The Builders, aka the Auk'kheem

"The Builders" is the title given to a lost race who call themselves the Auk'kheem, which means "The People". They are ancient, highly intelligent and technologically advanced species who disappeared from Common Space around seven thousand years ago during the War of Shadows. Their ingenuity developed the Wheel of Worlds, an interstellar portal system capable of transporting people and objects between worlds in what appears to be an instantaneous event. The system is still in use by many races, but much of the history of the Builders was lost in the war.
When the People disappeared, they were a single race but have since evolved into four distinct races or Clans: Sky, Grass, Forest and Mountain. Each Clan has their own unique language, but all are multilingual and can understand each other easily.
Physical features that all the Auk'kheem share: large eyes, small, delicate mouths and noses closer in shape to a cat's than a human's. Genders are not always obvious, especially because there are more than males and females among the various Clans; however, there is also a significant population of intersex beings among all but Mountain Clan.
Sky Clan
This race is the tiniest of the Auk'kheem, measuring in height from eight to ten inches. Their complexions vary from pale to dark, their hair in a rainbow of pastel shades including pink, green, blue and lavender, and eyes with just as much variety. They are hominid in structure, universally lean and fit, with delicate, symmetrical features. Facial tattoos are favored and indicate a Sky's noteworthy accomplishments.
Every adult Sky Auk'kheem is fitted with a body-hugging suit called a s'resh, which is fitted with a flying apparatus featuring long, slender dragonfly-like wings. Sky Clan's main purpose is to keep watch on the Wheel of Worlds and inform the other clans if visitors should appear on their planet. Those not on duty at the Wheel perform various transport tasks such as messengers and pilots.
Sky Clan are quick tempered but just as ready to forgive, and always up for playing games and have fun. They are also fond of physical activities such as sports and battle training. Most are accomplished warriors. While they are small in stature, they can be quite dangerous as a fighting unit.
Their motto is "Sky Clan watches." This means they are the People's first line of defense, the ones tasked with sentry duty on their world.
Grass Clan
This race of the Auk'kheem are stocky, sturdy folk. They are taller than Sky Clan, ranging in height from three to four feet tall. Complexions are generally darker than Sky in medium to dark brown shades and their hair colors are more earth-toned: ash blond to golden along with browns and greens. They, too, have large eyes in shades of green, golden and brown, and some occasionally sport facial hair, depending on personal preference.
Since they are land-bound, their clothing is generally practical, featuring many pockets. Most Grass Clan are less concerned about fashion and more about the function of their outfits. They are mild tempered and generous family-oriented people with a love of the land. Many are farmers, gardeners, herbalists and physicians.
Their motto is "Grass Clan defends." While they may look harmless, Grass Clan are adept soldiers and always prepared for battle. Their purpose in battle is to protect those in command or important sites. They hold their ground, whatever the cost.
Forest Clan
Tall and elegant, Forest Clan keep to the woodland areas and are the best hunters of the People. Usually between five and six feet tall, their complexions run from tan to dark chocolate brown. Hair colors suitably blend in with their environment in shades of gray, brown, black and dark green. Eye colors include greens, grays, browns, muted blues and purples, golden and orange, and feature vertical pupils. Genders are more distinctly obvious, though there are androgynous Forests.
Fashion is important to Forest Clan. Their clothing is always stylish, whether dressed in camouflage to help them blend into the trees or strolling down the streets of their cities. They are fond of both bright and muted colors, and are the "peacocks" of all the clans.
Each Forest child is trained in battle and hunting skills from a very early age. They study war and strategy as part of their regular education. While they are generally calm in temperament, they are fierce warriors tending toward the bloodthirsty and aggressive when roused to fight.
Their motto is, "Forest Clan attacks."
Mountain Clan
This is the largest race of the Auk'kheem, measuring between eight and ten feet in height. They are heavily muscled, with craggy features and broad, placid faces. All of Mountain Clan are male and quite hairy. Skin tones are universally dark, some with a bluish tint, and all have grayish hair generally worn long. Eyes are always in tones of gray.
Mountain prefer bare feet unless going into battle on rocky ground. They dress simply, usually in a loincloth or kilt and vest. Peaceful in nature, Mountain are highly educated and erudite, but nevertheless well-trained warriors. Their size and power alone make them deadly enemies, but they are also clever and devious in their battle plans.
Their motto is, "Mountain Clan destroys."