Races

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Saiyans
Throughout the universe, Saiyans are renowned for not only their almost primal brutality, but also their efficiency as warriors. Their home planet of Vegeta-sei is nothing if not a testament to this: a government ruled by only the strongest, villages and cities torn apart from ages of civil warfare, an economy whose almost sole purpose is the funding of military research and martial training. These universal preconceptions stem from the natural strength and innate cunning (when it comes to inflicting pain upon others) and a very conceited nature. The saiyans, in general, hold themselves in high regard and are quick to recognize their own strong points. If one has not met a saiyan to witness this themselves, they need little more than a brief exchange to discover it.

Physically, Saiyans are very similar to Humans; their outward appearance is almost identical save for a monkey-like tail Saiya-jin possess. This tail, under the influence of a full moon, serves to transform a Saiyan into a giant ape, capable of utilizing even its breath as a destructive weapon. There are several other traits that seperate saiyans from humans. One of the most notable is a saiyans physical fitness. On average, saiyans need to do little to keep their body in peak shape, a testament to their natural urge to fight. This effortless conditioning, however, seems to come at the cost of an almost monstrous appetite. A single Saiyan can eat, easily, an amount of food equal to five humans. Another, more perculiar, feature of the saiyan race is their hair. A pure-blooded saiyan possess not only black hair, but bears the same hair-style from birth; additionally, their hair never grows, except to keep its style in proportion to their body -- a full grown saiyan will never need a hair-cut.

As children, saiyans are taught to train themselves to be the most powerful fighter they can be. This training further influences the rest of their lives. Training, perfecting techniques, studying enemies, and practicing their own personal abilities consumes most of the life of a saiya-jin from childhood onward. Free time is used to perfect that kamehameha wave, or scout out an enemy stronghold. From this, the saiyan government gains some of the, pound-for-pound, strongest soldiers in the universe as well as some of the most loyal. Saiyans typically do one of three things once they have come of age: join up with the Vegeta military, fight to overthrown the Vegeta monarchy, or sell themselves out as mercenaries. A saiyan that specilizes in anything other than warfare is a rare sight indeed. It should be noted that, no matter which path a saiyans take, they fiercly devote themselves to it. Whether by nature or nurture, a steadfast determination is commmon amongst saiya-jin.

As has been stated, Saiyans are fighters supreme, and, even without the proper training, a saiyan can feel their warrior nature coursing through their blood. Brute strength and an overwhelming offensive is the most common trait of a saiyan warrior. They bear down upon their opponent with a dizzy display of physical prowess. While this method is very effective against young, more easily intimidated opponents, to a seasoned veteran, it is far from perfect. This focus of physical strength often leaves both the mind and the 'soul' (for lack of a better word) unsteeled against the various forms of attack an opponent can take. Further more, most saiyan soldiers lack a developed understanding of how to weave their energy into devastating attacks. A simple energy wave is generally enough for them; and, though it seems rather simple, this simplicity has been refined to an art by the saiyan warsmiths.

Among the saiyans most powerful fighting abilities is, without a doubt, their natural ability to transform into beasts of terrifying power. Though the mighty Oosaru transformation can easily overwhelm opponents -- especially when a saiya-jin has learned to control this animalistic transformation -- it pales in comparison to the sheer might of a Super Saiyan. Within the blood of a saiyan flows the power to tap into an inner rage, an inner source of immense strength. These transformations often require some kind of intense trigger from an external source: witnessing the death of a loved one, feeling the fear of an imminent death or, in rarer cases, a pure hatred towards oneself. Those these are common cases, any number of things could set a saiyan flying into this powerful form. Once they have transformed, or even ascended beyond a Super Saiyan, a saiyan's hair turns golden and gains a sort of 'spikey' appearance, additionally their eyes gain a green-hued glow. Because this transformation is trigger by extreme emotional duress, it often throws a saiya-jin into a berserker rage. Some say that this is merely a Saiyan's true nature being brought to bear.

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Namekians

Almost entirely living on their secluded planet Namek, this race is known to be a peaceful agriculturist society. In constant orbit of two suns, the Namekians spend most of their time planting and tending to the many crops that are scattered over the planet?s surface. Many years ago, planet Namek was attacked by a vicious weather storm, which destroyed most of the beautiful vegetation and animals that dwelled there. This constant expansion of their crops is an attempt many years in the making to restore the flora and fauna to its original state. They have no need to eat the fruits of their labour, however. Namekians need only water to sustain themselves; they do not eat.

Apart from their constant farming duties, the Nameks live in peace, preferring not to travel from their home world. Not many people know of their location, as it is in a distant sector of the north galaxy, and that?s the way they like it. Having only one spaceport on the entire planet, the Nameks obviously show to the universe that they prefer an introverted society, exclusive of the universe and its problems. They are also deeply spiritual, spending most of their leisure time meditating and communing with the spirits.

The government on the planet is weak and informally bound to the eyes of a foreigner, but it is in fact built upon a deep trust and respect for harmony amongst themselves. It is run centrally by one insightful Namek, who is given the title of Guru. He is considered the wisest and fairest of the entire race. He is the one who upholds the law and provides advise and direction to those who seek his amazing knowledge. Protected by two very competent bodyguards, he watches over the villages of Namek-sei, which in themselves have a Guru-appointed Elder. The Elders are the caretakers of the village and act as Guru?s representative. Any problems that cannot be resolved by the village Elder is taken to Guru, who gives the ultimate decision.

Namekians are not hard to distinguish from most races. Their skin is shaded an emerald green, perhaps a correlation to their farming lifestyles. On specific places of their bodies, most notably on their arms, are different coloured ovals of skin. These can range in colour from pink to beige and anything in between. Despite always being bald, they have two limp antennae protruding from their skull. Perhaps being the most unusual aspect of their race, the inhabitants of Namek are always male. They reproduce by, in essence, cloning themselves within an egg and spitting it out.

Due to their powerful bond to nature and consideration of others, some Nameks have the remarkable technique of healing others by a simple concentration of their energy. The healing process takes anywhere between thirty seconds and five minutes, depending on the severity of the injury. It has been said that a person near death can be revived by this potent donation of health.

In general, Namekians are not born fighters. Due to their upbringing and their usually low power levels, they do not excel at combat, and nor do they wish to. Despite this, there are a handful of the green skins that are indeed born strong, with a calling to protect the tranquil lifestyle of their kin. Their unique natural abilities give them an excellent advantage in battle over many races, and unless their opponent outclasses them in every aspect, a trained Namekian can utilise these race specific talents to outsmart, or at least escape, a foe.
The aforementioned techniques are inherent in every Namek; while some are instinctual, others need to be coaxed into the conscious mind. Every Namekian has superb hearing, infinitely more attuned than almost any race. Some reports detail that Nameks can hear a conversation on the opposite side of the planet they are on.

Although useful, extra sensitive hearing is rarely a deciding factor of a battle. There are several impressive physiological attributes of the Namekians that can sway the direction of a fight, however. Through intense meditation, a Namek can learn to stretch their limbs as far as their line of sight reaches. This has a plentiful amount of uses, but perhaps their biggest saving grace is their amazing regenerative capabilities. As long as their head is intact and undamaged, a Namek can regrow any part of their body that has been removed or lost. It takes a great deal of energy, and depending on the expertise of the Namekian using it, can consume a large quantity of time. Such cellular recomposition cannot be used to cover holes blown through them or heal broken bones; although, a broken arm can be detached and a new arm can be regrown.

In rarer cases, Nameks have been known to utilise their limb stretching capabilities to completely enlarge their bodies, growing some fifty feet in size. Once grown, the Namek?s power is increased, and his hearing is bolstered even more than normal. This state provides great strength and an intimidating sight, but speed is sacrificed for such a power.

For those few Nameks who seek the true lifestyle of a warrior, there are even greater powers available. Through intense training, meditation and clarification of the mind, a Namek can ascend to the sparsely possessed form of a Super Namek. Many who have tangled with the enlightened green skin have not lived to tell about it. Some declare that the Super Namek is the unlocked strength that dwells within every Namek, while others believe only specific members of their race could ever hope to attain it. In any case, Super Nameks can hold their own in any fight, and should not be taken lightly. Some near incomprehensible texts detail a power greater than a Super Namek, but many disregard it as impossibility. There are those who know the existence of the Ultra Namek, and perhaps one day, they will bear witness to an even higher plateau of power.

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Changelings

Across the galaxy Changelings have earned themselves a reuptation as cruel, manipulative, and all-powerful. Self-styled emporers, kings, rulers, and tyrants there are few who can compare to the innate ability Changelings have for ruling over others with an iron fist. With their natural ability to transform into powerful fighters and a villanious charisma passed down through the generations, these galaxial dominators know who to keep at their sides and where to strike next. A terrifying cunning that has taught those they come into contact to be more than a little weary of whatever it is they are plotting. This history has given Changelings a very high, hard-earned, opinion of themselves that is comparible even to that of Saiyan warriors, which is saying something.

The number one thing people notice about Changelings is probably a tie between the long, black, razor-sharp horns growing from their head or the natural white and purple hue of their armor-esque body. Often times, a changeling is only recognized becuase they want to be recognized, since each of their transformed states brings about a drastically different build to their bodies. The only consistencies between forms are horns (though they easily very in length and occasionally a form forgoes this feature) and the long, prehensile tail. These tails are both useful for balancing faster movements and striking at an opponent. Many Changelings have learned to extend their tails to catch an opponent off-guard and regenerate their tails.

Through centuries of strife and conflict, Changelings found themselves at the top of any food chains. The changeling youths, born into a considerable degree of power, were trained almost from birth about the strategies and tactics needed to keep underlings in line as well as the physical training to dish out punishment when someone fails to live up to their expectations. Luckily, their natural ability to transform gave them a head start over most others that would seek to challenge them. Even a child, once they mastered their first transformations, could easily overpower a veteran warrior with a considerable amount of ease. Their teachings though, unlike many other species, was not only physical. Mental conditioning was almost required to make cold, calculating, and often heartless decisions. Though not all changelings rule like tyrants, they all possess the capacity for it; afterall, when a crucial decision needs to be made, the good of the empire is what must come first.

Probably as a result of their early upbringing, Changelings fight with a calculating underhandedness that should never be underestimated. Though they rarely boast the raw strength of a Saiyan, or the balanced fluidity of a Namekian, Changeling's are ruthlessly cunning and generally have no qualms about using tricks to gain the upper hand. When it comes down to it, the one who lives is the winner, and losing means death; in cases like that, the ends always justify the means for Changelings. Ambushes, mind games, sneak attacks, and deception are all powerful tools to a trained warrior and Changelings weild these tools extremely efficiently. However, in the event that their opponent's mind is steeled against such trickery, these warriors boast a bevy of brutally unqiue weapons in their arsenal. Giant horns to impale an opponent, "Form 3" is what you're looking for. An unyielding mountain of muscle? Take a right at "Form 1" and stop when you get to "Form 2." And their fourth form is a lethal blend of balanced speed, striking power, and strength all rolled up into a single, sleek, stream-lined package.

Without a doubt, their ability to change shape is what sets Changelings apart from others, but that skill often overshadows several other unique attributes. One of the most useful is their ability to survive without the need for air. Whether it been floating through the far reaches of space, or diving the depths of the deepest ocean, it matters not to a changeling. This lack of limitations opens up a variety of unique options for Changelings, such as luring an opponent into a prolonged underwater struggle, or dragging someone outside the atmosphere. Their prehensile tails are also a sight to behold when used efficiently. Unlike the tails of Saiyans, these appendages are thick and powerful, possessing as much strength as any other limb. Through rigorous training, a Changeling can extend their tails in length to wrap around an opponent or strike at someone who would normally be outside their reach. If severed, Changelings have also learned to regenerate tails over long periods of time.

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Androids

It is uncertain which planet started the trend of creating androids, but Earth has certainly dominated the domain. Its machinations are seen as cold, meticulous creatures that just want to inflict pain, misery, and destruction on regular, living beings. They are revered with fear since they can keep on going after a normal body would have reached its limits.

The physique of an android can vary with which race it is modeled after, but generally the interior stays the same. Electrical components, pieces of metal, and complicated circuitry replace the circulatory and respiratory systems of most androids. Some still have some organic material in them, which generally uses the robotic components as more of a ?support,? but the main part of them is the central processing unit, commonly placed in the head, mimicking a brain. Their skin, exoskeleton, or outer layer can either be organic or synthetic, depending on the creator?s preference or materials at hand.

The stories and thoughts about androids generally leads to sympathy for them; they begin their life as cold, immaculate beings. Their creators sometimes have control over them, but if there is any hint of artificial intelligence, they will use their years of missed rebellion immediately. They are programmed to be able to go out into the world right away, with no contact or experiences with society needed. They live out their existence bringing pain to people and eventually destroying civilizations or being destroyed themselves.

From the get-go, they are ready to rumble. Built with alloys of metal that are unbelievably strong, they can endure much that is dealt to them; many punches to their core can often leave crushed bones if you are not strong enough. They are also ready for the offensive. Their metallic interior helps with attacking as well as defending, adding an extra kick to their punch, which is already infused with power that had been extracted from fierce warriors. They are also endowed with an excelled mind and multiple nifty tricks for their optics?they have the power to calculate immensely fast and judge their environment to higher precision, often giving them the intellectual edge in a battle.

Although they normally don?t have the sort of abilities to turn into a giant primate or extend their arm a couple dozen feet, they do have the valuable quirk of not becoming exhausted physically. They are still subject to emotional wear and tear if they have been suited with artificial intelligence, but they can keep fighting with their bodies until the central processing unit shuts down or is destroyed. Their second one is that of flight. They do not manipulate ki in the normal sense, which is through focusing on spiritual energy, and flight is a direct result of spiritual energy, so they have been suited with the talent to fly. They fly the same way they use ki?manipulate the energy of the world around them, akin to the way the genki dama is performed.

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Half-Saiyans

The saiyan race, despite being genetically superior to almost all races, have a unique compatibility with the far weaker creatures that dominate Earth. A surprisingly similar composition of DNA between humans and saiyans allows them to breed with an amazing result: the half-saiyans.

The half-saiyans are a composite of both species, as one may assume. The half-saiyan relates to its warrior counterpart in several ways. When born, half-saiyans have a furry brown tail, which allows them to transform into the saiyan beast Oosaru at the sight of a full moon. As full moons are far more common on Earth (once a month compared to once every near-decade on Vegeta) it is wise to remove the tails of the hybrid young to prevent a major catastrophe.

Half-saiyans gain the amazing affinity for battle that the saiyan race is famous for possessing, but it is diluted by the human blood. Half-saiyans are capable of becoming fantastic warriors due to the warrior genes, far superior to any pinnacle a human could reach. They also gain the ability, if they are so gifted and disciplined, to learn the coveted Super Saiyan transformation. They also increase in strength when recovering from major wounds.

However, the human composition weakens the almighty fighting strength. Half-saiyans are not born (usually) with a constant urge to battle. They can find enjoyment in it, and can be excellent warriors, but they do not crave fighting like the saiyans experience. Yet, half-saiyans, due to their saiyan heritage, usually contain a great amount of hidden power that doesn't naturally surface unless they are trained and taught of it. When unleashed, they show their true link to their saiyan brethren.

Half-saiyans do not share the same identically coloured hair and eyes as the saiyans. Taking after humans, their hair and eye colours can vary as much as a human's can. Also, they can suffer from weakness over time of inactivity. Without constant training, half-saiyans can lose power and muscle mass, unlike the pure blooded warriors.

One advantage the half-saiyans seem to possess over the full bloods is the speed of their power gain. Half-saiyans can reach plateaus of power in far less time than a full blooded saiyan can. Usually however, these levels of strength do not match up to the saiyan of the same strength.