Ceti (Seh-Tee)

Ceti share the common humanoid body plan, though they are far more lithe and slender than the standard Terran.

Ceti reproduction is rather unique among sentient species due to their plant origin. The act of fertilization is still reminiscent of other species but the method of gestation is unique. The Ceti female will encase the fertilized ovum in a fleshy container similar to a fruit internally for approximately 2 standard months before "laying" the structure and burying it in nutrient rich soil. A small leafy stalk will then protrude out of the soil as function as an umbilical cord for the infant, converting sunlight into energy. After approximately two years of this the baby will dig itself free of the soil and begin life at a stage similar to a Terran toddler, though it will still need to feed on it's mother's sap (generated and stored in her breasts) for another 2 standard months in order to kickstart it's immune and digestive systems.

Though they are highly dependent on water, the Ceti homeworld is particularly arid and has a higher average temperature than Terran standard, sitting at about 28°C.

Contrary to popular belief Ceti do in fact need to eat though this process is supplemented by the natural photosynthesis that Ceti have. Their natural diet consists almost entirely of meat and various nuts. Water is the only source of hydration that a Ceti can consume though various nutrient packets can be added for variety. Ceti are also capable of photosynthesis that can sustain them for limited period of time without access to food.

Ceti are known for their extreme patience and calm demeanour, likely stemming from their origin as a plantoid species. This mindset carries over to their military doctrine, with long set-up ambushes and battles of attrition being commonplace.

Ceti have a strong sense of community and social responsibility. While each is a separate individual, their culture emphasizes the suppression of individual ego for the sake of the collective good. Social caste is determined by the role in society that the individual Ceti chooses. The priest caste maintains a solid grip on the upper echelons of power.

Ceti have large, wide set eyes that vary in colour from dark red, to indigo, to black. Their eyes have a near-invisible pupil that makes their eyes appear a solid colour.

Ceti have comparable intelligence to standard Terran baselines.

Ceti are capable of seeing deeper into the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums than Terrans, but are completely lacking the ability to see in the dark, having no rod receptors in their eyes. Their sense of smell is muted as well as their sense of taste. Their sense of touch however is particularly sensitive, being fine tuned enough to facilitate rudimentary movement in the dark and sense barometric changes in the atmosphere around themselves.

Ceti seem to place little stock in traditional gender roles. Male and female Ceti can serve any role in society in equal measure and few social stereotypes exist around any gender's capacity for service in any career.

The Ceti are registered a a TL5 species, particularly because of their sophisticated A.I. capabilities. They are also noted for their penchance for direct energy weapons and mag-rail weapons over traditional pro

The primary language of the Ceti is Taova, though Ceti with extensive exposure to humans will likely learn conversational Basic to facilitate communication.

The Ceti are relatively new to the galactic stage, having emerged as a spacefaring civilization late during the Age of Strife.

The Ceti generally have positive relations with other sentient species.