HOME | DD

Description
Sorry for not uploading anything last week. I tried, but sometimes these things can’t be helped. Since I’ve already revealed them in the last few pages, I thought it was time I properly introduced you to the Pyraqs.

Several months ago, I wrote an in-depth profile about the Psykronians (you can read about them here: www.deviantart.com/cometcolt/a… ). But now I’d like to write about the Psykronians’ sworn enemies, the Pyraqs. If you’ve already read about the Psykronians, you may find similarities between that profile and this one. This is because Psykronians and Pyraqs share a common ancestry. Again, this is a fairly long read and I’ll try to stick to the point.

Pyraqs are a species of humanoid aliens native to the planet Oath, specifically its desert hemisphere Pyrahn. Along with their rivals, the Psykronians, Pyraqs are an evolutionary offshoot of genetically engineered Oathans (a.k.a. the Ancients) that quickly adapted to their changing surroundings. They are renowned for their high tolerance of hot climates, their proud warrior culture that prizes bravery and honor, and their mastery of solar technology.

Oathans were once a highly technologically advanced race. They were particularly renowned throughout the Andromeda galaxy for their massive strides in genetic engineering in their efforts to become a perfect race. But thousands of years ago, a massive cataclysm struck the planet, tipping it onto its side, destroying the Oathans’ civilization. The exact cause was lost to time (or at least it was to those on the planet). Regardless, dramatic climate change started to occur, leading to the planet being divided into 2 hemispheres: the arid hemisphere Pyraq facing the primary yellow star, and the frigid hemisphere Psykron facing the secondary red star. The Oathans quickly adapted as a result of their genetic engineering; in time, the original Oathans (or the Ancients as they are now known) became effectively extinct, replaced by Psykronians and Pyraqs.

Superficially, Pyraqs appear similar to humans, albeit with aesthetic differences. They are easily distinguished by their red skin, black/white hair, and yellow/orange eyes.

Adding on to their exotic appearance, Pyraq physiology is decidedly unique from humans. Pyraq blood is tinted green with pyraglobin, a recently discovered chemical that works as a natural coolant to maintain the Pyraq’s internal temperature. Pyraqs keep their green tongues compressed within their mouths, but they can extend their tongues up to 3’ from their mouths to grab food in a manner similar to a frog or chameleon. Biologists think this is a vestigial remnant of their evolutionary ancestors using their tongues to catch fruit and small animals millions of years ago.

Pyraqs have 3 hearts and 2 stomachs. They have protective, photosensitive membrane that slips over their eyes to give them heat vision and protect them from sandstorms. Their nostrils and mouths have glands that cool the air they inhale. Each of their cells contain proteins that reduce ultraviolet radiation and protects them from intense heat. They are also oviparous (they lay/hatch from eggs).

Pyraqs are extremely hardy, capable of enduring temperatures as high as 2000°C (3632°F). They are unphased by fire, boiling water, and magma, and they are highly resistant to heatstroke. However, they struggle to survive in temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F), and unless they are quickly taken to a warm environment, they will die of hypothermia within minutes. Analysis of the Pyraq genome suggests that they have retained their Oathan ancestors’ ability to edit their own RNA and, theoretically, could potentially adapt to colder climates over time. However, due to millennia spent acclimating to their native desert environment, Pyraqs would likely adapt much more slowly than Oathans. More data should be collected before this hypothesis can be tested.

Pyraqs can also withstand low-oxygen and radioactive environments, including outer space. They can hold their breath for up to half an hour, and pockets within their lungs let them store oxygen for later use. They can heal their wounds in minutes and regenerate lost limbs within minutes.

As Pyraqs are adapted to Oath’s strong gravitational pull, they are capable of performing superhuman physical feats on celestial bodies with weaker gravity such as Earth. Pyraqs can effortlessly lift up to 50 tons and leap as high as 30’ into the air. They would also weigh up to 1/20 of how much they weigh on their home planet.

The Pyraqs’ government is just as harsh as their homeland, especially since the feared warlord Rau’Zul came to power. Criminals of all kinds from thieves to murderers are made examples of by public executions. Soldiers patrol the streets and are authorized to arrest and torture anyone suspected of plotting against Rau’Zul. The Pyraqs are spied on by robot drones and are required by law to pledge their loyalty to Rau’Zul every day. The vast majority of the government’s funds are pooled into the military, leaving many Pyraq citizens in poverty.

The Pyraq military dictatorship is patriarchal in nature (in stark contrast to the Psykronians’ matriarchal society). Pyraq women have very limited rights and job opportunities. They are not allowed to divorce, operate vehicles, or own property, and (with very few exceptions) they are not allowed to be part of the military or participate in politics. Once they reach adulthood, all young Pyraq women are required by law to conceive at least one egg each to be collected by the government and raised into soldiers for the Pyraq military. Any Pyraq woman who defies this law is arrested, forcibly penetrated, and held in custody until her egg is laid and collected. These incidents are very rare, however.

Despite their brutality, many Pyraqs are bound by codes of honor and ethics like Psykronians are, not killing for pleasure or harming anyone who can’t fight back.

Because their homeland Pyrahn constantly faces the planet Oath’s primary star, it never gets fully dark in Pyrahn. Pyraqs have taken advantage of this by specializing in solar technology. Almost all of their technology utilizes solar panels or photovoltaic power cells. The Pyraqs have even formed a state religion practicing sun worship (though this has become conflated with a cult of personality around Rau’Zul).

Pyraqs are omnivorous, and they are able to adapt to different biochemistries, allowing them to eat foodstuffs on planets other than their own. Pyraqs have adapted to their desert environment so well that they can go for weeks without water, much like camels.

But even camels must drink eventually.

In recent years, Pyraqs have started facing a water crisis. As their homeland increasingly dries up, the Pyraqs are struggling to grow their crops and provide drinking water. While the Psykronians and Pyraqs spent millennia clashing over everything from territory to religious dogma, now the Pyraqs fight out of desperation.

The late Psykronian queen Kythea (Krya’s mother) offered to help the Pyraqs and make peace. But Rau’Zul stubbornly refused. Instead, he formed an alliance with the reptilian Salzanders, who provide water and military support in exchange for meat and solar technology.

Together, they invaded and conquered Psykron. And they don’t intend to stop there. While the Psykronians have been imprisoned, forced into slave labor, and placed under a puppet government, plans are under way to expand the Pyraq war machine and begin conquest of other planets.

Description
Sorry for not uploading anything last week. I tried, but sometimes these things can’t be helped. Since I’ve already revealed them in the last few pages, I thought it was time I properly introduced you to the Pyraqs.

Several months ago, I wrote an in-depth profile about the Psykronians (you can read about them here: www.deviantart.com/cometcolt/a… ). But now I’d like to write about the Psykronians’ sworn enemies, the Pyraqs. If you’ve already read about the Psykronians, you may find similarities between that profile and this one. This is because Psykronians and Pyraqs share a common ancestry. Again, this is a fairly long read and I’ll try to stick to the point.

Pyraqs are a species of humanoid aliens native to the planet Oath, specifically its desert hemisphere Pyrahn. Along with their rivals, the Psykronians, Pyraqs are an evolutionary offshoot of genetically engineered Oathans (a.k.a. the Ancients) that quickly adapted to their changing surroundings. They are renowned for their high tolerance of hot climates, their proud warrior culture that prizes bravery and honor, and their mastery of solar technology.

Oathans were once a highly technologically advanced race. They were particularly renowned throughout the Andromeda galaxy for their massive strides in genetic engineering in their efforts to become a perfect race. But thousands of years ago, a massive cataclysm struck the planet, tipping it onto its side, destroying the Oathans’ civilization. The exact cause was lost to time (or at least it was to those on the planet). Regardless, dramatic climate change started to occur, leading to the planet being divided into 2 hemispheres: the arid hemisphere Pyraq facing the primary yellow star, and the frigid hemisphere Psykron facing the secondary red star. The Oathans quickly adapted as a result of their genetic engineering; in time, the original Oathans (or the Ancients as they are now known) became effectively extinct, replaced by Psykronians and Pyraqs.

Superficially, Pyraqs appear similar to humans, albeit with aesthetic differences. They are easily distinguished by their red skin, black/white hair, and yellow/orange eyes.

Adding on to their exotic appearance, Pyraq physiology is decidedly unique from humans. Pyraq blood is tinted green with pyraglobin, a recently discovered chemical that works as a natural coolant to maintain the Pyraq’s internal temperature. Pyraqs keep their green tongues compressed within their mouths, but they can extend their tongues up to 3’ from their mouths to grab food in a manner similar to a frog or chameleon. Biologists think this is a vestigial remnant of their evolutionary ancestors using their tongues to catch fruit and small animals millions of years ago.

Pyraqs have 3 hearts and 2 stomachs. They have protective, photosensitive membrane that slips over their eyes to give them heat vision and protect them from sandstorms. Their nostrils and mouths have glands that cool the air they inhale. Each of their cells contain proteins that reduce ultraviolet radiation and protects them from intense heat. They are also oviparous (they lay/hatch from eggs).

Pyraqs are extremely hardy, capable of enduring temperatures as high as 2000°C (3632°F). They are unphased by fire, boiling water, and magma, and they are highly resistant to heatstroke. However, they struggle to survive in temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F), and unless they are quickly taken to a warm environment, they will die of hypothermia within minutes. Analysis of the Pyraq genome suggests that they have retained their Oathan ancestors’ ability to edit their own RNA and, theoretically, could potentially adapt to colder climates over time. However, due to millennia spent acclimating to their native desert environment, Pyraqs would likely adapt much more slowly than Oathans. More data should be collected before this hypothesis can be tested.

Pyraqs can also withstand low-oxygen and radioactive environments, including outer space. They can hold their breath for up to half an hour, and pockets within their lungs let them store oxygen for later use. They can heal their wounds in minutes and regenerate lost limbs within minutes.

As Pyraqs are adapted to Oath’s strong gravitational pull, they are capable of performing superhuman physical feats on celestial bodies with weaker gravity such as Earth. Pyraqs can effortlessly lift up to 50 tons and leap as high as 30’ into the air. They would also weigh up to 1/20 of how much they weigh on their home planet.

The Pyraqs’ government is just as harsh as their homeland, especially since the feared warlord Rau’Zul came to power. Criminals of all kinds from thieves to murderers are made examples of by public executions. Soldiers patrol the streets and are authorized to arrest and torture anyone suspected of plotting against Rau’Zul. The Pyraqs are spied on by robot drones and are required by law to pledge their loyalty to Rau’Zul every day. The vast majority of the government’s funds are pooled into the military, leaving many Pyraq citizens in poverty.

The Pyraq military dictatorship is patriarchal in nature (in stark contrast to the Psykronians’ matriarchal society). Pyraq women have very limited rights and job opportunities. They are not allowed to divorce, operate vehicles, or own property, and (with very few exceptions) they are not allowed to be part of the military or participate in politics. Once they reach adulthood, all young Pyraq women are required by law to conceive at least one egg each to be collected by the government and raised into soldiers for the Pyraq military. Any Pyraq woman who defies this law is arrested, forcibly penetrated, and held in custody until her egg is laid and collected. These incidents are very rare, however.

Despite their brutality, many Pyraqs are bound by codes of honor and ethics like Psykronians are, not killing for pleasure or harming anyone who can’t fight back.

Because their homeland Pyrahn constantly faces the planet Oath’s primary star, it never gets fully dark in Pyrahn. Pyraqs have taken advantage of this by specializing in solar technology. Almost all of their technology utilizes solar panels or photovoltaic power cells. The Pyraqs have even formed a state religion practicing sun worship (though this has become conflated with a cult of personality around Rau’Zul).

Pyraqs are omnivorous, and they are able to adapt to different biochemistries, allowing them to eat foodstuffs on planets other than their own. Pyraqs have adapted to their desert environment so well that they can go for weeks without water, much like camels.

But even camels must drink eventually.

In recent years, Pyraqs have started facing a water crisis. As their homeland increasingly dries up, the Pyraqs are struggling to grow their crops and provide drinking water. While the Psykronians and Pyraqs spent millennia clashing over everything from territory to religious dogma, now the Pyraqs fight out of desperation.

The late Psykronian queen Kythea (Krya’s mother) offered to help the Pyraqs and make peace. But Rau’Zul stubbornly refused. Instead, he formed an alliance with the reptilian Salzanders, who provide water and military support in exchange for meat and solar technology.

Together, they invaded and conquered Psykron. And they don’t intend to stop there. While the Psykronians have been imprisoned, forced into slave labor, and placed under a puppet government, plans are under way to expand the Pyraq war machine and begin conquest of other planets.