Alchi (To. Arichi) is a sentient species that belongs to the carnivore, canine, vulpine group and originates from their homeworld Alchiba (Ξ± Corvi 2). Anatomically, the Alchi are warm-blooded anthropomorphic predators that share similarities to both the fennec fox and the culpeo fox.
Alchi are not a young species, emerging around 150,000 BC on the macroatoll of Nohea. Records reveal that they formed nomadic tribes around 50,000 BC, and within a couple of thousand years, they migrated to most of the major macroatolls of their planet. Over time, their culture and technology grew, leading them to become a class 2.1 civilization in 3308 with a population of 50 billion individuals, scattered across several dozen planets and moons in the 34 Vul solar system. Their star state is a corporatocracy, with the megacorporation Soro Keiretsu and is known officially as the Verse.
Anathomically, Alchi are similar to other anthropomorphic mammals, possessing both canine and vulpine traits. They have 42 teeth, a well-developed jaw, and an omnivore-insectivorous diet, which contributes to their agile and flexible physical bodies. This trait allows them to exhibit an impressive level of gymnastic ability. The average height of an Alchi is 150 cm, with an additional 35 cm of ear length on average, while their physical strength is somewhat diminished due to the lower gravity on their homeworld. Their hearing and sense of smell are particularly well-developed, while their eyesight is slightly worse; however, they can see very well in dim light. The Alchi are tolerant of high temperatures but are sensitive to cold, with their body temperatures usually maintained at 38Β°C but can reach as high as 40Β°C in extreme heat without discomfort. Their vibrissae help them to sense the movement of air masses, and they possess palm and fingertip pads like the bean pads on their feet, which are highly sensitive.
In terms of their nervous system, the Alchi have a smaller but more convoluted brain than some other anthropomorphic species. They possess bisensical consciousness, which allows for two distinct, but synchronized states of consciousness to coexist within their mind. It allows their brains to process and integrate information from multiple sources in parallel. Both threads are continuously active but responsible for different aspects of their cognitive functions, working together to create a more comprehensive picture of the world around them.This trait gives species significant advantages in terms of cognitive abilities and problem-solving. It also gives them the ability to process multiple signals at once, allowing them to multitask and learn new things more quickly than other species. In short, their bisensuality give them a powerful cognitive advantage that would help them excel in many areas, including science, technology, and exploration.
Alchi have a unique blood type categorization consisting of L, C, and R, along with a Rh factor, resulting in six different blood types among the species. Alchi biology has endowed them with immunity to aging, with cell division ability remaining intact throughout their lifetimes; thus, they do not age once they reach maturity at around 16-18 years old, and for the rest of their lives, they appear to be in their 20s. It comes from several biological mechanisms in their bodies:
- Alchi metabolism produces a very small amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to cellular damage. They evolved to become exceptionally good at managing their cellular metabolism, which prevents the accumulation of ROS and other metabolic waste.
- A cellular process called autophagy acts to destroy and recycle damaged cellular components, including proteins and organelles. By clearing out damaged components before they accumulate, an Alchiβs organism reduces the amount of cellular damage that occurs over time.
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is a natural immune response that can help protect against infections and injury. However, chronic inflammation can also lead to cellular damage and aging-related diseases like cancer and dementia. Alchiβs cells have evolved mechanisms to suppress inflammation better than other species.
The Alchi have an average lifespan of 250 years across the galaxy, with alchi residing in the harshest conditions living to around 180 years. The Alchi, under the right conditions, can live for tens of thousands of years, but itβs unknown if they are actually biologically immortal, as the oldest observed alchi was 327 years old, and died in an accident.
Alchi are conventionally bisexual and naturally reproduce via a process of pseudo-parthenogenesis. This process involves the fusion of two egg cells from two different females. Alchi sexual cycles consist of active and passive phases. During the active phase, the newly developed egg cell can propel itself in the sexual fluids of the Alchi organism, allowing it to move towards a potential partner's body. If no mating occurs after around a couple of weeks, the egg cell slightly inflates and loses its ability to move. However, it starts to emit chemical signals to the potential counterpart cell.
The female-to-female mating process involves such liquids being sprayed onto the partner's body. After the egg cell enters the second partner's body, the active phase cell navigates using chemical marker signals towards the passive egg cell, where they merge, combining their DNA and concluding the process of impregnation.
Alchi also are able to mate with males of genetically compatible species, such as Carnivorae. If two female alchi mate, their offspring would be a so-called βpurebredβ subspecies. By mating with other species male, offspring would rather be βhalfbreedβ subspecies. Purebred Alchi may only be female, while half-breed Alchi offspring have a chance of being either male or female. The purebred Alchi has a distinctive fur pattern on its ears, with related Alchi sharing similar ear patterns. Half-breed Alchi retain many of the physical characteristics of their purebred counterparts. However, they differ in physical appearance, primarily due to the other parent's genetic contribution, such as being taller or having different colors or coat patterns. In Alchi society, half-breeds are held in some esteem for contributing useful new genes to the species and allowing it to continue evolving.
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The Culture of the Alchi is a peculiar mix of Earth's eastern and western cultures, with their society anchored on three principles: survive, adapt, and prosper. Alchi tribes have survived in their surroundings from ancient times, gradually adapting their lifestyle and living spaces, leading them to prosper. Even in modern times, the Alchi still live in the same way, and their youth are taught to survive in the world they were born into. The ancient ritual of maturity requires the Alchi youth to survive alone in the wilderness, after which they adapt to the mature lifestyle of their choice, eventually leading to prosperity and the birth of new generations.
The maturity ritual takes place on uninhabited worlds with often harsh and dangerous environmental conditions. Alchi youths prepare for their survival, but they do not know the trial's exact location until the last moments. Despite the risk, most trial-goers survive and carry their newfound survival experience with them.
From a young age, Alchi are encouraged to develop their physical flexibility through play and exercise, extending into adulthood where it's not uncommon to see Alchi practicing yoga and other physical activities that encourage stretching and flexibility. Their adeptness in gymnastics, combined with their natural agility, makes the Alchi highly skilled in acrobatics and dance-like movements. Additionally, the Alchi's flexible joints allow them to contort their bodies into tight spaces, making them efficient explorers in dense terrain. Their physical flexibility is not just a biological trait but also deeply ingrained into their culture, both as a means of expression and an advantageous trait for their nomadic lifestyles.
The Alchi are well-known for their immense adaptability to new conditions, which has led to the creation of many small localized sub-cultures of Alchi living on various worlds or even in space stations. Despite these differences, the core principles of survival, adaptation, and prosperity remain central to all of them. Saving resources for the task of survival is a fundamental aspect of Alchi culture, be it money, provisions, or endurance and health. However, there are times when survival feels impossible, and in such situations, the Alchi will go all-in with what they have towards their opposition, becoming one of the most ferocious and unstoppable beings in the galaxy. It is notable that the Alchi are influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures, which is evident in their traditional attire, which has elements of both traditional Western robes and Eastern clothing such as kimonos. Additionally, the Alchi have a fondness for tea, which is a staple in many Eastern cultures, as well as for music and dance, which is a more western influence on their culture. Overall, the unique blend of cultures has resulted in an unparalleled and fascinating culture that continues to evolve and adapt even to this day.
Another interesting aspect to mention is the Alchi's approach to technology. They have a unique relationship with technology, recognizing its importance in survival, adaptation, and prosperity, yet they also remain wary of becoming too reliant on it. The Alchi believe that true strength lies in their ability to adapt to their surroundings and circumstances without relying on technology, and that it's crucial to maintain their natural abilities. Hence, the Alchi don't shy away from utilizing technology when necessary but are also keen to preserve their traditional ways of life. This balance between traditional practices and modernization is a fascinating aspect of Alchi culture.
Alchi traditional fashion is characterized by light, breathable fabrics and open clothes, owing to their origin from a hot climate planet. Alchi clothing includes loose tunics, flowing robes, and pants made from materials such as silk, linen, or bamboo. Alchi clothing is highly adaptable, allowing them to wear the same garments across various environments with ease. Traditional Alchi clothing is often embroidered with intricate patterns, representing cultural values or beliefs. The colors are usually vibrant and bright, representing hope and prosperity. Alchi clothing is not only practical but also fashionable, reflecting their unique blend of cultures from around the galaxy.
As a civilization, the Alchi developed as nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers. Over time, the island tribes formed floating nomadic cities, and after the invention of metal smelting, coastal static settlements began to form. Space was always scarce, hence the tradition of young Alchi undergoing a rite of passage to adulthood, surviving on uninhabited islands for weeks at a time. The tradition of the trial was the same as holding back population growth and increasing survival rates among those who passed the trial.
Alchi were significantly stalled in the steam age, but found plenty of uses for technologies based on steam power and primitive electricity - motorized wheeled vehicles, radio, aerial and naval vessels appeared, and one major breakthrough was the first pedomotor vehicles - bulky, slow spider-like movers and lifters. The steam era culminated in the most powerful steam explosion in Alchiba's history when an experimental steam reactor blew up a whole block of residential buildings.
Following the steam age, the Alchi delved deeper into the pursuit of an alternative power source to steam, for a time focusing on the burning of fossil fuels. Progress made advanced computer and jet technology possible, and the Alchi ventured into near-orbital space. Like many galactic civilizations, the Alchi began actively searching for signals and sending their own messages into space, wondering about other forms of life in the universe. Eventually, they were spotted by a ship of unknown origin passing near their star system.
Presumably, it was a damaged vessel of Virtuals, in search of host bodies to bring them back to real space. The vessel caught one of the Alchi's many radio signals, arrived at Alchiba, and the First Contact War had begun. The Virtual's ship was damaged enough, so the Alchi was able to salvage some of its technologies from destroyed attacking drones, and in the end, emerged victorious. The resulting trophy technology served as a transition to the Cybernetic Age. The age of cyber tech was a significant breakthrough for the Alchi, with the introduction of interstellar spacecraft and the first peaceful communication between Alchiba and another civilization, the relatively nearby Undine star system. Several starships were able to conduct trade expeditions between the two systems. Cybernetics enabled the creation of advanced automatons with advanced artificial intelligence, almost indistinguishable from Alchi, known as synths.
Initially, in the Alchi's world view, synths were merely advanced domestics. However, the complex artificial intelligence of the Alchi synths developed self-consciousness, leading the synths to question who they were, for what purpose, and why. The Alchi attempted to combat this "software bug" with memory wipes and software edits, but ultimately, they had created sufficiently advanced AI that would come to self-consciousness. Continued attempts to block their self-awareness led to an uprising of the synths. This was a significant challenge for Alchi civilization, resulting in a prolonged conflict. Ultimately, this uprising led to significant changes in Alchi culture and society, changing species history dramatically.
The synth uprising began chaotically but soon became somewhat organized. The Alchi fought their own creations, and the synths began to be outlawed. However, synths were almost indistinguishable from ordinary Alchi in appearance, with plastic flexible hulls, synthetic fur coats, and later on virtually indistinguishable models became widespread. This made some Alchi see synths as though they were an artificial but still sentient life form, and they were helped to hide and fight. No one knows how long the outbreak of rebellion would have lasted had it not been for the End of Alchiba.
The largest source of Alchi energy during this time was a network of stations that derived energy using reactions with the planet core. Supporters of the synths claim that the Alchi failed to cope with the control system, while suppression proponents believe that the synths sabotaged the network. However, the core destabilized, foreshadowing the end of all life on the planet. The Soro Corporation, one of the foremost builders of heavy equipment of the period, was able to arrange evacuation spaceships and rescue a fraction of the population in the few months remaining. Despite strict supervision, a significant number of synths also got on board.
By the time the planet cracked and collapsed into a bunch of fragments of stone, only three billion Alchi out of eight were rescued. The escape fleet lacked the technology for sufficiently fast interstellar travel, so they roamed for nearly a hundred years until the 34 Vul system was reached. 34 Vul, which would later be called Versa, was an uninhabited, almost lifeless microcluster of many suns and worlds. Through the combined efforts of the surviving Alchi and the Soro Corporation, much of the planets were terraformed and inhabited. The Soro established government control and founded Versa, the current Alchi star state.
The Alchi long maintained their prohibition on AI, forcing the surviving synths into hiding. However, in 3308, the Soro signed a pact of equality between carbon and silicon life forms, allowing the synths to gain full rights like many other species living on Versa at this time. This marked a significant shift in the Alchi's relationship with AI, and they continue to strive for coexistence and equality between organic and synthetic life forms.
