Stream of consciousness turned into organizing a species:
Species Name: Nesher
Species Homeworld: "Zivah Reis"
They are a military junta [Called something like the Nesher Liberation Council]. Non-religious- big on engineering/ material sciences... They take a lot of pride in their communities and work hard for a greater good- as their homeworld wasn't super habitable or forgiving- so they had a lot of big communities- and not a lot of individual families out there living on their own (separation meant death). This also meant they were pretty territorial about their communities- making self defense a necessity. Their communities were run by their military leaders. This continued as their communities began merging- and forming alliances, then ultimately looking to the stars.
Formidable military might- as citizenship requires 2 years of military service. All citizens are conscripted at becoming an adult- which happens for them at age 20. Females, if pregnant- are not conscripted- however if they do not then volunteer for some sort of light duty community service, is almost looked down upon. All citizens who do not met certain mental and physical health requirements are not conscripted. Refusal means prison sentence- and this is very taboo in the culture.
They are not xenophobic. On the contrary, they enjoy learning, and are inquisitive by nature. Initially upon discovering other sentient life- they were territorial and lashed out- however they now realize that if the people come together, great things can be achieved. They tend to trust quickly- as their people aren't known for being dishonest. However if slighted, they tend to take it very personally. They have been known to hold grudges for a long time, and winning back friendships is a hard thing to do. This goes along with their military strategy as well. They keep open negotiations until they are refused. Upon this moment, they unleash their vast military might with vicious blitzkrieg and multi faceted assaults that will not stop until a full surrender is given.
They prefer ground or air superiority, however their naval forces seem to lack compared to others, mostly because their home-world didn't have abundant sources of water. Since their features are avian/raptor like- they love taking to the skies. They are stereotypically the best pilots and starfighters around, however their infantry units are certainly nothing to be dismissed. Their small arms are generally very lightweight and accurate, as well as adaptable, with interchangeable parts. Their units are highly disciplined and well trained- often participating in 'military games' at least once a year.
Their air and aeronautical forces are seen as an honorable position to hold. Second would be their Army, then civil service jobs, then the Navy. Not that the navy is even remotely seen as an unfavorable position- its just the natura
They are known mostly for their military prowess and warrior culture, but they are also very keen engineers and mechanics. Very utilitarian, but having a sleek quality to their designs. They are having a hard time as a community to ease off of their warlike tendencies- so are beginning to focus on defense and protection- filling out a lot of the law enforcement, fire protection, and other community service based jobs.
You will see a lot of Nesher as law enforcement, security, bouncers, and the like around Council space. Though it's not unheard of to listen to a Nesher pop-star, it is rather rare. They don't take much to the arts, but the ones that do find themselves quite successful. Sciences are important to them as well, though it is mostly out of necessity's sake. While obviously there are Nesher scientists, they aren't as mainstream as the other races. Medical care in nesher space is very cheap or even free. Again- to them it's all about the community, and the greater good. Sanitation is also a priority in their cities- they are often clean and fastidious people. Possibly out of pride, but also certainly to prevent disease and promote cleanliness and safety.
Their home planet was mostly arid- with slight lean toward temperate in some areas. Used to a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere. So they can breathe the same air as humans without apparatus. They are very sensitive to their surroundings and have excellent eyesight. To see one wearing glasses, or having corrective aural surgery is a rarity.
The average height is about 6' 6" for males, and about 6 feet for females. 8 feet being the tallest, and 5' 6" being some of the shortest. They are built lean- bipedal, and have front facing eyes. They favor avian or saurian features- and are tall, lanky- but lean with natural muscle. They have thin waists, and wide shoulders, and their hipbones tend to naturally protrude a bit. Their arms are (slightly longer than proportional to humans) humanoid, which end in a hand with three digits and an opposable thumb. Their hands are tipped with thick claws that need regular maintenance. Their legs are digitigrade- meaning they walk on their 'toes' rather than planting their heel on the ground. They have 3 thick toes, and their heel is wedge-like, rather than ball-like. Their shins are longer than their feet, so it can almost look plantigrade. Their skin is naturally rough to deal with - but they have feathery/hair areas as well [heads, shoulders, forearms]. They are quite physically diverse, but colors generally tend to be more drab and natural- to blend in with their home environments.
The average look is having a shade of tan skin coloration, Large scale plates on their foreheads and more 'exposed' areas [shoulders, back, thighs, etc] with darker feathery areas- like on the shoulders and atop their heads. Skin colors vary between varying shades of browns, and grays, as well as greens. Their eye colors range from pale silvery colors, yellows, greens, and browns. Their eyes are round, and near front facing. They have large iris disks, having little 'white' around them, and their pupils are black. They have eyelids that close top-down like humans for sleeping. However while awake, they have a clear membrane that slides across the eye from the inner eye to the outer corner. They are able to see through this clear membrane. Their heads are like a flattened saurian shape, and sometimes have protruding horns around their temples and jawline. Their reptilian/avian mouths have sharper teeth suited for carnivorous diets. They have slits for nostrils close together above their mouth. Their ears are not "external" but are generally covered by sensitive feathers. These are located at cheekbone level behind the eyes.
With an overabundance of humans in the universe, Human languages, or something more akin to 'Universal common' is spoken as a major language. Their original language is very staccato, often with single syllable words- mostly beginning with consonants.Their alphabet is long- and their written language is difficult to most other species.
Most Names are single syllable given name, with a two or three syllable surname and middle name. They often go by their surname, unless present with another relative. Nicknames are very common in their culture, as well.
For reproduction, they choose a single mate, and stay for life. The females lay 1-3 (4 being incredibly rare) eggs, and they hatch at around 10 months. They use the term "mate" for their chosen significant other. Females having clutches of eggs without a mate is not entirely taboo, but they do see it as non beneficial. Children of the adults take both parent surnames, female first, then male second.
Male and female temperament seem to be similarly mild. Males and females are equals in every aspect of their society, as both are similarly equal in intellectual and physical areas.
Average lifespan is quite similar to the humans these days, of an average of 120-150 years.
