Kugraw

The Kugraw originate from the Gamma Plane. They and the Pykes formed an alliance that composed the original backbone of the Kugraw Hegemony, the most well-known and widespread government in Spectra of which several species are a part of.

Biology
Kugraws stand at around 7’ (2.13 meters) on average, making them one of the larger races in Spectra. They are broad-shouldered and covered in short quills along their back and behind their skull. These quills are not like a porcupine’s, but closer to a hedgehog’s- short, thick, and a deterrent to anyone looking for an easy fight. They can become erect when a kugraw feels they are in danger, or lie down flat against their skin if the kugraw wishes them to do so. In this way, the quills act similarly to how goosebumps and forearm hairs react on humans. Their skin has somewhat of a leathery texture to it, like a reptile’s, and sports scale-like plating that is dotted intermittently along their limbs. Their heads are squarish with a short snout like a lizard’s, and they have bony ridges of that same scale-plating around their eyes and the front of their face for protection. They are bipedal, standing on two digitigrade legs that end in feet with two large, talon-like toes.

Skin color diversity is not something regularly seen with kugraws. For the most part, their entire species is composed of shades of grey with the occasional hint of olive-drab or steel-blue thrown in. Eye color is more important to them- generally, based on the color of their irises, you can deduce which city-state their ancestors likely came from originally on the Gamma Plane, though there are exceptions to this. These colors include gold, blue, green, orange, and variations of each, such as amber or turquoise.

Society and Culture
Despite their outward appearance, Kugraws tend to be the voice of peace and reason in the galaxy. Their council attempts to resolve most galactic matters in non-violent manners, often taking far longer to fix a problem than could be done through other methods. Some see this trend towards pacifism as something to be lauded or encouraged- others see it as the excuses of cowards who are too willing to try and please everyone rather than facing confrontation.

History
Before the Ascensions, the Kugraw had several city-states in which each governor held power and influence over their individual area of the Plane, but maintained good relationships with the others. Understanding that a fractured people wasn’t going to be very effective when it came to colonizing the stars, the city-states came together to form a single government entity and held a democratic vote as to which governor would become the Chancellor of the newly united Kugraw people. In a surprise move that set the standard for years to come, the victor requested for the other governors to be appointed as his head advisors, forming a council around which all could put forth their opinions and have their voice heard, with the Chancellor ultimately having the final say. Though not yet in name, most believe this to be the moment the Hegemony was born.