The Aok-te are a species of crustaceanoid sophonts from the subsurface biosphere of
Xyrra. Though reclusive by nature, their civilization is renowned across the galaxy for their intimate familiarity with mineral processing and remarkable affinity for materials science.
Biology
Anatomy & Morphology
Squat, compact, and well-armored with a silicate exoskeleton, these crab-like bilaterally-symmetric decapods scurry through the caverns of their preferred habitats on six segmented legs. Their other two limbs are radically different: the uppermost set are large and robust digging claws; while the second upper set are smaller and more dexterous manipulators, assisted by an array of delicate prehensile tendrils around the face. Aok-te breathe oxygen, but their copper-based blood makes them perfectly tolerant of the carbon dioxide that makes up the majority of their planet's atmosphere.
Perception & Sensory Capabilities
Though they do have two pairs of compound eyes on stalks, their eyesight is poor due to their subterranean habitat. Because of this, they are extremely sensitive to auditory, tactile, and olfactory input; all detected by fine silicate hairs covering their bodies.
Ecology
Geographic Origin & Distribution
The Xyrran interstellar presence is very limited, only reaching a few thousand lightcycs out from their home system of
Xyrrh at the far end of the Broken Arm. However, Aok-te have gradually spread throughout the galaxy's mining operations, being uniquely suited to the claustrophobic work that industry entails.
Habitat & Survival Factors
The Aok-te evolved in the deeplands beneath the surface of the sunblasted planet
Xyrra, and they are by far most comfortable in cramped, dark spaces that resemble their homeworld.
Civilization & Culture
Major Organizations
Xyrran interstellar civilization is organized and overseen by the Xurj'xritt'kota, the alliance of Xyrran nations that drove their spacefaring endeavors leading up to first contact. All official Xyrran colonies are members of the XXK, or at least administrated by the organization. However, the XXK has no authority over all Aok-te on principle, and the vast majority of the Xyrran diaspora in the wider galaxy have no affiliation with the homeworld or its government.
Major Language Groups & Dialects
Because of the nature of subterranean life, Xyrran languages are heavily reliant on touch and sound. Their vocalizations are primarily clicks, trills, and tonal chittering, making their language similar to at least 36% of galactic spoken language. Xyrran written language is entirely tactile-based, as the poor eyesight of the Aok-te is not conducive to fine visual detail.
Culture & Heritage
Common Traditions
Common Taboos
Crab people. They really seem perfect for asteroid mining or other heavy labour. Do their shells prevent them from visiting planets iwth too little or too great gravity? Also, do their subterranean lives also affect their vocalizations; does evolving speaking in caverns make it so their voices do or do not rltravel/reverberate?
Actually, you make a good point: I can't believe I hadn't considered how their shell would affect their relationship with gravity! I think their gravity limit is rather lower than the 2.5 G I have listed, especially since their homeworld has comparatively lower gravity! As for their vocalizations, they are normally very quiet; an ancestral habit developed to help minimize echo pollution in the deep.