Ukztlakat
Founding species of the Grand Artanat Empire.
The Ukztlakat are large, sentient species with a large number of appendages on their body. Instead of having legs, they use their large number of tentacle-like appendages to swing across branches on (their homeworld Runagat is mostly rainforest). They can use them to walk, but with much difficulty.
Due to this, most GAE starships have large metal bars mounted to the roof for Ukztlakat to grab. Even some constructs of the HF has similar bars for captured Ukztlakat members. As the Hyperion Federation tends to treat its people much better, they often remain in the HF.
They also have a silicon based biochemistry.
Ukztlakat names (as well as their species name itself) can be difficult to pronounce for most other races. However, the inverse is also often true, as they are almost unable to pronounce other species names. For example, they have trouble pronouncing S's, so they often approzimate them to Z's.
The GAE had a requirement to grow genetically engineered ukztlakats curing their type III civilizaiton era. As such, they launched a program to clone and modify their own species. These individuals are known as super ukztlakats, and can vary significantly in genetics depending on their 'purpose'. Combat individuals tend to have much stronger tentacles and be faster. They have also modified a number of other species who have been enslaved by the GAE, but primarily their own.
The ukztlakat are present all over their homeworld. However, those from the Northern hemisphere are different from the Southern hemisphere. Those of the Northern hemisphere tend to have smaller bodies but thicker tendrils than those of the Southern hemisphere. Southern ukztlakat tendrils are also noticeably longer. Some people recognise these as different species entirely, but as they can crossbreed naturally, in most cases, they are usually regarded as the same species. The ukztlakat can come in most skin colours, but typically have yellow eyes. From the outside they can appear somewhat gelatinous because their skin is slightly clear.
Though they have no visible ears, they can still hear sound though to a reduced degree. These ears are located on their head and body but do not reflect much sound into them. The uktztlakat are almost entirely carnivorous. Their mouth is located on their head which is at the bottom of the body while they are hanging. As they mostly hang from their tendrils, any swallowed food will travel up into their stomach rather than down. As such, it is designed in a way to allow food to reach it regardless of if they are hanging or not. The stomach enterance is located on the 'side', and there is an S-style bend in the esophagus which prevents it from leaking out while hanging.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Ukztlakat have 2 arms with hands that they use for manipulation. Their tentacle appendages are much longer and stronger than these arms, they typically have about 8 of these appendages. The rest of the body hangs down from this. A Ukztlakat head is normally positioned on the bottom of the body and is able to rotate about 300 degrees to the sides, 90 degrees down and can rotate 70 degrees upwards.
Genetics and Reproduction
They have 2 genders, males and jemales. However, a 3rd gender, females, are needed to actually carry the fetus. As only about 1 in 10 Ukztlakat are female, this can make them highly valuable.
Ecology and Habitats
They largely prefer tall, empty coridoors with bars on the roof to hang from.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
They have eyes on the front of their head. Although they can see the front much more effectively, they also have eyes on the back and sides of their head.
Lifespan
700
Average Height
~2.8 m
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
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