Forayan

Art by Techsketch

The **Forayan** are a largely reclusive insectoid species hailing from the arid world of Regdika in the Terminus Systems. A communal, worker-based society where those born with sexual genders rule the majorities who were born without, the Forayan largely choose to remain on their own colonies instead of having to deal with the diverse and alien politics of the galaxy at large. As such, they do not adhere to the laws of the Citadel Council and send no ambassadors to deal with either the Council or their representative species.

With their four-armed stature and insectoid physique, forayan individuals typically stand out in any crowd. Their large mandibles and exoskeleton can impose an intimidation factor on any of the smaller statured species, and their height imposes as well. Fortunately, it is rare to see individual forayan off of their own worlds as they prefer the company of their own kind. Their wrists, uniquely, are double-jointed, allowing them greater dexterity when climbing the caverns of their colonies. The translucent, pale coloration of their exoskeleton is a direct result of this subterranean environment.

## Biology

### Sexes

#### Females

The dominant force of the collective politically, females of the forayan species are responsible for the organization and administration of the species and its resources. Comprising approximately 27.5% of all forayan people, females are largely absent from the mating and rearing process aside from the obvious necessary function of laying eggs.

Females mature around the age of 7, and for ~25-30 years after can lay clusters of between 12-20 eggs six times a year.

#### Males

Males are the rarest of forayan sexes, making up a measly 2.5% of the population. Vital to the reproductive survival of the species, they are largely relegated to this process and the rearing of collective offspring.

After a female has laid a clutch, a male is randomly selected via genetic analysis to fertilize the eggs. This analysis is not for eugenic purposes, though that has been attempted, but to ensure that no accidental incestuous pairings occur. The male will then leave the eggs to grow and hatch under another's tutelage, as no paternal bonds are formed nor desired. Children are of the collective, and for the benefit of the collective.

#### Workers

Uniquely amongst known species as of 2182, the forayan do not have the standard binary pairing of male/female. In addition to the standard two, the vast majority of forayan individuals are agendered, carrying no reproductive anatomy on their bodies. Comprising approximately 70% of the population, workers are reared by males to become skilled tradesworkers, finding purpose in their tasks to advance the sustainability and security of the collective.

Difficult to understand by many of the more individualistic species is the concept of collective servitude. Extremely rare are the forayan individuals who have modes of thought beyond their own interests in their free time and the advancement of the collective.

## Culture

> *"...and with this, we shall build our own path in the galaxy. One that does not merely look up towards the stars, but inwards, towards the soul."*- Mizi Lin Regdika Koul Nikto Xholde Ser Forayan
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### Naming Conventions

Much like salarian names, forayan names break with the near-galactic conventions of First Name, Last Name. Used to include a being's personal name, accolades and titles, a forayan name can be almost limitless. These names are most commonly structured as individual name, rank/occupation, vessel/employer/business, any authorizations, any fields of specialization, honors. For example, Tuk Ur Chutano Zan Culitz Ser Perix is Tuk, captain, crew of starship *Chutano*, authorized military personnel, geological sciences, trusted representative for the Council of Perix and its people. A forayan name may have all fields included or just the individual name, depending upon their accomplishments. Titles include:

#### Rank/Occupation

* *Den* - Operative
* *Lin* - Governmental administrator
* *Ur* - Captain

#### Authorizations

* *Nikto* - Diplomatic immunity
* *Zan* - Authorized military personnel

#### Specializations

* *Culitz* - Geological sciences
* *Estenta* - Diplomatic relationships
* *Torchix* - Technological sciences and development
* *Xholde* - Political maneuvering
* *Zushka* - Protection of peoples and property

#### Honors

* *Ser [Colony Name]* - Trusted representative of [Colonial Government] and her people.
* *Ser Forayan* - Trusted representative of the Regdikan Collective

### Sayings

> *"The cogs turn."*
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The communal nature of the Regdikan Collective instills a sense of duty to family, nation and species far beyond what most other races can understand. Each forayan must and will do what is required of them so that their people may thrive. They are all cogs in the machine that is their society, and as long as they continue turning, whatever they may gain or lose in doing so, they will carry on.

## Further Lore

### History

* Forayan Colonization Timeline (List of Forayan worlds)