sentients
ABBAI

To say that Ssumsha is a beautiful world is like saying that flarn is bland. Unlike many homeworlds, the Abbai have always integrated ecology and technology. The Abbai take great pains to ensure their growth is in harmony with everything around them, even when they travel among the stars. I was once taken to the Star Caves at Tesoss. Built into a fringing reef five thousand years ago, the Star Caves are a religious and historic landmark. Holes in the cave's ceiling accurately represent all major stars in the night sky during the spring equinox (five thousand years ago). Many believe the Caves were used in a divinatory rite, an ancestral form of "star-reading," or Yemfai. The effect during the day is spectacular as a sky of liquid stars shines above.

PHYSIOLOGY
Abbai, like Earth lungfish, are able to process oxygen in gas or liquid form through a dual gill/lung respiratory system. Body coloration ranges from pink to orange. Abbai sport a multicolored headcrest that typically develops with the maturation of their reproductive system. Stress, lack of nutrition, and inability to fully immerse the body in water on a regular basis has been linked to the "washing out" of coloration. The "fin" on the crown of the head is covered with blood vessels, allowing the body to efficiently regulate body temperature.

PSI ABILITY
Abbai telepaths, Helomai, are considered to be closer to the natural world than normal Abbai. Most Abbai with telepathic ability are apprenticed, in a field of their interest, to another telepath or group of telepaths. While many Helomai find a calling to the social sciences, others develop their abilities in the horticultural and animal sciences.

CULTURE
Tolerance and respect typify Abbai culture. Poverty and inequity is not present in their culture. Male Abbai are excluded from the political process, but they are not considered inferior or barred from any other activity. In fact, with a male-female ratio of 1:5, male Abbai are much valued. Most male Abbai prefer to pursue academic, scientific, or artistic careers.

RELIGION
The majority of the Abbai's sixteen dominant faiths center on the worship of natural elements. Most Abbai practice Oulai, which upholds the sanctity of wind and water. One of the newer religions is Kolai. In lieu of a base in natural phenomena, Kolai describes logic and knowledge as pathways to a higher state of being. While there are a multitude of religions, there is no competition amongst them.

HISTORY
The first sign of the Abbai forming sizable community groups occurred around 4000 B.C. with the founding of Nolei. Nolei was a trading center for surrounding villages and supported a population of several hundred. Other cities were established as regional trade centers across the continent. Many of these cities modeled their government on the traditional village matriarchy giving the ruler city- and region-wide powers. Nolei was ruled by an Over-Matriarch, who was counciled by the village leaders of the surrounding region. Nolei continued to dominate the continent through the centuries despite a series of disasters that occurred in the 3rd century B.C. By the 2nd century B.C. the city matriarchs began to gather at regular times to discuss trade and political treaties. This eventually led to the rise of an acknowledged leader who would direct the proceedings. The position of Natomo, or "Speaking Mother," had gained so much influence by 1900 B.C., a continent-wide Matriarchate was formed. Modeled on the ancient Nolei system, the "Empress-Matriarch," or Natar, was advised by the city matriarchs in a body known as the Marti.

The Matriarchate was on the verge of collapse by 1600 B.C. Inadequate communication with colonies on the newly discovered continent on the far side of the planet strained the ability of the city matriarchs to rule their colonies and advise the Natar. The sudden death of the Natar and the installation of a young Natar who had not birthed a child of her own1 threatened the stability of Abbai society. Such fears were unfounded as Natar Vessa Qwil'telai was a gifted ruler. She reformed the Marti into its current democratic state. While this and other changes instituted by Natar Vessa stabilized the government, the rapid social changes led to several violent uprisings on the main continent and the new. All Abbai are taught of this time of pride and shame; pride in the office and wisdom of the Natar and shame that any Abbai found it in themselves to harm another.

1000 A.D. marked a period of rapid technological advancement for the Abbai. Spaceflight was a feasible venture with the resources of Ssumssha at the Matriarchate's disposal. Tavita Colony was established in 1234 A.D. By 1400 A.D. the Abbai constructed their first jumpengine after mining Abba II for its quantium-40. While no nearby systems were considered habitable, the Abbai did encounter other races. Contact with the Ingyo was established in 1495 A.D. and trade relations were established. Through the Ingyo, the Abbai learned of other races.

By the 21st century the Abbai had established mutual defense treaties with several neighboring races and was an active member in the League of Non-Aligned Worlds. With the start of the Dilgar War in the 2230's the Abbai honored their treaties. The Dilgar captured the joint Hyach-Abbai colony of Beshilay in 2232 and used the colonists as test subjects. Before an Earth Alliance fleet could liberate the colony, the Dilgar destroyed Beshilay2.

In 2260, Abba IV suffered an attack by Shadow forces. Only through the intervention of the Rangers was Abba IV not decimated. After the Shadow War ended, Abbai throughout the galaxy returned home at the bidding of Natar Yrisha to join in rebuilding their homeworld.

GOVERNMENT
The supreme authority of the Abbai Matriarchate is the "Empress-Mother," or Natar. The Natar rules for life. Upon her death, a daughter from her family assumes her position. In making her decisions, the Natar is helped by an advising body called the Marti. The Marti is composed of two hundred female Abbai from various walks of life. Membership is for three years; at which time the populace elects new members.

INTERSTELLAR POLITICS
Being a peaceful race, the Abbai are most concerned about their safety. Through shrewd negotiations, they have forged additional treaties with the following neighboring races: the pak'ma'ra, Llort, Vree, Hyach, and Yolu. It is rumored that the Gaim seek a similar agreement with the Abbai.

The Abbai were active members of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds. Abbai representative to the League Kalika Qwal'mizra was not influential among the other races, but well respected for her negotiation skills and ability to focus on the good of all League races. Because of this, she was chosen to represent League interests during the Deathwalker crisis in 2258.

Following the dissolution of the League, the Abbai was quick to join the Interstellar Alliance upon its founding in 2261.

HOMEWORLD
There are only ten cities on Ssumssha (Abba IV). Most Abbai prefer to live in small villages typically built around a body of water. Several are completely submerged.

COLONIES
Tavita (Abba III) is the only habitable world colonized by the Abbai. Numerous orbital factories utilize Abba VII and Abba VIII (both gas giants).

MILITARY
Of all races in the Alliance, the Abbai are the most pacifistic. While the Abbai do not believe in violence or conquest, they realize the need to defend themselves. Abbai weapons technology focuses on disarmament and the disabling of specific systems on enemy warships. Their ships and orbital platforms are capable of generating powerful force shields that can repel most assaults. Tachyon communications are also a specialty. The Abbai are able to jam most enemy communications and are also quite adept at broadcast interception.

Defense of the Abba system is augmented by several alliances with other races. The Matriarchate is also known to hire mercenaries on occasion.

Abbai Gunship
concept art by Luc Mayrand

TECHNOLOGY
Stellar Level; The Abbai specialize in agriculture, medicine, communications systems, and computer software.