From the edges of Known Space, the Jau emerged as a dominant force in their region. Expansionist in nature, their imperialism spread across the nearby systems; more and more slave races were seen falling to their might. When their world could no longer support their numbers, they ventured even further outworld, supplanting planetary leaders and turning worlds into new Jau breeding centers. Standing at nearly two meters tall, even the weakest Jau is a sight to behold. Muscled and powerful, their bodies are covered in scales revealing their reptilian nature. Additionally, the Jau have no external reproductive organs, making their gender difficult to determine. Their eyesight and olfactory senses surpass those of human norms. Their hearing is comparable to that of a human. As a species, the Jau are intelligent and quick to pick up new skills. Education, even amongst the lowest classes, appears to be a priority in their culture. While strength is a sure sign of power, the strongest of the Jau rely more on intelligence and wits than their physical prowess. The Jau rely on technology for much of their day-to-day living, and possess some of the most advanced war technology. Their weapons are projectile based, firing a series of incapacitating darts or a far more deadly alternative. Additionally, all carry a heavy bladed weapon for close-combat fighting. Although not a primary part of their arsenal, traditional blaster-type weapons are also wielded. For their defense, their scaly hide provides adequate protection. In addition, severe thermo-electrical storms on their homeworld forced an evolutionary trait that left the Jau with a natural defense against the planet's storms. As a byproduct of this, when they began their conquests against other galactic civilizations, they found themselves nearly immune to the energy weapons commonly used by their foes. These natural defenses make them a very dangerous foe that many planetary systems have found unstoppable. Amongst the Jau, cranial ridges and crests are a sign of status and rank. Those of lowest status must daily groom to keep themselves from appearing to rise above their station. Many Jau who had allowed a crest or frill to grow beyond their level of status have been brought down by peers. There are three basic classifications of personnel amongst the forces of the Jau. First and foremost are their Spies. These are beings native to the galaxy who have given their loyalty over to the enemy. Generally, those who fall into this category are unpleasant people who have no qualms about selling out their own people for the gains they will receive. Not all rewards are the same, but money and power remain at the top of the list for those so corrupted. Most of the Spies are aware of who they serve, and the purposes for which they conduct their nefarious deeds, unaware of the repercussions their actions will bring. The second grouping of enemy forces are the middle ranked leaders. These beings are from the enemy's home galaxy, and command the martial forces, though not all will be military leaders. As with all of the enemy's forces, they have been bioengineered to be most effective at what they do. The third grouping are collectively known as The Spawn. They are bioengineered killing machines who have but one purpose in their often-short lives: to kill. Standing at two meters tall, these creatures are difficult to kill as they possess redundant organs and, along with immunity to energy weapon fire, are formidable warriors. Included in the hierarchy are also breeding females. Their purpose is to provide an endless supply of Jau warriors. The females are artificially impregnated from a stock of gametes fertilized with genetically engineered spermatozoa. The embryo is allowed to gestate for a month before being transplated to an artificial gestation chamber, where they will develop to maturity using a special accelerated growth process. Once no longer bearing a fertilized embryo, the breeding females are immediately implanted with another in a continual cycle that lasts their entire child-bearing days. This ensures there is never a shortage of Jau. Then, there are the Jau’s slaves. They consist of those races conquered and enthralled by the Jau, and put to work in their many mining facilities. Among them are the Chev, a race of beings from the planet Vinsoth that were subjugated by the Chev and proved to be the ultimate slave. The Jau were eager to capitalize on this, and upon conquering the Chev, used this planet of thralls to work their mines and perform their every bidding with complete, unwavering loyalty. Many other planets have been enslaved by the Jau, but the Chev, by far, are the most adept. Personality The common soldiers of the Jau put duty before all things. They are not independent thinkers and will carry out their orders regardless of the consequences. If a situation arises in which their duty is in question or the mission objective has changed, they refer to their unit leader. The Jau have been given extensive education in the languages of the Republic and outer rim, and speak unaccented Basic without flaw. The Jau soldiers are not unintelligent or simple, they are incredibly devoted to their cause. As such, no amount of diplomacy, bribery, or fast talking will sway a Jau from his mission. Independence of thought increases the higher a Jau is in the ranks. Unit leaders and division leaders enjoy more free will in their decisions. That aside, however, they will not sacrifice a mission for personal gain. Money and power that derives from actions outside of the Jau hold no meaning for them, and they do not seek it. Gaining the ire of a higher ranked Jau is considerably worse than that of a common soldier since the officer can use his imagination in how to dispose of those who oppose him. To the Jau, their mission is all. Duty before self. Death to those who oppose. Any character who comes into conflict with the Jau will end up being jailed or killed. They are merciless and unforgiving. They are not sympathetic to the Tae'Karadan plight, and only care for carrying out their orders. All prisoners who are not killed will be shipped to the operation in the desert where the prisoner will be set to work in the mines, or some other slave-like, menial task. Rank System
Sa'Taka - military rank, highest attainable rank Those holding each position on Tae’Karada are as follows: Sa'Taka Gal'traq - Supreme Commander Jau Spaceships 
The Jau starfighter is a fast, maneuverable craft with a design emphasis made in quick insertion and superior firepower. With powerful sublight engines, the fighters are able to maneuver swiftly through real space. Having no hyperdrive, the ships require a larger carrier or hyperdrive ring in order to traverse through hyperspace. The design has an organic feel, yet is only manufactured to appear so. Covered with a pattern of scales that resemble the Jau themselves, the craft have a dangerous, predatory look. While the fighters lack shields, they make up for it with a pair of quad-linked laser cannons that rival many capital ships in energy output. Each fighter also carries a small magazine of high yield fragmentation missiles designed to perforate starship hulls. While their starfighters lack in defensive capabilities, the Jau have long sought a means to protect their ships as they themselves are protected from energy weapons. Recent rumour indicates that they may have discovered a means to at least partially render their starfighters immune to energy weapons fire. |