Reduction Virus - Species Primer

A primer on some of the interdimensional species of humans in the Reduction Virus setting.

PRIMER – SPECIES OF HUMANITY

The Reduction Virus setting is home to a number of interdimensional versions of humanity, all of them descended from humans taken from Terra-Prime thousands of years before the current year. Their genetics have been altered by the being known as The Outsider as part of ongoing experiments to learn the intricacies and limits of humanity, causing significant departures from the Terran norm.

The following is a sample list only of species contacted by Terran exploratory teams, with twenty-seven species in total contacted between 2179 TC and 2189 TC, and further contact efforts ongoing. All species contacted to date broadly resemble Terrans, with any specific differences noted below.

The below are brief summaries only, with further details to be included in future Contact Dossiers.


Note: Crush Factors

For the purposes of this Primer a ‘Crush Factor’ refers to how an individual within a certain category would be affected if a significantly larger individual was to step on, sit on, or otherwise crush them. These are broad categories included for simplicity. Further details will be given in Contact Dossiers.

Standard – The individual has no significant resistance to crush damage and would likely be killed by any significant imposition of force (i.e. the large individual stepping or sitting down full force). If not killed they would be expected to be seriously injured and hospitalised following any such incident.

Endurant – The individual has an extreme level of resistance to being crushed but is not invincible. If sufficient force is exerted or the crushing is prolonged the individual may become bruised or suffer broken bones and other physical trauma but is unlikely to be killed outright. Endurant means more than just being stronger or tougher than an average human. It is a superhuman level of resilience.

Malleable – The individual will be squished under sufficient crushing force, but will not be killed due to the malleable nature of their body allowing them to be flattened before eventually reforming. Depending on the individual and species the point at which this malleability will be triggered varies, but in general it will kick in at the point when they would otherwise suffer physical harm. Malleable individuals are able to maintain life functions while in their squished state through various means.



SPECIES PROFILE: TERRAN


First Contact with UTC: Not Applicable


Threat Level (Unaffected): Not Applicable

Threat Level (Reduced): Not Applicable

Threat Level (UTC): Not Applicable


Females (Titans)

Height Range: 33.6m to 46.1m

Population (c. 2189): 156,075

Crush Factor: Endurant


Females (Unaffected)

Height Range: 140cm to 192cm

Population (c. 2189): 1,936,877,765

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Tiny Dollmen)

Height Range: 6.33cm to 8.75cm

Population (c. 2189): 1,018,310,665

Crush Factor: Malleable


Males (Tiny Mants)

Height Range: 6.33cm to 8.75cm

Population (c. 2189): 15,694,641

Crush Factor: Standard


Females (Tiny Dollmen)

Height Range: 5.83cm to 8cm

Population (c. 2189): 156,904,571

Crush Factor: Malleable


Males (Micro Dollmen)

Height Range: 2.64mm to 3.65mm

Population (c. 2189): 30,330,700

Crush Factor: Malleable


Males (Micro Mants)

Height Range: 2.64mm to 3.65mm

Population (c. 2189): 132,322,855

Crush Factor: Standard


Females (Micro Dollmen)

Height Range: 2.43mm to 3.33mm

Population (c. 2189): 277,819

Crush Factor: Malleable


Males (Nanos)

Height Range: 0.11mm to 0.15mm

Population (c. 2189): 1,917,723

Crush Factor: Standard


TOTAL POPULATION: 3,292,792,814


Note: Descendants of modern humanity. See Setting Primer and Guidebook to Terrans for details.



SPECIES PROFILE: VIXMITE


First Contact with UTC: 2151 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): High Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Extreme Threat

Threat Level (UTC): High Threat


Leadership Caste

Height Range: Unknown

Population (c. 2189): Unknown

Crush Factor: Unknown


Commander Caste

Height Range: 14.9cm to 15.2cm

Population (c. 2189): Unknown

Crush Factor: Malleable


Engineer Caste

Height Range: 14.9cm to 15.2cm

Population (c. 2189): Unknown

Crush Factor: Malleable


Soldier Caste

Height Range: 14.9cm to 15.2cm

Population (c. 2189): Unknown

Crush Factor: Malleable


Null Caste

Height Range: 14.9cm to 15.2cm

Population (c. 2189): Unknown

Crush Factor: Malleable


Note: Officially classified as non-human. See Threat Dossier: Vixmites for further information.



SPECIES PROFILE: NITGUAR


First Contact with UTC: 2179 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): No Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Low Threat

Threat Level (UTC): No Threat


Females (Pre-Virus)

Height Range: 152cm to 210cm

Population (c. 2189): Not Applicable

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Pre-Virus)

Height Range: 140cm to 192cm

Population (c. 2189): Not Applicable

Crush Factor: Standard


Females (Post-Virus)

Height Range: 6.33cm to 8.75cm

Population (c. 2189): 52,846

Crush Factor: Malleable


Males (Post-Virus)

Height Range: 5.83cm to 8cm

Population (c. 2189): 0 (Extinct)

Crush Factor: Malleable


TOTAL POPULATION: 52,846


Biology: Nitguar are nearly identical to Terrans, differentiated only by their ears which tend to taper towards a point, and by the seeming inversion of gender-based physiological differences within their population, with Nitguar females generally being of similar height and musculature as Terran males.

Society: Possessing technology comparable to mid-20th century Terrans, the Nitguar previously had an advanced industrial society divided into a number of nation-states. However, following their own Vixmite Invasion between 2122 TC and 2138 TC, their society was reduced to a number of isolated bunkers sustaining the remainder of their population. With all males having perished in the invasion, and lacking any artificial reproduction technologies, the Nitguar species was facing a slow death.

UTC Contact: Just over forty years after the Vixmites departed the Nitguar homeworld, with all key resources and bio-mass having been extracted, first contact between the Nitguar and the UTC gave the lifeline the species needed to survive. Since that time, the UTC has shared artificial reproduction technology with the Nitguar, allowing a new generation to be born. Similarly, a Sanctuary City has been constructed on Terra-Prime for their use, and work is underway to restore their biosphere. While not officially part of the UTC, the Nitguar are in many ways now subservient to UTC interests.



SPECIES PROFILE: YOTTAN


First Contact with UTC: 2181 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): No Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Low Threat

Threat Level (UTC): No Threat


Incubators

Height Range: 12.6m to 17.3m

Population (c. 2189): 14,507,123

Crush Factor: Standard


Males

Height Range: 16.9cm to 23.3cm

Population (c. 2189): 879,494,296

Crush Factor: Endurant


Females

Height Range: 15.5cm to 21.3cm

Population (c. 2189): 901,254,978

Crush Factor: Endurant


TOTAL POPULATION: 1,795,256,397


Biology: The Yottan possess three biological sexes. Males and females are distinguishable from their Terran counterparts primarily by their skin tone, which ranges from an icy blue to darker blues and purples. Although fertilisation still occurs between males and females, the female does not carry the fertilised embryo to term but rather transfers it during early development to an Incubator, who can easily carry over a hundred embryos at once through a complex multi-chambered uterus. Incubators are physically similar to females though far larger in scale, and share the skin tone of other Yottans. The birth of Incubators is a random mutation expressed in a small number of female embryos, and carrying infant Incubators is the only instance in which Incubators become physically encumbered.

Society: With a technological level equivalent to early 21st century Terrans, the Yottan have achieved a relatively high level of social cohesion across their homeworld, though independent nation-states do continue to exist. Equality and human rights are strongly supported across most nations, though most prominent positions are held by either males or females, with Incubators usually engaged only in caretaker roles. This is consistent with the instinctual behaviour of Incubators, who traditionally served as protectors for other Yottan during their early history, particularly for infants and young children. Yottan families are large and communal, often numbering several hundred individuals.

UTC Contact: Contact between the Yottan and the UTC has been positive and mutually beneficial, with all Yottan nations to date maintaining cordial relationships with the UTC, including both cultural and technological exchanges. Travel between Terra-Prime and the Yottan homeworld is permitted, subject to some limitations and travel advisories. One issue of note has been that Incubators can sometimes mistake Tiny Terrans for unaccompanied children and may seek to transfer them to a nearby creche for caregiving or unintentionally abduct them to take them into their personal care.



SPECIES PROFILE: MODUIDAI


First Contact with UTC: 2182 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Low Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Low Threat


Females (Carnivora)

Height Range: 140cm to 192cm

Population (c. 2189): 589,011,383

Crush Factor: Standard


Females (Lagomorpha)

Height Range: 112cm to 154cm

Population (c. 2189): 353,844,315

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Chiroptera)

Height Range: 25.3cm to 35cm

Population (c. 2189): 168,726,117

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Rodentia)

Height Range: 12.7cm to 17.5cm

Population (c. 2189): 1,052,420,246

Crush Factor: Endurant


TOTAL POPULATION: 2,164,002,061


Biology: The Moduidai are one of the more diverse species encountered by the UTC, having four distinct phenotypes, two female and two male. It should be noted that although all Moduidai can be broadly grouped into these four phenotypes, there still remains a great deal of diversity within each phenotype. Though primarily human in appearance, Moduidai display secondary characteristics of varying other mammalian species, corresponding to the mammalian order associated with their specific phenotype. The nature and extent of these secondary characteristics can vary significantly between individuals, but most Moduidai at a minimum have the ears and tail of a specific species within their order. Other traits such as varying amounts of fur, and differentiated eyes, teeth, claws, mouths and snouts are also known to occur, though most individuals display only a small number of these traits, if any. Any pairing of male and female Moduidai can produce offspring, usually carrying the phenotype of the same-sex parent, although ancestral phenotypes may sometimes be inherited.

Society: Having recently passed through their own industrial revolution, Moduidai society is still deeply divided along national and ideological lines, and most nations continue to be governed by feudal hierarchies. A majority of states at least nominally recognise the rights of citizens, though inequality and discrimination remains common, particularly towards males. A majority of leadership positions are held by females, with the Carnivora phenotype in particular being notably dominate.

UTC Contact: Since first contact, the UTC has made significant progress towards establishing good relations with a number of Moduidai nations, particularly those with more robust human rights protections. Travel to and from these nations and the UTC is allowed, though subject to various safeguards. Other nations, however, are more hostile to the UTC, and travel to them is prohibited. Male Terrans are strongly advised to avoid any Moduidai females showing signs of being in oestrus.



SPECIES PROFILE: QHILLEA


First Contact with UTC: 2182 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Low Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Low Threat


Females

Height Range: 182cm to 250cm

Population (c. 2189): 397,637,686

Crush Factor: Standard


Males

Height Range: 76cm to 105cm

Population (c. 2189): 386,039,269

Crush Factor: Standard


TOTAL POPULATION: 783,676,955


Biology: While not as distinct from Terrans as other species, the Qhillea are notable for their high physical strength and durability, reflected in a tendency towards significant musculature. Males in particular are noted for their robustness relative to their size, while females display proportionally higher strength. Qhillea who do not engage in sufficient physical activity may become overweight.

Society: Qhillea society remains pre-industrial, though they have advanced and complex systems of castes and nation-states. Females enjoy a position of relative dominance in both social and familial settings, though males are afforded a degree of autonomy, and direct mistreatment is forbidden in most nation-states either by law or social convention. Warfare between nation-states still remains commonplace, though is subject to strict rules and rituals, often involving one-on-one combat and similar efforts to reduce overall casualties. All Qhillea display a preference towards physical exertion.

UTC Contact: To date, the UTC has engaged in limited contact only with the Qhillea due to their early stage of societal development, though have managed to establish basic diplomatic contact, including advising the Qhillea of the potential danger posed by the Vixmite and communicating warning signs.



SPECIES PROFILE: PHARID


First Contact with UTC: 2183 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): No Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Moderate Threat


Matriarchs

Height Range: 4.2m to 5.8m

Population (c. 2189): 11,874,837

Crush Factor: Standard


Males

Height Range: 16.9cm to 23.3cm

Population (c. 2189): 168,100,484

Crush Factor: Endurant


Females

Height Range: 15.5cm to 21.3cm

Population (c. 2189): 162,239,013

Crush Factor: Endurant


TOTAL POPULATION: 342,214,334


Biology: Genetic analysis suggests that the Pharid are an offshoot of the Yottan, seeded upon their world from stock taken from the Yottan homeworld, though instead of blue and purples skin tones, the Pharid instead tend towards various shades of red. A notable difference is the role of carrying children to term has been restored to Pharid females, with the Incubators replaced with Matriarchs, who no longer play an active role in the reproductive process and are somewhat smaller in size. New Matriarchs are still the result of a mutation in females, but now one that occurs in early puberty.

Society: With a technological level similar to early-19th century Terrans, Pharid society is dominated by the Matriarchs, who are protective of both males and females to a near-obsessive degree. This seems to have caused issues with Matriarchs treating all smaller Pharid as young children regardless of their actual age, and has somewhat stunted the species’ societal and technological development. Although Pharid nations do exist, most societal structures are centred around smaller communities.

UTC Contact: Contact between the UTC and the Pharid has been cordial to date, and the Matriarchs have expressed a keen interest in welcoming the Terrans and other humans into their homes. Some concerns have been noted, however, around suggestions that a more ‘caring’ approach be taken to Reduced management, with many Pharid communities offering to adopt young or orphaned Terrans.



SPECIES PROFILE: KHUXGER


First Contact with UTC: 2183 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Moderate Threat


Males

Height Range: 182cm to 252cm

Population (c. 2189): 564,479,857

Crush Factor: Standard


Females

Height Range: 126cm to 173cm

Population (c. 2189): 629,004,231

Crush Factor: Standard


TOTAL POPULATION: 1,193,484,088


Biology: The Khuxger are a rare example of a human species created by The Outsider within which males are notably larger than females, having a position of physical dominance. Other traits of note include robust physiques and prominent brows reminiscent of earlier hominids, though the Khuxger do not otherwise display any primitive tendencies and have equivalent intelligence to other humans.

Society: Fully industrialised, Khuxger society displays a mix of technologies associated with early-to-late 20th century Terrans, with military technology noted to be an outlier in regard to advancement. Many nation-states exist with varying political systems and recently three competing superpowers have emerged due to possessing either superior technology or resources. Although Khuxger nations are mostly democratic, not all citizens are necessarily able to participate in the democratic process.

UTC Contact: Prior to UTC Contact the three Khuxger superpowers were engaged in a protracted cold war, though following contact these powers have taken steps towards decreasing tensions with a view to expanding their engagement with the UTC. Due to their significant military build-up the Khuxger are seen by the UTC as a potentially valuable ally in any future conflict against the Vixmites.



SPECIES PROFILE: SUSVESE


First Contact with UTC: 2184 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Low Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): High Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Moderate Threat


Females (Queen)

Height Range: 280cm to 384cm

Population (c. 2189): 4,157

Crush Factor: Standard


Females (Nurse)

Height Range: 70cm to 96cm

Population (c. 2189): 249,519,681

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Soldier)

Height Range: 30.4cm to 42cm

Population (c. 2189): 296,193,592

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Drone)

Height Range: 5.43cm to 7.5cm

Population (c. 2189): 3,488,267,118

Crush Factor: Standard


TOTAL POPULATION: 4,033,984,548


Biology: While still entirely mammalian from a genetic perspective, Susvese incorporate a number of traits which would otherwise be found in eusocial insects, including partial exoskeletal structures, a second set of upper limbs, and enhanced olfactory senses tuned for pheromones. Female Susvese also possess a chitinous abdominal body segment extending from their tail bone, which contribute to a unique reproductive process. As only Nurses and other infant Susvese are allowed in a Queen’s chambers, and only the Queen can birth young, Nurses are responsible for gathering the needed genetic material from Soldiers, which is stored within their second abdomen, and then deposit this material into the Queen, along with their own, by joining their second abdomen to the Queen’s own.

Society: Susvese society appears to be driven primarily by the need to feed and expand, with each Queen independently vying for dominance. Technological advancement is inconsistent but generally pre-industrial, with only Nurses demonstrating a particular knack for innovation. Strictly hierarchical, non-Queens are treated as expendable, especially in the case of the seemingly sub-sentient Drones.

UTC Contact: At this time the UTC has only had limited contact with the Susvese, as hives contacted to date have generally been borderline hostile towards what they see as invasion of their territory.



SPECIES PROFILE: LLISHINAN


First Contact with UTC: 2184 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Low Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): High Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Moderate Threat


Females (Normals)

Height Range: 140cm to 192cm

Population (c. 2189): 152,240,448

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Deluxe Models)

Height Range: 21.7cm to 30cm

Population (c. 2189): 158,582,146

Crush Factor: Malleable


Females (Little Ones)

Height Range: 20cm to 27.4cm

Population (c. 2189): 40,252,099

Crush Factor: Malleable


Males (Budget Models)

Height Range: 3.1cm to 4.29cm

Population (c. 2189): 1,087,799,656

Crush Factor: Malleable


TOTAL POPULATION: 1,438,874,349


Biology: Llishinans exist over three distinct size categories, with females existing over the largest and middle size-categories, while males exist over the middle and smallest. With the exception of larger females, all Llishinans are also notably malleable, more so than other malleable species, and with the degree of malleability increasing for smaller males. Unlike most human species, there is a significant disparity in the birth rate between males and females, with males constituting a significant majority.

Society: Historical examination reveals that Llishinan society has experienced three notable phases. For most of their history they practiced a feudal system under which a minority of the large females exerted absolute authority over their fellow Llishinans. Eventually a series of revolutions displaced this system and established a number of democratic nation-states in which equality was guaranteed. Unfortunately, growing frustrations and allegations that males were using their greater numbers to exert an unbalanced level of influence over society allowed more extreme views among females to rise to prominence, and a second societal shift occurred, establishing modern Llishinan society. Now all Llishinan males are forcibly converted into ‘product’ upon coming of age, usually in the form of female clothing or accessories or toys for female use, with females insisting that this is for their own benefit and their natural place in society. By contrast, smaller females, referred to as ‘Little Ones’, are generally treated in a manner more similar to pets by their larger counterparts. Llishinan society is currently experiencing its own information age, with their digital technologies rapidly advancing.

UTC Contact: Initial contact between the UTC and the Llishinan homeworld suggested that they were a peaceful female-only species open to co-existence with other humans, with the only issue of concern being the diminished position of the Little Ones. However, after Reduced assigned to the initial diplomatic team disappeared, the true nature of Llishinan society was discovered. Expressed interest in converting Terran Reduced to product has resulted in the severing of diplomatic ties.



SPECIES PROFILE: OMIPHINE


First Contact with UTC: 2185 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): No Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Low Threat

Threat Level (UTC): No Threat


Females (Leviathans)

Height Range: 25.2m to 34.6m

Population (c. 2189): 173,208

Crush Factor: Standard


Females (Nereids)

Height Range: 140cm to 192cm

Population (c. 2189): 364,506,452

Crush Factor: Standard


Males (Kappas)

Height Range: 76cm to 105cm

Population (c. 2189): 212,680,085

Crush Factor: Standard


TOTAL POPULATION: 577,359,745


Biology: A rare example of a human species adapted to an environment distinct from the human norm, Omiphines live a primarily aquatic lifestyle on their mostly water-covered world, though all phenotypes are fully amphibious. Omiphine adaptations to their environment include elongated digits connected with contractible webbing and sealable gills along their necks, as well as pale, near-translucent skin due to their low sun-exposure. All Omiphine are born as either males or Nereid females, with some females metamorphosing into Leviathans later in life due to a variety of factors.

Society: Due to their aquatic environment, Omiphine societies have never fully developed industrial technology, but do display advanced aquatic-based agriculture and significant cultural development with an emphasis on visual art and music. Though scattered across various tribes, Omiphine societies are largely peaceful and seldom engage in territorial conflicts despite frequent migratory behaviours. Despite this, sites of particular cultural significance are fiercely protected from potential invaders.

UTC Contact: Although contact between the UTC and Omiphines has been largely peaceful, cultural and environmental differences has slowed down diplomatic ventures, with only limited trade and cultural exchanges undertaken to date. Limited tourism is permitted to the Omiphine home world.



SPECIES PROFILE: ARADINE/ONNANIN


First Contact with UTC: 2185 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Low Threat


Aradine

Height Range: 67.2m to 92.2m

Population (c. 2189): 8,638,785

Crush Factor: Endurant


Onnanin

Height Range: 5.28mm to 7.29mm

Population (c. 2189): 794,028,548

Crush Factor: Endurant


TOTAL POPULATION: 802,667,333


Biology: The Aradine and Onnanin are technically two separate species sharing the same world, with both species able to reproduce asexually. However, genetic research indicates that they are likely to be descended from the same ancestral population, with the species division potentially arising from being unable to engage in sexual reproduction due to the extreme size difference. Although a one-gender species, Aradine display the secondary sexual characteristics of a female and are notable for the green-tinge of their skin and significantly elongated ears. By contrast the Onnanin possess male secondary sexual characteristics and do not display a similar unique skin tone or auricle architecture.

Society: Due to their vast size difference, the Aradine and Onnanin live apart, with many Aradine traditionally dismissing the existence of Onnanin as fairy tales. Aradine society is agricultural, united, and largely devoid of internal conflicts, while Onnanin society is industrial, divided, and still prone to semi-frequent strife over available resources. It is not uncommon for Onnanin societies to establish themselves near Aradine homesteads for protection from predators or other competing Onnanin.

UTC Contact: Contact with the UTC has helped to form a new bridge between the Aradine and the Onnanin, with the UTC functioning as something of an intermediary despite being the foreign party. The sheer size of the Aradine makes travel difficult, but some limited exchanges have occurred.



SPECIES PROFILE: DRADILAE


First Contact with UTC: 2186 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Low Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Moderate Threat


Females

Height Range: 152cm to 210cm

Population (c. 2189): 764,997,224

Crush Factor: Standard


TOTAL POPULATION: 764,997,224


Biology: A truly one-gender species, the Dradilae are perceived as female from the perspective of most human species, but possess a reproductive system facilitating female-to-female reproduction. The Dradilae are also notable for having hair and eye colourations outside of the human standard, with common colours including bright pinks, blues and greens, all of which are mildly luminescent.

Society: Dradilae society appears to be on the verge of entering the space age, with technological advances accelerating over recent decades. A number of nations-states still compete for resources, though open conflict is rare, with preference given to economic and ideological means of conquest or expansion. Most Dradilae appear to have a preference towards more high-adrenaline activities.

UTC Contact: Initial UTC contact with the Dradilae, though recent, has been largely peaceful and some minimal trade has been established. However, some issues have arisen over time due to the Dradilae having no experience with either gender diversity or size discrepancies and resulting issues of distrust and misunderstanding. In particular, many Dradilae do not see the point of Terran males.



SPECIES PROFILE: ELUGO


First Contact with UTC: 2186 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Moderate Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): High Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Low Threat


Females

Height Range: 140cm to 192cm

Population (c. 2189): 147,489,316

Crush Factor: Standard


Males

Height Range: 8.44cm to 11.7cm

Population (c. 2189): 538,108,901

Crush Factor: Standard


TOTAL POPULATION: 685,598,217


Biology: Among the most problematic of the human species, the Elugo possess a unique method of reproduction which requires females to consume males in order to reproduce. Female Elugos have a separate stomach specifically for the digestion of males, which serves to harvest their reproductive material before digesting the remaining body parts as nutrients, in a process that can take days. In order to induce pregnancy, several males must be consumed in this manner. It appears that female Elugo are compelled by instinct to consume mature males for this purpose during their breeding cycle, regardless of personal preferences. Most Elugo births include several males and one female.

Society: Female and male Elugo live separately. While young males are raised initially by their birth mother, most are ejected from the relevant female settlement before they reach maturity, though usually within the general vicinity of the nearest male settlements. Both females and males engage in agricultural practices but are also often nomadic and generally split into a large number of tribes.

UTC Contact: Although not compelled to consume non-Elugo, conditioning and social convention has complicated relations between the UTC and the Elugo. Presently all travel to the Elugo homeworld is restricted as the UTC seeks a potential solution to the disconcerting life-cycle of the Elugo species.



SPECIES PROFILE: IRRAINESH


First Contact with UTC: 2187 TC


Threat Level (Unaffected): Low Threat

Threat Level (Reduced): Low Threat

Threat Level (UTC): Low Threat


Females

Height Range: 42m to 57.6m

Population (c. 2189): 4,387,986

Crush Factor: Endurant


Males

Height Range: 3.04cm to 4.2cm

Population (c. 2189): 2,946,025,446

Crush Factor: Endurant


TOTAL POPULATION: 2,950,413,432


Biology: The Irrainesh possess the largest known natural size disparity within a single species, as well as a number of unique adaptions tied to this disparity. In particular, females possess acute senses to facilitate communication with their males and the capacity to store nutrients over extended periods, while males are highly robust and have significantly strengthened senses of equilibrium and balance.

Society: Recently industrialised, Irrainesh society is comparable to that of commensal organisms, with males forming their colonies on the bodies of females through the construction of living spaces attached directly to the female’s skin, and which double as female clothing. Acting as hosts, females provide protection and supplementary nutrients, while being groomed and otherwise tended to by males. Tasks are performed communally, and generally the whole colony takes credit for successes. Most females will receive their first batch of males from their mother to assist with initial colony set-up, and will then trade males with other females in order to initiate reproduction. Broadly, males travelling on a female can be divided between the categories of brother, son, husband, and visitor.

UTC Contact: Though only a recent contact, the Irrainesh have proved open to diplomatic relations with the UTC, and cultural exchanges have commenced. Male Irrainesh are generally unwilling to travel far from their colony and females become distressed if separated from their males which, when taking into account the size of females, has limited travel opportunities and local tourism.