Swarmfolk

Swarmfolk

Cytecynẏ
Regions with significant populations
Araxis (Homeworld)	Abandoned
Perax	Unknown
Chyron	Unknown
Thios	Unknown
Chosis Major	Unknown
Languages
Araxian

The Swarmfolk, also commonly-known as the Araxians, are a bipedal insectoid species native to the planet Araxis. Swarmfolk are tall, lean, and muscular, with thick exoskeletons providing the bulk of their mass. They have four glowing eyes situated above their jaws, which are lined with serrated teeth. They have four arms, each ending in three-clawed fingers, with the third claw being opposable akin to a thumb in humanoid species. Their legs end in three-clawed toes, with the innermost toe bearing the largest claw. The average height for an Araxian female is roughly 7'5", with males generally standing around 7'1".

Their exoskeletons, whilst not innately bulky, provides significant physical protection. The only unprotected areas of their bodies lie between gaps in the exoskeleton, notably the neck, abdomen, and joints, which are supplemented by body armor. The Swarmfolk, a hardy species, can operate on both diurnal and nocturnal cycles, though most-generally favor diurnal, entering a period of suspended activity and dormancy during their rest phase. They have exceptional nocturnal vision and incredible innate agility, making them resourceful predators. Their claws allow them to scale and latch onto walls, flora, and megafauna alike. Though all four of their arms are equally dexterous, Swarmfolk favor their upper arms as their primary manipulators, using their lower arms for complementary and secondary tasks. As they grow and mature, this naturally makes the lower arms weaker than the upper arms unless specifically trained. However, the number of neural pathways necessary to maintain prime dexterity in all four arms lowers their overall efficiency, and thus Swarmfolk prioritize their upper two arms.

Swarmfolk breathe a mixture of gasses whose concentration is unique to their homeworld of Araxis, known to humanity as "ambrosia", a name given from Iearthling mythology. This ambrosia, whilst necessary for bodily functions, also stimulates their growth. Highly-concentrated amounts of ambrosia can increase an individual's size dramatically, with the largest alleged individuals standing around 12'0" in height. When traveling to other worlds, Swarmfolk must carry filters to allow them to function in other gaseous mixtures.

Their life- and growth-cycle is unknown, but it is known that they hatch from eggs laid by their Broodmother, reaching full-maturity at around 25 years. Their lifespan is unknown, though they are known to be able to live for exceptionally long period of time. It is estimated that, with a consistent supply of ambrosia, they can live for hundreds of years.

Etymology

The Swarmfolk are known by many names across the galaxy. In Elbresian, their name derives from the species's swarm tactics, engaging foes in massive numbers. In their native tongue, they are known as Cytecynẏ, meaning the ones who speak, in reference to their shared common language. Other names for them include Chitinfolk, Hiveborn, Starwraiths due to their frequent raids and conquest of systems and vessels in the Outer Band, and bugs as a colloquial vulgarity.

Culture

What little is known about Swarmfolk culture is garnered from the few-transcribed writings and tellings of their scribes. Swarmfolk political structure is complex and multifaceted. Although all one race, they are divided into genetically-divergent broods, which form the basis of their ethnic and political structure. Swarmfolk, in general, are highly-militant and warlike, having been known to conduct raids upon vessels, outposts, planets, and sometimes entire star systems. Warfare is an integral part of their culture, and each brood has specific codes of honor, morality, and combat.

Broods

The brood is the primary political unit of the Swarmfolk. Each brood is led by a triumvirate consisting of a broodmother, high-king, and high-priest.

The broodmother is the progenitor and sole-producer of a brood, analogous to a queen in insect society. In the event of a broodmother’s passing, there is a line of selected heirs within the brood to be elevated to maturity and assume the role of new broodmother.

The high-king is the unequivocal head of the triumvirate, the king of kings. A king in Swarmfolk society is the leader of a clan, the largest, strongest, and smartest warrior of the group. Where kings lead clans, high-kings serve as emperors, keeping peace between the warring clans and forcing them to work together for cohesive governance. Their title is not solely political, as high-kings have been known to enter the field of battle.

The religious representative of the triumvirate, the high-priest is the advocate for the spiritual. The direct link between Swarmfolk society and their gods, they rarely intervene in political matters unless the gods demand action to be taken.

The brood acts as both a political and ethnic unit. Between broods exist minor genetic differences that set them apart, such as skin color, eye color, etc. The brood is lead both in politics and warfare by the high-king, and each brood has its own laws, customs, individual culture, and banners and color standards.

Clans

The clan is the smaller unit of Swarmfolk society, formed on the basis of family, trade, or political leaning. Clans are lead by a king, who leads warbands on expeditions. Clans can be identified by their sigils, but all kings bow to the high-king, and fly their banner. When called upon, they answer.

Religion

Not much is known about Swarmfolk religion. They believe in a pantheon of deities, mostly-corresponding to the natural elements. Technology plays a significant role in their religion, and it is believed that technological advancement brings them closer to divinity.