Nikaru

The Nikaru (Taxonomically Odiosa scarabaeus; dubbed Roaches by humans) are a Tier 3 race of insectoids inhabiting the outskirts of the Orion arm of the Milky Way Galaxy. They have rarely encountered humans, yet contact between the two species has always been hostile. At first they were thought to be savage, however, ONI, with the help of The Contender, discovered that a lost fragment of Mendicant Bias' corrupted personality, "The Misanthropist" had influenced their society.
The nikaru revere "The Misanthropist" as a god. Records suggest that the intelligence core had fell from the sky and crash landed on the peak of a mountain sometime in ancient history. Centuries after this happening, the immobile, yet massive construct was encountered. Believing that the Forerunner Empire was still existent, the intelligence would speed-up their technological evolution and deeply plant a hatred for the "evil gods" or the Forerunner. The Misanthropist itself didn't necessarily endorse the Flood, as it's personality was merely the result of inspiration by the Flood's Gravemind. Upon The Misanthropist learning of the Forerunner's demise, he influenced the nikaru to attempt to overthrow the empire of their heirs, the human race. Human and nikaru society are on the verge of war with each other.
==Biology and physiology==
The nikaru are arthropods, with a somewhat relatable physiology to that of a cockroach. Their jaws are similar to the Sangheili, being quadruple-hinged, featuring four mandible-like lips. Unlike the Sangheili, they don't have any defined upper jaw. They feature three elongated fingers and toes, as well as a protective exoskeleton. The male's bodies illuminate throughout the cold mating season on their homeworld. As a defect, they also glow in controlled, frigid environments.
Category:Aftermath Universe
Category:Species (AU)