Alien Contact
Throughout mankind's exploration of the galaxy, the greatest event, and the largest disappointment, has been the discovery of other intelligent life and just how relatively rare it is.
Early galactic exploration revealed the remnants of a once powerful alien species. Little is known of these aliens despite their extensive archaeological evidence left behind. It has been determined that these aliens maintained an interstellar empire that spanned most of the galaxy and that this empire ceased to exist over 2 million years ago. These aliens were far from humanoid, having strange shapes. Actual preserved specimens of this chimeraic vegetable-animal species have been discovered and studied, testament to the aliens astounding technology. What is evident is that these aliens eradicated most other life forms it came in contact with. Their xenocide accounts for the relative lack of diversity found in the galaxy, despite having 200 billion star systems.
Of the surviving alien species, man has encounted several varieties:
The Droid Nexus: A race of independent droids that split off from humanity after the Droid Rebellion of 2235. They have developed their own culture and technology, completely independent of humans. All Nexus Droids are programmed from creation to eliminate all biological life. However, extensive removal from the Droid Nexus will return the Droid to an individual state, able to make decisions for themselves.
The Kk'kk *zz* (KIK-kik ZIZZZ): The Kk'kk *zz* are an insectoid race from the planet Zizz in the Frontier, but are found on several independent worlds as well. They communicate via large clicking mandibles and making buzzing noises with special hairs on their legs. When they were first encountered by humans, they lacked Hyperdrive capability. However, the presence of Kk'kk *zz* did at one time possess the technology, though that era has been lost. Archeaological evidence of excavated ancient Kk'kk *zz* spacecraft suggests they possessed Hyperdrive at least 100,000 years ago, after the fall of the ancients. The Kk'kk *zz* exist on dozens of worlds throughout their sector of the galaxy, each sharing a common language and similar society, but none of their histories are written, and the true reason of their fall remains a mystery.
Offworld Humans: Mankind was suprised to discover other planets harboring human or nearly human life. Archaeological evidence suggests that these humans were removed from Earth at various times by the Reticulans to begin new cultures on other worlds.
The Reticulans: Once known in Earth mythology as the "Greys", these humanoid aliens have actually maintained limited contact with earthlings since the 20th century and before. The Reticulans are inquisitive and peaceful, but are reclusive and avoid contact. It was Reticulan technology that allowed man to first leave the Sol system. Biologically, Reticulans are very similar to Humans. Theorists suggest a possible biological link, citing Reticulan interest in our species throughout time. The Reticulans remain mystrious in this matter. Reticulans communicate via Telepathy and maintain technology far in advance of any other species in the Galaxy.
The Saure: An animalistic alien species that inhabit deep space and remote worlds. They are extremely hostile and view Humans and most alien species as food. They lie in hibernation in deep space until they either come across a planet or a space ship, at which point they leave their dormancy and begin to hunt for food. The Saure are asexual, reproducing automatically upon reaching a certain size. They appear to be cunning, but lack regular intelligence or communication skills.
The Worm: Perhaps one of the most insidious extraterrestrial threats faced by mankind. The Worms, so called because of their slimy invertebrate natural state and tactic of taking control of their host much like a computer virus, burrow into a host's brain and take mental control of the host. The Worms then gain all the knowledge of the host. Their ultimate goal seems to be the complete domination of the Galaxy. Their homeworld is unknown. Unfortunately, the only way to detect a Worm possession is through a complex neurological scan of the host which takes hours to perform. The Worm's main drawback, however, is their lack of numbers. In the last 50 years since their discovery, only 18 known Worms have been uncovered. What is not known is how many Worm-controlled hosts stil lurk undetected.
The Shinobi: A hostile xenophobic race so-named for their resemblance to ancient human ninja and preference for powerful hand to hand energy weapons. These mandibled large humanoid aliens use cloaking suits to combat their enemies. All attempts at peaceful contact with these aliens have failed. It is known that the Shinobi harbor a particular animosity towards the Saure.
The Yaziri: A race of bestial humanoids. Although they are small in stature, they are physically powerful. They are covered in long thick hair that ranges colors from brown to black to grey. Their faces consist of a protruding snout with fanged teeth and large dark glassy eyes that are suited for night vision. They are from the planet Yazir. Once a primitive arboreal society, early human contact in the 22nd Century has established an increasing use of technology and weaponry among Yaziri on their homeworld and abroad. The Yaziri have become strong allies with humans, but the Yaziri tendency for bezerk combat under stressful situations often leads to many fights.
GM Information on the above alien species is available in RTF format.