hyqsos Reptilian humanoids characterized by their soft, human-like front-facing skin, and extremely thick skin on their backsides (similar to vulcanized rubber). Their ears round into points as well and calcify on the ends, forming horns. The Hyqsos also have doubled pupils (two black circles conjoined) and earthtone irises, usually shades of red. They tend to be slightly taller than average. The Hyqsos, notably, are capable of breathing fire, though the process is more akin to vomiting and stems from certain bad diets. They hail from the Great Hyqsos Empire, around Sirius, a powerful nonCom nation. The Hyqsos, or Sirians (each is equally acceptable) are Commonwealth observers but tend to view the proceedings with wry humor more than anything else. In Progress
Indravarmi From the planet Martaban. The Indravarmi have a set of some backup organs that function when the primaries are injured or destroyed. As a result, the Indravarmi are very resilient and generally lead long, healthy lives. It also makes them formidable opponents in combat. Close to humans, they have amphibious qualities like parietal folds over their eyes, forked tongues, and webbed feet and toes, and a set of gills that allow them to breathe underwater. Many of these qualities have become less pronounced over the species lifetime, with Indravarmi as recent as three centuries ago being much more pronounced in their amphibian appearance. They tend to have smooth, darker-colored skin, shades of brown with a yellow undertone, and their hair grows thickly and in dark, rich tones. Their eyes are always in shades of black, blue and purple. The Indravarmi are the same height as humans on average. Indravarmi wear a special knife in public, given to them when they reach the age of adulthood (males and females). Nasal piercings and facial tattoos- usually thin geometric linework made with iridescent ink- are signs of status. The Indravarmi population diffused across the galaxy after the autogenocides in their home system that resulted from ethnic and religious conflict. The Indravarmi home systems and many of the surrounding areas were divided into three majority Indravarmi nations, each with a different political alignment. In Progress
Kroak Spiny toads who are amphibious, have short lives, create large families very quickly, and communicate partially through gas. They can also live in a variety of environments quite easily and will regrow severed limbs. Their homeland, the Knottic Republik, is part of the Mintaka Bloc and characterized by noxious swamps and vast prefab cities they can't build fast enough. Biologists postulate that they are distantly related to both the Hyqsos and the Cormathani, but neither species wants to claim them. In Progress