RyverStyx: Sandbox

The Resistance

The flag used by The Resistance and Free Traversers to advocate for a Traverse free from Jargon.

Historically, "The Resistance" or "Lyukal" within Jargon territory has always been defined by fringe groups concentrated in the rare few places where the Federation's control wasn't absolute. Kala, Nlom influence, censorship, and the Federation's encouragement of civilian informants make organised dissent in the modern era impossible at worst and a gruelling, major effort at best -- the latter on the fringes of the Traverse, where sluggish bureaucracy makes Jargon's panopticon ineffective towards craftier would-be dissidents.

The modern iterations of resistance movements, including the four largest cells, derive directly from Traverse independence movements of old and Glorsh-era dissidents who see the very same dangers of the despotic AI in the current government, and many of the same methods. First Contact has lent a massive opportunity to would-be opposition groups and insurrectionary cells to speak out and act against Jargon from relative safety in alien space, with many operating openly and vying for the aid of like-minded aliens, or simply seeking an audience for denouncing the Federation. Due to their common goal, the various cells will typically work alongside one another.

The Tetramerous Systems: The Traverse

The flag used by The Resistance and Free Traversers to advocate for a Traverse free from Jargon.

The frontier of the Jargon Federation is known as The Traverse, with the name itself meant to convey the importance Skrell culture has historically placed on the stars. Many believe it is a skrell’s duty to traverse the stars. Whilst settlements across the Traverse vary drastically, most will have common trends within the districts they are within: The Pluat Ven’qop, Qukala-Median Treqki, Q’elpi, and Zeiqi-Trqn. Depending on the status and economical importance of a district, the Federation will offer boons and increased protection from the dangerous lurking in the shadows of space. Despite this, the Traverse is a hotbed for anti-Federation secessionists and social deviants, thanks to an overall decrease in Federation presence compared to other territories.

SKRELL EARLY HISTORY PAGE

Prehistoric Era

Largely considered lost to the ravages of time, it is only through archaeological evidence excavated from numerous locations across Qerrbalak that the Skrell are able to gather even minuscule amounts of factual information. Through a combination of both archaeological excavations, and a bit of oral history passed through the generations, it is believed that Ranaera Skrellis (the first Skrell) diverged from a primarily sea-dwelling creature. It is at some point in the development of the Ranaera Skrellis that specific circumstances tailored the evolutionary path of the species to begin developing the ability to use psionics; mostly as a method of continued survival.

Ranaera Skrellis really only expanded onto the surface of Qerrbalak after several extinction events that proved to be in skrellian favor. It was here that the Ranaera Skrellis split into Axioris Ranaera and Xiialtus Ranaera. Whilst viewed upon as ethnicities in the modern-day, they are both in fact subspecies of the Ranaera Skrellis that developed separately to live either primarily within the shallows and depths or along the coasts and dryer regions of the Homeworld.

However, the Axioris Ranaera and the Xiialtus Ranaera were not always seen as equals. Early historical data shows that the Axioris Ranaera actively fought against the Xiialtus Ranaera and drove them from the depths of the home world's ocean. Anthropologists believe that the Xiialtus Ranaera were seen as weak by the Axioris Ranaera due to their slower swim speed and lesser psionic potential; although the exact evolutionary start point of psionics in the Skrell lineage is still uncertain. Federation Archeologists have also uncovered remains of Xiialtus Ranaera embedded with crude Axioris Ranaera weaponry on the seabed adding to the hypothesis that early tribalism between the subspecies was incredibly common.

Evidence gathered by archaeologists points to an atoll with an area called "Arqo-Wohai" or "Birthplace of Life" in Nral'Malic being the origin-point of the Skrell. An asteroid collided with Qerrbalak, and with it the building blocks of life necessary for evolution to commence. Several pieces of oral history passed down through the generations, alongside reconstructions of what it may have looked liked millions of years ago, have created a picture of an oceanic basin with almost magical qualities. Stories persist that creates within the region glowed, almost blinding the ancestors of the Skrell when compared to the darkness of the depths of the oceans. It is believed that the asteroid prompted the development of psionics within the ancient Skrell, however, little evidence supports such a belief.

SKRELL ETHNICITY PAGE

History

Largely considered lost to the ravages of time, it is only through archaeological evidence excavated from numerous locations across Qerrbalak that the Skrell are able to gather even minuscule amounts of factual information. Through a combination of both archaeological excavations, and a bit of oral history passed through the generations, it is believed that Ranaera Skrellis (the first Skrell) diverged from a primarily sea-dwelling creature. It is at some point in the development of the Ranaera Skrellis that specific circumstances tailored the evolutionary path of the species to begin developing the ability to use psionics; mostly as a method of continued survival.

Ranaera Skrellis really only expanded onto the surface of Qerrbalak after several extinction events that proved to be in skrellian favor. It was here that the Ranaera Skrellis split into Axioris Ranaera and Xiialtus Ranaera. Whilst viewed upon as ethnicities in the modern-day, they are both in fact subspecies of the Ranaera Skrellis that developed separately to live either primarily within the shallows and depths or along the coasts and dryer regions of the Homeworld.

However, the Axioris Ranaera and the Xiialtus Ranaera were not always seen as equals. Early historical data shows that the Axioris Ranaera actively fought against the Xiialtus Ranaera and drove them from the depths of the home world's ocean. Anthropologists believe that the Xiialtus Ranaera were seen as weak by the Axioris Ranaera due to their slower swim speed and lesser psionic potential; although the exact evolutionary start point of psionics in the Skrell lineage is still uncertain. Federation Archeologists have also uncovered remains of Xiialtus Ranaera embedded with crude Axioris Ranaera weaponry on the seabed adding to the hypothesis that early tribalism between the subspecies was incredibly common.

SKRELL MAIN PAGE

Physical Appearance

See also: Skrell Ethnicities

Whilst gelatinous in appearance, Skrell skin in fact has a second layer of less translucent flesh under the surface. In dry climates, it may get itchy, and even start to slightly crack. To prevent this, a Skrell may self-moisturize by dumping bottles of water on themselves, taking a hot shower, or swimming in available pools. Although exact time varies from individual to individual, SCC Facilities' climate control is equipped to allow their Skrell personnel to work without additional moisturizing for up to four hours without suffering negative effects on skin health. Wealthier Skrell, on the other hand, may purchase expensive genetic treatments to stay comfortable for up to a week without moisturizing.

Skrell skin notably contains glands that secrete mucus. While it is not sticky or poisonous, it serves an important role in allowing Skrell to avoid being grappled by potential predators, protecting their skin, and keeping them moist. The sliminess of an individual Skrell can vary based on genetics, some being extremely dry to the point of flaking, others nearly dripping with the stuff. It's generally described as damp, slippery, but not unpleasant to touch.

It is not uncommon for Skrell of both the Axiori and Xiiori ethnicitities to have markings, splotches, or dots on their skin and headtail. Historians believe that these markings are leftover from early history when Skrell needed to hunt for food and prey by blending in to the shifting waves, coral, seaweed, and even the tall grasses of the plains. Much like Skrell skin-tone these colors range greatly in their hue and tone; sometimes even having multiple colors dependent on body part.

Genetic engineers have worked with physical appearance to accelerate natural changes in skin colour and headtail length, and are capable of giving a 'Spa treatment' to change hue and saturation in the skin over the course of a month while changing headtail length takes about a year, as well as an increased appetite. This type of physical alteration is natural in society and is compared to humans dyeing their hair a different colour. Also notable is the fact that physical disorders and abnormalities are not seen as disgusting, but worthy of study and interest.