SPECIES · THE SQUELGIAN COMMONWEALTH
Squelgian
Amphibious Traders of the Commonwealth
Squelgians are a peaceful, amphibious alien race from the world of Squelgia. They are recognized across the Consortium by their distinctive yellow skin, purple hair, and florets — a spotted pattern across the body like a Terran cheetah. They possess two human-like arms in the front and four dexterous tentacles extending from their backs, each tipped with nimble suction cups.
Though naturally gentle and averse to conflict, Squelgians are physically formidable — roughly 50% stronger than a human of equivalent mass — and their gift for flavor and cuisine has made them beloved across the galaxy.
Homeworld
Squelgia
Skin
Yellow, purple hair
Build
50% stronger than humans
Heart
Three-chambered
Reproduction
Egg layers
Special Ability
Color camouflage
Temperament
Very peaceful
Lifespan
Shorter than humans
Major Corp
Phe'zorinth Mfg.
ANATOMY
Physical Description
Squelgians have distinctive purple hair and yellow skin patterned with florets — spotted markings resembling a cheetah's coat. They possess two arms in the front, like humans, but also have four tentacles extending from their backs, each tipped with suction cups capable of fine manipulation.
They are bipedal, with two eyes and a nose similar to humans, and possess a three-chambered heart. Squelgian females are considered attractive to human males, and the species is capable of releasing pheromones that affect human males.
Squelgians are 50% stronger than humans of the same mass and have a naturally shorter lifespan than humans. Their tentacles make them exceptional multitaskers — a single Squelgian can juggle six limbs' worth of work with practiced ease.
SPECIAL ABILITY
Color Camouflage
Squelgians are capable of changing their skin color at will to camouflage themselves. Their florets shift hue in response to emotion — violet when calm, orange when amused, and red with black florets when signaling danger or rage.
This ability makes them exceptional at blending into their surroundings. A Squelgian can shift to match a pale backdrop and vanish from sight entirely, then reveal themselves in a flash of warning color. Combined with their tentacles and superior strength, even a single operative can overpower multiple adversaries in tight quarters — striking from concealment before the target realizes they were never alone.
BIOLOGY
Reproduction & Family
Squelgians are egg layers. Each Squelgian has only one mother but several fathers, a reproductive strategy that enhances genetic diversity and strengthens the species as a whole. A Squelgian's parents are collectively referred to as their Ghethels.
PAST
History
Less than a thousand years ago, the Squelgian people were divided into twenty-six factions locked in bitter conflict. The Purge of Zelwenar killed billions — but in a way, it saved the Squelgians from themselves, ending the factional warfare and uniting the species.
In the centuries since, Squelgians have become one of the most peaceful and integrated species in the galaxy, spreading across the Consortium as traders, chefs, and artisans. Many now live far from Squelgia — on moons like Titania in the Sol system — where they have built thriving communities and businesses.
COMMERCE
Major Corporations
Phe'zorinth Manufacturing is a powerful Squelgian company, comparable to SIAGE or Ventopia on Earth. Engineers across the Consortium jokingly summarize the four great manufacturing powers this way:
- Ynoventhu Dynamics builds the people-like machines.
- Ventopia builds the worlds.
- SIAGE improves life itself.
- Phe'zorinth Manufacturing builds almost everything else.
DAILY LIFE
Culture & Cuisine
Squelgians are masters of food flavors. The Mitnelberry — a berry designed for the sole purpose of stimulating human taste buds — was created by a Squelgian chef over 200 years ago. Their culinary instincts are so refined that they can craft chemicals and flavor profiles tuned to the nervous system and digestive biology of individual species, making their food uniquely irresistible to each race that tastes it.
Despite their peaceful nature, Squelgians have a word for those they despise: Jufarlot — a Squelgian word meaning "asshole." They also famously hate Ortuvian Tea, the beverage humans across the Consortium adore — a rare point of cultural divergence between the two allied species.
Squelgians abhor war and will take up arms only when there is no other choice. As one Squelgian put it: "War is such an archaic way to resolve conflicts. I would only take up arms if there were no other choice."
NOTABLE VENUE
Galaxia Gourmet
Galaxia Gourmet (Store #117) is a celebrated Squelgian bakery and restaurant on Titania, a moon of Uranus in the Sol system. Founded by the chef Xe'Rethnoka with a loan that came with steep terms, it became a haven of interstellar hospitality — a place where flavors and friendships intertwine, and where the kitchen's six-limbed multitasking is a daily spectacle.
Galaxia Gourmet is regarded as neutral ground, a sanctuary respected even by the criminal syndicates that operate on Titania. Its specialties include the legendary Cosmic Croissant, Sedana spider ichor smoothies, and the famed Galaxia meat pies.
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Notable Squelgians
From diplomats and chefs to tactical operatives and criminal masterminds, Squelgians have made their mark across every layer of galactic society — for better and for worse.
THREAT FILE
The Biochemical Threat
Not all Squelgians use their mastery of flavor for good. Jal'Vokthiba is a Squelgian criminal mastermind who manipulates minds through subtle biochemical influence. She produces addictive food additives — chemicals tailored to each species based on the connection between their nervous system and stomach, making her products uniquely irresistible to every race that consumes them.
Her enforcer, Grath'Zerun — known as "The Iron Taster" — is a towering Squelgian built for intimidation and survival. With deep golden skin, thick armor-like purple florets, and four heavily reinforced tentacles capable of crushing bone or deflecting weapons, he serves as Jal'Vokthiba's shield and execution arm. He is disciplined, observant, and utterly loyal — far stronger than the average Squelgian and highly resistant to pain and energy weapons.
"She shapes the mind. I remove those who resist it." — Grath'Zerun
Threat Level: Extreme (Direct Combat) · Primary Danger: Close-range lethality and protection of a high-value target · Weakness: Relies on proximity — less effective at long range.
