The Frex

## Overview

The Frex are a key Union species, known for their mysterious and enigmatic nature. As a species with advanced technology, they rarely involve themselves in galactic political or military situations, sparking intrigue and puzzlement about their beliefs and culture. Their origin is shrouded in mystery, and is widely speculated on in the galactic scene.

The Frex play a significant role in the galactic scene, especially in the production and trade of highly sought-after nanobots and in terms of their relationship with the Court. Additionally, their potential to arm the Union with advanced technology acts as a critical deterrent, keeping the Mission's aggressive tendencies in somewhat check. (See the Somm War for more information.)

## Biology and Society

The Frex are mammals with thin wiry frames, spindly limbs, and shriveled faces, making them significantly weaker than most known sentients. Their unique immune systems make them biologically incompatible with all nanobots, although they sometimes wear envirosuits that allow them a wide range of adaptability in different environments. The Frex are a part of the Union but have a complicated form of taxation and are not required to partake in the census, leading to complaints of preferential treatment from some non-Frex in the Union. Their taxes are based primarily on the Union taking a percentage from all their nanobot sales.

Their society values secrecy, discretion, and hidden knowledge, centered around a poorly-understood philosophy known as the "Veiled Path." This philosophy teaches that the pursuit of knowledge is a sacred journey, and that true understanding can only be achieved by those who are willing to navigate the obstacles and challenges that stand between them and the truth. It is whispered that they have an extremely powerful artifact called "The Oculus of Eternity", but the exact nature of this artifact—if it exists—is unknown to non-Frex.

## History

The Frex's history within the Union of Planets is as enigmatic as their nature. Their inclusion in -505C was a turning point in the Union's growth, already founded on principles of self-determinism, fairness, and equal representation. Despite their obscurity, the Frex negotiated a unique position within the Union, exempting them from standard census, military requirements, and setting up a unique taxation system based solely on their nanobot sales.

This unforeseen alliance raised the Union's profile, bolstering its commitment to its founding principles, and sparking intrigue about this obscure species. The Frex's accession demonstrated the Union's capacity to accommodate diverse species.

Their technological prowess, notably their nanobots, and their potential to tip the balance in intergalactic relations, ensures their influence far exceeds their known history. They remain an enigma, their origins unknown, their motivations shrouded in mystery, but their place within the Union of Planets is undeniable.

## Frex Nanos

Frex nanobots are seen as THE standard when it comes to nano tech. The Frex trade their valuable nanobots for galactic credits, but they seldom purchase anything from non-Frex, raising questions about their resource situation. The Frex have made a conscious decision to limit the abilities their nanobots provide, leading many to seek out "unstandard" nanobots with enhanced abilities. While these unstandard nanobots are cheaper and can give some extra effects or powers, they can be dangerous and unstable.

## The Frex Role in the Court

The Frex played a significant role in setting up the Court, a Dyson Sphere encompassing a red dwarf star that serves as a neutral area for the galactic governments. They contributed a stunning amount of resources to developing the hyperspace channels that lead to the Court, creating the stewards, and bringing the ancient infrastructure up to date.

The Frex's motivations behind their significant involvement in the establishment of the Court and their distinct relationship with Freadi Bins remain a subject of intrigue in the galactic scene, especially considering the Frex made no request for compensation of any kind. The Frex's dedication to the project and their evident admiration for Bins—who had the rare opportunity to spend considerable time in Frex space—have caused much speculation over the years. Despite her close collaboration with the Frex and her time spent in their territory, Bins remained tight-lipped about her experiences, further shrouding the Frex's motivations in mystery. Once, when pressed, the Frex leadership said only that they agreed with Bins and that the existence of the Court would be invaluable for stability in the galactic scene.

## The Frex Role in the Somm War

During the Somm War (217C-222C), the Frex made a surprising intervention, breaking away from their usual semi-neutrality. The Frex threatened to provide the Union with highly advanced war tech if the Mission and the Red Mission did not agree to cease hostilities, which would tip the balance of power significantly in the Union's favor. This bold move not only showcased the strategic importance of the Frex's alliance with the Union but also reminded all parties involved of the delicate power dynamics in the galactic scene.

The Frex's involvement in the Somm War represented a notable departure from their customary passive stance and significantly impacted the outcome and future relations in the galactic scene. (See the Mission: Challenges and Concerns for more information.)