Skrell

Skrell

S. Sapiens

Home System: Jargon (Nralakk)

Homeworld: Jargon IV (Qerrbalak)

Language(s): Skrellian (Nral'Malic), Tau Ceti Basic

Political Entitie(s): Jargon Federation

Overview

An amphibious species whose passion lies in the field of the combined sciences, the Skrell are the oldest and most advanced known species present on the galactic stage. The Skrell evolved on a planet covered in vast swamps and freshwater seas, hence their amphibious qualities. These include moist, pliant, and nearly translucent skin, as well as their vestigial gill slits.

Skrell are largely asexual, with most seeing reproduction as a process necessary to continue their lineage and nothing more.

Although humans have fractured heavily in their expansion, Skrell have remained in a largely singular government through strict reinforcement of education and laws. Social media is maintained by the Federation government, who gag unacceptable discussions or thoughts and instead encourage people to be like the Idols that they reward with credits, high quality housing, and fine living.

Further Factoids:Notable Skrell The Gliutip’lyaz University

Read This: Skrell History

Heads of Staff

Skrell can be the following heads of staff:

• Captain
• Head of Security
• Chief Engineer
• Head of Personnel
• Chief Medical Officer
• Research Director
• Internal Affairs Agent

Mechanics

• Skrell have their own language that can be used by typing ,k before anything you say, and can also be used over the radio.
• Skrell lack teeth and instead have hardened gums; this leads to them being big advocates on soft foods such as bread, or liquid foods such as soup. Skrell are largely considered to be herbivores, but they have been known to eat many species of insects native to Jargon and add smaller pieces of more common red meats to meals for additional flavor.
• Skrell have large heads with protruding head tails and due to this they cannot wear normal hardsuit helmets but instead need to wear Skrell hardsuit helmets (found in EVA). Their head tails also make it uncomfortable to wear normal headwear such as hats so most Skrell opt out of that. However, Skrell can wear normal hardsuits due to their body being very similar to a human one.
• Skrell have the ability to breathe underwater due to them being amphibious.
• The Skrell have been allies with humanity longer than any other race aboard Aurora has, and as such Skrell workers are some of the most reliable and famed workers for Nanotrasen. They are suitable for any role on station, and older, more experienced Skrell scientists commonly hold experience in a variety of fields (though they are also free to specialize.)

Biology

Physically Skrell have an average height ranging from 4’5” to 5’1” for males, and 4’5” to 5’5” for females. Skrellian skin looks gelatinous, but in fact has a second layer of a less translucent flesh under the surface. Skrell faces are quite plain and their eyes completely black, leaving it difficult for other species to gauge a Skrell's exact feeling and emotions. Adapted for aquatic life, Skrell are fully amphibious, and are capable of breathing underwater while also possessing superior underwater vision. Their hands and feet are very similar to that of humans, except for a lack of nails and the presence of strong webbing in-between each digit. Due to their amphibian nature, the Skrell lack any real teeth and instead possess hardened gum lines. Instead of a developed nose, Skrell smell through two simple slits sitting in the middle of their face. Skrell bear tentacle-like "head-tails", which possess no muscle tissue, and simply hang down over a Skrell's shoulders. The purpose of these tentacles is to keep the skin close to the neck damp for the incubating of eggs. Tentacles are often adorned with jewels, cloths, chains or plates, as a fashion statement.

Their diet mostly consists of Qerrbalak-native algae, plants and insects.

It is difficult for other species to differentiate between male and female Skrell, as the only outwards difference between the two genders is found in tentacle length - female tentacles being slightly longer than male ones. It should be noted that the Skrell have no social concern for gender, which they only see as an issue for the purpose of reproduction. For this reason, Skrell unfamiliar with galactic customs can often confuse the gender of other species, and struggle to adapt to the gendered pronouns of Tau Ceti Basic.

A healthy Skrell can naturally live up to 200 years, but current medical technology in the Federation allows them to increase their lifespan to an impressive 300 to 500 years.

Due to the lingering effects of the Synthetic Singularity's utilization of biological warfare, a sizable percentage of Skrell are completely sterile. Thanks to the intense research efforts of Skrellian doctors and scientists, modern Federation specialists have the capability to at least partially reverse these effects in half of all Skrell. The extensive treatments and investments needed to undergo the treatments for the genophage give the reality that only about a third (33%) of Skrell are able to have children. These Skrell can have 1-3 children in their lifetime, whereas pre-genophage Skrell could have 8 eggs hatch at a time. Without treatments, effected eggs remain inert, not developing.

Physical Appearance

Skrell skin comes in a variety of different colours based on local climate where they grew up, along with their diets and genetic modifications. A skrell from Aloise might end up with pale, white skin due to the snowy and cold climate, while a skrell from a deep-sea city will grow blackish-blue from eating inky local foods.

Genetic engineers have worked with physical appearance to accelerate natural changes in skin colour, and are capable of giving a 'Spa treatment' to change hue and saturation in skin over the course of a month. 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.

Social

Federation Social Interactions

When interacting with a new person, some Skrell ask probing questions to understand what to say and what not to say - and often, if they should even relate with that person. This stems from a long-time divide between more well-off artisians and researchers, and laborers. For example, asking how old they are and their career. When knowing the age of another Skrell, depending on their current job, you might gain or lose respect for them. A 89 year old Skrell Research Director would be instantly more popular than a 190 year old cargo technician, and that old Skrellian cargo tech would be berated for being lazy, because they're expected to do better. The disadvantaged outside of Federation space will often try to befreind Federation skrell to gain the benefits of Jargon technology that they're not allowed to bring outside of Skrell space.

Skrell display intimate emotions by touching the heads of their close friends or partners, or touching their own forehead and gesturing, as if blowing a kiss from their brain. Some verbal displays of emotions include comparing someone to a named star, or even naming an unnamed star after them if they have enough reputation in the scientific community.

Emotional

While many people believe that Skrell are heartless and have no emotions, the truth is actually quite the contrary. Skrell convey emotions the same way humans do, through movement, tone of voice and language used. Due to Humans' limited audial receptors, however, the many tones a Skrell can project are lost to all non-Skrell, and thus Skrell have a very difficult time expressing emotion to other species. In contrast, when matched with another of their kind, communication is so seamless that two parties involved in a discussion would almost be able to guess each others' thoughts at times, simply through the variety of vocal tones used in conversation. The most common Racial slurs that are used against Skrell are, “Frog”, ‘Squid”, “Waterboy” and various other creatures that have aquatic relation. Skrell tend not to react to these insults however, not out of indifference, but because they are often prideful and would prefer not to lose face through confrontation. This kind of emotional reaction is quite common in Skrell; Skrell are reputed for choosing not engage in a fight or a challenge unless they were certain of their own victory. Among other things, this has led to the Skrell military having the best victory-defeat ratio in the Galaxy.

Language

Nral'Malic, or as it is commonly know to humans, Skrellian, can be described as a series of hums, warbles, and croaks. It can display a wide variety of emotions and meaning that Tau Ceti Basic can't, such as Greek aspects of Love like Eros, Philia, Pragma, etc. These are described later in Relationships. Skrell can speak perfectly in their own language underwater.

When learning other languages, Skrell tend to forego grammar. This allows for Skrell to learn multiple languages faster, to allow a wide degree of efficiency if they come across a foreigner and wish to speak to them.

The language was created in 1593 by the scientific community when the Skrell first began to colonize other planets. The government enforced a widespread adaptation of the language, disallowing any colonists from entering a shuttle if they couldn't speak it fluently. As scientific communities exclusively used Nral'malic, the use of other languages became less and less common, only being used in poetry and other forms of art. Amazingly, these strict rules enforced by the Federation has allowed the language to survive almost a thousand years with the same diction used then.

Culture

Main articles: Skrellian Cuisine, Skrell (Factions & Politics)

A Skrell city on the homeworld of Jargon IV. Of ascetic design, Skrell buildings are made to be pleasing and not overtake the enviroment.

Idols

Skrell place great importance on social and scientific development, and idolize valuable members of those communities, called Idols. Idols are often propped up by the Federation on government run social media, encouraging average Skrell to seek personal glory and recognition, as well as rewards. They gain rewards for simply giving a good face to the Federation; Research grants, private shuttles, high-class housing, there are thousands of different rewards for being an ideal citizen that follows laws and regulations, and an even higher pressure to remain that way. If an Idol becomes less-than-ideal for the reputation of the Federation, their rewards can be taken away as well as being given a gag-order on their social media account. Dead Idols often try to reclaim their popularity, but end up shunned for being an inconsistent source of media. Idols can be from almost any career, as long as they are models of the Federation utopia.

Work Ethic

Skrell life is highly dependent on contribution of less-valued but highly crucial manual labor workers, although Skrell rarely ever want to work in these roles. These undervalued Skrellian workers are often pampered by the government to encourage them to keep working these jobs, giving 12 hour work weeks and complimentary pools in the workplace. Before other species were capable of taking the menial labor, the Skrell were in a serious depression due to the lack of workers and fears of automation, however, in 2320 Skrell found the first Dionaea pod in space, and after years of study, began incorporating them into workplaces in the late 2360's. This integration has allowed for at least one Dionaea to be found in almost every factory, and Skrell co-workers usually give them the less mentally-required tasks to complete. Lately, Skrell have begun outsourcing some of their manual labor to other species such as Humans, Tajarans, and Vaurca.

One of the main sources of workers being tested on planets outside Jargon is the C'thur hives' bound workers. The Federation requests bound workers on commission from the hive, although rations it to disallow more than 3 Vaurca per workplace, and they must all be constantly monitored and researched.

In the past, Skrell valued synthetics for they simply took all this out of their hands and let them live in the perfect society where any Skrell could commit to whatever career they wanted. Now, however, if a Skrell feels they could complete the job that a synthetic is trying to, they will try.

Pop Culture

It's an open secret that media has been influenced by the government ever since the First Federation. Officials use money, influence, and government policy to steer the direction of The Federation's pop culture. Because of this, Skrell rapidly consume media and are constantly on forums, chat rooms, holonet, or sharing funny political and scientific jokes. In film and cinema, the Federation offers production studios huge subsidies if it includes some sort of moral message. The largest grossing films always include quirky, ambition filled heroes defying the odds using family and friend support structures, self esteem, and personal growth in the pursuit of fame and intelligence. The hero's journey arc is very popular in Skrellian storytelling, as well as comedy, specifically satire and deadpan sarcasm that are hard for non-Skrell to pick up on. Imagine modern memes.

Cuisine

Food and drink for Skrellian cuisine varies wildly depending on the planet you're on, especially because of the sheer amount of planets. On average, Skrellian dishes are largely made up of aquatic creatures and plants. While some flora and fauna can be successfully transplanted to different worlds, the process is carefully monitored so as to not upset local ecosystems. Because of this, hydroponics and animal farming techniques are used to minimize the expensive imports and keep planetary environments safe.

For more information, see Skrellian Cuisine

Naming System

Name additions are a common facet of Skrell culture. While not necessary in Jargon society, it is common for a Skrell to add a name, word, or phrase to their name at some point in their lifetime. Every Skrell is born with two names, both of them being made up by the Skrell caring for them. (Ex: Weashbi Jrugl) Name additions are added to the end of either name. Skrell traditionally only add one addition to the end of each name. Adding more than one addition to the end of a name is seen as poor form, as it lowers the significance of all other name additions.

The significance of such name extensions varies greatly, but the most basic rule governs pronunciation and helps to suggest the connotation of the addition.

Typically a “-” before an addition denotes a feeling of respect. This is often used with names that are meant to pay remembrance to figures, events, or locations. In spoken Skrellian, the presence of a - is pronounced by allowing a moment between the Skrell’s original name and the addition. In other words, the dash is treated as if it were a space between two words.

The use of “‘“ before an addition signifies a more personal connection to whatever the addition means to the named Skrell. This is pronounced by simply treating the addition as if it were just a part of the name’s root. It is said as if it were one word.

Relationships

Skrell society has always placed a special significance on the bonds between an individual and the people they interact with. The shift from regional dialects to Nral’Malic saw a change in the words used to describe these ties, but the feelings they convey have remained the same for much of history. The concept of partnerships whether fraternal, platonic, or appreciative carry with them a weight that has only grown over the recent centuries.

The Nral’Malic language begins each name for a partnership with the same root word, Quualt. This word signifies a partnership or a shared bond with another person, and is typically used with a qualifying word tacked on at its end. These qualifiers specify the nature of the partnership which the phrase is describing. The following are a few of the more commonly used utilizations of Quualt.

Quualt'Shriapt

The Skrell term for a single person who is one’s chosen partner, friend, and mate. Despite the logic oriented nature of most Skrell, romance is quite alive in Nralakk. From a mutual appreciation to a longstanding partnership, many combinations of events can lead a prospective couple to begin viewing their relationship as a possibility for lifelong partnership. Courting typically takes years to get to this level, as two individuals seek to truly know each other as well as they know themselves. If their bond grows into a harmonious and mutual rapport, they may consider becoming one another’s Quualt'Shriapt. The connotation of this word shows not only the closeness of the two involved, but also their exclusive intention to have children together.

Quualt'Yiilet

The term most commonly used to refer to a valued or treasured coworker. In sharing common goals, proximity, and interests, many Skrell come to feel a special connection with the people they work with closely.

Quualt'Xizos

This word is used most in junction with the Human word “friend” but denotes a very specific form of friendship. Oftentimes, a person who is referred to as one’s “Quualt’Xizos” is someone who the speaker did not expect to form a bond with but has come to value highly. This can be for a number of reasons ranging from an initial mutual disdain to a simple perceived lack of convenience or statistical unlikelihood. This expression was especially prevalent shortly after first contact as Skrell referred to their new acquaintances of the previously unknown Human race. Among the most common literal translations: “A dear friend who was earned” and “An unexpected friend.”

Quualt'Pluux

This phrase refers to a bond one has formed due to situational circumstances. The word “Pluux” in this context conveys a temporary partnership, but this not always meant to be negative. This situation is seen as transitional, leading to longer lasting bonds after sufficient time has passed. This could refer to a business partner one is currently working with, a former rival one is patching things up with, a relative stranger one is becoming acquainted with, or a valued friend one feels distanced from.

Quualt'Tiapt

This is a bond by resemblance or blood relative. “Tiapt” in this case refers to one’s genetic foundations. “Quualt’Tiapt” is a broad catch-all term that applies to both near and distant relatives.

Notable Information

Religion

Modern Skrell are extremely secular people. However, they have two dominant faiths in their species that the majority of Skrell follow. In these modern times faith has become more of a part of culture rather than for the sake of spiritualism itself. There are many hundreds of variations, intepretations, and individual faiths (or a lack of faith) but there are nevertheless two dominant faiths of the species that the majority of Skrell follow.

Qeblak is an ancient Skrell faith that dates back before even written records. Qeblak has no official church or religious leaders, with the modern form of the faith being more of a deep feeling that many Skrell have over their place in the galaxy. Despite the stereotype that Skrell are logical above all else, Qeblaks still place a strong ceremonial importance on astrology and the study of constellations. Skrell may not actually believe that their lives are determined by constellations of distant stars, but they still feel a connection to their study. Skrell horoscopes are often used as moral lessons or for guidance on how to live life well. Qeblaks also feel that the greatest possible state of living for a Skrell is living a life dedicated to unlocking the many mysteries of the universe. Qeblak also encourages the respect of the worlds that Skrell find, and emphasizes the importance of the potential of every Skrell and their ability to learn and improve.

Weishii, the second dominant faith of the Skrell, is a more modern faith which was born shortly after the Glorsh Rebellion. Its official founding date is 2320 CE, only a year after the Federation was reunified. The faith’s structure is largely informal, with its doctrine focused on the relationship between Skrell themselves rather than the fates told by the stars. As Skrell rebuilt and reinvented old technologies to be operated by Skrell rather than solely run by machines, their society too began to place greater attention to the significance of each individual. What began as separate structures of support and cooperation between survivors grew into a common trend of regular meetings between increasingly driven individuals. Today, Weishiians believe that science itself is a spiritual endeavor, and they place spiritual importance in it. Weishiian scientists often perform small ceremonies with the discovery of new elements or other scientific endeavors, celebrating the feat and offering thanks to their peers and (often historic) predecessors for attributing to their ability to make such strides. The faith’s name itself, Weishii, comes from a combination of the Skrellian words for the abstract idea of Progress and Togetherness.

A map of Jargon IV, unlabelled to show the terrains and landmasses.

Political Structure

Following the Skrell's long tradition of political councils, the Jargon Federation operates as a centralized union of solar systems. Councillors represent Skrell interests at various levels organized in a clear hierarchy, which ranges from systems, to planets, to countries, to states. Overseeing it all is the Grand Councillor, which governs the entire federation and is elected every decade. The current Grand Councillor is Weashbi Jrugl.

Members of the Federation are elected through popular vote, and given weight proportional to the amount of population they represent. Regions and countries in the Federation are given a relatively high level of autonomy, as they are expected to make reasonable and informed decisions regarding the governance of their assigned territories (the Grand Councillor doesn't have time to oversee hundreds of planets!) Matters of colonization, space exploration, and inter-species diplomacy are currently overseen on a federal level.

Major Systems

The Jargon Federation exerts control over some 1236 planets spread across 800 star systems, representing over 48 billion Skrell citizens. Of those 1200+ planets, only about 500 are colonized with permanent settlements, the rest being used mainly for a mix of mining (of metals and gases), and scientific research. Half of the Skrell population, representing 24 billion individuals, is concentrated in the core system of Jargon.

The Skrell capital city, Kal'lo, is located on their swampy homeworld, Jargon IV (also colloquially known as Qerrbalak). The planet, other than being home to the headquarters of the Jargon Federation, is also famous for its large underwater cities, such as Eriuyishi and Gli'morr.

Jargon V (known as Aliose) forms another important home for Skrell in the system. Many research laboratories have been built in the planet's extensive underground system, and Skrell native to Aliose commonly develop an abnormally pale skin coloration due to the world's significantly colder climate.

A map of Jargon IV (Qerrbalak) labelled.

The majority of the planets in Skrell space have been terraformed to suit their nature. A typical Skrell planet is covered in swamps, jungles, and the occasional large body of water. On planets where this kind of extreme terraforming is not possible, the Skrell construct large biodomes and habitat structures.

For more information, see Notable Skrell Systems and Locations

Military

The most common misconception about the Jargon Federation is that their military is almost non-existent. The truth, however, is closer to the opposite. While The Federation Navy is only two thirds the size of the Sol Alliance's, the Skrell's incredible technological advances have made their military the most effective in the known galaxy. Most of the Skrell's strength is derived not from numbers, but from the advanced technology and firepower of their ships, and from their mastery of battle tactics and logistics. Their vat-grown Tup commandos are especially feared for their infiltration capabilities and combat prowess.

Tup commandos reach their level through one of two basic ways. The first and most common manner for modern Tups is through birth, with Tups being grown through scientific means and trained from the moment they are born. Vat-grown Tup commandos live the entirety of their career locked within that position. Skrell who choose to study and serve with the Jargon military do occasionally rise to the rank of commando. Vat-grown Tups are denoted with a 'Tup at the end of their name upon birth while those who rose to the rank take on the name addition -Tup upon promotion.

Implants and Genetic Modification

Augments are commonplace for Skrell. Most, if not all, have tried procedures that modify fertility rates due to the genophage, and there are various other modifications available that serve practical purposes.

Members of the Jargon Navy, for example, are highly modified. Footsoldiers and Tups alike are equipped with various augments that better their prowess in combat, improving upon their speed, cognitive abilities, reaction time, and even hand-eye coordination. Soldiers in high positions are also equipped with electronic implants not unlike the "loyalty implants" used by Nanotrasen, and is seen as a necessary precaution despite tests and other preventative measures taken by the Jargon Federation to ensure that soldier's loyalty.

Many of these augments are also available to civilians, though not requisite as they would be for soldiers. The civilian population is generally more fond of more simple improvements, such as ambidexterity, genetic hearing and eyesight repair, in addition to the aforementioned modifications to have children. The younger generation has developed a fondness for cosmetic implants and body modification, counter to the Skrellian culture of prioritization of constructive endeavors. There is a recent trend where skrell can have small, colorful LED lights implanted just under the skin, forming designs that range from simple dots in a line to elaborate tattoo-like images. The procedures surrounding these are more expensive than other implants would be, but the end results are unique and impressive.

The Aliose University of Medical Sciences is a big player in prosthetics, cloning, and augments.