Aehr
The Aehr of Arcadia are one of the oldest known extant sophont species in the Orranysis galaxy (the oldest being the non-native Travellers, with whom they have a mysterious agreement). The Aehr, combined with the Thyorans, are among the most technologically advanced extant civilization in the known universe, averaging at tech level 19. In 1.6 billion AGU, the Aehr will make the decision to use their technology to ascend to their Hyperichon phase and become Drifters.
Biology
Anatomy & Morphology
Aehr are the archetype of the aehroid bodyplan, being vertical-aligned, bilaterally-symmetrical tetrapods. Their brain is housed within the head, which is slightly elevated above the torso by the neck. Each side of the torso has one upper limb and one lower limb; the upper pair functioning as the primary manipulators, and the lower set used as the primary locomotors. The lower section of the spine transitions into a medium-length tail primarily used as a balance mechanism.Perception & Sensory Capabilities
Aehr are very visual organisms, with hemifocal vision being facilitated by a pair of teardrop-shaped eyes at the front of the head.Ecology
Geographic Origin & Distribution
The Aehr are an ancient species, originating several hundred thousand cycles ago on a world that has been lost to time. Several thousand cycles after Aehr-Thyoran contact, the Aehr moved their entire population to a colony planet called Arcadia. Though the Aehr are spread across the galaxy, none are certain what became of their original homeworld. It is presumed to still exist, though the location has never been disclosed or otherwise discovered.Habitat & Survival Factors
Though Arcadia is not the original homeworld of the Aehr, it is generally understood to be a close replication of the environment and climate Aehr were once native to: temperate, mildly humid, and appreciably forested. The optimal conditions for an unequipped Aehr are reasonably varied to begin with, but given their incredibly advanced technology they have been able to engineer comfortable habitats across the galaxy -and beyond.Civilization & Culture
Major Organizations
The Arcadian Order is not only the governing body of all Aehr worlds; it is, effectively, the benevolent oversight of the galaxy, providing final and absolute judicial authority to the Federation as a whole. While this may seem unfair to those unfamiliar with the Order or the galactic political structure, this has been agreed upon by the founding member entities as the best possible arrangement for peace and freedom in the galaxy. The Order essentially allows the worlds of the galaxy to operate as they please, so long as all follow a set of specific laws and protocols set down by the original Foundation committee to preserve life, liberty, culture, peace, and harmony throughout the known galaxy: the Lex Universalis. To ensure this, the Galactic Assembly of Worlds is presided over by an appointed Aehr known as the Mediator, whose duty is to monitor proceedings in the Council, settle disagreements when they arise, and validate or veto Council decisions if necessary.Major Language Groups & Dialects
Aehr speak a variety of laryngeal languages, most of rather melodious composition, but their primary common tongue is Arcadian; the ancient form of which was the basis for Galactic Standard.Culture & Heritage
Members of the Arcadian Order (i.e. almost all Aehr) are bound by a set of ethical and philosophical principles called the Tenets, which were woven into the foundations of the Galactic Democratic Federation during its formation. The core tenets of these Tenets are expressed very simply as curiosity, empathy, respect, and responsibility. The Tenets state that all life is precious, as is the process of nature in its probabilistic whims. Interference in the course of nature and sophonts' technocultural development is strongly discouraged except in the most dire circumstances, leading the Aehr to be very conscientious about their technological power and the impacts they leave on both their own worlds and the universe around them. This also provides the base for their efforts to create a utopic society that benefits all involved with equity. The Aehr are very strongly motivated by curiosity as well; expressed as a desire to acquire knowledge for its own sake, and preserving an almost childlike wonder towards new discoveries.
Scientific Name
Deis dominus
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