Scourge

The Scourge are a sentient species who likely originated in an unexplored region of space. The first known entry of the Scourge into the known galaxy occurred 56th century BCE, during which the Scourge exterminated a grouping of alien civilizations, known as the Culture.

Physiology


Scourge have multiple eyes, some of which seem to have the function of compound eyes, not unlike some varieties of insects. Scourge also have five legs, and can run equally well over a floor or over a ceiling. It has been hypothesized that Scourge may have spent their evolutionary process in a zero-gravity environment. Each Scourge leg ends in a very strong claw, capable of crushing even the sturdiest of known alloys. Parts of their thorax seem to act as compartments, such as ones that might be found on a space suit. It has been suggested that what we have actually seen have been either robots or organic creatures in some sort of exo-skeleton. However, we have, at present, no reason to support either hypothesis.

Their insect-like carapace does not appear original to the creature's physiology, suggesting the Scourge are a cybernetic fusion of biology and technology. The integrated plasma weapon also exhibits properties of an organic-artificial fusion. The weapon may be a kind of focusing device powered by the energy of the being itself, though this point is the subject of heated controversy. These details are cited as evidence that the Scourge could not have evolved as most alien species had, but that they were likely constructed by another entity.

History
The first known conflict fought by the Scourge is the Ancient-Scourge War, 8,000 years ago. The Ancients were a proud, technologically developed race who built a vast empire. Though they were a belligerent warrior race, they were eventually outmatched by the technologically superior Scourge. The Scourge drove them back to their homeworld, bombarding it from orbit. The war ended with the extinction of the Ancients and the withdrawal of all Scourge forces from the known galaxy.

Seven millenia later, in the 14th century BCE, the Scourge resurfaced during the incursion by the Archein Authority, a major power originating from the Andromeda Galaxy.

Identity and motives
Despite what information we've been able to obtain, Scourge still remain, on many levels, an enigma to both the Terrans and Vasudans. Their origin and their destination remain unknown. While many have offered up possible explanations as to why the Scourge seem focused on the destruction of all other sentient species, we still do not know why they seem bent on total xenocide.

Culture
Xenobiologists know very little about Scourge society. A leading hypothesis is the hive mind theory, arguing that Scourge society is broken down in specialized functions driven by a collective intelligence. The most convincing evidence supporting this theory is the behavior of Scourge forces following the destruction of the SD Lucifer, the turning point of the Great War. Other experts caution against attributing insectoid properties to the Scourge, regardless of their appearance and behavior.

Technology
Scourge technology has proved baffling for both Terran and Vasudan scientists. Although their weapons and technology by necessity obey the same physical laws, the systems of Scourge craft seem to be fully integrated with the pilot's biology, making it difficult, but still possible, to use their spacecraft for espionage and spying.