Colonies of Zrentak

Synopsis

An extra-galactic race of insect-like arthropods the Zrenrakka defy expectations and norms. Having acquired a great deal of territory very quickly, possessing many advanced technologies and a well equipped military, only their traditional factionalism and territorial instincts have withheld them from launching a massive invasion of one or more of the other great powers.

Origins

The Zrenrakka hail from the planet Zrentak which is located within a small cluster of stars distantly orbiting our galaxy, similar to the Andromeda galaxy and other phenomenon, but vastly smaller in scale. Enormously distant, the Zrenrakkan cluster is incredibly isolated.

The Zrenrakkan homeworld itself "enjoys" a rather erratic orbit which has resulted in rapid (in geological terms) and near constant ecological shifts throughout its history. At times the planet will be covered in shallow seas and jungles, and at other times by deserts, dry seabeds, and temperate forests. This constant environmental pressure had a enormous influence on the development and evolution of the Zrenrakka. Aside from this, Zrentak was mineral rich, possessed three moons and a golden/green ring of dust, and orbits a yellow star.

The Zrenrakka themselves are a race of colonial (yet individualized) arthropods, typically quadrupedal, of an average height, and possessing large heads adorned with a variety of crests, mandibles, and eyes. Evolving to survive an ever-changing environment, the Zrenrakka possess three distinctly unique adaptions.

Firstly, their genetic code includes a variety of different body plans, and a Zrenrakka exposed to certain environments (and a willingness) will undergo metamorphosis to adapt their body to the environment. As a result Zrenrakkan citizens naturally adapt themselves to virtually any environment. In general, Zrenrakka have three essential body plans, the typical citizen is of average build and quadrupedal, a lighter scout breed that stands taller on two legs, and a massive heavily armored breed that is again quadrupedal.

Secondly, the Zrenrakka possess an incredibly potent form of genetic memory. This means that a Zrenrakkan passes down virtually all of his accumulated memories and knowledge to its offspring. This, when combined with the fast maturation rate of Zrenrakkan offspring (one tenth of a cycle typically) essentially makes the rearing of citizens instantaneous.

Thirdly, the Zrenrakka defy expectations of a colonial and insect-like species, by being individuals who are fully sentient, and, not possessing a queen. In fact the Zrenrakka breed sexually, but unlike other sexual species, they possess a single gender, or you could say, each individual Zrenrakka is both male and female. When two Zrenrakka breed they exchange genetic materials... usually resulting in both individuals becoming pregnant with a clutch of fertilized eggs. Eggs can even be laid unfertilized and maintained for later fertilization!

These unique traits make the Zrenrakka incredibly resilient and able to dominate a planet like Zrentak with its dangerous and often cataclysmic environmental changes.

Backstory

In their long history, the Zrenrakka can recall their first colonies as small and primitive city-states. Each individual community would have its own customs and would constantly vie for control of resources with their neighbors. War was nearly constant and eventually one or more cities would fall to another and lead to the formation of nations. Over thousands of cycles this process continued until the planet was divided into less than a dozen clans who would war with each other every so often.

This situation would continue for a long time, until at some point, one clan developed and launched the first satellite and space probes. Soon, the Zrenrakka were aware that their small cluster of stars had many planets and that new colonies and new resources could acquired. The various clans began developing the technology that would allow them to expand... all except one. Clan Asag.

Clan Asag was unique in that unlike others who would conquer a city and incorporate its citizens, Clan Asag invariably exterminated the inhabitants. Believing themselves genetically "pure" compared to the rest of the Zrenrakkan race they were deeply disturbed by the possibility that the other clans may find a way to expand beyond the planet. Being heavily industrialized and fortified the Asag decided that the time was right for them to launch an all-out war of "purification" against all other clans, before they found a way to leave the planet and exterminating them became virtually impossible.

This war was unlike anything Zrentak had seen before, where typical territorial disputes were resolved in quick (but brutal) conflicts... this war was lengthy, full industrialized, and for once, their populations were in decline. It soon became clear to the remaining clans, that Clan Asag had to be stopped for the survival of all others. Thus, for the first time in their history, clans allied with each other. Specifically, Clans Tiamat and Scorpio first united forces and were able to stalemate the Asag, over time, the others joined and together they eradicated the Asag at horrendous cost, having to invade their mountain strongholds and subterranean factory cities. The war ended.

In the aftermath, the remaining Zrenrakka enjoyed a long period of peace and fully colonized their star cluster. Warfare continued but was limited in scope and as much as possible the Asag were forgotten.

Eventually a new crisis emerged though as Zrenrakkan science began to fully understand the cosmological position of their star cluster and as their population growth began to outstrip the available resources. The Zrenrakka realized that if they did not leave their cluster and found new colonies within the nearest galaxy (the Milky Way) or beyond, that they would soon maximize their population, consume their resources, and inevitably go extinct. It was even possible that their star cluster would eventually drift apart, further putting their species at a cosmological disadvantage.

After decades of debate... Clan Tiamat announced that they would choose exodus over complacency. Mere days later, Clan Scorpio announced the same and revealed that they had already begun constructing the first ships to make the trans-galactic voyage. Consequently all of the clans agreed to coordinate their efforts and a massive species wide effort was carried out to create thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of generational ships that would carry their people to new worlds.

The construction of many fleets of generational ships and their escorts took centuries, but the Zrenrakka dedicated every moment to complete it as quickly as possible, and it is doubtful that any other species in such circumstances would have persevered.

The great fleet would eventually be completed and aboard were great stores of frozen eggs, and of course, millions of crew members across thousands of ships. Impressive as this is, the Zrenrakka were more proud of a special addition to their fleet... the "dream arks". These massive data storage devices held the entirety of Zrenrakkan memories... billions upon billions of recollections collected from the genetic codes from every clan.

Prepared for the journey the great fleet launched from Zrentak, and while millions took part of the exodus, they left billions behind. While the exodus forces long ago lost contact with Zrentak it is presumed that those left behind are continuing to build fleets and sending them forth and will continue to do so until the last scrap of usable material has been spent.

For nearly three hundred thousand cycles the great fleets silently sojourned. Many ships broke down and were destroyed, others turned back, and yet more... simply lost. Regardless, thousands of ships did manage to cross the great void and three clans survived; Tiamat, Scorpio, and Zorastor. Upon arriving the clans quickly discovered that the galaxy was already inhabited by a number of intelligent species, some with Stardrives vastly superior to their own. Knowing this, the fleet slowed their entry... they had waited hundreds of thousands of cycles to reach the galaxy, they could wait a little longer.

The Zrenrakkan migrant fleet scouted and observed the galaxy, they salvaged wrecked ships and reverse engineered Stardrives, they translated the alien languages and while they did not understand these alien peoples, they began to prepare for them. In time, the Zrenrakka colonized a corner of space for their own, one which was far from the major corridors and thoroughfares of the galaxy. This strategy worked well and the Zrenrakka were able to buildup a significant foothold before they were finally discovered by Fulgar prospectors.

Today, the Zrenrakka have established basic diplomatic contact with the other great powers, but has welcomed no one into their space. The clans are currently at peace and while each clan has its own motives, none of them feel secure enough to risk that peace. On their new capital of Quilltharion a debate rages over what to do next about the aliens surrounding them.

Agenda

The Zrenrakka have acquired a large amount of territory very quickly and for the moment are satiated, they have no interest in serious or binding relations with other races and simply want to be left alone to consolidate their holdings. The traditional factionalism of the clans within Zrenrakkan territory could turn to violence at any moment. If that were to occur then the Zrenrakka may involve other races as potential allies, or, alternative enemies to rally against, in order to reestablish unity amongst the clans.

Military and Technology

The Zrenrakka are extremely productive and efficient, but for most of their history, they have developed technology slowly. This was the result of two factors, one, being their limited ability to "think outside of the box" as their long memories do not instill creativity, and the other, being that they have previously only been competing with themselves. Still, the Zrenrakkan civilization is ancient and they possess some very advanced technologies.

Zrenrakkan ships for example, are partially organic in nature and first grown as living shells of corridors, structural supports, power conduits, and armor plating. Once gestated, the ship then has a series of mechanical components installed, such as weapons, computers, and engines. This hybrid approach of organic and inorganic technology also applies to their computer systems which are effectively modeled after the living brains of suitable animals and given vast computing power. Zrenrakka fighter craft for example possess a artificial intelligence that can remotely pilot the craft as needed and has the proclivities and attitudes of a pack hunting predator such as a wolf.

This, combined with the Zrenrakka's long experience with space travel makes the Zrenrakka a fearsome opponent in war, with ships that can often repair themselves in the field, weapon systems with sharp instincts all their own, and crews who are always veterans and easily replaced. Thankfully, the Zrenrakka only learned of Stardrives upon arriving in our galaxy and their strategic speed is quite poor. While numerous the Zrenrakka cannot necessarily be everywhere at once, and thus a wise admiral could lure the Zrenrakkan fleets into overextending themselves.

Unfortunately for any would-be enemies of the Zrenrakka, they will find that they are even more deadly on the ground, where Zrenrakkan troops will be deployed in vast numbers, are naturally well armored, have deadly fighting instincts, and are equipped with a vast array of equipment and weapons.

Zrenrakkans do not wage war any differently than they manage their colonies, they are efficient, brutal, and callous... to the Zrenrakka the only measurement of success is survival and all other concerns are secondary.

Details

Lifespan

260 Cycles

Maturation

0.1 Cycles

Height

Highly Variable

Weight

Highly Variable

Strength

Highly Variable

Intellect

6/10

Social Structure

At first glance the Zrenrakka social structure can be compared to that of any colonial insect... a strict hierarchy of command and control, all of which is dedicated to productivity, with no concept of personal freedoms, personal property, or even personal space! This analogy isn't entirely accurate though, as the Zrenrakka do not have "queens" or strict castes and have the liberty of personal choice. They are technically more accurately identified as "proto-colonial".

For example, in a typical Terran bee or ant hive, an individual's role within society is dictated purely by genetics, using mechanics such as hormones and sex genes to determine the outcome. Within the Zrenrakka, inert genetic traits beneficial to a particular role (such as larger mandibles, or additional limbs) can be activated through metamorphic growth at virtually any time in their life-cycle and mostly by willpower alone. The role an individual plays in society is not dictated by sex (the Zrenrakka only have one) and not by hormones and Zrenrakka are usually free to pursue any occupation they wish. In theory, nothing prevents a high ranking individual such as Hive Lord (planetary governor) from simply quitting the job and becoming a scientist. Yet, this is incredibly rare.

The answer lies in their genetic memory and their hermaphroditic sexual reproduction. Zrenrakka remember the life experiences of their parents (and other forebears) partially or in total going back many generations. As a result, if a Zrenrakka "child" is born from a pairing of two scientists, and their genetic forebears were also largely scientists, it's incredibly likely that the newborn will choose to become a scientist... it's simply efficient and "what they know".

This means that society is organized by a strange mixture of breeding more than governance and legal systems. If a colony is in need of warriors, warriors will be asked to breed with each other, the resulting crop of youths will predominantly choose to become warriors. If the colony then needs a larger number of farmers, it simply repeats the process. Where the process struggles is when creative needs arise for new occupations... for this reason a colony always endorses a number of randomized pairings. Scientists breeding with farmers and each line having a few outlier occupations may result in unexpected and beneficial new occupations or lines of thinking within the population.

The breeding of Zrenrakka is one of the few areas within society where freedoms are directly controlled. The Zrenrakka have no concept of romantic love and their feelings around mating are relatively "sterile" compared to most other sentient species, so they readily accept being "ordered around" regarding these reproductive matters. The control of breeding is more than merely a form of social engineering, it is also necessary to restrict their populations to sustainable levels.

On their homeworld of Zrentak, and prior to any meaningful technological advances, the environment was so harsh that they developed a rapid gestation and reproductive method to compensate for a high death toll (their genetic memory is presumed to have evolved as a method of maintaining institutional knowledge despite horrific casualty rates). In a safe environment where each offspring could be expected to reach adulthood... then in theory a pair of Zrenrakka could be expected to produce over three thousand such offspring within their lifetime. Such a massive population expansion rate had to be tightly controlled during the Zrenrakkan migration from Zrentak to our galaxy. Now that the Zrenrakka have new worlds to populate they are filling them quickly, but still cautiously, taking care not to consume too many resources or out-pace their ability to feed or defend their populace.

The Zrenrakka have little desire to accumulate personal wealth and instead value the right to breed more frequently and the chance to acquire experiences. This drive to acquire experience is very powerful, and thus, the individual Zrenrakka revels at the chance to accomplish great deeds and claim renown, because they know this memory and accomplishment will be passed down to their (many) offspring. Furthermore, unique sensations are also valued, so Zrenrakka are often compensated for good work with interesting foods. It should be noted that food plays a integral part in Zrenrakkan culture, and that little organic material is considered "not food"... under certain conditions cannibalism is acceptable or even expected.

The exact traditions and laws within the Zrenrakkan colonies is unknown and varies greatly between the various "clans" of Zrenrakka. These clans are descended from their name-sake clans that once existed on Zrentak and chose to send fleets to the Milky Way galaxy. Specifically the three known are labeled as Tiamat, Scorpio, and Zoroaster. Each has its own traditions, with Tiamat having a focus on general productivity and fair-mindedness, Scorpio being focused on personal martial prowess, and Zoroaster on the pursuit of knowledge. It is not known exactly how integrated each clan is with each other and whether it is possible that they would conflict and combat each other, though it is clear that in their ancient history armed conflict (both total and ritualized) was very common.

Whilst understanding the exact nature of Zrenrakka hierarchy has proven elusive to the galaxy's other species, the Zrenrakkan form of governance has proven extremely capable... from migrating from a vastly distant star cluster, to secretly establishing an empire just beyond and within the Galactic Commons, and continuing to maintain focus of billions of individual Zrenrakka for millennia... clearly their system works well for them.

Quirks and Customs

The Zrenrakka enjoy hunting and the eating of animals more-so than most species and it is considered an honor to be given such an opportunity. However, species from their homeworld are rare and so valuable, that they have developed a series of traditions whereby an animal may be hunted, but non-lethally... and there are even some species that they have trained to be hunted "as a game" and are never hurt or eaten and considered pets or even mascots of their community.
The Zrenrakka believe that their "gods" for lack of a better term, were technically their own ancestors. Some Zrenrakka possess very unusual and ancient memories that are said to be from their progenitors... though scientifically speaking, it is possible that these are actually memories of dreams that were later claimed as "revelations" by their original dreamers.
Zrenrakkan ships are partially grown and then finalized with the installation of components. The process can be done virtually anywhere and as a result the Zrenrakka have few centralized shipyard facilities unlike most empires. Instead the Zrenrakka often choose an asteroid field and mine the local resources and construct the ships with those very resources on-site.
Zrenrakka have no concept of childhood compared to other species... they simply remember a time where they were not fully grown. The idea of progeny being "useless" or requiring cycles of training and development is generally resented and it has led to Zrenrakkans stereotyping other species as lazy or dimwitted.

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