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Encyclopedia Simia: Sapient Species of the Empire

Encyclopedia Simia: Sapient Species of the Empire

Aep—

… In physical appearance, Aeps are the norm from which all other sapient species deviate. … have an erect posture that allows for bipedal locomotion. Outwardly, with the exception of the head, hair coverage is rarely thick enough to prevent skin from showing. Skin pigmentation can range from pinkish-white to ebony, and hair from blonde to black, even red. Age usually affects …

… are often called “the standard of sapience” by leading authorities. While other species can perform adequately on the Galactic Intelligence, Cognition and Spatial Assessments (GICSA), Aeps consistently place higher in areas of greatest importance, and it is for this reason their brains are believed the most developed in the galaxy. While some claim the GICSA to have a testing bias, it should be noted …

… resulting in becoming the most numerous of all sapients. Aeps can be found in any profession or occupation, and to date are the only species that has met the high standards required of public service through galactic governance. …

Daug—

… A Daug’s appearance mainly differs from an Aep in the ears and the presence of a tail. Their ears, the outside of which are fur covered, are often higher up on the sides of the head, and come in many different sizes and shapes; from short, pointed and erect to long, rounded and floppy. Daug tails, the fur on which is often the same color as …

… able to hear in higher frequencies than Aeps, though they have less ability to discriminate between changes in pitch without technological assistance. Instead of relying on inflection of speech to convey emotional subtext, Daugs have complex body language that utilizes the versatile movement of their ears and tails. These “tells” are largely involuntary, and it has been said that Daugs are largely incapable of dishonesty in most …

Ket—

… with pointed ears affixed the top of their heads. Ket eyes allow them to see extremely well in low-light conditions, and are characterized by large irides and almond-shaped pupils. Their furred tails serve to maintain balance …

… Kets score higher on the spacial portions of the GICSA than any other species, their average landing a full standard deviation higher on the Aeps’ bell curve. While this is universally considered impressive, many experts …

… This coupled with ears that can hear higher frequencies than even Daugs lead Kets to possess exceptional awareness of their surroundings and an increased inclination to experiment with various aspects of their environment. Often this backfires, as Kets are noted to be more prone to accidental …

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Maus—

… One of the smallest sapient species, the average Maus (plural: Mais) rarely comes up to an Aep’s ribs, not including the ears. Like Kets, Maus ears stand on the tops of their heads, though their shape is rounded. Their tails are furless and noticeably long compared to their diminutive size, which experts say can be attributed to …

… A Maus’s resting heart rate is significantly higher than most other sapient species. In addition to their small stature, this is believed to account for their abundant nervous energy, as ancient Mais likely contended with predators who …

Wulf—

… suggests that Wulfs might share a common ancestry with Daugs, however the differences outweigh the similarities. Wulf bodies, erect like most sapient species, are almost entirely covered in fur. Each possesses a long, narrow jaw, at the end of which sits their powerful noses. …

… The Wulf sense of smell is proof of the narrow evolutionary distance between the species’ rise to sapience and its bestial origins, experts say. Regardless, Wulfs have proven able to make great use of the ability in the fields of medical diagnosis and forensics, though many lack the GICSA performance necessary to pursue the heights of these fields. In addition, their subpar pitch discrimination leans them towards a more socially blunt nature, which stifles …

Taig—

… While the fur of most Taigs is reddish-orange with dark brown stripes, some are known to be spotted, others entirely monochrome, and an exceptional few white with black stripes. They have wide, jutting muzzles and eyes nearly identical to Kets. Erect, but their natural stance being on the balls and toes of their feet, Taigs are often taller …

… separates Taigs from most other sapient species is their impressive single-mindedness and focus. Leading authorities believe this to be indicative of their ancestors being solitary predators. Regardless, Taigs often possess a drive to forego other aspects of their lives to pursue their goals, and thusly can be found in places of prominence in their fields more frequently than the other bestial races. …

Fent—

… The largest of all sapients, Fents easily stand half-again as tall as the average Aep. Their heads are very broad, and are most easily recognized by their large ear flaps and long nose, or “trunk”. Fents have very little fur coverage, the only truly noticeable area being the tips of their short tails. Their skin is usually grey, and excessively thick. Tales of their strength …

… though their size makes them slow in body, and by extension, the mind. Their GICSA scores rank among the lowest of sapients, many failing to finish any given portion of the assessments. It has been noted that their rate of correct answers is consistent with the average of most bestial races, but testing purists insist that additional time would compromise …

Ret—

… somewhat conical head, ending in prominent front teeth. Ret eyes, which have very little noticeable difference between pupil, iris and sclera, are positioned slightly more on the sides of their heads, allowing for a wider field of vision. Only the tail, hands and feet of a Ret are furless. …

… a willing lack of effort. It has been theorized that many Rets, due to their low GICSA testing and mistrust of other sapients, would have difficulty making a living in the larger galactic community, and thus choose to stay in the safety of their villages where employment and security can be found. However, the debate continues as to whether these Ret communities came about as a reaction to their inabilities, or are instead the cause of the socio-economic problems they face. …

ENCYCLOPEDIA SIMIA

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