sentients
pak'ma'ra

PHYSIOLOGY
Pak'ma'ra are carrion eaters. In addition to the rods and cones present in the eyes of most species, pak'ma'ra can see into the ultraviolet using pyramidal cells located near the optic bundle. A pak'ma'ra's facial tentacles are used in securing food and moving it into the mouth cavity. It also appears to be a center for sexual stimulation. Their teeth are beak-like in structure. The inflexible beak makes speaking most languages impossible, so the pak'ma'ra make extensive use of translator devices.

Being carrion eaters, the pak'ma'ra are less prone to infections and diseases (although the engineered Drafa disease was able to cross-species and affect them). Consequently, pak'ma'ra water and air filtration units are substandard for other species' use. Of particular infamy is the water. The bacterium in pak'ma'ra water (which is believed to aid in the pak'ma'ra's digestion process) causes in most species diarreah, cramps, and vomiting. To most species it is potentially fatal. Pak'ma'ra tastes aside, they are able digest fresh spoo, proof that spoo is the Universal Foodstuff.

PSYCHOLOGY
Pak'ma'ra, in general, are an extremely intelligent and inquisitive race. To them, knowledge truly is power — pak'ma'ra statesmen are distinguished elders, and many famous pak'ma'ra are noted explorers and scientists.

CULTURE
Pak'ma'ra culture is based on the idea that they are superior to all other races. They eat carrion in part to reflect this notion since they do not eat their own kind. They are also technology scavengers. Some attend the Mutai for entertainment or simply "window shopping.".

HISTORY
The pak'ma'ra developed hyperspace technology approximately 200 years ago. Their space fleet is not as developed as other League worlds (namely the Brakiri, Vree, and Drazi). Most of their shipbuilding capacity is centered on exploration vessels. Military ships are mostly purchased from the Drazi.

pak'ma'ra exploration vessel
concept art by Luc Mayrand

Unfortumately, this practice almost caused the pak'ma'ra's defeat during the Dilgar War. As the Dilgar began carving out their future empire in 2230 among the League worlds, fewer and fewer military vessels became available — leaving the pak'ma'ra with a weak defense force. As skirmishes were being fought on the pak'ma'ra frontier, the humans entered the fray, thus saving the pak'ma'ra from certain defeat.

In the closing months of 2259, the Centauri conquered much of pak'ma'ra space. Following the dissolution of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds, the pak'ma'ra joined the Army of Light.

GOVERNMENT
Since age and experience is much valued in pak'ma'ra society, elders are given positions of the highest power. It is the elder's responsibility to pass on their wisdom to younger generations and to appoint younger pak'ma'ra (with responsibility commensurate with age) to other positions within the government.

They were members of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds and are currently aligned with the InterStellar Alliance.

HOMEWORLD
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