Ik’Ik’Vikira

"Remember Liq’Ziq, and remember the faces and the flags of those who took our home from us. Remember what the Architects taught us. Hold nothing back."

The Ik’Ik’Vikira (Pronounced Eek-Eek-Vee-kee-ra) are a centipede-like species that were native to the planet known as Liq’Ziq, known now as Krieg, in the Verpletter region of Via Aylathiya. They shared this world with another arthropod species, the Zek’eke’zka, with whom they shared a co-dependency for the maintenance of their society.

They were forced off of their homeworld by what would later become known as the Kriegsleute, with whom they engaged in a long, brutal war with after the latter crashed on their homeworld after the Great Seal-Off of Verpletter. They eventually made their way to the Commune Federation, whom offered them refuge and a chance for revenge. With few remaining options available to them, the Ik’Ik’Vikira and the Zek’eke’zka accepted the offer and were relocated to the world of Ta'Ziq'Taka.

Noteworthy for their unrelenting hatred towards the Kriegsleute, their pragmatic distrust of Humans at large, and isolationist tendencies, they are often seen as misfits within the Federation. It is undeniable, however, that they have made valuable contributions to the Federation, serving as very willing soldiers within the Stellar Fleet. It is hoped that they will eventually become more active within the Federation as a species, along with their Zek’eke’zka allies. There are signs of this happening, though they are still slow to trust Humans. They are considered an endangered species, although their numbers have been recovering since joining the Federation.

History

The Ik’Ik’Vikira are from the world of Krieg, which was formerly known as Liq’Ziq. They lived alongside the Zek’eke’zka in a co-dependent relationship, where the two species had separate roles due to their biological differences. The Ik’Ik’Vikira were the hunters of this society, and would use their speed and acid-spitting abilities in order to chase down prey.

In 0 VC, a ship crashed onto Liq’Ziq, bringing with it a large amount of refugees. The arrival of these newcomers and what happened next is contested. The Ik’Ik’Vikira and Zek’eke’zka claim that the refugees attacked them, whereas the refugees claimed that they were attacked first. Regardless though, the two sides engaged in a brutal war, in which both sides were shown no mercy by the others, and it eventually turned into a war of extermination.

This led to the defeat of the natives in 15 VC, forcing the survivors to flee the world on colony ships. They spent the next few centuries drifting from system to system, gathering whatever resources they could. They were often treated with deep suspicion and sometimes open hatred by many across Verpletter due to their intimidating appearances. This continued for several millennia, during which time the Ik’Ik’Vikira and Zek’eke’zka became more and more bitter, angrier at those who took their home from them.

At one point, the colony fleet made an attempt to take back their homeworld, only to discover that it had become the center of an incredibly powerful civilization that was heavily fortified against all manner of attack. Disheartened at this revalation, the fleet abandoned their plans and resigned themselves to being cosmic wanderers. However, an opportunity would eventually arise for the Ik’Ik’Vikira and Zek’eke’zka when they came into contact with the Commune Federation, who offered them aid.

The Ik’Ik’Vikira and Zek’eke’zka were surprised by the willingness of the Federation to offer assistance, though they were openly hostile towards the Human members of the Federation who were helping in the matter. They were offered membership into the Federation, which they accepted, as they had little other choice. They were given a new homeworld, which they named Ta'Ziq'Taka. They were offered as much assistance as they needed to rebuild their society, though they rejected much of it. As their built up their society, more and more Ik’Ik’Vikira began to join the Stellar Fleet as military forces, often requesting combat against the Kriegsleute.

Appearance and Biology

Ik’Ik’Vikira are a species that are akin to centipedes. They have long bodies, capable of reaching twice the length of the average Human, and unlike other arthropods, they have spines. These spines are quite flexible, and allow them to curl up and bend at will. They also have four eyes which lack pupils.

Along their bodies, they have small segments that are aligned with joints within the spinal column. These segments are covered in a very tough exoskeleton that is very difficult to pierce. They are designed to protect the spine, which is an Ik’Ik’Vikira's weak spot. The underbelly, however, is quite soft and can be penetrated with a sufficiently sharp object. Each segment has a set of tiny legs, which help them move quickly across many different types of terrain.

Ik’Ik’Vikira are capable of spitting acid from their mouths, which is caustic enough to dissolve solid rock and assists them in tunneling underground. However, its primary purpose is as a weapon, which makes them particularly dangerous in close combat.

The Architects

The Architects are the religious figures of the Ik’Ik’Vikira and the Zek’eke’zka, which are incredibly important figures within their society.

In the religion, the Architects are brothers, one an Ik'Ik'Vikira, and the other a Zek'eke'zka. Born with different abilities and skills, the two would brutally compete with one another, only stopping once they ruined the world they resided on. Reconciling their differences, they worked together, seeking to rebuild their damaged home. They succeeded, and, at the end of their lives, curled up and died, and from their bodies crawled the children of the Ik’Ik’Vikira and the Zek’eke’zka, of whom all Ik’Ik’Vikira and the Zek’eke’zka are the descendent of.

This story is the basis for the co-dependent relationship the two species have with one another.