Neddocks

"To conquer a galaxy you first have to conquer your own soul." - Prem Kivalis, Neddock Chancellor

Basic Information

Anatomy

Neddocks are slightly broad, medium-sized humanoids whose defining feature is their dark, slightly furred skin that is covered by a dense pattern of sharp yet flexible needles from the back of their head all the way down their spine. Their face is vaguely Celestian-like but for the lack of a nose and the presence of breathing-flaps under their chin which outsiders occasionally refer to as "gills" (despite these alternate air-intakes having no ability to function underwater).
Males and females differ by their mammalian traits in addition to females being generally more widely covered with needles whereas males only tend to possess a narrow strip that keeps close to the center of their back.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most sapient species, Neddocks are mammals. Females are fertile for about three months each year, spaced approximately evenly across the Galactic Standard Cycle. Pregnancy lasts six months, but sexual activity generally continues due to a specific trait of the Neddocks: they can get pregnant twice. Each female has two reproductive systems, allowing them to be impregnated twice by different partners at different times - a trait that has given rise to the Neddocks' characteristic polygamous society.

Growth Rate & Stages

A Neddock's life expectancy stands at around 100 years, similar to a Prime Celestian. At three years, they are considered a toddler and capable of basic perception and expression, while a seven-year-old is considered a developing child. Neddocks enter puberty soon after, as their sexual traits begin to develop at the age of nine, resulting in an emotionally difficult phase until the age of about twenty. From then until the age of about 75, they are considered adults. The ancient life expectancy was already about 90 years, so little has changed for elders due to technology - most Neddocks retire at the age of 70 and spend the next 30 years tending to their offspring.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Neddocks are omnivorous, though their cuisine favors easily-obtained vegetables. Much of Neddock cuisine originated in vastly different biomes whose ingredients are only now slowly creeping back into Neddock kitchens. In the past 200 years, the vast majority of dishes has relied on cheap ingredients from the homeworld and its direct colonies.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

The main government of Neddock space is the Kelvenite Republic, with the Dami Monastery being the only other notable political entity.

Beauty Ideals

The prime beauty ideal among Neddocks is focused on the length and structure of their needles. long, thin needles, especially those with natural patterns, are considered desirable. Many Neddocks (especially males, who already possess fewer needles) therefore opt to have their needles enhanced through cybernetics or bioengineering.
As an influence from the Celestians, a narrow body is also increasingly thought to be attractive. This conflicts somewhat with the Neddocks' broad shoulders and boxy frame, but is occasionally achieved through a mixture of a lean diet and cosmetic surgery.

Gender Ideals

Neddock females are considered the guardians of home, hearth, order and society, while males are considered drivers of progress and chaos.

Relationship Ideals

It is common for one Neddock (both male and female) to have several mates, although females are expected to keep a stable circle of fathers around to help feed their children, while males generally tend to quickly switch mates with little attachment. Based on folk tradition, the optimal relationship however is one of perfectly unified monogamy. Few strive for it since society is not built to allow it easily, but a few chosen couples are said to have found their Nihiruin, or soulmate.

Average Technological Level

Neddock society is highly advanced technologically, though modern breakthroughs have focused on domestic and economic technology. Cybernetics and biological enhancements are widespread. It is common for Neddocks to begin cybernetic enhancement at a juvenile age on their parents' initiative in order to stay competitive in society, which has led to social programs that seek to even the created wealth-opportunity gap. In agricultural technology, Neddock society is one of the leading authorities in the galaxy. At the same time, Neddocks have however fallen behind on military tech, being assured of the Pax' protection.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Neo-Neddock is a mixture of varying languages spoken throughout the galaxy built on the foundation of the old Neddocki script and grammar. Since almost the entire Neddock population comprises a varied diaspora of survivors (several generations down the line), various dialects exist.

History

The Neddocks were once one of the most populous sentient species in the galaxy. With tens of thousands of habitable worlds under their command, they rivaled the modern Pax Galactica in power. However, all that came to an end when the Sleeper Virus broke out. This sentient disease, which had been lying dormant in the bodies of most Neddocks, suddenly decided to activate and decimate the Neddock population.
Since then, the Neddocks have been constrained to their home sector, eventually joining the rising Pax Galactica as a member species.

Scientific Name

Paramis Auctoris

Conservation Status

Neddock population - numbering in the trillions just two centuries ago - is now estimated to be about twenty billion and at a slight but worryingly steady decline of about 0.1% per year.