ALIEN RACES

We are not alone, even if sometimes we wish we were.

The alien races of the greater IcarusCode universe. In the main IcarusCode plotline, most of these are not seen until near the end, if at all. There are special galactic rules for visiting other planets; space-faring civilizations are prohibited by the Stellar Concord from visiting those whose native species have not developed advanced space travel. The Orchestra, however, broke that rule.

More of these species, and others, can be seen in the sequel/spinoff that I have in the works called Starlight Nexus, as well!

Carciwaeka

Crab-like extraterrestrials from the planet Bria. Carciwaekan society is split between the Inner Lands, a briar-covered savanna, and the Outer Lands, a white beach with emerald-colored water. They form the effective two nations that exist on the planet, as all else is covered in ocean or untamable briar that the species has largely evolved away from. The Inner Lands and Outer Lands are at a stalemate for as long as they can remember, with both sides being fed propaganda since birth about the other. Each side is ruled by an Elder Council that decide all aspects of their society. This species has the curious ability to shape their claws into different forms; if any are too damaged by this process or by an enemy, they can grown them back fairly quickly.

Celestial

Celestials are a class of megafauna that are the oldest beings in the known universe. They come in many shapes and sizes, but most are relatively massive and have a translucent body. They appear to show traits of fauna across the galaxy merged together, but any connection between them is unknown. Life cycles and ferocity vary by species, but the common factor is that all organically create and maintain a special crystal known as a Gravity Nexus. Further information is encrypted.

Celopagus

Cephalopod-like extraterrestrial entities. The nine tentacles of this creature are consolidated near the head, with each one having its own slight intelligence that operates aside from the main brain of the individual for protection or convenience. In addition to camouflage and hooks that can be extended out of the suction cups on the tentacles, this species developed an acidic substance that it can fire to attack. The hooks can also inject a neurotoxin if their prey is grabbed by them. They are seemingly proficient on both land and in water and have developed advanced armor and weapons using the minerals found on their home planet, solidifying their position as their world's apex species. It should come as no surprise that, because of this, sparring and duels on land and sea are highly enjoyed and encouraged in their society.

Human

Humans, or homo sapiens, are the most abundant and widespread species of primates on Earth, characterized by bipedalism, minimal body hair, and large, complex brains enabling the development of advanced technology, culture, and language. Humans are highly social beings and tend to live in complex social structures composed of many cooperating and competing groups, from families and kinship networks to political states. Social interactions between humans have established a wide variety of values, social norms, and rituals, which bolster human society. Curiosity and the human desire to understand and influence the environment have motivated humanity's development of science, philosophy, religion, mythology and other fields of knowledge. Thanks, Wikipedia!

Karyaxwi

Fungus-like extraterrestrial entities. They are part fungus and part machine. Strangely, this creature has developed a symbiotic relationship with said machinery that was abandoned by an advanced species that once called its planet home. Analysis suggests that its intelligence is enhanced by the machine itself, helping the fungus part learn and grow beyond simple behaviors (though it appears to have some form of intelligence even before latching on to its chosen “host”). They still reproduce like fungi found on Earth, with their society seemingly making a conscious distinction between the teleomorphs and anamorphs. The fact that they are conscious entities that learned to make their own “hosts” showcases a surprising and tenacious evolutionary turn, and at this point it seems that the Karyaxwi cannot live long without being sustained by the power of these machines.

Nihilox

A hive-mind jellyfish-like extraterrestrial entity. This hive-mind does not behave in the way one would normally suspect; the Nihilox are in fact genetic replicas of the Great Mother, the source of all sub-units of the species. Embedded in their genetic code is the reverence for this source and the affinity towards seeking methods that have the highest probability of ensuring that the species, or rather the Great Mother, survives. Because of this, little room is given to individuality in their brains. When in the presence of the Great Mother, the creatures communicate through pheromones and electrical impulses, but communication modules can be embedded into the units to allow others to understand them if these signals are translated properly. On rare occassions, the Nihilox will siphon the DNA of its prey and integrate it into itself, then fuse with the Great Mother to encourage genetic evolution.

Runéan

A once highly advanced, space-faring extraterrestrial entity whose planet served as a major galactic trading hub. They have a body and appearance not unlike porcelain dolls, and this porcelain can actually be seen covering major parts of their sturdy crystalline, silicate skeletons. Their keratin joints allow them the flexibility that their skeletons lack. Though they once were much more homogenous in appearance, interacting with many other alien species encouraged evolutionary behavior to develop more "gendered" body types. However, they still do not categorize themselves into the concept of gender even with this development. Runéans reproduce asexually by creating a slurry using a piece of their bodies (containing necessary proteins and DNA), silica, and water. This then develops into a newborn Runéan based on the DNA of the parent. Newborn Runéans develop over a long time, as the race has a maximum lifespan of about 300 years. Nerves run across and through their lattice skeletons; however, as they do not have blood nor a brain, how they gained and maintain their sentience remains a mystery.

Solflosian

A plant-like and fairy-like extraterrestrial entity. The Solflosia are a minority on their planet, with them at the pinnacle over legions of slaves. Their whip-like appendages have spikes that secrete poison, creating a lethargic and drained feeling in those lashed by them. A key to their ascent to power is in their memory; their fortresses and gardens all consist of large mazes, with dedicated forces changing the maze throughout longer confrontations while the changes are relayed to combat personnel. Their memories allow them to remember every iteration and formation of these mazes, letting them easily pick off armies larger than themselves one by one. Their feeling of superiority comes from the successes of their advanced and complex battle tactics, and they display this in their elaborate ornamental designs on every part of their society. Function and form are both important for their culture, as they believe each flower used is a remnant of their deity’s grand garden.

Spelcian

The native inhabitants of Spelcia, a tidally-locked planet that is forever embedded in a state of twilight. Freezing on one half and sweltering on the other, the civilizations of Spelcia are forced to remain on the equator where the planet is habitable. While this dominant sentient species is human-like, their large ears, presence of fangs, and small vestigial wings suggest that their ancestors looked far different. Spelcians as a whole live for around 200 years, though somewhat recent developments see some living shorter life-spans. Legends also tell of an ancient ability to liquify one’s consciousness and transmit it into a host through the teeth, but this is unconfirmed. This race is shrouded in secrecy as the Stellar Concord limits interactions with them for their own safety and preservation.

Tor

Denizens of Tor-Zeln, a rocky desert planet that is under constantly harsh conditions. The Tor are master weaponsmiths, using various metals for almost every aspect of their society. They favor war but largely live in secrecy; very few members of this species have ever been seen off-world. Their civilizations are complex and value artistic expression, as they see war as an artform. They are very religious, with the origin of the Tor-Zeln faith stemming from their deity Gaius. Some devout leaders of the Tor-Zeln faith claim that, in their deepest holy sessions, they can sense and even hear the voice from their deity emanating from deep within the earth. It is this voice that commands them to do battle with others, commanding the faith leaders to take charge of their armies with a thin, needle-like sword.