Ssaa

The Ssaa are a reptilian race of saurial aliens found on the forest-swamp world of Cholganna.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Ssaa resemble humanoid lizards.  They can appear in a multitude of varieties based on their spawning pool placement determined at birth.  The small skinks are the engineers and mystics of the species.  The larger saurus act as warriors and protectors.  The towering Kroxigor serve as a labor and hunting force.  The mysterious slann act as silent overseers.

Genetics and Reproduction

Ssaa are born from eggs.  The eggs are placed in unique spawning pools based on the needs of the village.  The eggs undergo metamorphosis within the pool and the hatchlings emerge as either skinks, saurus, kroxigor, or the extremely rare slann pool.

Ecology and Habitats

Ssaa live in wood and mud huts.  Their optimal environment is anywhere that is not cold.  Heat and humidity work in their favor as it helps regulate their internal body temperature.  Swampy areas are best suited to keep them comfortable in addition to providing a steady source of water.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Saurus and Kroxigor are carnivorous while Skinks and Slann are herbivores.

Biological Cycle

The leader of the Ssaa, the Slann, are all female.  All other Ssaa are male.  The elite Saurus that serve as temple guards are also called upon to mate with the queen.  The slaan will lay her eggs in a spawning pool.  She will then use a Force-based ritual to pre-determine the results of the spawning based on the needs of the city.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Slann serve as the silent overseers who only emerge in times of crisis or when needed to spawn. Skinks serve as engineers, priests, artisans, administrators and any other role not requiring brute strength Saurus serve as the main military strength and protectorate of the temple-city.  Specially bred saurus serve as guardians of the slann and her temples.  When necessary, they will mate with the slann to produce a new spawning clutch. Kroxigor are brutish laborers who serve as assistants to the skinks.

Average Intelligence

Skinks: High intelligence Saurus: Average intelligence Kroxigor: Low intelligence Slann: Very High intelligence, but rarely speak.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Their visual and audio perception are on par with most humanoid species, though their vision can discern a greater color palette than most other species.  As such, subtle color changes in their skin patterns are used as a communication tool.  Similarly to lizards, the Ssaa smell by flicking their tongues out and in and pressing them against the inside of their mouth.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Skinks generally have 4-syllable names that either rhyme or have a specific rhythm.  ( ex: Itzibitzi, Lotlbotl). Saurus usually have a two syllable hyphenated name. (Ex: Kroq-Gar, ).  Kroxigar names are generally 1 syllable.  Slann have no tradition for their names.

Average Technological Level

Ssaa currently exhibit a tribal level of technology, though they do not seem unfamiliar with modern tech.  It is more that they have no need of it.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The Ssaa language is a combination of grunts, sign language, color mottling, and pheromones.  The more complex the idea being communicated, the greater the combination of language elements.  Slann do not use any of the common Ssaa language and seem to communicate telepathically, though it is possible that the speak solely in pheromones that are undetectable to any non-Ssaa.

Common Dress Code

Ssaa have little to no dress code, usually only adorning themselves with jewelry and headdresses.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Ssaa have had little to no contact with the outside world, though they are aware of it, thank to the visions of the Slann.  Recent incursions by off-worlders near their temple-city have been dealt with through careful avoidance and monitoring.

Origin/Ancestry

Their origins are based in the dinosaurs that roam the planet. It

Lifespan

Most Ssaa live between 30 - 50 years, though a Slann queen may live for centuries.

Average Height

Skinks: 4' Saurus: 6' Kroxigor: 9' Slann: 4'

Average Weight

Skinks: 150 lb Saurus: 250 lb Kroxigor: 350 lb Slann: 200 lb

Average Physique

Skinks: Small, lithe, and sleek Saurus: Large, athletic, and muscular Kroxigor: Massive, brutish, powerful Slann: Medium, bloated, stoic.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The main skin color for the Ssaa is blue, though the hue of blue ranges among their sub-species.  Skinks tend to be a lighter shade of blue while Kroxigor tend toward darker navy blues, with the slann often being near indigo in their coloring.  Additional markings are nearly infinite in range from spots to stripes to miscellaneous patterns and colors.