The Yannis

## Overview

The Yannis are a monogendered, unisexual alien species originating from the planet Errid, found exclusively in Red Mission space. Their strong ties to the Red Mission stem from being saved from extinction by the organization, leading to unwavering loyalty and support. Yannis culture is marked by unique and renowned film and theater genres, as well as their intricate romantic relationships. They maintain a carnivorous diet, relying mainly on synthetic meat, and possess distinct biological features such as two sets of eyes and sharp teeth.

The Yannis were assimilated into the Red Mission in the year 149C.

## History

Because Errid's solar system is deeply entrenched in a thick cloud of cosmic dust, it wasn't discovered until long after Red Mission occupation of the area. Once a vibrant "primitive" people in their silicone age, the entire society was threatened by a natural plague introduced by the jackal-like velith that raged on for many years, bringing the Yannis to the brink of extinction. The arrival of the Red Mission in the eleventh hour is still seen as incredibly serendipitous to many Yannis, who are deeply loyal to their government.

## Biology and Appearance

Yannis are characterized by their two sets of eyes, each serving a distinct purpose. One pair perceives typical wavelengths, while the other detects infrared light. The infrared eyes have a hazy, ruddy appearance. Yannis typically only open one set of eyes at a time. Opening all four eyes at once is reserved for the most shocked expression a Yannis can make, and is seen much more in Yannis film than in real life. They also possess extremely sharp teeth, contributing to the stereotype of Yannis having dazzling smiles.

They are monogendered and unisexual, able to temporarily biologically assume either a male or female role for reproduction purposes. Yannis have short gestational periods, and their newborns are notably small.

## Culture

### Theater and Film

One of the most prominent aspects of Yannis culture is their rich tradition of theater and film. Spanning across the planet's continents, these art forms have developed into various distinct genres. Yannis films, in particular, are considered a gold standard for high-quality art across the galactic scene. Although it is technically illegal to view most Yannis films in Mission space due to the separation of extranets, most people in the Mission have no qualms with enjoying a good Yannis film.

Yannis films are formally recognized as one of their "exceptionals."

### Relationships

Yannis are equally likely to get into a relationship consisting of two or three individuals. Romantic relationships among the Yannis are known for their slow development, often involving years of courtship before a couple or group of three becomes official. Divorce and infidelity are extremely rare in Yannis culture, almost to the point of being unheard of. Although the Yannis are known for their eventually deep and tender love, interspecies romance with one can be challenging due to the Yannis' slow reluctance to commit to exclusivity.

### Hellism and Other Religions

Hellism is a unique Yannis belief system that focuses on thousands of different hells, each reflecting varying degrees of evil a person can exhibit during their life. Instead of worshiping deities or hoping for a paradise of some kind, Hellism's scriptures primarily detail the nature of these hells and why individuals end up in the specific hells they do. Despite the seemingly dark nature of this religion, Yannis followers often find humor in their afterlife prospects and incorporate tongue-in-cheek elements of Hellism into their culture and art forms, such as Exaggerated Expressionist films.

Many Yannis have, of course, converted to Created or abandoned religion altogether, but Hellism remains popular.

## Yannis and the Red Mission

The Yannis' unwavering support for the Red Mission can be traced back to their rescue from extinction by the organization. Their species was facing extinction from a natural plague introduced by native jackal-like creatures on Errid when the Red Mission first made contact with them. As a result, the native Yan Parliament on Errid has become increasingly loyal to the Red Mission over the past fifty years, to the point of almost being a direct extension of the Red Mission on the planet.

Yannis typically have strong negative feelings for the Mission, the Red Mission's parent government, stemming from their view of it as corrupt and prideful.

## Diet

Yannis evolved from fierce predators and remain carnivorous to this day. However, their diet now consists primarily of high-quality synthetic meat, which most Yannis agree is better in every way than traditional meat.