Atiuyy

*"Those who journey as seekers are never truly lost."*

The Yeket (formerly known as the Topti after their now lost homeworld) are a nomadic race that can be found in almost every corner of the galaxy. Due to the great distances between them, groups of Yekians specialize in a myriad of different things, but are most notably known for their expertise as craftsmen.

## Physiology

With a slender body covered in a brass-colored carapace, the Yeket stand about 2 meters tall. Similarly to other humanoid species, they possess two arms and two hind legs, both being slightly elongated in comparison to their torso. Each hand has three digits, and each foot has four clawed toes.

Their faces are at first glance devoid of features, save for two pairs of eyes. Their mouths, akin more to gills, are located under their chin. Due to the fact the Yekians have two mouths, their speech often characterized by a slight echo.

The Yeket are one of the few species that are asexual by nature, and reproduce through a process similar to self-replication.

## History

According to oral legends and written chronicles the Topti, now known as Yeket, were forced to flee their original homeworld in the Renegade quadrant. Exactly what prompted this "Great exodus" is debated, but basing speculations on the Yekians records and traditional tales, it was something out of their control. Historians have theorized with relative certainty that it may have been a comet capable of mass extinction. This is based on the 14th passage in chapter 3 of the *The Ancestors Ledger*, which reads:

*"The approach of Ot'tpase (The one flame / great fire) is as clear on the vault of the heavens as my own reflection in calm water. As mere mortals we are, we can naught but escape his wrath by sorrowfully leaving the cradle of our very souls."*

This escape prompted the Topti to utilize retrofitted space-faring technology to launch a mass exodus from their doomed homeworld. With no nearby systems suitable for habitation, the Topti were pressured into a technological and adaptive marathon for survival against the harshness of space. In search of a new home for their species, the Topti adopted a new name, Yeket, meaning seekers or voyagers in their tongue. After a century of wandering, the Yeket finally encountered the Ayr on the divide between the north-western and north-eastern sides of the milky way. With the help of the Ayr, the Yeket used their skills as extraordinary engineers and craftsmen to accompany Ayr trade fleets across the milky way.

Today, the Yeket can be found dotted across the entire galaxy, plying their trade to produce intricate clothing, ornate decorations as well as advanced weaponry and machinery. Some have even taken up new prospects as mercenaries, making a name for themselves as strike-forces with snipers and CQC specialists.

## Culture

Even though the great exodus never led the Yeket to a new homeworld, the trials and adversities faced during their travels shaped a culture that were nomadic at heart. The Yeket often cite their continued nomadic way of life as liberating, not being bound to any concrete place. Some also say that the search for a new homeworld was discarded to preserve the memory of their old one, lost in time but remember in stories, song and dance.

Storytelling, poetry and other forms of entertainment are a integral part of Yeket culture, The highest honor one can be bestowed in their society is having a story, poem or song written after your deeds. As such, Yekians who accomplish great feats are given elaborate titles to reflect their achievements. Some notable Yekians are:

* **Yisot - Bends creatures of water.** Storied for becoming successful in sport-fishing and for his life-long obsession with marine biology
* **Lypia - Cipher onyx pages eternally.** A poet and storyteller, known for her somber and melancholic, yet inspiring material.
* **Kiskko - Gazes one thousand horizons.** Legendary explorer and cartographer, who made a fortune selling maps and documents of uncharted sectors of space to the Ayr and the Kosok collective.
* **Yirak - Bears mortal wounds innumerable.** Storied (posthumously) after single-handedly stopping a pirate raid against her clan-ship. Often revered as a martyr or saint of sorts for Yeket who practice combat. Portrayed primarily in songs.

Although the great fleet that once bound all of the Yeket together is no more, the struggles shared by their ancestors have made them a close knit species. Groups of like-minded individuals usually cluster together in groups, where every member is given the surname of the lead ship. For example, before Yisot earned his aforementioned title, he was simply Yisot A'Teikkaty, If one group would encounter another one, or simply a lone Yeket in the company of outsiders, most will not hesitate to offer assistance. This close view of an entire species have made the Yeket somewhat wary of other races, attributing the their shared experience with a specific race to every individual of said race. This somewhat narrow view can be noted in the Yeket way of addressing members of other species as *Pat (clan)* accompanied with the planet of said races origin. For example, a Yeket might refer to a Kanad as Koy'Pat (Kosok Clan) even if the Kanad in question is a off-worlder who has never even set foot within the collective.