Acorosiel and the Acorosielians

Acorosiel:

The planet's moon

CULTURE

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Acorosielians typically stand over six feet tall, have two long, proportionately thick fingers and an opposable thumb on each hand, each tipped with talons, and a set of mandibles around their mouths. The most distinguishing feature of Acorosielians is their metallic carapace, which contains trace amounts of thulium. The Acorosielians evolved this trait as a defense against the greater levels of solar radiation that penetrate their homeworld's weak magnetic field.

Acorosielians features are avian, making them resemble humanoid birds or raptors, however unlike most Earth avian creatures, Acorosielians are viviparous and give birth to live young. Acorosielians are also recognisable by their voices, which have a distinctive flanging effect. Males and females do not differ greatly in physical appearance, but female Acorosielians lack the crest of horns found in the males of the race. The lifespan of a Acorosielians is comparable to that of a human.

Acorosielians exhibit the characteristics of predators rather than those of prey species. Their forward-facing alert eyes give the impression that they possess outstanding eyesight and their teeth and jaws mimic the structures possessed by apex predators such as crocodiles or ancient, carnivorous dinosaurs. Needless to say, their talons on both their feet and hands seem capable of ripping flesh. As such, their diet is primarily meat-based. Their slender bodies also seem to suggest that they are also capable of moving at high speeds.

The Acorosielians homeworld, Acorosiel, has a metal-poor core, generating a weak magnetic field and allowing more solar radiation into the atmosphere. To deal with this, most forms of life on Palaven evolved some form of metallic "exoskeleton" to protect themselves. Their reflective plate-like skin makes Acorosielians less susceptible to long-term, low-level radiation exposure, but they do not possess any sort of "natural armor". An Acorosielians' thick skin does not stop projectiles and directed energy bolts. Acorosielian blood has a dark blue coloration.