Race Designation: Raloi
Universal Range: Milky Way
Original Habitat: Turvess
Lifespan: 80 – 130
Sex: Male/Female
Size: 7'4 – 8'5
Diet: Carnivorous (primarily piscivorous)
Communication: Vocal (can imitate various other species speak patterns, almost like parrots)
Species Notes: Raloi are an avian species originating from the planet Turvess. They first made contact with the asari in 2184 and joined the galactic community the following year. However, due to an outbreak of an alien flu virus during the ceremonies welcoming them to the galactic community, they are forced to wear environmental suits when in contact with other races, which conceal much of their bodies from view. Their home planet of Turvess is mostly covered by a vast ocean, with various islands, connected by vast bridges, scattered about. The ruling class of the planet live on a vast, tropical archipelago, with their capital on a large island in the center. There is a great deal dimorphism among their species, more than most others of the Milky Way Galaxy. The lower class tend resemble vultures and buzzards, while others tend to look almost like chickens. The ruling class, however, are said to resemble peacocks, except with a much wider variety of vibrant colors that make up their plumage. Some have speculated that this phenomena is similar to that of orangutans, in which some males of the species might exhibit arrested development in the presence of a dominant male, not developing the distinctive cheek pads, pronounced throat pouches, long fur, and loud calls. They're also quite a tall species, with even those of below average height standing above humans in height. The raloi's stay in the galactic community was short-lived, however. In 2186, during the Reaper Invasion, the raloi delegation withdrew from the Citadel and isolated themselves of Turvess, destroying any and all satellites and observation equipment in orbit around their planet. They hoped that the Reapers would see them as a pre-spaceflight civilization and spare them. Some raloi, however, were unfortunate enough to be left behind for various reasons.
Character Notes: When the raloi recalled all their people back to their home world of Turvess, during the end of the Reaper Wars, Ak'lo was one of the unfortunate ones who was left behind. Stranded on the Omega Station, known by his people as "The World of the Free" (not seen as a compliment, as his people view unrestrained freedom as a catastrophe waiting to happen), he surrendered himself to what he believed to be his fate. For years, he spent most of his days drowning away his sorrows at the Afterlife Club, doing menial jobs in order to fund his drunken lifestyle. He could never stand watching the asari dancers however; seeing the species that had helped induct his people into the Citadel brought back too many memories of all they, and he in particular, had lost. He preferred to just drink away in a corner, occasionally pondering the fate of his world and people. With the state of the Milky Way Galaxy in disarray after the end of the Reaper Wars, many surviving worlds came together to develop spaceships in search of a better life in the Andromeda Galaxy, inspired by the previous Andromeda Initiative. The trip would take centuries, during which the crew would be placed in suspended animation, and none were certain of what awaited them in this uncharted territory, but many figured they had little to lose. Ak'lo was one such individual, and, after getting lucky at Fortune's Den, managed to secure a position aboard one of the arks. After centuries of travel, though he, of course, didn't process any of it, the ark arrived at a planet called Kadara. Him and the other travelers found themselves welcomed by people who had left the Milky Way as part of the Andromeda Initiative before them, They had already set up a few outposts, and they were even able to purify the toxic water. However, Kadara was still far from a paradise, much to Ak'lo's dismay. He had traveled across time and space just to reach another lawless society. Now, he mostly just hangs out at the local bars, still doing menial jobs, albeit less shady, in order to purchase more drinks. Such is life.