Graxxid

The Graxxid are a race of humanoid beings that once wielded immense power, reigning over the galaxy as the formidable Graxxid Empire. However, following the Liberation Crusades, they suffered significant losses in territory and influence, ultimately transforming into the Graxxid Trade Alliance.
Technology and Advancement: 

While not known for grand technological innovations, the Graxxid have adapted existing technologies from conquered civilizations to bolster their control over their trade empire. Their approach to technology is pragmatic, focusing on suppression and enslavement.

Arcane Capabilities:  The Graxxid do not possess inherent arcane abilities. However, their unique neurological trait that feeds on anguish is often mistaken for a dark arcane art by those unfamiliar with their physiology.

Role in the Galaxy:

Even in recent times, the Graxxid's reputation remains one of fear and domination. As conquerors and slavers, they evoke both respect and disdain for the might they wielded and the suffering they inflicted. Despite being despised by many, they are also begrudgingly respected by every faction, viewed as necessary components of the Galaxy's trade system.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

The Graxxid possess a slender, elongated frame with a smooth, almost rubber-like skin that conceals their wiry but strong musculature. Their skin color ranges from dark purples to deep blues to brighter shades that reflect their status and mood.

Additional Information

Social Structure

At the apex are the Trade Council members, followed by a middle class of administrators, scientists, and military officers. The working class comprises the bulk of the population, performing various functions to keep the empire running. Slaves, while not technically part of the Graxxid social hierarchy, form the foundation on which their empire was once built, providing labor and, more importantly, the emotional sustenance of their masters.

Facial characteristics

Skin: Their skin contains bio-luminescent veins that glow in patterns corresponding to emotional states, especially when experiencing the euphoria they crave.
Eyes: Graxxid eyes are wide and sensitive, adapted to extract visual cues of fear and distress in their subjects, which they find intoxicating.
Mouth: A mouth full of sharp, serrated teeth serves as a reminder of their predatory evolution and intimidating presence.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Once, the Graxxid Empire sprawled across what was known as "Free Space," a mockery of the freedom their subjects lost. Nowadays, the Graxxid confine themselves to their dominated systems within the Belaric Corridor, showing little inclination for further expansion or facing challenges from other factions.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Highly developed empathic receptors in their brains allow them to sense and feed off the emotions of others, with a preference for negative emotions.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names in Graxxid society are titles reflecting one's role in the hierarchy of suffering and pleasure. These names are both feared and revered. An example of a common name among their kind "Zha'Krix", with it Zha'Krix being a title or a name given to a Graxxid of high stature, potentially one who oversees the gathering and 'harvesting' of emotions from subjugated species. "Zha" could denotes their caste, while "Krix" suggests a specific role or function related to the manipulation or extraction of emotional responses.

If the individual comes from a trade clan, their name would be "Zha'Krix Vorlum" as their "surname" serves to indicate their lineage, pointing to a long line of Graxxids who have excelled in their societal roles.

Major Organizations

• The Trade Council Often referred to as "The Trade Cartel," stands as the ruling body of Graxxid society, composed of high-status individuals from their highest caste. This organization oversees the operations of their vast trade empire.
• The Enforcers of Agony: They represent a specialized caste proficient in various forms of torture and the arts of pleasure. They are tasked with extracting pleasure from the pain of slaves and are often seen in the company of Graxxid overlords.
• The Slave Masters' Guild: Is an organization responsible for regulating the acquisition, training, and distribution of slaves across Graxxid-dominated space.
• The Graxxid Science Cohort: Once dedicated to biological advancements to ensure the species' dominance, now focuses on developing short and long-term solutions for their species' survivability. Additionally, they engage in the development of pathogens for sale to other factions.

Average Technological Level

Their technology is utilitarian, designed to maintain and expand their trade empire and to enhance their ability to control and manipulate their slaves.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The Graxxid language, known as "Vorlux," mirrors the complexity of their society. It comprises a standard dialect utilized for official communication within their Trade Alliance and with other factions. Sub-dialects exist among the various castes, with the ruling elite employing a refined version called "Krix-Vorl," which incorporates nuances absent from the common tongue. Conversely, the lower castes employ a more rudimentary form of the language, known as "Drax-Vorl," tailored to labor and servitude.

Common Etiquette Rules

In Graxxid culture, the display of dominance is paramount. Etiquette revolves around demonstrating one's ability to inflict and withstand suffering.

History

Originating from the desolate and harsh world of Xyrrax, the Graxxid evolved as apex predators in a predatory ecosystem. Their society mirrored the merciless nature of their environment, channeling their predatory instincts into conquest and expansion as they reached for the stars. This led to the formation of the formidable Graxxid Empire, marked by a trail of subjugated worlds and enslaved species.
After the Liberation Crusades, the Graxxid suffered significant losses in population, territories, and power, driving them to the brink of extinction. In response, they formed a coalition known as the Graxxis Trade Alliance, adapting to the new galaxy dominated by lesser species.
As the Trade Alliance, the Graxxid assumed a critical role by developing a singular currency used throughout the known galaxy. They gained access to transactions and bureaucracy needed to ensure the smooth flow of trade, becoming indispensable to the galactic economy.
The Graxxis Trade Alliance rose to prominence, with major factions relying on them to sustain the economy. As their power grew, they invested in private military enforcers, mercenaries, bounty hunters, and managed criminal organizations to safeguard their profits, showcasing their adaptability and intellectual prowess, even at the expense of their morality.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Graxxid view other species through a lens of utility, dominated by the question of whether they can contribute to the Graxxid's pleasure or the empire's might. Relations with other species are transactional at best, with a clear hierarchy placing the Graxxid at the top. Alliances are rare and usually formed with species that have something unique and beneficial to offer.

Scientific Name

Graxxus dominus

Lifespan

450 - 600 years

Average Height

1.8 - 2.2 meters

Average Weight

90 - 120

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Graxxid skin ranges from dark purples to deep blues, with higher-ranking individuals exhibiting brighter and more intricate patterns. Their bodies posses bio-luminescent veins that glow in patterns corresponding to emotional states, especially when experiencing the euphoria they crave. During ceremonies and public appearances, they enhance these veins with markings using luminescent dyes to display their wealth and power. The most feared individuals are known to have patterns that resemble the wailing faces of their slaves, a grisly reminder of their dominance.

Related Organizations

• Veyd Order