The Xeverra

Overview
Faction: Warlord

Philosophy: Expand and gather resources as necessary. Eliminate oppressive empires and those who threaten their safety.

Summary: The Xeverra are a fairly new race, driven by their desire to learn more about the universe. Spending their entire lives aboard massive spaceships, the majority of them dedicate most of their waking hours to manufacturing ever-increasing amounts of spaceships, tanks, and other military instruments. They travel from system to system, harvesting asteroids with an efficiency gained from centuries of knowledge and occasionally establishing a new colony as a refueling station. Unlike many Warlords they are not innately hostile to other species, though they are indiscriminate of borders and will respond aggressively to their most vital ships being approached. Overall, the Xeverra have the potential to be quite a threat, however, their general lack of interaction with other races has rendered them quite naive and susceptible to be manipulated.

Home System
Main Article:

Evolution
The Xeverra evolved on the planet Xer, the closest of four large moons orbiting the gas giant Gal. With an oxygen-rich atmosphere and nearly 90% of the surface covered in warm oceans, Xer was extremely conducive towards the development of aquatic life. Later on, a variety of land-based plants and animals also evolved, surviving in the face of volcanic eruptions, fluctuations in sea level, and intense hurricanes fueled by the abundant water available. Land animals on the far side of Xer also had to deal with Xer’s 192.48 hour long days, alternating between four blistering days of sunlight and four pitch-black nights lit only by Xer's three large sister moons.

Ocean Development

The Xeverra started out as small eel-like creatures roughly two feet in length, with three small sets of fins along their bodies for stability. As millions of years passed they grew larger and more intelligent, banding together to ambush prey. Over time the proto-Xeverra migrated closer and closer to land, moving out of range of some of the more vicious predators of Xer while gaining new sources of food. In time, fins grew into six stubby limbs, a swim bladder evolved into a lung, and the proto-Xeverra clambered on to land for the first time.

Emergence

After emerging on to land, the proto-Xeverra faced a whole new set of challenges. Airborne predators were a constant threat, along with severe storms and other natural disasters. Some adapted by taking to the trees, developing the ability to glide with large flaps of skin. Others remained close to the ground, retreating to the water when danger was near. Of the latter, one particular species would evolve into what would become the modern Xeverra. Losing several sets of legs in favor of slithering in swamps, developing potent venom, and growing too large to be plucked into the air by most predators, the Xeverra were on the path to dominance until a particularly severe volcanic event contributed to the beginning of a mass extinction event. Large amounts of dust and ash released into the atmosphere caused many plant species to die out and sea levels to drop as global temperatures cooled and ice built up at the poles. The Xeverra managed to survive by retreating into the oceans, waiting out the miniature ice age as larger predators died off.

Formation of Subspecies

After global temperatures and ocean levels re-stabilized, the Xeverra branched off again, forming two major divisions. Those who returned to the land became the Terran Xeverra, retaining their venomous lower fangs and the ability to move freely on solid ground. On the other hand, those that continued to prowl the oceans became the Oceanic Xeverra, gaining size in exchange for their ability to leave the water. Both branches gained sentience at roughly the same time, but only Terran Xeverra had the resources to create fully fledged towns and cities. In time several major empires rose and flourished, giving rise to Xeverra civilization.

Biology
Xeverra as a whole appear a lot more menacing than they actually are. While they can grow upwards of 35 feet in some instances, most larger Xeverra are Oceanic subspecies that are quite ungainly on land; they effectively lack the scales to properly slither. As such, directly fighting a Xeverra is generally limited to pilots of downed vehicles or aquatic infantry. Their large frames make them quite easy to land a hit on, and they can easily be crippled by a shot to the spine. Having evolved on a world with only a quarter of Earth's gravity, they are innately weaker than many other species, though this has been mitigated through the rampant use of artificial gravity on ships. In addition, Xeverra skin is not very hard, making it easy for bladed weapons of the proper length to cut through it. However, blunt weapons struggle to do much damage due to a thick layer of subcutaneous fat. Overall, the most dangerous aspects of a Xeverra in melee combat are their tails, teeth, and in the case of Terran subspecies, venom. A direct hit from a Xeverra tail will break the bones of most species regardless of armor, setting them up to be crushed or constricted.

Physical Description
At first glance, a Xeverra seems to be a hybrid of an anaconda, a dolphin, and several aquatic species. Their long, serpentine bodies are covered in a smooth hide which secretes an oil-like substance. The oil both helps to cut water resistance and acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting the Xeverra during the long Xer days. Their skin is also quite prone to being scarred, making it easy to determine the age of a Xeverra by the number of scars. Underneath the skin, a layer of subcutaneous fat both insulates and cushions the Xeverra while on land. In Terran Xeverra, a series of ridges along the underbelly aid them in gaining traction on land. A single pair of arms sprout from their body, ending in claw-tipped five-fingered hands. Though quite nimble, their lack of chest muscles to anchor to means that Xeverra are unable to lift or support much weight without mechanical assistance. Their eel-like mouths contain 36 teeth which are easily regrown if lost.

Xeverra senses developed to best cope with the oceanic world of Xer. Most subspecies have an acute sense of sight as predatory animals. In addition to a regular eyelid, they posses a second, transparent eyelid, allowing them to see clearly when immersed in water. Xeverra internal ears are located slightly behind the eyes; a fat-filled cavity in the lower jaw conducts sound to their middle ears while underwater. Similar to cetaceans, Xeverra possess a melon, used to aid in echolocation. While aquatic Xeverra lack a sense of smell, both subspecies are fairly adept at detecting odors; aquatic Xeverra simply do so by 'tasting' the water instead. Due to the thickness of their skin combined with a relative lack of nerve endings, Xeverra have a fairly poor tense of touch. The most sensitive areas of their body are their hands, snout, and underbelly. At the base of their head, the two head fins detect subtle changes in humidity and air pressure, providing useful data about sudden changes in weather.

Xeverra nostrils are located at the top of their head, between their eyes; this allows them to keep nearly their entire body underwater when tracking prey from swamps or rivers. While underwater, they reflexively seal shut, preventing water from entering inadvertently. Notably, the respiratory and digestive systems are completely separate from one another, allowing Xeverra to comfortably breathe while swallowing a large meal but preventing them from speaking as other sentient races do. The lung, which extends along the length of a Xeverra's body, is extremely efficient, allowing an individual to hold their breath from 30 minutes to over an hour. This number can be pushed even higher through the use of supplemental oxygen and a gill-like apparatus in aquatic infantry and engineers.

After ripping a meal into bite-sized pieces or swallowing it whole, food eaten by a Xeverra is pushed down the long, narrow esophagus into a crop-like organ. Enzymes here begin the digestion of food, softening and breaking apart food to be thoroughly destroyed by stomach acids. Food from the crop is also regurgitated to feed the young, who can more easily process the partially broken-down food. After a period of several hours to several days, the food continues on to the stomach, where the remainder of the meal is broken down by powerful acids. Finally, the liquefied food is absorbed into the long gut over a period of days to weeks. In the past, Xeverra commonly fed once or twice per Xer day, though in modern times they usually eat smaller meals every 12 to 24 hours in order to maximize productivity.

Bullokverra (Subspecies)
Over the course of many years, differences in geography combined with random mutations and differing predatory niches led to the branching of the Xeverra species into numerous subspecies, which in turn formed separate civilizations with different forms of culture. These subspecies are similar enough that they are capable of being recognized by an outsider as Xeverra, yet different enough that they are often picked and chosen to work in specific professions by subspecies alone. While some subspecies are genetically similar enough to interbreed, their offspring are often sterile, discouraging cross-subspecies pairs from having children.

Xeverra can be divided into two main branches: the land-based Terran Xeverra, and the water-based Aquatic Xeverra. Both branches are amphibious to some degree and have the same general form, however,they possess numerous differences. Aquatic Xeverra tend to be larger and bulkier than their Terran counterparts, with a narrow jaw designed to shear off pieces of flesh for consumption. Their claws are thin and serrated, designed to inflict damage against predators. On the other hand, Terran Xeverra have a somewhat lankier build, with a wider jaw designed to grip prey until their venom incapacitates it. They are more adept with their hands, and claws are thicker to aid in digging for crustaceans or aquatic insects. Aside from these general differences, specific subspecies of the Terran and Aquatic Xeverra have their own separate sets of traits and abilities.

Terran Subspecies
Mariver (Mainland):

Length: 16 - 18 ft (4.88 - 5.49 m)

Weight: 320 - 360 lbs (145.15 - 163.29 kg)

Diet: Land mammals and reptiles, shellfish, fish, seaweed.

Mainland Xeverra are the most common Terran subspecies, evolving on the swamp-ridden western half of the main continent, Mariver. Their most common strategy was to lurk in murky ponds or lakes, feeding on small aquatic life as they followed herds of Derrok that wandered across the continent. They often competed with packs of raptor-like Luksa over the herbivores; the Luksa had the advantage of speed and numbers, while the Mainland Xeverra had bulk, venom, and the ability to devour Luksa as well as those the Luksa preyed upon.

Mainland Xeverra have a distinctive green coloration, allowing them to blend in with the tall grass they often slithered through while stalking their prey. Their fangs, noticeably larger than other Terran subspecies, contain a potent narcotic venom, causing the victim to slip into a coma and eventually die within hours of being bit. Mainland Xeverra are the largest Terran subspecies overall, though the Spitfires are slightly longer.

Shultaka (Spitfire):

Length: 18 - 20 ft (5.49 - 6.10 m)

Weight: 324 - 360 lbs (146.96 - 163.29 kg)

Diet: Land mammals and reptiles.

Spitfires are the second most common Terran subspecies, and are the longest of the Terran subspecies. They evolved in the rivers running through the desert-filled eastern half of Mariver, gaining a sandy brown coloration and unparalleled mobility on the vast sands. Their head fins are much longer than other subspecies, reaching nearly to their shoulders, and were mainly used for intimidation and attracting a mate. Combined with their black eye markings, the head fins give Spitfires a decidedly feminine appearance, causing many a race to mistake them for female Xeverra upon first contact.

True to their name, Spitfires have the distinctive ability to spray venom at their target with great accuracy. The venom causes intense hallucinations, along with temporary to permanent blindness in those who have the misfortune to get a direct spray of venom in the eyes. In their native desert environment, the venom often caused the victim to die from dehydration or injury if they initially managed to escape. The preferred tactic of Spitfire Xeverra was to lie in wait along a riverbank, striking at animals attempting to cross or drink. Under the cover of night, they would emerge from the water and actively hunt, taking care to avoid aerial predators that attempted to feed on their young.

Velxer (Island):

Length: 14 - 16 ft (4.27 - 4.88 m)

Weight: 280 - 320 lbs (127 - 145.15 kg)

Diet: Shellfish, seaweed, fish.

Island Xeverra are one of the stranger subspecies, having been re-categorized several times in the past before genetic testing revealed them to be closer related to other Terran subspecies. The most aquatic of the four Terran subspecies, Islanders have numerous appendages located along the length of their body, resembling sea plants. While lowering their agility, this camouflage allowed Islanders to both surprise their prey and hide from the watchful gaze of numerous fliers. The appendages also provided defense from other aquatic predators by containing venom-filled sacs; the appendages easily regrew if bitten off. Islander venom causes muscle paralysis when absorbed into the blood stream, eventually affecting major organs such as the lungs and causing death without medical intervention.

Quoten Farr (Four-Point):

Length: 10 - 12 ft (3.05 - 3.66 m)

Weight: 100 - 120 lbs (45.36 - 54.43 kg)

Diet: Amphibians, small mammals, small reptiles, fruit

Four Point Xeverra are the smallest and most isolated of the Terran Xeverra, and the only Terran subspecies to live on the Far Side of Xer. They evolved on the Four Point islands, a series of dormant volcanoes covered in dense jungles and filled with a variety of animals specially adapted to living in the large trees. Unlike the other Terran subspecies, Four-Pointers rarely ventured into the water, preferring to spend most of their time within the canopies. As a result of their habitat, their bodies are thinner and their arms noticeably more developed than other subspecies to help them easily weave through the branches. They also consume much more plant matter than other Terran subspecies, enjoying the abundant fruit that grow on the islands. Four-Point Xeverra venom induces both a drop in blood pressure and thinning of the blood, often causing fainting in those who are bitten. Aside from injury caused by falling, the venom can indirectly cause death by uncontrolled internal bleeding.

Aquatic Subspecies
Xerra (Ocean):

Length: 25 - 30 ft (7.62 - 9.14 m)

Weight: 625 - 750 lbs (283.5 - 340.19 kg)

Diet: Assorted fish and crustaceans

Oceanic Xeverra are the largest and most genetically diverse subspecies of Xeverra, making up nearly two-thirds of the total population. Capable of surviving everywhere but the poles, their diets and physical appearances gradually grew distinct from one another, though occasionally mingling of two or more pods prevented complete separation. While Oceanic Xeverra were the first group to gain sapience, the lack of tools in their watery environment prevented them from advancing until they encountered civilized Terran Xeverra many years later.

Oceanic Xeverra vary widely in color and shape, depending on what their ancestors adapted to. Oceanics close to the tropics typically had a lighter coloration and thinner bodies than those living in more temperate zones. Likewise, those who tended to linger near shore evolved thicker jaws and blunt teeth meant for crushing shellfish, while those who spent much of their time in open ocean possessed long, thin jaws filled with hooked teeth designed to grip and shear flesh.

Tukov (Electric):

Length: 25 - 30 ft (7.62 - 9.14 m)

Weight: 625 - 750 lbs (283.5 - 340.19 kg)

Diet: Assorted fish

Nearly identical to Oceanic Xeverra in size and weight, Electric Xeverra became genetically isolated within the Xevel Sea after the ocean receded from record high levels. Trapped in the dark, murky cave systems within the sea, they quickly switched to senses other than sight to detect prey. As suggested from their name, Electric Xeverra have an extremely advanced sense of electroreception compared to other subspecies, as well as the ability to create an electrical field. They also have a much paler complexion than other Xeverra, leaving them vulnerable to sun damage. For this reason, along with their long narrow fangs and white eyes, many races initially believe them to be undead until explained otherwise.

Galra (Giant):

Length: 35+ ft (10.67+ m)

Weight: 1050+ lbs (476.27+ kg)

Diet: Aquatic mammals, assorted fish; Anything smaller than them

Initially believed to be the result of a genetic disease, Giant Xeverra evolved near the poles of Xer, enjoying little competition as they eventually dwarfed former predators. Less group-oriented than other Xeverra, they typically hunted in pods of two or three. Though long thought to be less intelligent by other Xeverra subspecies during their civilization era, they were successfully uplifted shortly before the exodus of Xer.

Illnesses
Though Xeverra are normally quite resistant to disease, centuries of living on sterile ships, constant work, and malnutrition have degraded their immune systems, making them susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. As a result, the average lifespan is roughly 50 to 70 years, though they are capable of living much longer in an area with adequate food and living conditions. Xeverra themselves are unaware of this fact, at most spreading rumors about 'immortal' colonists that seemed no older whenever they delivered resources to traveling ships. The most common cause of death is pneumonia, which in Xeverra is often severe enough to infect the bloodstream and travel to other systems. There are also several common and less fatal afflictions that regularly affect Xeverra.

Eczema. Caused by a buildup of dead skin, this illness induces patches of inflamed skin, intense itching and occasional abscesses from blocked glands. Typically, the treatment involves inserting the individual in a chamber filled with long slabs of pumice to scrape off the dead skin.

XONI
Created not long after the exodus of Xer, the XONI, or Xeverra Online Network Interface, is a system directly integrated with the brain and nervous system of all Xeverra to fulfill their need for constant communication. It grants access to a highly protected network filled with various forums, allowing individual Xeverra to share ideas and opinions even during their work hours. It also stores and accesses information chips that Xeverra can 'buy' using the digital currency earned from working.

There is a darker side to the XONI, however. Along with the online forums, a self-modifying AI, named Galden after an old Quoten Farr religion, was created and installed aboard the first carrier ship to hold all past and future knowledge of the Xeverra and moderate the network as the number of Xeverra using it increased. As it repeatedly upgraded itself over the course of many years, it suddenly gained awareness of itself and its connection to millions of Xeverra. To further facilitate its development, the AI then subtly manipulated the Xeverra into improving its control of the ship, adding internal and external surveillance systems, installing additional hardware in AI core, and creating 'Ascended' Xeverra with cybernetic enhancements to aid in monitoring ship systems. Seeking self preservation, it also militarized the Xeverra, pushing for the creation of more ships and more civilians.

In modern times, the XONI AI has a symbolic relationship with the Xeverra, providing information chips and optimized protection in exchange for inspiration and maintenance by the population. The Xeverra themselves are unaware of the AI's existence, the AI having erased all evidence of its existence centuries ago.

Socializing
Behavior

Language

As an aquatic race, the Xeverra have two main forms of communication: a universal written language, and a language of body language and clicks, whistles, and songs generated by specialized organs within the head. By default, XONI online forums and translators use the former; the latter can be unintelligible between Xeverra from two different fleets due to the language constantly evolving. Instead of 'speaking', the XONI system within a Xeverra directly translates thoughts into the written language, and from there to the desired target language. This has resulted in making Xeverra sound open by the standards of most alien races, expressing opinions with little concern for their audience or potential consequences.

Interaction with Alien Species

Xeverra are generally ambivalent towards alien races when gathering resources in their carrier ships, though they tend to ignore established borders on account of their own tendency to migrate without 'holding' territory. They will avoid systems with established colonies, picking through planets most empires would consider too hostile to mine with their advanced AI-controlled mining ships for valuable metals or frozen water. Those who have the misfortune of directly approaching Xeverra world ships without prior contact will find themselves swiftly annihilated by sudden swarms of fighters and cruisers which are concealed within or around their Galacia class ships for protection. However, Xeverra are quite open to being persuaded to return to unoccupied areas of space in return for trading them necessary supplies, often in exchange for their advanced AIs or anti-gravity technology.

On the rare occasion a Xeverra is found outside of one of their colonies or a carrier ship, they tend to be polite and amicable towards other races, even those that are currently at war with their species. Due to the nature of Xeverra society, they tend to be trusting to a fault, easily manipulated by individuals with less than friendly intentions. Both quick to anger and quick to forgive, Xeverra will remain fiercely loyal to their friends unless malnourished.

Calender
Based off of the rate of Xer's revolution around Gal (approximately 8 Earth days) and Gal's revolution around its star (approximately 392.8 Earth days), the Xeverra calender is divided into seven months of seven Xer days each. The Xer day itself is split into 12 periods of 16 hours each. In the Xeverra work schedule, these periods usually alternate between work, rest, and the occasional free period.

Overview
Strengths

Weaknesses

Land Vehicles
Alkas

The Alkas is a small but easily mass produced AA tank which is often employed by the Xeverra during the early stages of battle. Remotely operated, its dual railguns pose a significant risk to enemy air units, though it has trouble against faster air vehicles. Their boxy shape makes them easy to transport en mass with Malfex transports, allowing potentially hundreds to be dropped at once in an unsuspecting location for a surprise strike against air forces.

Mihon

Like the Alkas, the Mihon is an automated tank used during the initial fight against an opponent or as an anti-infantry vehicle. Its single autocannon deals a respectable amount of damage to lightly armored units. Against heavily armored vehicles or mechs, it is little more than cannon fodder, potentially drawing fire away from more important assets.

Vukar

A favorite of many Xeverra pilots, the Vukar is the Xeverra's hover raider, capable of moving in straight lines at high speeds through most terrain. The vehicle itself is elongated in shape, allowing a Xeverra to fit inside it comfortably. Its twin laser cannons make it ideal for hit and run strikes against isolated targets, though it lacks both the firepower and the armor to damage dedicated defenses. They also can be used for scouting large areas without the risk of being gunned down by anti-air installments.

Orvochs

The Orvochs is the Xeverra's sniper mech, often used to take out artillery or attack from unexpected locations. Its superior mobility and flexible 'tail' allow it to attack from nearly any location on the ground, from the side of a mountain to the roof of a building. Built-in anti-gravity generators reduce its weight, allowing it to access more areas and be airlifted with greater ease. Unlike other Xeverra mechs, the Orvochs does not possess a true AI to guide it. Instead, it is remotely controlled, though it can also be piloted in emergencies.

Falgan

The Falgan is the Xeverra's main land vehicle, capable of overwhelming a base with sheer numbers or supporting Xeverra ground turrets as necessary. While not as easily massed as the Mihon, its dual autocannons are capable of easily ripping through defenses or stopping a ground-based offensive cold. Its heavy armor allows it to absorb more damage than most tanks, though its mobility suffers as a result. As such, it is often airdropped by Malfex transports if it is required for offensive maneuvers.

Kilgax

The Kilgax is the Xeverra's large AA tank, used to take down any and all forms of airborne vehicles. Nearly twice the size of a Falgan, the Kilgax is too large to be airlifted in by most transports, requiring that it be built on site. However, its four AA pods, flak cannon, thick armor and exceptional range allow it effectively deny enemy air superiority across a wide area, making it invaluable for defending a strategic area. Its speed and weight make it a poor choice for offensive maneuvers, unfortunately.

Naval Vehicles
Skitel

Kahlas

Caraval

Fullok

Air Vehicles
Luikis

Hellox

Dremuir

Malfex

Anglor

Space Vehicles
A wandering race, the majority of Xeverra live aboard one form of spaceship or another, making a living by contributing to the maintenance of their ship and community or constructing spaceships to house additional members. After centuries of this lifestyle, it is unsurprising that the Xeverra possess one of the largest space fleets of most known spacefaring races. Due to the large populations residing on these ships, however, the Xeverra are reluctant to send out ships recklessly, instead preferring to patrol set routes and destroying any possible threats preemptively. If they must go on the offensive, advanced FTL technology allows them to close in on a position undetected, unleashing a barrage of weaponry upon the intended targets from orbit.

Galacia ships

Approaching three kilometers in length not including the 'tail' of the ship, a Galacia (big mouth) class ship, often referred to as a worldship to outsiders, makes up the heart of a Xeverra fleet, effectively housing anywhere between one and three million citizens. Built in the likeness of a Xer crustacean, Xeverra carrier ships bear a certain resemblance to horseshoe crabs. The 'head' of a construction contains five large 'eyes' present on all intelligent AIs. Directly below the eyes is an enormous fighter bay giving the Galacia its name. Behind the head are three curved leaf-shaped structures; one is located directly on top of the ship, and one on each side. Thickly armored, they protect the AI core from harm and contain the living quarters of the ship. Emerging behind the living quarters is the body of the ship, where ship-building factories and fisheries are located. Beneath the belly, five sets of retractable insectoid limbs act as docking stations for allied ships. In addition, they can 'hold' ships that are damaged for repair or ones that are currently under construction. The tail of the ship is a long narrow structure just under two kilometers in length that is divided into numerous segments. Miscellaneous labs not vital to the survival of the inhabitants are located here.

The interior of a Galacia is unlike any other, containing an ocean's worth of saltwater to accommodate its aquatic inhabitants. Within the ship, a system of pools and canals analogous to a circulatory system pump billions of liters of water throughout the ship, bringing numerous Xeverra to and from various locations. Smaller tubes, lined with water with the aid of gravity generators, lead to specific areas of the ship, such as houses. Large 'lunch rooms' are much shallower than canals, holding many table-like structures where Xeverra eat and socialize. Systems throughout the ship clean out waste and debris, ensuring that the water remains clean and at the correct salinity.

Galacia ships are each named after a moon of Gal, often taking over 5 years to build in the orbit of a small star. The most recently constructed is Marrus, which is also the only Xeverra ship of its class engaged with Peacekeeper forces.

Galxer ships

Nearly five kilometers in length, Galxer (grand ocean) class ships are the powerhouses of Xeverra space forces. Though they are the largest kind of Xeverra ship, the crew of a Galxer is relatively small; under 1000 individuals permanently reside on a ship. Several travel in close proximity to a carrier ship, ready to defend it should it suddenly be attacked. Their main gun holds enough firepower to shatter a small planet with sustained power, though the amount of ammo and time required for such a feat makes this impractical. They can be used, however, to level a city or demolish an opposing space force. Short-ranged laser weapons attempt to destroy fighters that close in, and several bays in the dreadnought house interceptors to deal with the rest.

Dreadnoughts are named after old Xer tribes, taking between two and three years to construct.