The Kendis

## Overview

The Kendis are a violent and aggressive species, often employed as mercenaries despite the risk of friendly fire. They are associated primarily with the Dead. Characterized by their terrifying appearance, Kendis are known for their peculiar relationship with the Feneran and their unique genetic makeup that contributes to their aggressive nature.

## Physical Characteristics

Kendis possess huge mouths, many rows of sharp teeth, and long, wicked-looking claws. Despite their wiry frames, they are quite strong. Their overall appearance often strikes fear into the hearts of those who encounter them.

## Homeworld

The Kendis homeworld, Kendii, is located deep in Union space. It was abandoned by the Kendis due to a climate crisis they themselves caused. The planet now serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of an irresponsible society.

## History with the Union

The Kendis have a complicated history with the Union. Despite their homeworld, Kendii, being located in Union space, the Kendis were denied membership in the Union on the basis of their violent society and their theft of Faster-Than-Light (FTL) technology from another species they plundered. This denial left the Kendis feeling resentful and led them to seek refuge in Dead space in 252C, where they would eventually become a significant force within the Dead. As a result, the relationship between the Kendis and the Union has been strained, and interactions between the two parties are often marked by tension and hostility.

## Relationship with the Mission

Because of the unique structure of the Mission Vanguard and its reliance on mercenaries, Kendis are often hired by the Mission for violent or dangerous work. However, since the Mission is not willing to officially work with any Fenerans, this leads to some convoluted and counter-intuitive business contracts. There are independent agents whose full-time jobs consist of organizing and overseeing the interactions between Kendis-Feneran teams and Mission contracts.

## Aggression Gene

Roughly 199 out of every 200 Kendis are born with what is commonly referred to as the "aggression gene." This term actually encompasses several gene sequences that—along with their violent culture—contribute to their intensely aggressive nature.

Kendis born without these gene sequences, a rare occurrence, are generally shunned by their own kind and are often forced to leave their communities. Their fate varies; some find refuge among other species, while others are simply killed outright at a young age in the harsh environment of Dead space. Fenerans are often stereotyped as having a soft spot for these Kendis and their attempts to get them relocated out of Dead space.

## Familial Relationships

Kendis typically don't have much in the way of nuclear families. Kendis mothers will care for their offspring for roughly the first three years of their lives and then will leave them to mostly fend for themselves. Kendis rarely enter into exclusive dating situations or marriages, although it can happen. One notable example is the marriage of Lorah Teh and famous Feneran named Findley Roque Pouldon.

## Feneran-Kendis Relationship

The Feneran and Kendis share an oddly friendly and symbiotic relationship that outsiders find utterly confounding. Despite the typically violent and aggressive nature of the Kendis, they exhibit almost no hostility toward the Fenerans. In fact, Fenerans do not appear to be afraid of Kendis, and the two species work together with remarkable synergy within The Dead, particularly on their ships and in various endeavors. This bizarre alliance and their ability to cooperate effectively has left many in the galactic scene both shocked and puzzled.