The Tarakians

Where the Tarakians first came from is unknown. Their entire civilisation settled itself within the Harrison Belt north of the Sebrutan long before the first primitive Aquan starships lifted off from Csera. Fleeing an unknown peril that had driven them from their homes, the Tarakians established themselves on a series of cold, desolate planets along the outer edge of the Belt and built massive, soaring citadels of silver and steel against the approach of an unknown adversary. These Citadel Worlds form the Tarakian Conclave, an imminently defensible line of fortresses and military facilities that have now stood for thousands of years against a threat not yet materialised.

The Tarakians themselves are relatively short in appearance, averaging not much over 1.5 metres. They have never been known to go without full synthetic bodysuits and airtight translucent headgear. They appear thin for their height, except for broad shoulders that support a wide, hairless head. Small, widely-placed eyes peer out from within their headgear from above wide, thin mouths.

The naval vessels of the Tarakians have been seen throughout civilised space for as long as records have been kept. Usually these sleek, massive ships are only seen from a distance before they disappear in the blink of an eye, transported with some technology other than the Fold Space Drives used by other races. However, Tarakian vessels have been known to intercede during particularly violent raids of civilian shipping. Both Ba'Kash and Veydreth raiding fleets show Tarakian ships great respect, immediately ceasing activity at their first appearance.

Living on their barren citadel planets the Tarakians depend upon time-honoured trade agreements with the Aquans and Sorylians, as well as more recent relationships with the Cheyga, the Tarakian Imperium and the Terquai. Aside from these relationships, however, the Tarakians keep themselves aloof from other civilisations and have taken no part in the various wars and internecine squabbles that have marred the history of the quadrant. They have been known to observe many battles, however, floating off at a distance but taking no part.

Tarakian military formations are structured along feudal lines, with a Tarakian Lord commanding a single Ganak class battleship and the various support vessels that serve beneath it as vassals. Tarakian battleships do in fact appear to serve as mobile dominions, acting with great autonomy while away from the Citadel Worlds. Their extensive auxiliary craft bays allow them to provide small craft support to their attached fleets as well as limited medical and repair assistance. All Tarakian ships’ systems appear to be extremely advanced, using technologies unfamiliar to other races. Their weapons systems in particular are far more devastating at greater ranges than any other vessels currently in space.

Despite their history of strict neutrality, the escalating violence that now threatens to engulf the entire quadrant has forced them to intervene. Given their history one can only speculate as to why their policy has changed, but many have noted that, were the entire region allowed to batter itself into ruin, there would be no defence should a massive outside threat arise. Most likely because of their existing trade relationships the Tarakians have joined the Kurak Alliance against the Zenian League, most assume in an attempt to bring hostilities to a conclusion as quickly as possible.