Ur-Akki

### Distinct Features

Sharp teeth and claws, ability to rapidly swim, able to see underwater and in the dark, resilience against extreme temperatures

## **Ur-Akki**

The Ur-Akki, or else known as 'The Spiked', are a subrace of the Jykooth. As the more elite and intelligent forces of the Jykooth, the Ur-Akki have proven to be dangerous foes within and without combat.

### **Origins**

As a subrace of the aquatic and semi-aquatic Jykooth, the Ur-Akki their origins lie within the foundation of the Jykooth race during The Schism. Originally a pure creation of Xalyion, the ability to reproduce them was eventually granted to the Nerythia Queens.

As their Bir-Jugna counterparts, the Ur-Akki come to existance in the shape of minuscule eggs layed by a Nerythia Queen, who allows the eggs to remain in a protected hub of the Queen's breeding water while feeding them. Over a course of 15 days, an Ur-Akki matures. In the maturation process, the Ur-Akki comes out of the egg on the fifth day, and grows while honing it's abilities in the remaining ten days.

After reaching maturity, the Ur-Akki leave the Nerythia Queen's nest, and settle within their subrace's civilization. There, the Ur-Akki is trained and is educated in the ways of it's race.

### **Societal Role**

Seen and treated as the elite force of the Jykooth by all species but the Jalepians, the Ur-Akki form the backbone of the Jykooth Empire's command structure. Trained as fierce warriors and at times as commanders, the Ur-Akki take up the role of the middle ground soldiers, loyally following the orders of the Jalepian commanders while commanding the perceived inferior Bir-Jugna.

Within their own subrace's civilization, they embrace a doctrine of warriorism and militarism, allowing for the best strategists and combatants to take up roles of leadership. Within the confines of the Capital-Fortress of Balupa, the main Ur-Akki society is muted in competiveness, with the species deferring complete leadership and loyalty to Emperor Xalyion. As such, any infighting over racial command is perceived as treachery and worthy of execution; as all are equal in being subordinates to the Emperor.

When away from the Capital-Fortress, however, factionality is more frequent. In the isolated pockets of Ur-Akki society that come to exist, a near immediate vye for leadership sparks. In these localized tribes, the leaders take up the title of 'Viryina', which means 'Great Warrior' in common. While these struggles for power can be supressed by the orders of a superior Jalepian or with the appearance of a common threat, it is often that little stops the infighting from occuring. When it is believed that a contestation of power would not upset the mission or duty in a whole, then it is permitted. However, over time, it has been proven that these contestations are more than troublesome, and often caused the force to lose strength and numbers to the infighting.

### **Attributes and Traits**

Being capable of extensive thinking and the development of personalities, the Ur-Akki are one of the more advanced species of the Jykooth. While an Ur-Akki's intelligence is considerable, it is still biologically constrained to an unwavering loyalty to it's Emperor; whom they serve without second thought. Despite this, they are able to grasp the totality of the mission or orders, and can act creatively if the situation requires of it. As such, they are capable of engaging in conversations with whatever force they encounter, albeit being for a deception or distraction.

In the Ur-Akki's warrior culture, combat is regarded as the highest purpose in their lives. Accordingly, they are to fight until the bitter end, and only retreat if ordered to. Granted with this high morale and a willingness to sacrifice themselves in battle if need be, the Ur-Akki are a dangerous force that can be most destructive against whatever foe they may face.

Usually, the Ur-Akki equip themselves with specialized spears, pikes, halberds and makeshift longblades. While some also hone their abilities with the harpoon crossbows, most remain tied to melee combat. Every Ur-Akki is trained to steer a Carrduk, using it as a mount for combat and transportation.