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 millennia searching out glittering water pools and the shimmering wings of insect chitin remain unconfirmed.
Mycelia/Fungoids
Summary
Unlike other minor 'races', Mycelia are more akin to a medical condition than a sapient species. Widely regarded as parasites, Fungoids are reviled in Alraune and Diona culture as a living plague not dissimilar to zombies in human culture. Most Mycelia are mindless predators more akin to venus flytraps than living beings. Some, however, have retained a degree of sentience that allows them to interact with civilized society. How this occurs is still a mystery.
Biology
Mycelia have no standard biology, and are instead recognized as a collective of mushroom-like spores that may develop into several different shapes, colorations, and blooms. Currently classified by subtype, there are known Mycelia analogues for Chanterelles, Amanita Muscaria, and several more mundane varieties. Mycelia reproduce by spreading spores into the local atmosphere. These spores are resilient, but are effectively sterilized by UV light or extreme dryness, causing most Mycelia to prefer dark, moist environments. Once a Mycelia roots, it attempts to lure organic creatures into its area by releasing sweet scented saps and spores. These spores often bear faintly toxic effects when inhaled, inducing a state not dissimilar to drunkenness in those who are exposed - rumors of more intense, almost psychedelic experiences upon exposure to Mycelia spores have been reported, but not observed. Incompatible carbon-based life will often be harvested of protein or moisture, although most Mycelia are too weak to forcefully ensnare food sources. This seems likely to be intentional, as incompatible life forms serve to help disperse a rooted Myeclia's spores much further than its own zone of influence. Compatible carbon-based life - namely Alraune and Diona - are immediately in danger upon exposure to Mycelia spores. If not rapidly sterilized and monitored heavily for fungal growth, the Mycelia's spores will infect the tissue of the victim and spread like a parasitic cancer, slowly overtaking the creature's body until it overwhelms their consciousness and renders them comatose. Hijacking the body's functions, the Mycelia will then puppet its new body into an uninfested area to begin the life cycle anew.
History/Culture
Mycelia have no known native language, and their history is largely a mystery. Alraune and Diona both bear a natural and somewhat instinctual hatred of these beings, which may either be signs of a deep cultural memory or a simple evolutionary self-preservation mechanism. Interviews with Mycelia capable of communication have lead some scientists to believe there is a gestalt mind which exists between each entity in a form of 'mycelial network'. The Mycelia interviewed have denied this to some extent, although when privately observed they have been seen to communicate non-verbally. Mobile, "self aware" Mycelia do not emit spores, and seem to have taken up the role of an ambassador class, appearing only recently in the public eye.