Anulian

Basics:

Name: Anulian
Pronunciation: Ah-new-lee-en
Homeworld: Anul
Political Affiliation: UCSB
Incorporation Date: 0.001
Government Type:
Democratic Confederacy
Genetic Class:
Carbon-Mammalian Homonid
Oxygen Gas Metabolizing
(Right Handed Amino-Acid)
Sensory Organs: AVOTG
Visual Spectrum: WI
Sexes/Reproduction:
2 (Male/Female)/Sexual
Gestation: 290 cycle
Litter Size: 1-3
Sexual Maturity: 12-13 annura
Life Span:
_____Male: 100 annura
_____Female: 110 annura
Ave. Height:
_____Male: 6 Metra
_____Female: 5.7 Metra
Ave. Mass:
_____Male: 19 Kilobar
_____Female: 15 Kilobar

Physical Description:

Anulian are bipedal forward hinge kneed mammals evolved from a common ancestor to the Anulian Wolf. Skin coloration varies by region from an extremely light almost white pink, to dark brown. Their bodies are covered with a layer of fine hair that thickens and accumulates atop the head, the lower extremities, groin region, and on the chest and faces of the males. Anulian females are typically distinguished by having smaller frames then the males and a pair of breasts on the chest.

An Anulian’s head is distinguished by having a pair of eyes mounted
midway up the face under a mid-sized brow ridge. Extending down from
the brow ridge between the eyes is a single nose that extends roughly
triangularly out from the face with a pair of nostrils running side by side
through it from the base. The bottom of the head is distinguished as
having a single axis downward opening hinged jaw with limited lateral
movement. The mouth has two U shaped rows of teeth, one mounted on
the jaw and the other to the roof of the mouth. A pair of mid-sized
elliptical ears are mounted to either side of the head and typically match
the nose for vertical position.

Anulians have five digits on their feet and hands. The digits on Anulian
feet are short with limited grasping ability, and in length are barely a
tenth the length of their feet. The hand digits however are approximately
half to the same length as their palms and are comprised of four primary
fingers and a single opposable thumb mounted to the side of the hand at
the base of the palm.

Genitals on the males are external, while females house their
reproductive organs internally. Anulian females typically have thirteen
fertile cycles an annura but only release a mature egg for fertilization during sexual intercourse.

Anulians are equipped with a dual cardiovascular system, with two hearts
and four lungs. The Anulians can live on a single heart and two lungs
with no difficulty the primary heart and lung set handle are capable of sustaining an Anulian at their full activity level, the secondary set
providing assistance during intense physical exertion. The secondary
cardio system is not strong enough to keep an Anulian fully function for
long and seems to have evolved to act as a sustaining system to keep
severely injured Anulians alive.

History:

Anulians Evolved from a common ancestor to Anulian Wolves as stated
previously. This proto-wolf evolved along two different branches, the
first developed into four-legged wolves while the other birthed a more
simian species. The Simi-Wolf continued evolving for millennia until
branching out once again, this time along three different paths, human,
elfin and Lycan. The three races continued to evolve simultaneously
with wars brought about by racial tension becoming uncommon in
frequency. The Pre-Cataclysm Lycans were Wolfen in form, never
taking fully human form, though having humanoid proportions. After the
Cataclysm the three races branched again.

Of the thirteen domed cities that survived the cataclysm nine were
populated exclusively by humans, three by elves, and one by Lycans,
with a small human Elfin population. Inside the domed cities the
populace was slowly adapted to the outside world inducing sometimes
unforeseen changes and the emergence of genetic specialties. On the
outside the changes were more drastic spawning many new species, most
of which died out inside a few generations.

Interbreeding and mutations in the Lycan dome soon yielded interesting
results. The domed Lycans after a few generations developed the ability
to transmute between human and wolfen form. The injection of silver
was found to inhibit this and so was used to help control out of control
lycans. The Lycans outside the dome did not fair as well and those that
survived evolved into two distinct groups. The Wolfen’s are, in
appearance, quite similar to the pre-cataclysm Lycans, but have reverted
to a near feral state. These Wolfen have smaller populations and are
semi-sentient, having a simple language and nothing more. The so-called
Battle Wolves evolved concurrently, growing massive batlike wings on
their backs, allowing to the glide long distances. Battle Wolf populations
were always very low, maintaining only a few scattered villages across
Anul. The Battle Wolves were however wiped out during the Vedek
Wars, due to their allegiance to the Draugh Vedek. Scattered sightings of
Battle Wolves continued for centuries but the last sighting was in UCSB

It is possible that a few Battle Wolves may have escaped into space,
but few hold out hope in this regard.
During the Great Death elves branched into two groups. The first is the
more common group, a full head to a head and a half shorter then humans
with only four digits per hand and pointed ears. Elf senses are superior to
humans, especially night vision. Dwarves are a cross breed between
humans and elves that dug into bunkers to survive. The bunker inhabitants soon began to dig, joining together and forming communities.

The communities dug massive ant-hill like mines, filled with numerous
narrow tunnels. Many of these cramped mines were in the polar regions
and as a result the dwarves evolved into a short, stout race with thick
body hair. Dwarves have excellent night vision able to see better in the dark then any other humanoid Anulian race.

Anulians spawned numerous offshoot races, few of which survived the
cataclysm, and most of those that did were wiped out during the Vedek
Wars. All Anulians races have members with what is known as “Genetic
Specialties.” These are physical mutations that are not too severe, but are
in some cases border on magical in form.

Much of early Anulian history was lost after the cataclysm that
devastated Anul three and a quarter millennia prior to the formation of
the UCSB. What is known is that the history of pre-cataclysm Anul, also
known as Catranul, was marred by seemingly endless near genocidal
wars between the multiple sentient races and political factions that
evolved on Anul. The cataclysm, known to the Anulians as the Great
Death, resulted when a massive asteroid crashed into the planet on the
eve of a massive planetwide war, which employed nuclear, biological and
chemical weapons. Those that survived the cataclysm only did so by
hiding inside thirteen giant domed cities where they lived for nearly two
and a half millennia. Some did survive outside the dome but only with
horribly disfiguring mutations.

Upon leaving the domed cities Anulians took to a feudal existence
reestablishing many of the old political boundaries, but many of the racial
tensions disappeared. Feudal wars marked most of the next several
centuries culminating in the great Vedek war some three centuries prior
to the formation of the UCSB. The Vedek wars proved to help unite the
Anulian people and as one they started to look outwards from themselves
entering a fantastic renaissance.

Advances in art, science and philosophy soared during the following
century and as a world the Anulians began to look beyond themselves
and their world. Then two centuries prior to the formation of the UCSB a
great colony ship launched by the Catranulians prior to the Great Death
returned to Anul bearing technologies thousands of years beyond
anything the Anulians had ever conceived of. The Catranulians and their
technology were quickly assimilated into Anulian society and nearly
overcome by the knowledge given them by their long lost brethren the
Anulians set out into space establishing colonies throughout their local
planetary system and then moving out into the local stellar community
quickly.

Inside of a generation the Anulians established themselves as great
peacemakers and their role as intermediaries in conflicts became near
legendary, especially their habit of using gunship diplomacy. During the
great Vedekian invasion the Anulians fought bravely alongside the other
embattled races eventually helping to drive out the Vedekian hordes. It
was infact an Anulian who reintroduced hyperspace travel to the core
worlds just twelve years prior to the UCSB formation, and were it not for
Glead Vedrin, the Anulian who rediscovered the key to hyperspace
travel, the coreworlds would have surely fallen to the Vedekian.

Anulians were amongst the first seven member worlds of the UCSB and
their example led to many of the UCSBs key doctrine. Currently
Anulians are one of the most key players in the UCSB/GF war, their
genetic similarity to the Terrans allowing them to sneak into Terran groups easier them most other races.

Culture:

Anulian culture is a mix of various belief systems and views, many of
which have always been in contention with each other. Anulians have
however been able to find common ground with which to end these
conflicts and view fighting over such differences as race, creed, philosophy, or religion to be foolish and beneath them. This seems to be the most important factor in the Anulians ability to coexist with races that would otherwise be extremely hostile enemies.

Almost all Anulian cultures share common threads however. All
Anulians without fail celebrate the dask of outcome every annura,
commemorating the anniversary of their release from their domed cities.
These celebrations take the form of all Anulians leaving the major cities
and population centers to go out into the valleys and forests to celebrate,
staying inside on the Day of Outcome is considered by most to be almost
blasphemous. Whether or not they follow his teachings all Anulians
recognize the existence of the man known only as Messiah, the man who
opened the domes and was martyred freeing the people of the thirteenth
domed city. The legend of the Nocturnal Knights has always been a
hotly debated topic, the thirteen knights having played a pivotal role in
the defeat of the Draugh Vedek at the end of the Vedek wars. Some
however contend that the Knights of Nocturnal are nothing more then
legend, while the more moderate say that legend has just exaggerated
their role.

Major Relgions:

Messiahism– Followers of the peaceful and tolerant teachings of Drig, the man who opened the domes. This includes multiple sub-denominations.

The Tarian Order– An offshoot of Messiahism, the wizards of the Tarian
order are regarded as great teachers and as holy men who have helped to
preserve many of the old ways in their lifestyle and teachings.

Magabism– An older polytheistic religion, Magabism is based upon the
existence of some 32 spirit entities and their sub entities who control
everything from the cleanliness of ones home to the universe itself.

Vulgon– Ancient Catranulian religion practiced primarily by the Tomeris,
focuses on cleanliness and has strict rules controlling diet and conduct.

Nari– Philosophical religion based primarily on reaching a higher plane
of mental existence.

Philosophies:

Anulians tend to believe a great deal in peace above all else, but not at
the expense of personal freedoms. Prior to the formation of the UCSB
the Anulians established themselves as great gunship diplomats, settling
many planetary disputes that would have otherwise resulted in war.

Some see the Anulians as warlike, but that warlike appearance is simply
a manifestation of their belief in peace through outward strength. As a
people Anulians are very open-minded striving to see all points of view
on a subject, this has helped them to end many conflicts bloodlessly, but
in cases where that fails their strong military force can convince many to
surrender without a single shot fired.

Population:

As of UCSB Census Date 1000: 20 billion including all colony worlds.

Notables:

Anulian are subdivided by “genetic specialties” mutations that were a result of the Great Death. The Genetic Specialties vary and not all individuals have one, the most commonly occurring genetic specialties are listed below:
Chameal– A rare ability seen only amongst the Chamelad, chameleons
can change their skin color to blend in with their surroundings.
Energy Gatherer- Anulians able to store and release electrical energy
much like an electric eel.
Healers- A very rare Genetic Specialty healers have the ability to heal
almost any wound or illness by physical contact alone, but only for those
of like blood type.
Iron Gut- Anulians who are immune to food poisons, popular as food
tasters in ancient Anul.
Multipliers- A rare Genetic Speciality, Multipliers are all female, though Males can carry the gene. In multipliers the females enhance the genetic specialty of their mates in the resulting offspring.
Psionicism- Telepathic and Telekinetic abilities, most Anulian Psionics
average at a level 6, with a few level nine, more than any other genetic
specialty the number of psionics grows with every generation.
Recalls- Anulians who possess an ability similar to but great strides
beyond that of a photographic memory, to the point of being able to
remember virtually everything they ever experience.
Self Healer- Anulians with a hyper-immune system that has the ability to
fight off nearly all illness and repair a great deal of physical trauma
quickly.
Zoom- An ability to reshape ones eyes to act like telephoto lens, most
zoom can also move their eyes independent of one another.

Sub-Species:

Dwarf- An offshoot race of the Anulian Human and Elf, Dwarves are
distinguished primarily by their stout appearance (typically 4.5 Metra in
height and 18+ Kilobar in mass). Dwarves also sport a great deal of body
and facial hair, even amongst their females. Dwarf populations have
been declining for centuries however as interbreeding with the other
Anulian Species becomes more and more common.
Elf– Elves evolved alongside humans and Lycans on Anul, and are
distinguished by their slightly shorter more lithe appearance (Height:
4.75-5.6 Metra, Mass: 13 Kilobar). Elves are also distinguished by only
having four digits per hand and foot and pointed ears. Elf populations
have remained consistent for centuries despite interbreeding with other
Anulian species.
Tomeris– The Tomeris are actually the last surviving Catranulians and
are the descendents of the original Catranulian Generation ship that set
out before the great death. The Tomeris are named after the barely
hospitable planet onto which the criminal element of the colony ship
were deposited in order to remove them from the population. A society
developed around proving oneself strong and smart enough to breed that
has formed the core of Tomeris Society ever since. On the whole the
Tomeris are only distinguishable by their much larger build and frames
then the average Anulian, but are still considered a sub-species by choice.
Lycanthrope– A stated above Lycans evolved alongside humans and
Elves. Post cataclysm Lycanthropes are unique in that they can change
physical form between Wolfen and Human form. Lycans can be broken
down further into two subcategories (hereditary and infectious). Most
Lycanthropes are hereditary in nature, but a few evolved venom glands in
their hands and throats. These venom sack Lycanthropes are the
infectious breed, the “Venom” they carry is actually a naturally occurring retrovirus. This retrovirus once introduced to a non-lycan host alters
their genetic structure and most cases will result in genetic alterations
that turn person into a Lycanthrope. All Infective Lycanthropes since the
birth of the Confederacy have had their venom sacks removed surgically
to prevent accidental infection.
Valu– No one knows how the Valu came to be, but valuism has been proven to be a blood transferred infectious disease. As such steps were taken centuries ago to halt the spread of valuism, to the extent that no new case of valuism has been reported in three centuries. As such the valu population that currently exists is quite old, and showing their age, many believe that Valu on Anul will die out in another few centuries if the government does not allow new valu to be “infected.” Most living valu however are unwilling
to make anymore of their race though, and the only people crying out to
allow new vampire infections are those who wish to stave off death
another few centuries. Valu is an affliction exclusive to humans, elves, and dwarves, Lycans appear to be immune to infection for a reason that has eluded for scientists for close to a millennia. There is anecdotal evidence that Valu existed prior to the cataclysm, but there is no solid evidence of
this, as is the case of most pre-cataclysm history. After the cataclysm
three Valu species are known to have emerged. The human type is
almost indistinguishable from those hunts with the exception of enlarge
canines and pale complexions. All Valu “live” on blood alone, and
with the exception of the Loslig find UV light deadly. Valu are
classified as the undead and will not die of old age, however they do
continue to age, but at a rate significantly slower then that of other
Anulians ~10:1. Bat type Valu look like enlarged bats, and as such
are able to fly, but cannot blend in like the human type. The bat type
were wiped out during and following the Vedek wars and none have been
sighted since. The Loslig are the only known Valu that is immune to
UV light. However these Valu are little more then ghouls and
must feed cyclically to survive. These vampires also continue to
decompose after infection, though at a far slower rate then an uninfected
corpse or ghoul. They are distinguishable as they have no body hair or
fingernails and quickly develop translucent skin. This species is also
believed to have been wiped out during the Vedek Wars as none have
been sighted since.