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Approved Species Mnenchei

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Nyxie

【夢狐】
Intellectual property of:
2013 © Nate Luna / A.E.G.; all rights reserved
The Force, Ansion and any Star Wars canon sub-elements herein are copyright of:
© LucasFilm / LucasArts


Designation: Sentient
Homeworld: Mnencheiasus
Languages: Mnenchalis, GSB
Average Height of Adults: 2.08 m
Skin Color: Grayscale
Hair Color: White, Silver
Breathes: Oxygen (159,400±20,000 ppm / ~15.94% or more)

Name:
Mnenchei (pronounced "mynh-N-kī")

Biology:
Mnenchei are humanoid mammalian creatures, not too different from humans in base structure. One key difference is in blood; Mnenchei blood consists of a mix of cobalt and silver rather than iron and other metals. The cobalt is used as a primary means of air supply transportation to cells, while the silver seems to be a little more of an evolved device gained through countless generations of silver ingestion and inhalation in their natural environment. This combination is also the main reason why Mnenchei skin tones cover a range of gray, white or marble tones. Their eyes are naturally silver with more trace amounts of this metal in their melanin. Unique to their race, their eyes have a slight bioluminescent glow of green to yellow which comes from friction in neighboring cells being condensed and released within cells in the iris or around the cornea. This soft glow, while not significant enough to illuminate objects in the dark, becomes a distinct feature in much darker environments. It is yet uncertain what specific function this trait serves biologically, though it is believed the stronger the glow, the stronger the will or "spirit" of a person is - especially in females, thus it may be a mating mechanism. (Turning a Sith or taking to the Dark Side will turn their eyeglow red.)


The bodies of the Mnenchei are almost in scale with the human race; they seem to be slightly larger, averaging at about seven feet for females and around six to seven feet for males. They have two arms and two legs, are virtually symmetrical and share similar skeletal functions. Mnenchei have two pairs of thumbs, opposite of each other in place of the little finger of humanoids. Yet they still have five total digits on each hand. Their arms tend to be slightly longer and more slender, with the fingertips sometimes reaching the base of the knee. Growing from the last bone of each finger is a heavy keratin/calcium mixed buildup similar to a claw which extend like long, narrow scythes from six to eight inches at their fullest. These begin to develop before puberty and will finish growing by adulthood. Inside is a unique vein which, if ruptured, contracts and never heals back. For this reason, the people consider it almost on par with virginity to keep one’s nails uncut. However, it is and has recently increasingly become an accepted practice among the Mnenchei. Females who retain these nails are usually preferred, and the color, refinement or consistency of these nails is sometimes taken into consideration when looking for a suitable mate; females usually take the initiative, while men still have a say in whether they will or should accept.


The Mnencheiic skeletal structure varies greatly in some instances from typical humanoids. Their rib cage consists of twenty-eight ribs; twenty-two main ribs and six hinged “platelets.” Their entire leg skeletal structure is varied and morphed. Their legs tend to be less straight and more “z” shaped in favor of semi-digitigrade ankles. Their calves have three sets of rib-like extensions of bone protruding from it, swept backwards and slightly up. while their feet are slender and long, with their toes (which there are only eight of) baring similar claws to their hands. The outermost toes are somewhat pulled behind the outer ankle, bending diagonally outward as presumably a stabilizer, which appears to be semi-opposable and can be retracted a full ninety degrees back to function as a heel anchor. Because of the unique lower skeleton, their hips are wider and their legs are longer than a typical humanoid’s in scale. The majority of the spinal column seems to raise up from the skin of the back more than normal, revealing a few more vertebrae with slightly larger spacing between each than is usual. From the coccyx on, they have three long, winding tails that barely graze the ground, each hinged on a unique morph of lower coccyx to move independently from one-another, but lack any substantial muscle tissue. They are commonly covered in a thin silver fur with glossy black stripes and have a thin, whisky bushel of fur at their tips. They thus have the ability to sprint on all fours and commonly do so, an advantage that some do not take in an effort to appear more civilized in the face of the galaxy.


Mnenchei tend to have little hair in places aside from their head. They do not have eyebrows, instead forgoing small serrated bumps or “horns” from the eyebrow ridges to their temple in slightly increasing size from center to sides. Just above and behind each temple is a somewhat-small horn shaped like the ears of a fennec. These have been documented throughout history and studied by Mnencheian biologists as growing smaller over time, believed to be connected with their evolutionary adaptation to their environments. These are not actually ears but horns, as the ears are small shell-like structures behind them which draw sound through reverberation and biomechanical amplification, though they might still play a small role in the nature of the ears’ acoustics. Extending over their bottom lip roughly three quarters down their chin are their upper canines, which resemble small daggers slightly inward curved. They are solid from the root down and very dense, designed to literally puncture and cut through the bark of vegetation such as the native subspecies of bamboo and various shelled fruits. They also enable the bearer to more easily prune hides off of fresh carcases.


Internally, the Mnenchei have two pairs of lungs, the uppermost being the larger set by a small but measurable air volume. The upper and lower lungs alternate during breathing, especially in an exhaustive state, to upkeep a constant demand for oxygen in their native low-oxygen atmosphere. Two holes on each side of the lower neck are responsible for simultaneous air intake into the two trachial tubes, one indirectly corresponding to each individual lung. Between these port holes and trachia are minute special glands which can contract to seal off all gases and liquids around the molecular density of helium (at up to 2.1 atmospheres) and also regulate the intake of xenon and hydrogen abundant in their native atmosphere by restricting denser molecules through a sponge-like cone membrane in each gland. When the first pair of lungs deflate, breath is exhaled through the mouth and air is lead into the secondary lungs via these holes. The internal glands will automatically contract when submerged to prevent the being from drowning, and can sustain multiple atmospheric pressures without rupturing. Because of the concentration of heavier gases in the native atmosphere of the Mnenchei, these glands also control the distribution of such gases into their lungs and allow lower concentrations to pass their throat. Their vocal chords achieve an average pitch range approximately 1.2# above human to compensate for the slightly increased density of their native atmosphere. Thus in prototypical human environments their voice will seem to be higher in pitch and almost childlike.

Subspecies:
None

Sentience:
Yes

Breeding:
Mnenchei have 29 pairs of chromosomes, with the last three varying from male to female. They consist only of male and female, with rough even chances of siring either sex. Both sexes are born roughly the same size and weight, and only begin to differentiate in dimension after the first weeks of maturing. The average gestation period for offspring is between three-hundred-forty-five to three-hundred-sixty eight days (8,280 to 8,832 hours). Both sexes mature at around twenty-five to twenty-eight, with puberty beginning slightly earlier in females. From then, they can continue to maintain a peak physical state until the age of seventy and an average expiry of one-hundred-forty-two years.


Mating customs are simplified, and consist of similar behaviors as humans, though several cases the gender roles are reversed as females tend to hold more dominant roles in Mnencheian society (see Leadership) while still aspiring to an attractive state for potential male companions. Copulation is carried out like most mammalia, though most humanoid positions are not uncomfortable for Mnencheiic physiology. One technique can even be performed from an almost upside-down angle for both parties involved. Lust, while frowned upon and uncommon, does occur. Interracial relationships are especially unheard of, as Mnenchei are very modest and “down-to-earth” in general. As they usually above such exploits and see no practical need in it, it never happens. However, it is more common among males than females to deviate from typical ideals.

Strengths/Weaknesses:
+ Excellent climbers
+ Unparalleled artisan weaponsmithy
+ Wilderness survivalists
+ Very patient
+ Can sprint straight on all fours
- Low total population
- Unfamiliar with most modern technology
- Semi-complex dietary needs
- More vulnerable to spinal injuries
- Extremely difficult to persuade out of traditional values

Diet:
Mnenchei live off of a diet consisting primarily of available vegetation, though some meats are certainly included and considered necessary to their omnivorous diet. They have two functional appendices. They can eat meat raw but prefer it cooked and require over half the weekly meat intake as a typical human being.

Communication:
Mnenchei communicate primarily with a simple but intelligent language known as Mnenchalis. This is their native language. However, they have commonly also adopted using the galactic basic tongue.

Vowels and Consonants
a - “ah”
e - “eh”
i - “ih”
o - “aw” or “ō” (contextual)
u - “ooh” / ü
y - “yih” / “Ê” if beginning a word
ei - “ī
ai - “ehy-ee”
ee - “āy” / é
mn - “mynh”
ch - “k” (fricative)
x - “ksa” / “zh” if after a vowel (contextual)
c - “sh”
µ - “ühl”
r - rolling “r,” except when at the beginning of a word

Common Words
Ankai - Queen, Matriarch
Cinkai - Mother, Goddess (generalized), Mistress
Odei - Shaman (male)
Cin’odei - Shaman (female)
Aloku - Crown, Headdress, Symbol of Authority (generalized)
Moredadei - Dynastic Cycle
Luka’n - Earth (generalized), Terrestrial World, Planet
Mnenchalis - Mnencheiic Language
San’vaiku - Royal/Dynastic Family, Nobilility
Ri’ess - Prime Deity of the Mnenchei
Coda’mn - Relationship, Couple (loose def.)
Anchul’mn - Marriage, Matrimony
Anchul-Lakan - Wedding Band, Wedding Jewel
Deira - Night, Shadow
Unxai - Day, Sunlight
Oda-Luka’n - Mother Nature, Earth Spirits, The Force (title)
Oda-L’unxai - (lit. Spirit-Channeler Force), Force (noun), The Force (replaces “Oda-Luka’n” in the context of powers/abilities rather than as an entity)
Deira-Kana - Sin, Shame
Unxai-Kana - Miracle, Blessing, Good Fortune (similar to “bless you” or “may the Force be with you”)
Deira-Masana - Taboo (noun), Forbidden (adjective)
Kalestat - Rare Mnencheian crystal which is now synthetically grown, known to develop mildly iridescent, salmon pink beams.

Behavior/Culture:
The Mnenchei race is a peaceful one with humble origins. Their earliest documented history begins roughly seven millenia before the first of ABY, though the full scope of their species did not culture until several millenia ago and, despite its biologically evolved state, has yet to enter a technological space age. As such, the Mnenchei have remained a hidden and unsung race, tucked away in the darkest corner of the galaxy for thousands of years after galaxy-wide sapience.


The Mnenchei currently exist in a technological period similar to the bronze age of man. They consistently hold customary traditions of shamanism, naturalism and political affairs deep-rooted into the concept of a living body of nature. Despite their borderline-trabalistic culture, they are in fact brilliant metalworkers and craftsmen. Mnencheian blades are some of the finest in their quadrant of the galaxy, if not simply because of their unique smelting and forging techniques that have refined and remained hidden over thousands of years. The most common metal which the Mnenchei work with is steel and aluminum, which are abundant on their home world's surface. Though they have even been known to be able to craft out of titanium alloys, standing as a testament to the quality of their forges.


Mnenchai are a quiet and soft spoken peoples, highly driven by traditional values and naturalism. Many have learned to become minimalists and cope with the infinite bounties harvested by nature, others have quickly adapted to the use of modern galactic technology and perservered. Whatever the case, all have not forgotten their roots and still take pride in their long-established culture. They will prefer a traditional way out of things rather than adhere to new customs and methods. The enclave, though broken up across the stars, still exists today and follows the same principles their progenitors set a millenia ago.

Religion:
Ri'ess
(work in progress)

Leadership:
The Mnenkei have always differed to the wisdom of the shamans and the ruling family. The shamans' enclave, consisting of the dozen or so shaman masters existing at any given time, hold meetings every twelve years or at the end of a dynastic cycle to decide on and announce a new ruling family, often based on nothing more than readings of the natural environment and the "spirits of the ancestors." Often, a new dynasty is chosen which has almost no connection at all to royal ancestry or share any similarities to the previous rule. Whatever family is chosen becomes the royal family of all the Mnenkei city-states, holding official authority over their peoples. Usually, the eldest daughter of the most recent generation in the chosen clan is given the throne of queen and has absolute authority over her dominion. However, sometimes the youngest daughter is crowned instead if she has a particular aura of purity and innocence around her, which according to the shamans, will radiate around her and into the energy known to the greater galaxy as the Force. If a family does not bare any daughters, the maternal parent/figure is crowned and encouraged to sire children as soon as able, so that she may then pass her rule to her coming-of-age daughter. Some dynasties can continue for decades and even centuries in rare cases, as was with the Châhlos dynasty of 249 ABY. Though, in most cases a ruling family dies out, fails to produce female offspring or is simply phased out by the consulate enclave of shaman.


The monarch of a dynasty has almost absolute rule over all of her kin. She has the ability to hold an individual not of royal blood on trial for any or no reason whatsoever, and can declare an execution of said individuals upon the conclusion of such trials. She cannot however do more than detain an individual of dynastic/royal blood without the supporting vote of two thirds of the enclave. All militaristic needs and attentions are addressed to her, though such instances are usually rare and civil, since the Mnenchei have always been a peaceful people with no enemies and maintain only a modest peacekeeping militia. If a large enough quantity is not pleased with a rule and wishes to impeach their monarchal queen, the enclave confer to each other and must then all vote in support of the impeachment to proceed. If even one shaman votes against, the movement to impeach is nulled and closed until the enclave decides to confer upon it once again. If the impeachment has passed, the current royal family is immediately contacted and the queen given one full season to remain under the crown in which she retains full authority. Once this time frame has passed, the royal family usually finds wealthy housing among the rest of their clan and fellow aristocrats where they continue their lives in moderate esteem.

Military:
The Mnenchei have no formal military or wartime battle force. Their primary means of defense in the event of an attack or invasion is a small to moderate sized peacekeeping force called the M'xawanee(ay) This force is usually responsible for containing civil disputes and dilemmas, rarely ever needing to deploy in force. They also regulate and enforce state and dynastic laws. In all, the M'xawanee consisted of some 300,000 individuals globally at its prime. Each member is pushed through a vigorous but generally non-lethal training regiment that takes up the better part of a whole year. Most males who assume this occupation tend to become infantrymen and laborers, while the females lean more towards roles of office and authoritive positions. This is not to say that the females are above the males, it is simply the course that Mnenchei customs and sociology have taken.


In recent times, the Mnenchei have taken to using guns. They do not have a military to date, though they do maintain a small force of ship which can be outfitted with weapons for self defense force operations if need be. Every member of the modern M'xawanee is still trained in the arts of swordsmanship with a metal blade, akin to a mix of real world kickboxing and kenjutsu with germanic overtones. They prefer the feel of solid stainless steel or similar metals over lightsabers, which is evident by their lack of any known Jedi to date, though some may dabble in the powers of the Force; none have mastered the Force yet.

History:
The original Mnenchei race once lived on a different planet, on the homeworld of Mnencheiasüs. Around 475 ABY, they came into first contact with sapient alien races, which included humanity. They spent the next century apprehensively learning from these pioneering newcomers and sharing in trade. Their craftsmanship remained widely a secret until the era of their pilgrimage around the end of that time. In 572, a large planet-wide catastrophe racked the planet's barely stable crust and caused major tectonic shifts. This caused massive land deformations which devastated their considered primitive society. Their skills with metal and artisan crafts came in handy when outsiders began a joint effort to build space barges in collaboration with the Mnenchei. Despite the salvation of space faring, they were now in global exodus and lost nearly 43% of their population in the whole affair. Several more would not make it through the journey to settle onto new worlds never know by the Mnenchei. More fell victim, still, to the ecology of these foreign planets. Despite their losses, they divided and eventually conquered these challenges.


Now, the patches and cities of remaining Mnenchei remain culturally bound and somewhat muddled with the new technology they have so desperately had to make. They continue to slowly prosper, and may one day even become a known quantity throughout the galaxy; a race recognized.

Planet(s):
The Mnenchei once lived on the terrestrial rainforest/alpine world of Mnencheiasüs, approximately 1.14 times the size of real-world Earth with an 87% ocean.. However, since a global tectonic event that submerged most of the vegetation and split the lands, they have been forced to migrate to nearby systems while their former now-uninhabitable and intraversible homeworld churns with magma geysers and slowly burns its own atmosphere away. The largest portion of the remaining Mnenchei population resides on nearby Ansion on the edge of the Unknown. Mnencheiasüs remains uncharted and obscured.

Technology:
Mnencheian technology is far from advanced, barely exceeding that of the late medieval to early rennaisance period. In many cases, it is even less so as it is stunted by their tendency to choose a natural method over a synthetic one. However, since their pilgrimage off of their doomed world, the Mnenchei have adopted space age technology from nearby sapient species including humankind. This technology is limited, as they have only been able to practice it for less than a century. Most of their naval technology is limited to freighters and frigates of moderate size. They do not develop any modern firearms of their own. Despite their deficit in technology compared to many other species of equal or lesser intelligence, they are artisan bladesmiths and metalworkers. They can craft the some of the finest titanium blades and have even recently taken to working with cortosis alloy, though such blades are rare and valuable indeed with no parallel.

Notable Player Characters:
Alachei Mnemenos - Rogue Noble/Force User - WIP
 
This is truly a phenomenal submission! The amount of effort you have put forth in constructing this species is beyond evident in the great sum of detail you have put forth; and personally, I enjoyed reading it. Long story short, approved!

Awaiting stamp of approval from a Superior.

(And as a sidenote, to all others, please refrain from posting comments in submissions. We have a Factory Discussion for that. Many thanks in advance.)
 
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