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. A very driven species, they dedicate most of their waking hours to producing large numbers of technological goods, from aerial surveillance drones to fighters and tanks. Unlike many Warlords they are not innately hostile to other species, however, they see the Peacekeepers as a threat in their quest to gain knowledge and resources. 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. Compared to the large predator-filled oceans, the continents were much safer to live and develop on. However, they were prone to being hit by intense hurricanes and other tropical systems, which easily developed in the warm waters of Xer and had little to impede them before they eventually made landfall. Land animals on the far side of Xer also had to deal with Xer’s 192.48 hour long days, spending nearly four days in either sun or darkness.

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. Over millions of years they grew larger and more intelligent, banding together to facilitate hunting prey. Eventually, 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, 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 period of high volcanic activity 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 quite ungainly on land, restricting them to acting as pilots 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. Overall, the most dangerous aspects of a Xeverra in melee combat are their tails, hands, and in the case of Terran subspecies, venom. A direct hit from a Xeverra tail will break the bones of most species, setting them up to be crushed to death. Xeverra teeth are capable of penetrating some light armor, though they may break off in the process.

Physical Description
At first glance, a Xeverra seems to be a hybrid of an anaconda, an alligator, and several aquatic species. Their long, serpentine bodies are covered in a smooth, rubbery 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.Underneath the skin, a layer of fat both insulates and cushions the Xeverra while on land. Along the underbelly, a series of ridges aid Xeverra in gaining traction on land. A single pair of dextorous yet frail arms sprout from their body, ending in claw-tipped five-fingered hands. Their eel-like mouths contain 36 teeth, designed to hold on or shear flesh and easily regrown if lost.

Xeverra senses developed to best cope with the oceanic world of Xer. Most subspecies have an acute sense of sight, though their frontward vision is somewhat limited. In addition to a regular eyelid, they posses a second, transparent eyelid, allowing them to see clearly when immersed. 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 changes in humidity and air pressure, providing useful data about incoming weather systems.

Xeverra nostrils are located at the end of their snout, facing upwards. While underwater, they reflexively seal shut, preventing water from entering inadvertently. Similarly, a flap of muscle at the junction of the esophogus and trachea stops food or water from entering the lung while feeding underwater. 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 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 esophogus into a crop-like organ. Enzymes here begin the digestion of food, breaking down hair, skin, and cartilage with ease. In female Xeverra, food from the crop was also regurgitated to feed the young, who could could 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 liquified 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, the in modern times they usually feed every 12 to 24 hours in order to maximize work time.

Bullokverra (Subspecies)
Over the course of many years, 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 a different form of culture. These subspecies are similar enough that they are capable of being recognized by an outsider as Xeverra, as well as capable of interbreeding, yet different enough that they are often picked and chosen to work in specific professions by subspecies alone.

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. On the other hand, Terran Xeverra have a somewhat lankier build, with a wider jaw designed to pin prey down until their venom incapacitates it. 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 shellfish as they followed herds of Derrok that wandered across the continent. They often competed with packs of 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 natural predation 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.

Socializing
Behavior

Language

Interaction with Alien Species

Xeverra are generally ambivalent towards alien races when gathering resources in their world 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 the world ship 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 world 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
Mihon

Vukar

Ragul

Orvochs

Falgan

Naval Vehicles
Caravel

Air Vehicles
Luikis

Hellox

Dremuir

Malfex

Anglor