Thrakian

A mammalian ursine species, the Thrakians come from Thrakcik. The Thrakians were a relatively peaceful species, slowly colonizing nearby systems via generation ships. Little of their culture was devoted to combat: the warrior-monk Wraiths protected civilians from those few interlopers who dared cause trouble. However, after a century of steady growth, they were ravaged by the Balphist pirate clan, many of their kind forced into slavery or killed. The attacks unleashed a ferocity previously unseen in the Thrakians; obtaining more advanced pirate tech through raids and combat, they begin incorporating it into their own equipment. It wasn’t long before improvements were made, suddenly making them a threat to the pirates. Led by the Wraiths, the new Thrakian shock troopers struck back, driving the pirate clan back to their nest, before destroying the whole lot. Peace returned to their society, but forever tainted, a deep distrust of outsiders permeating their every move. When the expanding Thrakian fleet encountered Kraeth colonists, it proved to be a powder keg: rather than live in fear, the Thrakians simply struck first. The war that ensued would define the galaxy for millennia to come. First, Kraeth colonies were gutted. Later, the Thrakians found themselves on the back foot, ironically facing a resurgent Kraeth military out to destroy them for good. It was only the intervention of the Ultra Magi that convinced both sides to halt and seek peace. In the wake of their treaty, and guided by the influence of the Ultra Magi, the Kraeth and Thrakians would find more commonality than they had realized. The two empires would grow together, developing deep ties. When the Civil Concordance was founded, they would each become founding members, pillars of the peace movement. *** Taller and bulkier than most anthropoids, Thrakians typically are only outsized by larger Havros. Powerfully built, and sporting dagger-like claws, the average Thrakian is an intimidating sight to behold. Despite this, and their fearsome reputation, many are surprised by their often affectionate and empathetic demeanors. A variety of subspecies of Thrakians has allowed for many specialist roles, with members excelling in aquatic, tundra, and jungle environments. A common trait is their ability to hibernate: a vestigial biological feature, Thrakians continue to enter low-metabolic rest periods during long periods of travel, a skill that was extremely useful during their early colonial period. *** The warrior-monk order the Wraiths began with Thrakian members only. In time, it has grown to allow other species to join, although a sub-faction of orthodox members, against the practice of admitting outsiders, has led to friction within the Wraiths.