Creature:Qurilian

"Kirraksil kerzak Aura kierken shakul kierzine... (May The Aura carry you and your family...)"

The Celophicix are a race of medium-sized flying reptiles native to the planet Qurellia.

Prehistory
The Celophicix species has inhabited Qurellia for several billion years, but recorded history is dated to around 400,000 BU (Before Unification). For thousands of years afterwards, Celophicix civilizations rose and fell through conquest, religion, and resources. Exact dates are unknown, since most archaeological sites were destroyed in the Qurellian Civil War, but it is known that Qurellia had a wide variety of cultures during it's prehistory.

Modern History
Modern Celophicix history begins with the settlement of what is now known as Celophicix Nexus. The Nexus, now the center for Celophicix culture and capitol of Qurellia, was the center-stage for "The Unification", a political agreement that ended the Qurellian Civil War, and united the Celophicix nations under one empire. The Unification also became a point in history, and caused dates to refer to it in history (Before Unification and After Unification). The Qurellian Civil War was not a true war, but was a period of history polluted by wars and conquest. These conflicts were mostly over the same two things; religion and land. The war was ended when the two most powerful nations on Qurellia remained, the Kelir Nation and the Auerkil Empire. Fearing another devastating war, the two nations united as one in order to preserve Celophicix culture. This day became known as The Unification, and was coincidentally shared by the launching of the first Qurellian spacecraft, leading a united Celophicix race into the Galaxy...

Biology
The Celophicix share many features of other large reptiles including scaly skin, claws, and a tail. The Celophicix are capable of using their wings for flight, or in water for swimming. Celophicix scales are colored to blend in with lush, muddy lake-sides, and are resistant against sharp objects, like blades. Other aquatic adaptations include a large lung capacity and a powerful tail ending in fins for control in flight. Unlike most reptiles, Celophicix have a bradymetabolism, which means that they are able to control their metabolism in order to produce or conserve more energy. While there is usually little sexual dimorphism within the species, male Celophicix generally have brightly-colored scales on their forearms and lower legs for use as a display (the exact color and shade of the scales is unique to the individual's family), and a cranial crest. One interesting note is that Celophicix are able to see into the ultraviolet spectrum, which is why much of their architecture includes cool colors, as they are much more radiant to a Celophicix.

Abilities
The Celophicix are capable of flight over short distances unaided, and are powerful swimmers, thanks to their semi-aquatic anatomy. Their bradymetabolism allows them to either lower their metabolism for when food is scarce, or raise it for when extra energy is needed. While not being large, Celophicix have strong leg and back muscles, which allow them not only to fly, but to handle rough landings and jump rather high.

Behavior
The Celophicix species is known for being a very social one. Celophicix value friends and family, which makes them very willing to aid an ally in need. While religious, the Celophicix are outgoing and generally prefer to avoid war via money or negotiations. Even though the Celophicix are cooperative, they can be stubborn to accept new relations if forced into a relationship with another individual or empire. The Celophicix, while not violent, will not hesitate to defend their territory or allies, and have been known to put up fierce resistance when defending (As demonstrated by the Qurellian Civil War).

Religion
The Celophicix believe in a polytheistic religion, with five distinct gods. Their creation story begins with the creation of the Universe by most powerful god Kilersh. He created the Universe as a place for the other four gods; Ates, Kejet, Celxis, and Eres to live. However, the four gods began to fight over who had the ultimate power, and chaos soon fell. Kilersh was troubled by the conflict, and invited the four other gods into the center of the Universe to live with him. As the four gods traveled to the center, they created the planets, stars, comets, and other celestial objects. As they moved, they left behind The Aura. The Aura is believed to be the "essence" that is found among the gods, which allows them to live forever. It is said to have the ability to cure disease, lift spirits, and even create new life. Certain places on Qurellia are said to be filled with The Aura, such as temples, natural forests, and high mountains (due to their proximity to space).

Quotes
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Database
The PDF file containing all known information on the Celophicix species is recorded here: