Akumahebi

Akumahebi (悪魔ヘビ, Devil Snake) are a species of sentient non-Humans native to the planet Akuma. One of the stranger non-Human species thus encountered, the Akumahebi species is the least encountered in the Alliance. They are a possibly reptilian species that moves by floating above ground via gas bladders in the rear section of their large heads. They have partial carapaces of a bony substance on their backs and the front of their heads, and have at least six short arms with sharp claws. A carnivorous species, they have sharp teeth and unhinging jaws.

Their society largely consists of a pack structure that involves constant infighting and cannibalistic consumption, and their native language consists of animal-like barks and hisses that are not reproducible. However, the Akumahebi are extremely intelligent and capable of higher thinking. They can learn foreign languages at a startling rate and are masters of bioengineering. The majority of species on Akuma are believed to be artificial or at least tampered with by the Akumahebi.

Only recently joining the galaxy as a spacefaring nation, the Akumahebi civilisation was often encountered by the other species in Imperial Space through interactions with the Kongōsho genetically-engineered space drones. Initially, the source of these drones was unknown until the Kuan kingdom discovered the Akumahebi around 2076. Takamagaharan forces first encountered the drones in 2155, confirming the existence of non-Humans, and Imperial explorers discovered Akuma in 2284. Most information on the Akumahebi is gained from the brief Human exploration of Akuma as well as information gained from Kuans who have seen the truth of the Imperial Shrine and now serve the Empire.

Names
The name Akumahebi was given to the species by the first Imperial explorers of Akuma, before the disastrous end to that mission. Meaning devil snake, the species was initially believed to be non-sentient, ravenous local wildlife, but the exploration team was rapidly proven wrong. Indirectly, the Akumahebi also provided the Imperial name for their planet, which has been determined too dangerous for Human life.

The Kuans refer to the Akumahebi as Szelsisomor, meaning Species of the Terror Planet. The Nekari name for the species is Ran'yahs'ghauq.