Social Sciences > Life Forms > Than-Thre-Kull

Than-Thre-Kull
(Than)

Of all the major species of the Commonwealth, the Than-Thre-Kull have arguably fared best in the post-Fall universe. Safe in their home systems [see Than Hegemony, Political Formations], most Than have reverted to their pre-Commonwealth existence of hard work, strict caste lines, and indifference toward the outside universe. Like the Perseids, the Than are greatly missed by the many worlds which once benefited from their legendary industriousness and optimism.

Physical Characteristics
The Than-Thre-Kull are highly intelligent insectoids. The Than are slightly smaller than Humans, with compound eyes and brightly colored iridescent carapaces.

Reproductive Method
Than are hermaphroditic. They mate by laying large clutches of eggs in a common burrow. Up to 100 Than place their eggs in any given burrow. The genetic material of all the Than in the spawn mix, produce tens of thousands of small, helpless grubs. Than grubs are not particularly intelligent, and spend several months eating specialized fungi grown on Than farms. After that time, the surviving grubs spin cocoons where they metamorphosize into adult Than. Only one in 100 Than survive to reach their adult stage, but those that do consider every Than who participated in their spawn their "parent." Thus, Than society is supported by a web of complex family relationships in which every Than has hundreds of parents and siblings to call on in times of need.

Homeworld
Than are natives of a planet called San-Ska-Re, located in the Triangulum Galaxy. The only known species since the Vedrans to develop slipstream technology independently, the Than had already settled nearly 100 worlds in their local cluster when they were inducted into the Commonwealth. Now Than colonies can be found nearly everywhere accessible by slipstream drive.

Social Characteristics
Than superficially resemble Terran ants and live and work in large cities. However, Than do not share a collective "hive" intelligence. In fact, Than are highly individualistic. They take great pride in their appearance and are accomplished builders and engineers. The Than have a caste system specific to carapace color. Yellow-brown Amber Than are the most common and do the bulk of the work. Dark green Emerald Than are larger and stronger and serve as warriors. Bright red Ruby Than are specialists in technology and building. Brilliant blue Sapphire Than are scholars and scientists. At the top of the caste pyramid are the shimmering Diamond Than, a royal caste of leaders and priests. And the head of the Diamond Than is the Overdiamond, the leader of the entire Than race.

The Than are fiercely proud of their accomplishments and traditions, even while remaining loyal members of the Commonwealth. If Humans describe themselves as the Commonwealth's "backbone," the Than must be its tough exoskeleton.