Gonna jump in on this, cause why not!
Species Name: Auvohm
Species Adjective: Auvo
Empire Name: Iuoccarian Meritocracy
Empire Adjective: Iuoccarian
Phenotype: Mammalian
Traits: Talented, Natural Physicists, Slow Breeders
Ethos: Materialist, Fanatic Individualist
Government: Indirect Democracy
Homeworld: Iliuvia
Planet type: Arctic
Former Isolationists/Xenophobes
Short Description of Species: An ancient (by most species standards) mammalian species that resembles a bipedal lion, the Auvohm have striking white fur, often flecked in black and grey. They're not terribly imposing, standing about five feet tall, though their overall build would be considered muscular. It is customary for males to braid their manes in intricate styles, and the loss of one's mane is considered to be of the highest shame. Their homeworld of Iliuvia is an anomaly by cosmic standards, with a thick atmosphere, yet surprisingly weak gravity. So much so, that Iliuvia is characterized by large levitating land masses of ice and snow. This environment has given the Auvohm a unique evolution and understanding of physics. The Auvohm are a fierce and proud people. While they realistically assume they are not alone in this galaxy, they refuse to believe any to be above them, and will fight ferociously to protect the independence of their society and their quest for individual greatness.
Short Description of Empire and History: Located on the very edge of one of the remote arms of the galaxy, the Auvohm have been largely missed by the intergalactic community, at first, purely by chance, but later by design. The Iuoccarian Meritocracy is lead by the best and brightest of the Auvohm, running the gambit between scientists, industrialists and the finest military minds society can produce. In fact, the goal of the Iuoccarian society is indeed, to bring each Auvohm to his or her maximum potential. Those that succeeded in the past lead the Auvohm to great technological discoveries, or through violent and bloody civil wars. The great leaders of the past, in all fields are revered here. But above all is Xvin, the Builder. Xvin and his team of scientists uncovered the secrets of faster than light travel, and unlocked the mysteries of the physical laws of the universe. With the backing of all Auvohm behind him, he lead the construction of a massive station in the middle of the orbit of their home star. This construction became known as the Jewel of Illiuvia, and serves several purposes. One, it acts as a powerful wormhole generator. Two, a signal jammer that keeps the rest of the intergalactic community from believing there to be life this far out into space, as no signal can enter or leave the outer bounds of the home star. Three, the Academy, an advanced vocational institution for the advancement of all society, the brightest upcoming minds gather here. Lastly, it serves as the bulwark to the defense of their home star with its advanced shielding and laser technology. Xvin served several terms as President within the Iuoccarian Meritocracy, but his age has long since past. A new Era is dawning for the Auvohm, one where they seek to end their seclusion and take their rightful place among the stars.
A new great leader has risen, Yochol. A young Auvohm, but well respected for both her military prowess and leading research in the field of prototype AI. In the largest referendum ever held within the Iuocarrian Meritocracy, largely at Yochol's urging, the decision to bring down the jamming barrier has been made. An unprecedented military build-up, and investment into new colonization technologies and organizations has shaped this new era. The first true explorers have just launched, ending the isolation of the Auvohm.
Technological levels: Highly advanced understanding of Sensors, Deflector Shields, Lasers, and Energy Sources, rudimentary AI used for Military and Industrial purposes. Severely lacking in colonization technologies. Notable amount of planetary defenses, from what appears to be a distrust of those that come from beyond.
Fleet Size: Considerable, but limited in flight range due to Wormhole travel and lack of colonization.
[Hopefully makes things interesting, I tried to make the race fairly adaptable but not a total push-over either.]
]
