Metalliconite

The Metalliconites, often referred to as Liquid-Metalliconites, are a species of reptilian aliens found in various universes of the BZPB Multiverse. In both the Original and Reborn universes, they originate from the planet Liquid-Metallicon. One notable Metalliconite is Ozar.

History
The Metalliconites are native to their world. There is no written record of any migration period, and many scientists believe that their species was born on Liquid-Metallicon.

Metalliconites lived in various tribes and kingdoms until criminal enterprises, known as "Pirate Lordships", began to develop at some point in their history (the exact year depends on which universe's version of the world is being examined). These enterprises grew at a rapid rate to the point that they either corrupted most of the planet's governments or outright overthrew them. Once the Metalliconites achieved interstellar travel, the Pirate Lordships, headed by Pirate Lords, began to flourish as criminal enterprises.

At some point in time, tribal and national identities were shed in favor of a globalized identity, with most of the Liquid-Metallicon becoming a planetary democratic state. The architects of this new order were hoping that it would act as a deterrent against the criminal activity that had plagued their species for centuries, but they were mistaken. Corruption reached all-time highs, and the planet's government became deadlocked in a constant struggle between various factions, most of which are loyal to different Pirate Lords. Only a handful of the electable parties were unbribable, which fortunately provided fuel for anti-piracy efforts in law enforcement. That said, the future of Liquid-Metallicon appears to be bleak.

Because of the dire situation that their world has been facing for generations, millions of Liquid-Metalliconites have emigrated from their homeworld. Unfortunately, the infamy of the Pirate Lords served to embolden already present xenophobic attitudes towards the species. This, coupled with their cultural norms, has resulted in the development of concentrated enclaves of Metalliconite immigrants throughout the galaxy.

Traits
Physically, Metalliconites are a scientific anomaly. Much like the Argonians from the planet Tamriel, they are oviparous, cold-blooded reptilians. However, at a certain age, they grow a metallic exoskeleton, a quasi-alchemic process that scientists are still unable to explain. This exoskeleton covers various parts of their body like a suit of armor, significantly increasing the pain tolerance of a Metalliconite. What is even more baffling is that the greyish waters of Liquid-Metallicon barely cause the exoskeleton to rust, the opposite effect of water from other worlds.

Culturally, Metalliconites are quite fraternal, likely due to their tribal past. They generally live near their family or fellow species members for generations, even outside of their homeworld. Paradoxically however, they value survival above most other morals, and have been known to betray even their own kin in extreme cases. This is likely due to the harsh climates present in various parts of Liquid-Metallicon, which often forces its denizens to behave in such ways. The Code of the Pirate Lords of Liquid Metallicon claims that the traitorous habits of its members can be rooted in this, but Metalliconites uninvolved with the criminal enterprises find such a suggestion almost heretical, as the pirates likely act in such a way only because of their insatiable greed. However, all of them agree that betraying the Metalliconite species as a whole is taboo, and deserves the utmost derision.

The majority of Metalliconites are polytheistic, with a pagan religion that nearly supplanted worship of The Shepherd ages ago. Religiousity abounds on Liquid-Metallicon, even among the Pirate Lords, but they often combine their religion with folk beliefs and superstitions. S'chiliarak, the most famous Metalliconite festival, is rooted in their religious tradition, but has been transformed into a more secularized festival that appeals to people from all over the universe.

The Liquid-Metalliconite language consists of words intelligible to humans, along with various clicks and hisses acting as phrases and terms. Some dialects include flicks of the tongue as forms of accentuation and intonation.