Puka

Basic Information

Anatomy

Puka are notable in that they are the the only known race in the galaxy to instinctively know the powerful and dangerous etheric art of shapeshifting. While there are many species known to be able to switch between two or three alternate forms (such as the Mesede), the Puka are not limited to a few set forms. They can mimic other species in appearance and those most skilled at shapeshifting can even shift their internal structure, making them almost indistinguishable.

Civilization and Culture

History

Around a thousand years ago, Puka were some of the most feared raiders in all the galaxy, even managing to challenge the Great Empires at some points. Unlike most other pirates, who stayed at the boarders for the most part, Puka raiders were unafraid to attack large stations and cities that held bountiful riches.
However, around 125 BKC, the raids suddenly stopped. The Puka all but disappeared, retreating back to their own planet. This was due to a number of factors, but the most prominent reason is known in Puka History as The Great Hunger. A blight of Gregas Fungus overtook nearly the whole planet, and the raiders returned home to have their ships grounded, due to the Fungus not being native to their planet.
Only the Puka know what happened afterwards, but at some point about thirty years ago, a group of around a ten thousand Puka arrived at The Starlight Citadel, asking for refuge. Apparently, the The New Leheli Empire had taken over their planet, forcing all the Puka to join, die, or flee. While many were, and still are, suspicious of this, it is worth noting that the original Leheli Empire was one of the Puka's frequent targets before the Great Hunger. Perhaps they wanted to nip that threat in the bud?
Whatever the truth, the Confederation decided to let the Puka stay in the citadel, by a vote of 5 to 3. The Puka were moved to a neighborhood that had been abandoned earlier. This neighborhood subsiquently become known as Puka's Nook.

See, there was this big cluster of buildings that had sewage problems for a long time. People moved out because, well, no indoor plumbing kinda sucks. So the government was like 'Hey, we have this neighborhood with sewage problem, waste coming out of toilets, kinda nasty. If you fix it up, we'll let you live there.' So that's why that's a thing.

— A Puka student at the Setareh Intersolar Academy for Ethites and Psychics, explaining the origins of Puka's Nook

Common Myths and Legends

The most well known Puka myth is the tradition about the colors of eye markings.

• White markings are the most common. They represent diligence and perseverance.
• Navy blue markings represent the sea and travel, signifying curiosity and wanderlust.
• Slate gray markings represent purity of spirit and acceptance of others.
• Crimson markings represent inner fire, someone always willing and able to fight for their beliefs.
• Teal markings are the rarest, and traditionally signify great physical or etheric power.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

While Puka have technically been accepted as Confederation refugees and citizens, many are still suspicious of them due to their past history. This dislike of Puka is usually seen in more rural areas where Puka are not as common, but it can manifest in the cities as well.

Puka Stereotypes and Myths

All Puka are thieves, pirates, and criminals in general, not to be trusted: FALSE

While Puka were mostly known as pirates during the Imperial Era, most of the piracy seemed to be a reaction (albeit an over the top one) to the Leheli Empire's iron grip on Pahowi. While there are still Puka among the pirates of the galaxy, most Puka are amicable and just want to be left alone.

Puka can shapeshift to perfectly mimic any sapient species: FALSE (mostly)

Saying every Puka can perfectly mimic other species is like saying every Scyll can fly at 100 mph, or that every Human can run at 28 mph. These are feats accomplished by athletes with years of physical training, and not possible for the average member. Shapeshifting is mostly a physical pursuit as well, with most Puka shifting only small parts of their bodies (eyes, ears, etc.) or changing color. There are also limits to a Puka's shapeshifting (see below).

No matter what form they take, Puka cannot shift their tails/eye marks: TRUE (sort of)

Being a Mortal race, even the most talented Puka have limitations to the forms they can take. They cannot completely remove their bones or grow new ones. However, they can change the bones' size and shape with enough practice, allowing them to hide their tail bones as vestigial parts (similar to the bones found in humans).
Hiding eye marks, on the other hand, is attainable for most Puka, as it simply requires shifting skin pigment. Puka who are unashamed of their heritage tend to simply keep their eye marks as a symbol of it. If a Puka is ashamed of or persecuted for their race, it's a simple matter, physically, to hide them.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin:

• White
• Black
• Dark gray

Hair:

• White
• Gray
• Brown
• Brown
• Navy blue (rare)

Eye Markings:

• White
• Navy blue
• Slate gray
• Crimson
• Teal(rare)