Creature:Xilic

"We wish to learn...and protect."

- Xilic Scientist

The Xilics are a race of highly-advanced cricket-like insects from the planet Xiliaan.

Prehistory
The first modern Xilic colonies first appeared around 5 1/2 billion years ago on the galactic timeline. These primitive colonies lived in the shrublands of Xiliaan, residing in large above-ground hives and underground burrows. The prehistoric Xilics usually spent their day foraging, making improvements to the hive, and building tools. Despite being called primitive, the early Xilics were no savages. The Xilics produced advanced tools, buildings, and methods in order to farm, hunt, and wage war. Even without electronics, Xilics constructed engines and even analog computers for calculating harvest time using metals and natural plastics. Technology continued to improve over countless generations, with the advent of the first electronic computers marking the beginning of the modern age.

Modern History
With the invention of electronic computing devices, the technological state of the Xilics rose dramatically. Advances in fusion technology gave the newly-constructed spacecraft and machines a efficient and stable source of power. While most colonies researched new technologies independently from each other, there were still disputes over the distribution and legality of certain machines. What followed these debates were the "Tech Wars" over who should have ultimate control over powerful devices. The Tech Wars came to a close when is was decreed by the Planetary Council that technology was to be regulated by the colonies who produced it. With the disputes over, the peace settled over Xiliaan once again, and research continued for the improvement of the Xilic race.

External
The most distinguishing figure of a Xilic's body is it's hard chitin exoskeleton. This exoskeleton is very solid, and is capable of resisting most bladed weapons and can even deflect low-power blasterfire. The exoskeleton is a deep black color, and has a glossy look to it. Xilics also have four compound eyes, giving them very motion-sensitive vision, and also excellent low-light vision. The Xilics also have six shelled legs, with the back two legs being very powerful. This allows them to jump fair distances and hop for short distances. As is common with hexopods, most of the Xilic's vital organs are located in the abdomen, which is shielded by the head and thorax. Despite having wings, male Xilics are unable to fly and instead use their wings to chirp, usually as a mating call or for short-range communication. Xilic antennae are very sensitive to touch, and can cause a feeling of surprise or pain when grabbed.

Internal
The viscera of a Xilic is similar to most hexopods, with most vital organs located in the abdomen and tracheal system for respiration. The tracheal system allow them to breath with their head covered or submerged in water. Xilics have three stomachs and a large, narrow heart located at the top of their abdomen. Their nerve cord runs down the underside of the body, and is often regarded as a weak point if the exoskeleton is penetrated. Females generally lay clusters of eggs that hatch into nymphs before molting into adults. The average Xilic molts 8 - 9 times in their life.

Adaptations
Along with a durable exoskeleton, natural night-vision and powerful legs, Xilics are capable of thermoregulation. This allows them to control their own body temperature via psychological or behavioral means, and allows them to operate normally in chilly or hot environments. Xilics are also capable of sensing pheromones, allowing them to detect pheromone-producing organisms over a far distance.

Behavior
A large portion of Xilic culture revolves around scientific research. Head scientists are often regarded as social leaders, and political candidates are more favored if they are well-versed in scientific terms. Xilics are respectful of friends and colleges, and normally enjoy spending time with friends and coworkers. Xilic scientists are generally eager to gain and spread knowledge when given the opportunity, making Xilics avid travelers. The Xilics are divided by self-sufficient insectoid colonies, each with their own government and military force. Trade between the colonies is common, usually to exchange the latest technology and other goods such as food and supplies. The government of each colony varies, but there is a Planetary Council that meets annually to discuss important events and make planetary political decisions. If planetary cooperation is required, such as facing an invasion or during a pandemic, the colonies can function as a single nation until the threat passes. Despite being respectful, Xilics are usually distrusting of strangers due to the frequent pirate attacks as is common within the sector. Their mild xenophobia may cause initial contact to be threatening, and often results in the taking back of offers of interplanetary trade.

Technology
Technology-wise, the Xilics are a very highly-advanced species, with advancements specializing in chemistry, fusion power, physics, and bio-engineering. Most Xilic devices are powered by batteries or miniature fusion reactors, allowing a large amount of power from a small device. Their knowledge in genetic engineering is prevalent through the use of living organisms as military vehicles, but genetic modification of Xilics is banned under intercolonial law. The Xilics have also mastered the use of faster-than-light travel, allowing them to cross an entire galaxy in minutes, and travelling between galaxies in a matter of weeks. Their knowledge in chemistry allows them to manipulate chemicals almost at will, allowing the creation of strong alloys and nutrient-rich blood substitutes for use in medical treatment and bio-engineering. Xilics are also skilled doctors, a beneficial side-effect of their extensive knowledge of biology and chemistry which allows them to preform complex surgical procedures, install replacement limbs, and save the lives of those thought to die of serious conditions.

Clothing
The most common everyday types of clothing in Xilic society is Rerin (A type of cape) and a variety of hats. Other garments include ponchos, carrying bags, and coats for cold weather. Functional types of clothing include diving suits, spacesuits and military gear such as communication devices and armor. A unique type of device is a Lift-pack, which is a pair of robotic arms synced to the Xilic's movement, allowing for the handling of hazardous materials or heavy loads.

Military
Although each Xilic colony has it's own military, certain aspects of the forces are the same. Instead of using vehicles, the Xilic militaries utilize "Synths", genetically-engineered organisms fitted with mechanical parts and weapons in order to fulfill certian roles. These "Synths" have their actions dictated by computers containing combat training and instructions on how to use the weapons they carry. Xilian spacecraft are usually fast and agile, but lack heavy armour in order to make room for large engines and weapons. Actual trained Xilic soldiers preform specific tasks; combat engineers for logistical tasks, sharpshooters for important targets, and infantry for supporting the larger synths. For larger jobs, the Xilics are prepared to utilize nuclear and even anti-matter explosive devices to repel enemy fleets and armies.

| Xilic Military March

Synth Database

Xilic Assault Unit=
 * Producer: Xiliaan Biolabs Inc.
 * Role: Frontline Infantry
 * Size: Large

The Assault Units are the core of the Xilic land forces, and are usually found at the head of the advance. Outfitted with heavy armour along with it's iridium-rich exoskeleton, it can survive a great deal of punishment, whether it be gunfire, missiles, or blasterfire. It's offensive armament includes a pair of plasma-guns mounted on it's scorpion-like tail, a pair of organic buzzsaw for slicing through infantry formations, and an anti-personnel rocket launcher on it's back.

Xilic Air Support Unit=
 * Producer: Rirxen Organic Systems
 * Role: Aerial Support
 * Size: Medium

The Xilic Air Support Unit is the primary unit of the air forces of the Xilic militaries. Outfitted with homing missiles and jet-assisted flight units, along with it's two pairs of wings and sharp eyesight, the Air Support unit is one of the deadliest Synths in the Xilian arsenal. Designed to provide close-support from the sky, the Unit is agile in flight, and can dodge heat-seeking missiles with a bit of luck.

Xilic Artillery Unit=
 * Producer: Xiliaan Biolabs Inc.
 * Role: Long-range Artillery Support
 * Size: Medium

The Xilic Artillery Unit is the main unit for providing long-range artillery support for Xilic ground units. With a dual-barrel, rapid-fire artillery gun, the unit is capable of lobbing energy-wrapped shells into the air, and then dwn onto the target. The unit is equipped with strong, muscular legs that allow it to both balance the weapon and absorb the recoil of it's cannon.