The Astrocols
Originating from the planet Nestrocoria (System HD 290327, Orion Constellation), the Astrocols represent a technological and biological utopia. With a one-million-year head start on humanity, they have reached a level of development where machine has harmoniously merged with nature.
The Alliance of the Three Species
Astrocol society is not uniform. It is the result of a perfect alliance between three distinct morphotypes:
The Cavernicoles: Recognizable by their pale blue skin. Originally dwelling in darkness, they wear technological lenses to protect their eyes, which are hypersensitive to starlight.
The "Pointed Ears": A species with hyper-developed hearing and senses.
The Humanoids: Very similar in appearance to Earth humans.
Philosophy and Biology
Unlike their hidden neighbors (the Howaks), Astrocols strictly respect all living things. They are exclusively vegetarian (herbivores, fruitarians, and granivores). The concept of predation is absent from their culture, and their non-aggressive dentition reflects this peaceful nature.
Technology and Camouflage
Their space mastery relies on Element 115 propulsion, powering ships like the famous STS-27 (commanded by the heroine Eydrene Soriane). To remain discreet, they use passive camouflage techniques. Their immense space station, Nostrau 4, artificially generates a vast gas cloud around itself, allowing it to blend into the void and evade prying eyes.
The Blindness of Pride
The Astrocols have been studying Earth for centuries. Their analytical instruments, of absolute precision, were permanently focused on humanity. However, this extreme focus caused their greatest strategic flaw. Convinced they were the most advanced species and the sole observers of this sector, they sinned through pride. With their attention turned exclusively toward the Earth's surface ("Tunnel Vision"), they never thought to scan their own immediate vicinity, thus totally missing the presence of the Howaks.
