Little is known about this species or its origins. They are an invading species who seem to live for battle. Serassians look like giant snakes at first, however they have three heads rather than one. Long, vine like tendrils emerging from their back, just below the point where their three necks branch from their torso, serve in place of arms. They are a solely carnivorous race and unlike the earth reptiles they resemble they are often hungry and eat several meals per week if not daily.
Anotomical Notes
Unlike snakes, Serassians are partly homeothermic. They can maintain a body temperature within their minimal tolerances despite drastically reduced external temperatures, however extended dependence on this minimum temperature will cause a slow but notable decrease in physical and cognitive function, and can result in illness if prolonged further.
The center head of a serassian bears a single pair of eyes and two nostrils, but no mouth. The muzzle-like forward projection of the skull contains highly sensitive olfactory organs, a hidden thermal sensory membrane, and other similar sensory organs, all of which make them very aware of their surroundings.
Within a strong, thick skull is found the creature’s brain which is highly developed. Synaptic functions are rapid and every member of the species is capable of focusing on as many as a dozen activities or conversations at the same time.
Two other, smaller heads are the terminus of thinner necks flanking the main central neck stalk. These other two heads each end in a mouth with no eyes, nostrils or additional brain. The bone structure of these heads can barely be considered a skull, rather being simply an upper and lower jaw which are capable of dislocating to eat larger prey. These mouths can each speak independently.
Serassians are highly adaptable to differing atmospheric conditions as long as some amount of nitrogen and either oxygen or -oxide composition exists. Their bodies are capable of separating oxygen molecules from carbon or hydrogen combinations for use, and expelling more complex combinations to filter out the excess unused molecules. This capability has been further enhance by augmentations implanted within the nasal cavity during the military training of the young.
It is possible for a serassian to breathe through the two mouths but it is not as effective as their nostrils, and depending on the mouths for breath can cause rapid onset of confusion and reduced mental capacity. It is believed that the atmosphere being inhaled is filtered directly through the nasal passage to feed bloodflow to the brain before reaching the lungs themselves, and that much of the molecular filtration takes place within the nasal cavities where the breathing implant is also located. Interrupting a serassian’s nasal breathing is one of the best ways to incapacitate them.
The tendrils from their back are very strong vine-like appendage which is made up of a thin, flexible cartilage spine covered in a myriad of tendons and muscular structures and a thick dermal layer covered in many small overlapping scale-like chitin growths. These tendrils fork near their ends into two independently moving “fingers” and allow for very precise handling of any object.
Technology
Serassians are technologically advanced and their weapons are highly developed and precise.
Each member of the species is augmented with a neural interface chip embedded into the back of their skull which allows them to mentally synchronize with and control machines and devices without needing physical contact. To prevent use by enemies, their weapons lack physical triggers, only being fireable if interfaced with through the neural interface.
This neural link also allows for rapid communication over long distances. Being a combat-centered race, they can download instructions and battle commands from their generals to be enacted immediately without needing any verbal or written communication or instruction.
This makes them a challenge to fight in open combat, as reaction time for large weapons is decreased and the entire fleet or ground force (in case of invasion) can change strategy immediately and in unison without delay. It also means that new information can be shared with all nearby members of the species instantaneously.
Culture
Serassians are capable of quickly learning almost any language however they speak most with a lisp. A human would describe their native language as a loud whispering.
The primary function of their society is conquest and expansion of their empire. In many ways the species is parasitic.
Every Serassian no matter their sex is required to enter military training at a young age and take part in at least one conflict. Through social expectation, most desire nothing more than life of combat, however those who participate in the successful conquering of an inhabited planet and hold at least one notable combat achievement on their military record are permitted to claim land on that planet to make a home and start a family in order to provide the military with future soldiers.
Prolific breeders, especially those with notable heroic records, are encouraged to take non-combat positions in order to ensure the maximum number of heirs. Those who agree to non-combat roles take part in anything from livestock feeding or supply line and transportation to leadership roles.
While mining and minerals are a major incentive for taking over a planet, they do not drive conquered species to extinction. Instead they reduce that population to livestock. Ranch like facilities and abattoirs are constructed specific to the minimum requirements of raising and butchering whatever species can be bred for meat, whether sentient or not. These farms do feed the local population but are more valuable as sources of a variety of food options for the military.