GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Trillen are a peaceful, friendly, but timid race. They possess no weapons, nor advocate the use of weapons or violence. Most Trillen live in small, close-knit communities and villages; the largest single population being their capital city, where the royal family lives and rules from.

The Trillen were first discovered by Vort scientists around the time of Operation Impending Doom 1 during scientific exploration of the galaxy. Recently, they've been victims of slave raids by slavers and Tarlerion* privateers. Very little is known about the Trillen and most Irkens have never even heard of them.

* Tarlerion species copyright HighlordVenn.


HISTORY:

Through-out much of Trillen history, there has been peace. Although, during their early history--before the development of tools or weaponry and for some time afterward--there was much violence, segregation, and even war between tribes and those of differing colour. There was so much violence in their earliest history in fact, that they nearly drove themselves to extinction. But, with the birth of the first queen, a female of such unrivaled attractiveness (both in terms of beauty and a special pheromone she emitted), their civilization and their species was saved. This queen brought peace and cooperation to all the tribes through chemical coercion; every Trillen was biochemically driven to please their queen. Afterward, the Queen was celebrated as a gift from the Goddess, sent to unite their people and save them. She became a symbol of peace and prosperity, worshiped as a divine hero. To this day, the Trillen still celebrate her birth.

In recent history, the Trillen were attacked and conquered by the Irken Empire. The Trillen had heard of the Irkens from the Vort scientists that had discovered and studied them during Operation Impending Doom 1, but had never met an Irken until the invasion many years later during the current O.I.D 2.

Much like the Vort scientists before them, the Irken landing party (including the Irken soldiers) were brought before their Queen. Since the Trillen are a peaceful species, there was minimal security surrounding the Queen (a fact that led to their downfall). Although, the Trillen are telepathic, they are not necessarily mind-readers, as far as anyone knows. Some Vorts suspect that they are indeed capable of seeing one's thoughts, but do not do so, simply because it is considered rude to look into the minds of strangers without consent.

The Trillen may not have realized their Irken guests were armed or perhaps they did not believe that they were a dangerous threat. Instead, the Trillen offered gifts of peace to the Irkens, but realized rather quickly that the Irkens were not there to be peaceful. Especially, after the Irken soldiers murdered their Queen. In the wake of this unprovoked attack on their Queen, the Trillen immediately evacuated their royal family, many of the high-ranking and important members of their society, and anyone else that made it to the ships in time for launch.

No-one wanted to leave anyone behind, but being a non-violent society, they had no weapons with which to defend themselves against the Irkens. And in order for their society to survive, they had to protect their new Queen and the royal family, as well as other important figures of their society and as many civilians as they could fit. Unfortunately, for the rest of their species, many of them never even saw their enemies face, as the Irken Armada began their high-orbit Organic Sweep of the planet; most Trillen saw only the 'death lights' rain down from the sky. Of course, there were survivors of the laser assault, who were rescued by the Resisty and reunited with the other survivors, but their species is now on the brink of extinction. Of about 10,000,000 (10 million) or more individuals, only 50-100 or so Trillen survived, many of them prisoners of the Irken Empire (the Tarlerion also have a small population of Trillen slaves deep inside their empire).

It is believed the Irken Empire attempted to wipe out the Trillen because the Resisty was interested in forming an alliance with them, and anyone that's not the Empire's ally is their enemy. Even allies of the Empire, if they have no further use, are at risk of being conquered (the Vorts used to be their allies, and history has already shown what happened to them).

Of course, the reason the Resisty were interested in the Trillen in the first place was because of the research the Vorts collected on them during the time of Operation Impending Doom 1, when they were still allies with the Irkens. There are hundreds of studies and reports that have long since been buried in Irken military records, but are still known by certain Vort scientists who escaped the invasion and joined the Resisty; studies that indicated the highly advanced nature of the Trillen. These studies were incomplete, but hinted at secret (vast) knowledge the Trillen might possess. A significant advantage over the Irken Empire.


PHYSIOLOGY/PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

Trillen are the mammalian-esque genetic cousins of the Irkens (and Stealth*), Vortians, Azrealites*, Beita**, Zalia*, and the (near)-extinct Gajin*. Unlike their genetic cousins, the Trillen have remained largely unchanged for over 3 million years and are the closest living relatives of their ancient ancestor.

Physically, Trillen appear much like their Irken cousins, but unlike Irkens, they possess a pair of antennae with bio-luminescent bulbs on the ends. As well as functioning as an auditory sensory organ, Trillen antennae also give them the ability to see another being's energy. Their vision can change from seeing normally (with their eyes), to seeing heat signatures, energy signatures, etc., even through walls and solid objects. They can also use this ability to track and hunt by following a creature's energy trail. Unfortunately, their energy vision can only show vague shapes and is not their most preferred visual sense, since it doesn't have the same range of detail as their normal vision. Their visible spectrum vision is perceived through their eyes like anything else, but they can easily switch between their other visual senses without closing them (I.E., they can "turn off" their eyes when using a secondary vision).

Trillen are bipedal and digitigrade, possessing large feet with two hoof-like claws, and a long thick tail with a large, round, crystalline orb on the end. The orb on their tail changes color according to their mood, and can be used as a defense mechanism (I.E., electrical generation, emitting a foul-smelling gas, or being used as a club) They're skin is identical in texture and composition to that of Irkens, except for the sensitivity to light water***. Trillen are not affected by the often dangerous effects of light water that their Irken counterparts experience, and are just as resilient against heavy water****, the only water-based substance that does not negatively affect Irkens.

Trillen have medium-sized round heads with large almond-shaped eyes, and a small jewel-like, crystalline structure embedded in their foreheads that varies in shape from round, to teardrop-shaped, to diamond-shaped, as well as appearing in a variety of colours. Trillen eyes may be large, but they're pupils are not; only during the dark-time do the pupils expand to nearly twice their normal size.

Trillen also possess a soft, fluffy collar of fur around their neck and shoulders (and sometimes descending down the chest and back) with stiffer, whisker-like hairs that are sensitive to vibrations and radio-waves. The fur around their neck comes in a variety of different colours (and sometimes patterns) and is usually kept clean and fresh through daily grooming, sometimes using modern grooming equipment, but mostly with their tongues (a trait which lends to their primitive appearance). Trillen eyes also come in a variety of colours within the visible spectrum. Their antennae bulbs, on the other hand, are almost always yellow (due to the colour of the bio-luminescent fluid in them). But in rare cases they can be blue or even red (the rarest). Their skin tones can be any pastel (or pale) shade of yellow, pink, or blue, and all Trillen have unique black markings on their face or body.

The crystalline structure in the foreheads of Trillen is believed to be, and for the most part proven to be, the source (or rather, the focusing mechanism) of their telepathic abilities. Trillen with damaged focus crystals can become telepathically 'deaf and mute'. Fortunately, the Vortians possess laser technologies that can repair the broken or fractured crystal lattice structures and restore a Trillen's telepathic communication. Most of the time. Some damage is irreversible and the repairs can restore only the receiving or transmitting ability.


(Many Vort scientists believe these races to be so closely related that they could easily be classified as one species, or at the very least, sub-species.)



*  Azrealites, Stealth, Zalia, Gajin belong to KPenDragon
**  Beita belong to BloodBeast
***  H₂O (hydrogen dioxide AKA water)
****  D₂O (deuterium oxide AKA heavy water)


SEXUAL DIMORPHISM:

Trillen males and females look essentially the same to outsiders, except that females tend to be smaller, leaner and curvier (though, not always). They also possess small to medium-sized breasts and more prominent eyelashes. There are NO gender-specific markings or colorations.


REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS:

Trillen possess mammalian features such as hair or fur, functional mammary glands (they nurse their young), warm blood, and bear live young, but are NOT classified as mammals. Their reproduction is very similar to their genetic cousins, the Irkens and Vortians, in that they give birth to live young. Because the Trillen are so much like the ancient ancestor common to many races in their galaxy (including, perhaps, even humans), they are the only species that can interbreed with all of their genetic cousins. All other races can interbreed only with their closest related species (I.E., Vortian/Irken, Irken/Azrealite, Vortian/Azrealite, etc.) but there is a high risk of infertility among these hybrids. Trillen hybrids are ALWAYS fertile.

Trillen come in two genders: male and female. Although, there are two variations of females: the "drone" female and the "queen". Queens are born slightly different from other female Trillen. They are born with the 'queen' gene, as the Vorts dubbed it, which allows them to produce a pheromone that defines them as such and dictates their inherent behavior. Queen's are born with an innate need to lead and eventually rise to powerful positions within their society. This gene is rare, though, except within a queen's bloodline. Every female born to a queen has a 50/50 chance of being a queen herself; to any other female, it's a 1/10,000 chance. In nature, the Queen only takes a mate to continue her bloodline, but love is an oft-recurring theme of modern Trillen marriages, even for the Queen.

Both males and females become sexually mature at age 12, but females do not experience their first heat until age 13. Trillen have two breeding seasons a year and females are only fertile during these breeding seasons, but can easily mate any time of the year. Trillen possess strong pair-bonding instincts and mate for both pleasure and reproduction. During the non-mating seasons, females experience reduced sex-drives but become extremely receptive during the breeding seasons. Multiple-partner coupling and same-sex coupling is uncommon, but does sometimes occur. Additionally, multiple-partner and same-sex life-bonds are rare, but do occur as well.

If mating occurs during the breeding season and is successful, the female will become pregnant shortly afterward, and may have up to 3 young at a time. Gestation periods typically range between 5-10 weeks.

Newborn Trillen are completely helpless for the first few weeks of life, but learn to walk rather quickly (about 6-12 weeks) but remain dependent on their mothers/parental guardian for at least the first 6 years, before becoming more self-sufficient. Trillen young are about 6 inches at birth, but usually grow to about 18 inches by 3 months. Full-grown Trillen can reach an average height of 5 feet. Sometimes more, sometimes less. The average Trillen lifespan ranges from 500-1000 human years (the oldest recorded Trillen lived to be 2000 years old).


OTHER INFORMATION/HABITS/HABITAT:

Much of Trillia is covered in vast forests, rivers, lakes, fields, and mountainous regions. Trillen are a woodland creature and nocturnal hunters; even now they still have hunters to gather food.

The Trillen homeworld orbits a tiny dwarf star in a long, narrow, elliptical orbit. Every half-year, the planet is cast in darkness during a planetary eclipse with their sister-planet, Julaen (juh-lain). Their bio-luminescent antennae and their secondary vision senses allow them to continue life as usual during the dark-time.

The climate on Trillia remains stable during the Julaen Eclipse because much of the plant-life has adapted to the annual months of darkness, some even capable generating their own light, much like the Trillen. Trillen forage their neighbouring forest environments by climbing trees to retrieve food from the upper branches, collecting lower-lying fruits and berries, and scouring the forest floor for small creatures, as well as hunting larger herbivores. Trillen will eat anything they can; fruit, small animals, large insects, etc.

Trillen have few predators on their world that see them as prey, but it is not as large a concern as feeding their society. Hunting, gathering, and farming are their biggest industry and one that requires strong cooperation to feed their species. Trillen farm the vegetables, fruits, and berries that are native to their planet, but some things require a certain environment that they can't replicate and thus they forage for it.

Most Trillen have an affinity to the water and can swim as well as any two-legged humanoid creature, sometimes even better with their tails and large feet.


DIET:

The Trillen, being omnivorous, have a varied diet consisting of both plant and animal matter native to their small world. The main staples of their diet include many types of vegetables and fruits, fish, small mammals and insects.


SOCIAL BEHAVIOR:

The Trillen are highly intelligent, probably more so than they seem, but they are often mistaken as animalistic or primitive. They may have animal-like social behaviors, but they are incredibly intelligent. Trillens exhibit many primitive, animal-like behaviors such as: self-grooming (with the tongue), social grooming (primarily among females), quadrupedism (walking on four limbs), and scratching an itch with their hindfeet. Much of their social customs are considered primitive as well by outsiders (more on social customs later). But, for the most part, Trillen social behaviors mirror that of humans.


CULTURE:

The Trillen culture has existed for nearly thirty thousand years, and in that time they have made many different technological and social advancements. Their culture is entirely based on the world that surrounds them, gives them life, and protects them. It shows in their architecture and artwork, as well as in their everyday lives.

Males and females are considered equal in their culture, and both are treated as such. Every Trillen is allowed to choose any path they please. However, the most common jobs are hunter, forager, and farmer. All of which hold their civilization together; without the hunters, foragers, and farmers, many of their species would starve. The more uncommon careers are scientist, engineer, and artist.

While nudity is acceptable in their culture, it is uncommon to find naked Trillen anywhere but in specially-designated recreational areas, such as parks and swimming holes, or in their own homes. Normally, Trillen wear a wide-variety of clothing ranging from very the simple to the beautifully extravagant. It is not uncommon to see the simpler Trillen wearing drab, patch-work clothing, as it is not a sign of poverty, but rather of the available resources and a Trillen's social status. Silk is rare and hard to come-by and is generally reserved for those of high-standing and importance.

In Trillen culture, the day of conception is a celebrated event, often holding lavish parties in honor of the couple. On the day of the child's birth, another celebration is held by giving food or other such commodities to commemorate the couple and their child.


SOCIETY:

Trillen have a near-perfect society (in the sense that they do not fight or squabble amongst themselves and cooperate very well. But a major flaw in their non-violent beliefs is that it leaves them completely defenseless against other, more violent races/societies). They are ruled by a singular royal family, lead by a Queen. Every Queen is biologically programmed to do the best she can for her people, and everyone knows their place and is happy with it; those who aren't, are allowed to find a new place in society. Trillen don't fight amongst themselves, but they do have disagreements and when things cannot be settled peacefully between the parties, a mediator immediately steps in.

Trillen society is primarily matriarchal, but males are treated as equals within their society. Although the Queen will often take a mate, the male or 'King' has no real power, though he may advise is mate. Their society is non-violent, so power doesn't often change hands between different royal bloodlines through force or other means. Power only changes bloodlines if the current queen dies without an heir. And even then, the next Queen bloodline is usually picked by the people; elected, even.

Occasionally, a new Queen will gain control by releasing a pheromone, as well as a telepathic signal, indicating her intent. The ruling Queen may choose to stand down or defend her position by engaging in a war of minds. If the challenging Queen wins, the ruling Queen will step down, but it is ultimately up to the people to decide whether they will accept the new Queen. But, that's mostly just the nature side of it, and it does not happen often.

Rather than any sort of currency, Trillen economy is controlled by trade. Items are traded according to what each party needs and is willing to part with. In the event of a disagreement, and should things become a bit heated, a mediator is immediately brought in. Every village, town, and city appoints a mediator; someone of particular tact and negotiating skill. The survival of the Trillen-race depends on their cooperation and that fact is generally understood.

Trillen are not, and have never been, a terribly technological society, except in recent years. They possess ships capable of breaking orbit and long-distance travel, but they have never ventured further than the limits of their tiny system. They have no interest in colonizing or conquering other worlds and would prefer to keep to themselves, but would not turn away visitors or diplomats seeking to form alliances or friendships with them.


LANGUAGE:

While the Trillen have no real spoken language other than their vocalizations (I.E., chirps, clicks, trills, warbles, and growls), a form of telepathy serves as their true connection with one another. Since Trillens communicate telepathically, their vocalizations serve as a supplementary communication means, and can be an indicator of their emotions. Trillen songs can range from very high-frequency trills to low sub-sonic warbles and are sometimes complex enough to border on a secondary language, but much of their songs are performed at frequencies beyond the hearing range of most other species, making any sort of rudimentary translation impossible and largely incomplete.


TECHNOLOGY:

While the Trillen have achieved space travel and their ships are highly advanced, they are quite the rarity, usually only found in possession of the elite of the elite. The Queen, her procession, and her court all possess such craft. Though it is uncommon, some civilian Trillen possess their own personal spacecraft, either built themselves or obtained through trade.

Most trillen live in simple villages with stone or grass huts, but they have a certain level of technology. Although, it is not necessary for their way of life, which is much more simple, the majority of their technology is very basic. The average Trillen household possesses simple farming equipment, baskets for foraging, cutlery, and fishing gear. Their capital city, on the other hand, is the most technological community on their planet. Many technological advances are achieved within the confines of their capital city. It is a beautiful place with marble and stone buildings built with intricate designs and breath-taking architecture, clean streets, friendly people, and the heart and soul of their world, the Eye of Daido; a giant, uniquely-cut, multi-faceted, ocean-blue diamond representing their beautiful Goddess Daido.


RELIGION:

The Trillen religion centers around the Divine Trinity; Daido, the all-loving Mother of the Universe; Loli, the Architect of Life; and Anthym, the Great Equalizer, bringing the end-of-life to all creatures great and small. Trillen believe all the creatures of the universe are Daido's children, and do not believe in treating other sentient beings as underlings or vermin. Even the lower species of their planet, and those they consume as food, are treated with respect and admiration.

Being a very religious people, the Trillen built temples within their largest cities (and shrines in their smallest communities) in honor of the Divine Trinity. Within these temples and shrines, Trillen gather to thank and honor their gods. They visit the temples and shrines daily to pray for guidance and honor the Holy Mother. In the heart of these places of worship rest idols of the Divine Trinity, represented by a central, blue, feminine-shaped pillar(Daido), entwined by two smaller white(Loli) and black(Anthym) tapered pillars. At the base of these idols are bowls to place offerings and prayer-beads.

Within the confines of their largest and most sacred temple, dwell the priestesses and High Priestess. The priestesses tend to the Idols, the collection of offerings, and care for the temple as a whole, while the High Priestess tends to her followers and presides over all marriages and religious events. Once every few generations, a select few are born with special abilities (primarily females); such as the gift of future-sight, or prophetic dreams, and other such mysterious powers. They are revered as messengers of Daido and are immediately recruited into priestess-hood. The few males touched by the Divine are seen as Loli's Chosen and lead pampered lives within the temple.

Although, some of the names and details may differ, the Trillen religion contains major similarities to the Vortian, Irken and Azrealite beliefs, all of which view Daido as the ultimate creator and gentle goddess of the Universe.*

Daido- (di-doh); Trillen pronunciation--> (Day-doh)
Loli- (lah-lee); Trillen pronunciation--> (Low-Lie)
Anthym- (anthem); Trillen pronunciation--> (Ann-theme)

(Despite common beliefs, the Trillen did not see the Vorts or Irkens as gods, but visitors from another world and one of Daido's many children)

* vortian/irken/azrealite religion (Daido, Loli, Anthym) copyright KPenDragon


COMBAT/WEAPONRY:

The Trillen have no weaponry and no war, having long since evolved beyond the need for violence. They don't participate in combat either. Despite their non-violent nature, Trillen do possess natural defense mechanisms, such as a paralyzing electrical current produced and emitted from the hard crystalline orb on the end of their tails, a blinding, foul-smelling gas released from glands below said orb, and an unparalleled natural speed and agility (they may also use their tails as a club).


Military Organization:

The Trillen lack any Military cohesion of any sort or military organization. Trillen employ non-violent, diplomatic methods to solve conflicts within their society. Unfortunately, their lack of any military formation left them open and unprepared for the unexpected attack launched by the Irken Empire.

Inter-Stellar Boundaries:

The Trillen had no defined, nor protected boundaries on or off their planet. Although several of their few ships routinely patrolled their orbital space as well as their shipping routes between Trillia and Julaen, these ships were merely a precautionary measure/greeting party to any outsiders that might have stumbled upon their corner of the galaxy.

Conclusion:

The Trillen have become an endangered species, perched precariously on the edge of extinction. With the invasion of their homeworld, they have been flung forcefully into the galactic circle and must learn to adapt if they are to survive and flourish.