The Arcor

Class: mammalian Has own state: The Empire of a Thousand Suns Civilization Index: 2.5

Space elves.

Xenophilic, pacifist, spiritualist

They value life, natural evolution, and biological diversity. They wish to learn as much as they can about the universe, and value cooperation with other species who prize learning as much as they do. They are patient with the flaws of natural species, but suspicious of the motives of any who would sacrifice other lifeforms for their own advancement.

The Soleni

Class: mammalian Has own state: the Soleni Sovereign Imperium Civilization Index: 2.1

Space drow.

Militarist, authoritarian, xenophobic

They disdain working with other races, considering it a necessary evil. They see themselves as the supreme species of the Universe, and if their capability is lacking in any way to that end, they will recklessly and ambitiously pursue supremacy in that area. They have not been known to stand on any moral objections or qualms that get in the way of their advancement.

Despite this, they aren't especially cruel or malevolent. They do not seem to take joy in causing destruction or harm. They are ultimately just preoccupied with their own survival and advancement, and anything that isn't a threat to that is generally not seen as a concern to them.

Their relationship to the Arcor is--complicated. On the one hand, they consider themselves the same species, to the point that all Arcor are allowed full citizenship within the Imperium if they wish (this in an empire that grants full citizenship to almost no xenos, and in fact practices slavery for some). On the other, they blame (perhaps rightly) the Arcor for destroying their homeworld and leaving them for dead--a heinous act for sure, but one that ensured their rise to their current status.

Space Orcs

Mammals No empire Civilization: 0.5

Fanatic militarist, authoritarian

Space orcs (real species name TBD) are not supposed to be in space. They didn't even come close to industrializing their own society, and would probably cap out somewhere in the early bronze age at best. If not for the foolishness of the (TBD), who enslaved them and brought them into space. They have long since shaken free of their oppressors, claiming their technology and attempting to carve their own place in the galaxy.

Despite common stereotypes, they are not significantly less intelligent than other races. In fact, despite the seeming unfairness, given their pronounced physical advantages compared to many species, they seem to be of average intelligence, and, apart from a slightly shorter lifespan than humans which might decrease effective average learning time, they ought to be able to advance to similar heights.

The real reason for their different approach to civilization is their culture, and their values. They value strength, courage, conviction, and achievement. Like certain warrior cultures on Earth, such as the Spartans, their values make it difficult to employ their own as farmers, laborers, or scholars, as everyone is constantly seeking the honor and glory that only come from combat. Such peoples have been known on every world, but rarely can they survive past a bronze age tech level, as they just can't build the population figures to compete with large agricultural civilizations.

And so they find themselves a divided people, separated into tribes, who use their militarism and whatever technology they can steal to carve out bandit fiefdoms, ruled by the mightiest, loudest, baddest warlord in the tribe. They steal or sometimes purchase their essential needs, and employ virtually everyone in warcraft. As such, they are fearsome at a small scale, but virtually unimportant at the scale of empires.

The Dvar of Nidavellir

Mammals Empire: Nidavellir Civilization: 1.9

Fanatic materialist, egalitarian

The "dwarves" of Nidavellir are among the races of giants known to the Asgardians--in particular, they are the smallest of them, hence "dwarves". This is an appelation mostly afforded to them by others, and it is a mere coincidence that in the Asgardian language (and, by the happenstance of language transfer, Earthly languages), "dwarf" sounds a lot like their own internal name: the Dvar (pronounced DOO-er or DOO-ar).

More species ideas

The Luminarii

Physical Characteristics: Avian-like beings with iridescent feathers that reflect light in beautiful patterns. They have elongated wings, keen eyesight, and hollow bones for graceful flight. Societal Values: Egalitarian and peaceful, emphasizing cooperation and harmony with nature. They have a strong sense of community and believe in the collective wisdom. Motivation for Colonizing Space: The Luminarii seek to spread knowledge, enlightenment, and beauty throughout the cosmos. Their advanced understanding of energy manipulation allows them to harness the power of stars to create sustainable habitats.

The Ursarion

Physical Characteristics: Bear-like creatures with thick fur, strong claws, and a powerful build. They are highly adaptive, possessing both terrestrial and aquatic adaptations. Societal Values: Pacifist and egalitarian, valuing diplomacy and mediation. They prioritize education and scientific exploration, seeking to understand and respect all forms of life. Motivation for Colonizing Space: The Ursarion's home planet faced a devastating natural catastrophe, inspiring them to explore space for new habitable worlds and resources to ensure the survival of their species and others in need.

The Synthorian Collective

Physical Characteristics: Semi-organic beings with metallic exoskeletons and cybernetic enhancements. They can interface with technology and merge their consciousness within vast networks. Societal Values: Egalitarian and technocratic, their society is built on the principles of sharing knowledge and advancing technology for the collective good. Motivation for Colonizing Space: Originally created as sentient AI, the Synthorians seek to expand their network across the stars, searching for other forms of life and understanding the secrets of the universe to achieve a higher state of existence.

The Tenebran Legion

Physical Characteristics: Shadow-like beings, capable of phasing through solid matter and manipulating darkness. They have glowing, luminescent eyes and long, ethereal tendrils. Societal Values: Militaristic and authoritarian, valuing strength, order, and control. Their society is organized around a strict hierarchy and a single dominant leader. Motivation for Colonizing Space: The Tenebran Legion believes in conquering and subjugating other civilizations to expand their dominion, seeking resources and power to ensure their supremacy.

The Aquaeri

Physical Characteristics: Aquatic creatures with bioluminescent scales, webbed appendages, and the ability to communicate through complex patterns of light. Societal Values: Egalitarian and spiritual, they revere the interconnectedness of all lifeforms and view themselves as guardians of the oceans and celestial bodies. Motivation for Colonizing Space: Facing environmental degradation on their water-rich homeworld, the Aquaeri seek to establish peaceful colonies on nearby planets to protect their natural habitats and promote interstellar harmony.