Average Size: 1.9m tall
Average Mass: 80kg (male), 55kg (female)
Average Lifespan: 200 years
Reproduction: heterosexual, viviparous  
Body Temperature: 37 C

Of all the star-faring races, Humans are the most varied. As a race they are not as warlike as the Yazirians, not as businesslike as the Vrusks, or as thoughtful as the Dralasites. Yet, individual Humans can be found who surpass the most violent Yazirians, the most dedicated Vrusks, and the most philosophical Dralasites. Humans tend to favor individuality and personal freedoms more than anything else, but they do not hesitate to work together to reach a common goal or to protect themselves from attack.

To members of the other three races, the most puzzling aspect of Human behavior is their curiousity and love for adventure. Many Humans are willing to put themselves in great danger to see something new or go somewhere no one has ever gone before. Some Humans (a very small percentage) seem to actually enjoy being in danger, thriving on excitement of a life-or-death situation. This type of behavior has never been observed in normal members of the other races. Even the Yazirians, known for their violence and fits of rage, try to avoid taking unnecessary risks. This spirit of adventure has served Humans well, however, as most major exploration missions organized by local governments or private companies are led by a Human.

Many alien biologists have wondered how the Human race could have survived long enough to build a civilization and colonize new planets; compared to other creatures in the galaxy. Humans are not especially strong or quick, and are no smarter than the other three races. However, Humans are very inventive and adaptable. They manage to survive and even flourish in areas other races consider uninhabitable, by adapting themselves to the new conditions with surprising speed. This and the Humans' love for gadgets and hardware led to the appearance of a popular saying among Vrusk: "Mr. Human and his Indestructible Junk Show." Despite this condenscending attitude, Vrusks and the other star-faring races have learned to respect Humans.

Humans are one of the most open and accepting of the known races. They get along very well with Dralasites, and their similarity to Yazirians usually is strong enough to overcome the usual negative reactions to a Yazirian's pushiness. Many Humans, however, are mildly nervous around Vrusks. Human psychologists blame this on the Vrusks' resemblance to a giant insect (many Humans dislike insects, and some are actually afraid of them).

Dralasites are philosophical and thoughtful. Their communities are small, and many Dralasites prefer to live alone. Dralasites do not care about wealth, power, or status symbols. They judge themselves by the quality of their ideas and their ability to discuss important ideas wisely. Dralasites  often hold large public meetings to discuss new ideas. Discussions and debates are their favorite ways to relax.

Steam baths are another favorite Dralasite recreation. They mix perfumes and intoxicants with the steam. Since Dralasites breathe through their skin, this affects them the same way alcohol does for a Human or Yazirian.

Dralasites are widely known for their strange sense of humor. They love old jokes and puns that make Humans groan. Many Human comedians who could not find work in their own cities have become rich performing on Dralasite worlds.

Dralasites do not normally wear clothing, because it makes breathing difficult and interferes with their sense of smell. They usually carry their equipment on web belts. When they must wear clothing to protect themselves, they utilize special materials that allow air to reach their skin.

Dralasites are very fond of Vrusks, because they think Vrusks have funny shapes. They get along well with Humans but are careful not to upset Yazirians, who they consider too violent.

Dralasites have a voicebox, but it works like a bellows because they have no lungs. A Dralasite's voice can vary from a soft whisper to a thundering roar and from a bass rumble to a piercing screech. Among themselves, they also use shapes, odors, and touch to communicate.

A Dralasite's skin is stretchable and supported by a complex muscle structure. This allows them to change the shape of their bodies, within limits. They can "grow" arms and legs to use for walking or handling items, and reabsorb limbs when not needed. Due to their thought processes, Dralasites have a natural ability to determine when someone is lying to them when communicating face to face. This skill can develope over time towards an uncanny accuracy rate.

Vrusk have two types of corporations: conglomerates and trade houses. Conglomerates have businesses and interests in many areas. A single conglomerate might have divisions that build computers, operate farms, train lawyers, and set up colonies. A Vrusk that works for a conglomerate usually works for only one division, and might not even know what other divisions the company owns. Trade houses, which are more common in the Frontier, specialize in one type of business. Because all Vrusk in a trade house do the same work, trade houses usually work together. For example, a trade house that builds farming equipment would hire accountants from an accounting house to keep their financial records. Business between companies is regulated by laws that are so complex no one else besides Vrusk have ever fully understood them.

Vrusks also love beauty, harmony, and order. The goal of most Vrusk is to become wealthy, collect art, and live in peace. Their love for beauty makes them unwilling to get into fights that do not involve their company. However, Vrusks that are defending their company will do anything to remove the threat permanently.

There are some Vrusks that do not belong to a company. Some are independant businessmen, some are company employees who quit or were fired, and some are just too rebellious to put up with company rules. A few start their own companies and eventually become leaders in their new communities.

Vrusks get along well with the other three races. They respect the Yazirian custom of choosing a life-enemy, and feel at ease around Dralasites because they are skillful planners (though they are annoyed by the Dralasites' sense of humor). They understand the Humans least because, to a Vrusk, Humans seem unpredictable and a little lazy.

Vrusks speak by combining clicks produced by their mandibles and buzzes produced by a plate in their mouths. All Vrusks are ambidextrous, they can use both hands equally well. Because they have such a complicated society, they are able to understand  all sorts of social dealings and as a result are often quite comprehensive and have an uncanny knack for figuring things out that would escape most others' attention.

A custom Yazirians have kept intact is the selection of a "life-enemy". When a Yazirian chooses a life-enemy, he/she dedicates his/her life to destroying, overcoming, or outdoing that enemy as completely as possible. In the past a Yazirian would choose an enemy clan or clan member as a life-enemy, but now the choices are much wider. A Yazirian scientist could name an incurable disease as his life-enemy, or a Yazirian trader could choose a competing company. The scientist would try to find a cure for the disease; the trader would try to build up his company soit is more powerful than his enemy's, or even try to drive the other company out of business.

A Yazirian gains honor by striving to defeat his enemy. Yazirians with powerful life-enemies are respected and admired. A Yazirian that defeats his/her enemy does not need to choose another, but some Yazirians do. There is no set point in a Yazirian's life when he/she must choose a life-enemy, and some Yazirians never choose one. A Yazirian that dies without choosing a life-enemy is considered unlucky.

Typical Yazirian clothing is a large, brightly colored cape and tunic, along with a waist belt and two belts crossed over the chest. Dark goggles are worn in the daytime, as they are naturally nocturnal and see well in dim conditions but bright sunlight bothers them. Yazirians do not like shoes, but when necessary they wear mitten-like shoes.

In general, Yazirians like Vrusks and Humans. They occasionally lose their patience with Dralasites, because they are slow and would rather discuss ideas than act on them.

Yazirians train themselves to go berserk in battle, and occasionaly can go into a lethal rage when engaged in close combat situations. By using the membranes along the sides of their bodies that connect to their arms and legs, they can stretch out their arms and glide for short distances from any height over 10 meters.