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Description
These are the major sentient species in the Freelancers/Ascension Chronicles universe.

The Theory of Alien Type Dominance: Many scientists have sought to explain the near-monopoly of humanoid life in the galaxy. With the exception of the Fahreen, who most resemble alien fleas, all of the major powers in known local space have two legs, two arms, a head, and are bipedal. Why? The prevalent theory is that different types of species become dominant at the same time, perhaps because of evolutionary forces that are fairly universal, but it is also theorized that like-species relate to each other easier, and thus form power blocs and alliances that lock out aliens that have less in common. Archaeological records indicate that different types of life became dominant at different times due to this theory. The first known grouping of dominant species types, which are estimated to have existed from 1.5 to 1 billion years ago, were cephalopods; intelligent creatures that shared traits with the octopus. The second wave of species type dominance appeared to have only the fact that they were silicon in nature in common. That lasted until some 300 million years ago. That was followed by dominance of cybernetic and mechanical or robot species. Their downfall led to the rise of humanoids, which have been dominant ever since.

Imperials: This species is an older race, space faring since about the time Columbus discovered America. They believe every species in the universe has a purpose, and their purpose is to lead and decide what other species should be doing. They have built a massive empire known as the Imperial Consortium that has indoctrinated, annexed or enslaved several less powerful species (including about a third of the Rhtharian race) and now threatens human civilization.

Arnuban: Closely resembling a cross between a bat and a canid, the Arnuban are known for two things: piracy and cybermancy: the use of cybernetics and nanotechnology to simulate magic. Their Cybershamans are powerful beings who can amass incredible power in such a technological age. They are currently at war with the Rhtharians. They are former members of the Empire of Many Suns.

Xintrin: An amphibious species that can breathe oxygen and methane, the Xintrin command the Xintrin Merchant Guild. The Xintrin are allies with the Nix, who live within their territory, and are the closest thing humanity has to a friend. The Xintrin discovered space travel after a nuclear war that almost annihilated their planet. The only surviving power structure was the Chamber of Commerce, which turned the race into a growing and powerful mercantile empire.

Nix: Nix are long-lived beings who have mastered a variety of metaphysical powers. Females vastly outnumber males and hold most of the power. Most Nix are born with natural mammalian wings, like those of a bat, but more and more Nix are being born wingless. These wingless Nix are second class citizens on their home world, so most Nix encountered in space are wingless. These Nix usually get cybernetic wing attachments, like the one shown in the image. The Nix are part of the Xintrin Merchant Guild and serve as scientists and the moral compass of the Guild. Wingless Nix females can successfully mate with human males, which should not be scientifically possible and has led some to believe there is a connection between the two species.

Humans: Not much has changed except an increased prevalence of psychic abilities, genetic removal of most inherited diseases and a lifespan that has essentially doubled. Humanity currently rules two interstellar powers: The Terran Protectorate, which is at war with the Imperial Consortium, and the breakaway sector known as the Free Colonies, which struggles to stay independent from interstellar intrigue and controversy.

Mogg'Theran: These saurians are evolved from a sort of dinosaur. They ruled the Empire of Many Suns for about a century before their home world was destroyed 200 years ago by a powerful and mysterious species known as the Vorhasi. They were oddly given enough time to evacuate, as if the Vorhasi were after the planet itself and not them. Since then they have become nomadic and patrol the former Empire in vast armadas, some of which are for hire as merc fleets. Mogg'Theran are excellent spacers and pilots and known to be conformists, able to fit into just about any group socially. The Mogg'Theran armadas protect against the threat of outside invasion, but let their former subject races battle it out for control of the former empire, which encompassed several hundred star systems and 10 strategically important jump gates.

Rhtharian: A former subject of the Empire of Many Suns, the Rhtharians species is split between those that are free and those absorbed into the Imperial Consortium. Rhtharians have a high rate of psychics, particularly pyrokinetics, and are masters of subterfuge and intelligence. Fiercely individualistic, which leads to innovation but causes their armed forces to suffer. No one wants to do the grunt work. However, their intelligence services and special forces and small unit tactics are some of the most effective in the known galaxy, which has allowed them to keep their heads above water as the Arnuban have pummeled them.

Fahreen: Giant vampiric insect like creatures, they are some of the strongest psychics in known space, and can reprogram a sentient's mind to that of a slave, which has led to them becoming a slaver race. Another former subject of the Empire of Many Suns, there are rumors they've made alliances with ancient and terrible beings from who-knows-where, which has allowed them to reach prominence in the Empire. Like the Xintrin they are merchants, known for knock-offs and the sentient trade.

Sigmari: The most physically powerful sentients in local space, Sigmari appear to have traits similar to turtles. They were once the Mogg'Theran's shock troops. Now they are trying to shed their violent image and show the universe their more spiritual side. Their mastery of language makes them perfect communicators and their horns, which are hollow, work as sounding chambers to give them perfect pitch. To hear Sigmari sing is a sublime, moving experience. Criticizing their singing could get you turned to paste with a single punch. Sigmari continue to grow throughout their lives, with some elder and ancient Sigmari reportedly reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet tall.

Description
These are the major sentient species in the Freelancers/Ascension Chronicles universe.

The Theory of Alien Type Dominance: Many scientists have sought to explain the near-monopoly of humanoid life in the galaxy. With the exception of the Fahreen, who most resemble alien fleas, all of the major powers in known local space have two legs, two arms, a head, and are bipedal. Why? The prevalent theory is that different types of species become dominant at the same time, perhaps because of evolutionary forces that are fairly universal, but it is also theorized that like-species relate to each other easier, and thus form power blocs and alliances that lock out aliens that have less in common. Archaeological records indicate that different types of life became dominant at different times due to this theory. The first known grouping of dominant species types, which are estimated to have existed from 1.5 to 1 billion years ago, were cephalopods; intelligent creatures that shared traits with the octopus. The second wave of species type dominance appeared to have only the fact that they were silicon in nature in common. That lasted until some 300 million years ago. That was followed by dominance of cybernetic and mechanical or robot species. Their downfall led to the rise of humanoids, which have been dominant ever since.

Imperials: This species is an older race, space faring since about the time Columbus discovered America. They believe every species in the universe has a purpose, and their purpose is to lead and decide what other species should be doing. They have built a massive empire known as the Imperial Consortium that has indoctrinated, annexed or enslaved several less powerful species (including about a third of the Rhtharian race) and now threatens human civilization.

Arnuban: Closely resembling a cross between a bat and a canid, the Arnuban are known for two things: piracy and cybermancy: the use of cybernetics and nanotechnology to simulate magic. Their Cybershamans are powerful beings who can amass incredible power in such a technological age. They are currently at war with the Rhtharians. They are former members of the Empire of Many Suns.

Xintrin: An amphibious species that can breathe oxygen and methane, the Xintrin command the Xintrin Merchant Guild. The Xintrin are allies with the Nix, who live within their territory, and are the closest thing humanity has to a friend. The Xintrin discovered space travel after a nuclear war that almost annihilated their planet. The only surviving power structure was the Chamber of Commerce, which turned the race into a growing and powerful mercantile empire.

Nix: Nix are long-lived beings who have mastered a variety of metaphysical powers. Females vastly outnumber males and hold most of the power. Most Nix are born with natural mammalian wings, like those of a bat, but more and more Nix are being born wingless. These wingless Nix are second class citizens on their home world, so most Nix encountered in space are wingless. These Nix usually get cybernetic wing attachments, like the one shown in the image. The Nix are part of the Xintrin Merchant Guild and serve as scientists and the moral compass of the Guild. Wingless Nix females can successfully mate with human males, which should not be scientifically possible and has led some to believe there is a connection between the two species.

Humans: Not much has changed except an increased prevalence of psychic abilities, genetic removal of most inherited diseases and a lifespan that has essentially doubled. Humanity currently rules two interstellar powers: The Terran Protectorate, which is at war with the Imperial Consortium, and the breakaway sector known as the Free Colonies, which struggles to stay independent from interstellar intrigue and controversy.

Mogg'Theran: These saurians are evolved from a sort of dinosaur. They ruled the Empire of Many Suns for about a century before their home world was destroyed 200 years ago by a powerful and mysterious species known as the Vorhasi. They were oddly given enough time to evacuate, as if the Vorhasi were after the planet itself and not them. Since then they have become nomadic and patrol the former Empire in vast armadas, some of which are for hire as merc fleets. Mogg'Theran are excellent spacers and pilots and known to be conformists, able to fit into just about any group socially. The Mogg'Theran armadas protect against the threat of outside invasion, but let their former subject races battle it out for control of the former empire, which encompassed several hundred star systems and 10 strategically important jump gates.

Rhtharian: A former subject of the Empire of Many Suns, the Rhtharians species is split between those that are free and those absorbed into the Imperial Consortium. Rhtharians have a high rate of psychics, particularly pyrokinetics, and are masters of subterfuge and intelligence. Fiercely individualistic, which leads to innovation but causes their armed forces to suffer. No one wants to do the grunt work. However, their intelligence services and special forces and small unit tactics are some of the most effective in the known galaxy, which has allowed them to keep their heads above water as the Arnuban have pummeled them.

Fahreen: Giant vampiric insect like creatures, they are some of the strongest psychics in known space, and can reprogram a sentient's mind to that of a slave, which has led to them becoming a slaver race. Another former subject of the Empire of Many Suns, there are rumors they've made alliances with ancient and terrible beings from who-knows-where, which has allowed them to reach prominence in the Empire. Like the Xintrin they are merchants, known for knock-offs and the sentient trade.

Sigmari: The most physically powerful sentients in local space, Sigmari appear to have traits similar to turtles. They were once the Mogg'Theran's shock troops. Now they are trying to shed their violent image and show the universe their more spiritual side. Their mastery of language makes them perfect communicators and their horns, which are hollow, work as sounding chambers to give them perfect pitch. To hear Sigmari sing is a sublime, moving experience. Criticizing their singing could get you turned to paste with a single punch. Sigmari continue to grow throughout their lives, with some elder and ancient Sigmari reportedly reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet tall.