Creature:Qurilian

"Kirraksil kerzak Aura kierken! (May The Aura carry you!)"

- Kaxirr

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 has a wide variety of cultures during it's prehistory.

Modern History
Modern Celophicix history begins with 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 remaining 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 ankles for use as a display, and a pronounced 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).

Database
A .pdf document containing all of the current information on the Celophicix can be found here: The Celophicix Database (1).pdf