Vratix

Vratix
Homeworld	Thyferra
Language	Vratix language [1]
Average Height	1.5 to 2 meters [1]
Skin color	Greenish-gray [1]
Hair color	None [1]
Distinctions	Two pairs of arms, insectoid [1]
Known Members	List of known Vratix

Overview

This alien race, native to the planet Thyferra, perfected the creation of bacta by combining alazhi and kavam. They vastly outnumber the human natives of the planet, but are considered inferior to their corporate counterparts.

Biology and appearance

The Vratix are humanoid insects. They have large, compound eyes, a stalk-like neck, and three pairs of limbs sprouting from a cylindrical thorax and abdomen. The upper set of limbs acts as triple-jointed arms, while the lower two serve as legs. The last set of limbs is well-muscled, and is used in jumping. Most Vratix are grey in colour, with the shades darkening with age.

Small thin hairs cover their bodies and changed color to express emotion. Vratix excrete denin, a chemical that alters the color of their skin to reflect their mood, and is connected to their speech patterns of clicks also known as Vratix. Despite this, they can communicate with other beings via Basic when regarding trade. They are also slightly telepathic, capable of sending thoughts with other Vratix that they related to. [1]

Society and culture

They have a basic form of hive mentality, but are able to function as individuals. They believe that sight and sound are not permanent things, and prefer to touch another being in order to recognize their presence. The Vratix on Thyferra govern themselves through the Ashern Circle. However, the strong pro-human sentiments found in the Zaltin and Xucphra factions have labelled the Ashern as terrorists. Although the Ashern are widely considered responsible for the contamination of certain lots of bacta, this may only be a ruse to cover up an internal struggle.

Vratix was also the name given to the native language of the Vratix. It consisted of a series of clicks and high-pitched sounds, which were augmented by changes in skin colour. Because of this combination, no written form of the Vratix language was created, and non-Vratix could only learn to understand - but not speak - the language.

Vratix are a logical and straightforward species that had trouble grasping abstract concepts like art and music. However, they can solve a complex problem by examining every detail and angle. Culture was centered around the hive mentality. They generally refer to themselves as the plural we rather than I, and usually under their hive name. It should also be noted that the Vratix are generally a sociable species; they prefer all information to be delivered personally. They tend to greet other beings by touching the other being's face, shoulders and/or arms. This potentially awkward custom originates from the Vratix belief that touch is the most reliable sense, and that the eyes and ears can be fooled much more easily than the sense of touch. [1]

The Vratix also keep Knytix, a smaller insectoid species, as pets and for the creation of dwellings (their saliva is used to make a mud-like paste that is then dried to make bricks). The Vratix also eat the Knytix on certain occasions, when the owner of the Knytix offers his pet to another Vratix as a sign of high respect. [1]

History

Vratix used bacta for thousands of years, and were not hesitant to share their secret with the galaxy at large. During the Galactic Republic a thriving business evolved around the sale and distribution of bacta. They tolerated the relationship with the off-worlders who wished to exploit bacta, and preferred to work the kavam fields from their villages. [1]

Notable Hives

Hive Squeegor

References

[1] - Vratix on Wookieepedia