Race: Minor Races

Introduction

Some races are not considered major players on the Galactic stage. This viewpoint can stem from any number of justifications, such as population size, technological advancement, or simple political sway. Every "Minor" race has its own unique set of hurdles and barriers to overcome. Many have chosen to become client races of larger Galactic factions, and others are actually the edges of larger galactic communities which exist amongst the unknown expanse of the Frontier. Regardless of why they're considered a Minor Race - or indeed if such a term is even accurate - the classification does not typically carry any penalties.

Tyrmalin/Goblins

Summary

The Tyrmalin are a race of squat, green skinned creatures with pointed ears. The Human tendency to call these aliens 'Goblins' has grown in popularity, to the point that it has become a legally recognized name.

Biology

The average Tyrmalin stands between 3'/91cm and 4'6"/132cm. Squat and proportionate, the Tyrmalin evolved from subterranean scavengers bearing superficial resemblances to Terran mammals. Although no longer furred, Tyrmalin retain the pointed ears and vibrant green skin of their ancestors. Goblins are not particularly hardy, but their wiry musculature and claws allow them to move with an elevated degree of agility, especially in confined spaces. Goblins are well adapted to mining work, and seem to prefer a nearly claustrophobic environment most of the time. They are as intelligent as any other sapient race, but appear to have retained some primitive aspects of their predecessors. There is no current consensus on whether this is a form of genetic compulsion being passed along, or if it is simply cultural.

History/Culture

Tyrmalin originate from a centaur in the Regiis sector named - in their tongue - Goss Aguz. Eventually spreading out into the local asteroid belt, by the time of their discovery the Tyrmalin had established mining operations spread across multiple local systems. Diplomatic ties between the Tyrmalin and the Human representatives they encountered were quickly established, with the "Goblins" becoming a protectorate of the Orion Confederation in short order. Many Tyrmalin have moved to Mars, where they work in the red mines. The "little green men" on Mars now comprise nearly 10% of Mars' global population, and more are immigrating every year. Goblins are recognized on Mars as fine artisans and miners, and operate several notable trade guilds with ties across the galaxy.

Merrow/Undyne

Summary

An advanced aquatic race, the Merrow were fully evolved and intelligent when first contact was unexpectedly established. Due to the nature of their existence, the Merrow had not yet become a spacefaring people. Interaction with the Orion Confederation quickly changed that, and now the Merrow have established numerous oceanic colonies across the galaxy.

Biology

Merrow are aquatic humanoids measuring between 5' and 7'. Elongated and spindly, Merrow bear some passing resemblance to the Akula, although cursory genetic tests have confirmed no common ancestry. Merrow breathe both air and water, possess natural darksight, and have a notably sticky flesh that comes in a wide array of colorations. The most common colors for Merrow appear to be deep blues and greens - presumably due to the nature of their environment. Agile in the water, Undyne are still relatively graceful on land, having long ago developed the ability to travel above the surface of the water.

History/Culture

Merrow, known colloquially as Undyne, adhere to a somewhat poorly defined social structure. Although they have produced breathtaking underwater megastructures, many with a manner of religious significance the Merrow refuse to discuss, their people tend to travel in small family-oriented units, or alone. Largely migratory, the concept of cities seems to be of little interest to the Merrow. Since they began to colonize other worlds, Merrow have taken to underwater farming projects, and seem to enjoy cultivating aquatic livestock and flora for trade with the world above.

Saguar/Kobolds

Summary

Saguar hail from a chain of barely habitable desert worlds trapped on the interior extreme Goldilocks zone of a red giant. Small, reptilian, and cold blooded, the Saguar bear many passing resemblances to the Unathi, Earth raptors, and Kobolds from popular media. Consequently, the secondary designation has begun to stick, much as it did for the Tyrmalin.

Biology

The Saguar people rarely stand taller than 3' 5". Short but lithe, the scaly skin and heavily reptilian features of the Kobolds bear some similarities to their larger counterparts the Unathi. Investigations and testing into a possible common ancestor remain inconclusive. Cold blooded, Saguar can move via both bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion, and require comparably less water to survive than other species. Saguar scales come in a variety of earth tones, from bold clay reds to muted mud browns.

History/Culture

Kobolds are a moderately advanced galactic community who did not possess advanced spacefaring technology when they were discovered. Rapid breeders, the Saguar had spread to two other planets in their habitable belt to help alleviate a population crisis. Many Saguar spend their lives as desert ranchers or farmers, corralling herds of insectoid xenos similar to beetles as livestock. They are a notoriously avaricious and mercantile species, easily swayed by the promise of coin. Several theories linking the Saguar love of coin to an evolutionary byproduct of millenia searching out glittering water pools and the shimmering wings of insect chitin remain unconfirmed.