Verollian

Verollians were a carnivorous reptilian species native to the planet Veroleem, located in the Unknown Regions. Although relatively humanoid in appearance, they also held very clear distinctions that set them apart. As a reptilian species they were covered in scales, which ranged from very dark shades of gray, blue, red, or purple, and sported two horns on the top of their heads, as well as six head-tendrils. They were anatomically built larger and stronger than most humanoid species, with three-clawed feet and hands; their legs were very powerful, enabling them to jump and run at high speeds, though their arm strength was relatively on par with a human.
The most distinctive feature of Verollians, however, was their muscular, prehensile tail. Reaching lengths of up to 3 meters at most, a Verollians tail was their most powerful appendage. It could be used to grab and carry objects as heavy as 900 pounds, rivaling an adult Wookiee in strength, and can also be utilized in combat to grab and restrain opponents or deliver powerful blows strong enough to break bones.
==Biology and appearance==
Verollians were a sentient species of reptilian humanoids with two arms and legs. Unlike most humanoid species however, their hands and feet have only three digits instead of the typical five; each digit is also clawed. A Verollian's feet and legs are structured differently than most, being evolved for digitigrade locomotion instead of plantigrade; their feet also have very tough skin covered by even tougher scales, and so they do not require any type of footwear. These evolutionary traits prove invaluable when hunting in the jungles of their homeworld, making them adept at quiet movement and storing momentum to grant incredible speed. Unlike their legs and feet, a Verollian's arms were much more similar to most other humanoid species, being on par with humans in anatomy and movement and only slightly greater in terms of physical strength.
As a reptilian species, a Verollian's skin was covered by a thin layer of scales. This prevents their skin from losing too much moisture in Veroleem's hot environment, as well as protection from the scorching sun's UV radiation. Unlike many reptilian species however their scales grow with them, so they do not need to shed their skin. A Verollian can quickly replace scales lost at any point in their lives unless they do not have enough beta-keratin in their bodies, which they acquire through the processing of proteins in their food. They also grew sharp claws on their hands and feet, as well as two horns on top of their heads. Verollians were a carnivorous species and considered to be the top predators of the food chain; this was not necessary due to their physical traits, but also because of their much greater intelligence, as no other species on Veroleem was evolved enough to be considered sentient. They had sharp teeth to better help cut through flesh, though they preferred to cook their food despite being adapted to also eat meat raw, as they preferred the taste of cooked meat better.
===Tails===
The most distinct trait of a Verollian was their long prehensile tail, which protruded from the base of their spine. Reaching up to lengths as long as three meters in fully grown adults, the true power of a Verollain was derived from their muscular tails. It was very versatile, and could be equated to that of a fifth limb. It can be used to grasp things or gain better balance when traversing difficult terrain.
More often than not, Verollians used their tails whenever they went hunting. They would hide from their prey in the dense foliage of the jungle and stealthily stretch their tails out towards unsuspecting prey before grasping one of their limbs. With the animal secured, they will either haul them back to kill them with their sharp claws and teeth, or coil their tail farther around their prey to constrict them with incredible force, not unlike a snake would; a Verollian tail can constrict with a pressure up to 10 pounds per square inch, more than strong enough to prevent the heart from beating in an average human. In order to compensate for the weight their long and heavy tails, Verollians evolved to have a denser skeleton and bone structure for added support. This also makes them more durable than most humanoids, though their physical strength is effected minimally (unlike Asgardians, whose bodies have more density in every aspect, not just their bones).
Verollians are also unable to comfortably lie down flat on their back because of their tail. When sleeping, most lay down on either their stomach or their side while others have taken to even coiling their tails around a tree branch to hang from. If not sleeping from a tree, it's still common for them to coil their tails around something close by, usually their chosen mate among adults.
===Head-tendrils===
The six head-tendrils of every Verollian gave them enhanced senses, very similar to that of a Nautolan. This included exceptional olfactory and pheromone-sensing skills, which enabled them to seek out prey and track them through the dense foliage of Veroleem's humid jungles. They could also sense the emotional state of another being, with the more primal emotions standing out far more than those of sentient species. Still, this often made it difficult to lie in the presence of a Verollian, as their head-tendrils could detect faint traces of their true feelings. In order to have these enhanced senses, the scales covering a Verollian's head-tendrils are much thinner than those covering the rest of their body. This makes their tendrils much more sensitive and less protected, proving to be a weak point for them if confronted with physical harm.
==Society and Culture==
===Government===
Due to the limited hospitable regions of Veroleem and small population size, Verollians lived in tribes led by a chieftain, known as the "conlo'aqi" in their native language. They banded together in several tribes across the poles, with around four to five hundred members per tribe. Though very uncommon, feuds between tribes were not unheard of, which could lead to wars if not settled. In order to preserve their unity and the environment of the region, the Assembly of Conlo'aqi's agreed to establish their own provinces, so that each tribe had plenty of land they could oversee and hunt in without disrupting the territory of other tribes.
While Verollians lived on both the North and South Poles, communication between them was extremely rare due to the rest of the planet's inhospitable climate. If the need to travel to the opposite side ever arose, great steps had to be taken in order to ensure safe travel through the arid climate of Veroleem's scorching deserts, with the journey itself taking up to several months. Veroleem's North Pole was much more populated than the South.
===Hunters===
As carnivores, Verollians were well-evolved hunters, and hunting was very engrained into their culture. When younger members of a tribe reached the turning point in their lives, they would depart with the more experienced adults into the wild. Their acceptance into adulthood came when they successfully caught and killed their prey without assistance from others. This was a moment of great pride for them.
When hunting for food, Verollians often traveled in packs of five of six. This was too surround their prey so as to prevent escape should the first strike fail, as well as protect each other from danger. Although they are the most efficient and successful hunters, Verollians are still at risk from attack by other predators that are much larger and lethal than they are physically.
===Language===
===Technology and trade===
Because of Veroleem's location in the Unknown Regions, the planet and its people rarely had any contact with space travelers in the galaxy, and living at the poles meant there was a limited amount of space and resources for its population to utilize. As such, Verollians were not space travelers, and did not possess any modern technology. Similar to Twi'leks, they lived in simple dwellings designed to protect them from Veroleem's hot and humid climate. Although lacking modern technology, Verollians were very skilled at fashioning everyday objects, possessing innate talents with their sense of creativity and ingenuity in regards to their craft.
===Relationships===
Above all else, Verollians greatly valued the bonds of close family and friends, which also extends to the tribe they hail from. To break these bonds was one of the worst things they could do. Because of their firm disposition about relationship bonds, when a male or female Verollian sought out their mate and were united in marriage, the pair became mated for life.
==History==
===Early history===
===Imperial Era===
====Verollian Massacre====
==Appearances==
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==Behind the scenes==
Verollians are a originally created species exclusive to the Shaniverse (though with inspiration from other sources). They are a bit similar in comparison to another fan-made alien species called Daedra, which were created by SlingBlade87, but do not share any connection.
Category:Species
Category:Verollians
Category:Shaniverse Characters