Verneen

The Verneen (IAUSI: VERVSO153166294-I) are a humanoid race originating from the planet Verna in the Near-Earth Sector. They have long been an integral component of the Irin Republic.  
==History==
The Verneen originate from Verna, a planet generally warmer than Earth. Originating from a reptilian-mamillian-like branch of life, in an example of parallel evolution they became human-like in form. The Verneen were always extremely peaceful, as they were more interested in the common good then quabbling over individual ideals or beliefs. They did, however, build FTL-capable fleets in order to explore and police their local space. The Verneen were benevolent rulers and united a great amount of space until the Irin Republic made contact in 2850, when they formally Pledged themselves to the Irini and all of Verna and their subject planets peacefully joined the Republic. Since then, Verneen have been in all echelons of Irini society and have been extremely loyal. This loyalty was put to the test during the Hierarchy War, when the Kelim Hierarchy offered Verna a chance to defect to the Hierarchy but the Verneen Planetary Guard fought to the death against unwinnable odds rather than betray their Republic. The Verneen stayed loyal to the Irini, even as New Atlantis was formed and many alien systems began to question their membership.
==Culture==
The Verneen hold one thing in importance above all: loyalty. They formally complete a ritual known as a "Pledge" where they devote their entire existences to something. Many Verneen travel the galaxy looking for someone who they feel is the epitome of their beliefs, and Pledge themselves to them, joining them as faithful companions. This servitude has no limits, but a council of Verneen may meet and relieve an individual of their Pledge if they believe the individual is being mistreated. It is a mark of shame to betray or leave a Pledge, though. Verneen seek to gain inner satisfaction by honouring their Pledges till their deaths. Verna is ruled by a Planetary Council and defended by the Verneen Planetary Guard, and is home to rather plain cities occupied by numerous Verneen and other Irini citizens. 
==Physiology==
Verneen are very similar to humans in appearance, generally slightly shorter and thinner. They also have less hair and their hair is built of a different substance than human hair.  Some hair can appear so thick they seem to be like tendrils or protusions of skin. Their skin tones can be dark bluish to purple to red to pink depending on the ethnicity, and certain individuals have thin, lizard-like eyes (some can also have round human-like eyes) with a diverse amount of colours. They have higher endurance and strength than humans, but they are more prone to sickness (their high endurance helps them keep from showing outward symptoms, but this means they can often be in pain). 
Category:Species