Reptoid (species)

## Reptoid (specie)

One of the most aggressive species, Reptoid space is avoided in fear of them. Immediately recognizable due to large, insectoid stature, **Reptoids** are extremely aggressive, immediately attacking anyone outside of their immediate group, even other Reptoids. While Reptoids possess limited ballistics and space travel, most Reptoids practice a primal tribal culture, relying on hunting, limited domestication of wild animals, and proving themselves in combat for recreation. Due to their disastrous defeat in the Reptoid Wars and consequential near collapse of their civilization, Reptoids rarely venture outside of their homeworld, except for hunting parties for a warrior’s initiation. These hunting parties often target innocent travelers, making most group immediately hostile to a Reptoid ship.

## Biology and appearance

Reptoids have a large, insect-like physique, standing taller than most humanoid species. Their bodies are segmented, with multiple sections connected by jointed limbs. They possess a strong exoskeleton composed of chitinous plates, that provides them with natural protection against physical harm.

Their reptilian features are prominent and contribute to their fearsome appearance. They have scaly skin, typically in shades of green, brown, or gray, which offers camouflage in their natural habitats. The scales vary in texture, ranging from rough and bumpy to smoother areas. The Reptoids have a large stature and are top heavy, with broad shoulders and chitinous plating around their torso. Reptoids have the ability to travel both bipedal or on four limbs.

Reptoids have sharp claws that aid them in hunting and combat. The largest claws are located on their hind legs and allow them to capture and incapacitate their prey with precision. Some Reptoids may have additional appendages, such as spikes or ridges, for offensive or defensive purposes.

Their faces are characterized by a combination of reptilian and insectoid features. They have sharp, short jaws filled with rows of sharp teeth designed for tearing through flesh. Their eyes are typically small and compounded, providing them with excellent vision and the ability to detect movement from a distance. They have fours eyes, a larger and smaller pair used for seeing in daylight and nighttime respectively. These eyes are naturally hidden under the brow of the Reptoid, giving them the appearance of permanently squinting.

## Society and culture

Reptoids are known for their aggression and readiness to engage in combat. They exhibit territorial behavior and fiercely defend their hunting grounds, resources, and tribal territories. Conflict and competition for dominance are integral parts of Reptoid culture, with fights and battles being seen as a way to prove one's strength and establish hierarchy.

Reptoids adhere to a primitive tribal culture that revolves around hunting, combat, and proving oneself in battle. They organize themselves into small, tightly-knit groups or tribes, led by dominant and skilled warriors. These tribes form the core social structure of the Reptoid society. These tribes are largely nomadic in nature, roaming the ruins of the once great Reptoid society.

Hunting plays a significant role in Reptoid culture, as it is both a means of survival and a source of pride. Reptoids excel in tracking and capturing prey, relying on their physical strength, sharp claws, and primal instincts. Successful hunts are celebrated and provide sustenance for the tribe. While the Reptoids primarily rely on hunting for sustenance, they have limited domestication of wild animals. These domesticated creatures are often used for transportation, guarding territories, or as companions. However, Reptoids prioritize their natural predatory instincts over developing extensive agricultural practices.

The Reptoids harbor a deep cultural hatred towards the Corzan due to their involvement in the development and deployment of the Orgamium Plague, a bioweapon utilized after the Reptoid Wars designed to cull the species. They see the Corzan as responsible for the collapse of their civilization and the ongoing constraints on their progress. Even as the Corzan express remorse for the plague, Reptoids actively hunt down and brutally kill Corzan they encounter, seeking revenge for the devastation caused.

The Reptoid once boasted an advanced civilization based on Reptoid, that rivaled the Cogre-Orspeer Empire in strength. However, following their defeat in the Reptoid Wars and the deployal of the Orgamium Plague onto the remaining Reptoid fleet, Reptoid civilization collapsed rapidly into fierce infighting and mass depopulation, denigrating into their current tribal structure. Reptoids have largely withdrawn to their homeworld and isolated themselves from interstellar affairs. They rarely venture outside their territories except for small hunting parties, which often target innocent travelers. This isolationism further reinforces their tribal and territorial nature.

Despite the overall aggressive nature of the species, there is minute few individual Reptoids who aim to integrate into galactic society. Efforts by more organized Reptoids to reform a stable culture have failed, either due to the continued risk of the Orgamium Plague or aggression by other Reptoid groups. There are some Reptoids who advocate for peaceful approaches and aim to bring the Corzans' actions to the attention of the rest of the galaxy. These Reptoids seek justice and recognition for the Corzans' efforts in limiting their civilization. However, the brutal nature of the rest of the Reptoids results in apprehension towards any efforts.