Thega
Thega is a strange, often dark planet, with relatively cool temperatures all-around. It has three large continents, but only the largest one is inhabited, aside from scientific teams. Most of the population is concentrated around the equator, where rich moss plains stretch as far as the eye can see. They have many mountains, but considering the unforgiving conditions and the amphibious nature of Thegarians, they are also largely uninhabited. Most of the population lives clustered around the three large rivers or on each coast, where breeding facilities and agriculture are more accessible.Flora and Fauna
While Thega is a dimly lit and sometimes bitterly cold planet, it is considered a paradise by its denizens. Unlike its warmer planetary neighbour, there are no large predators to fear, and, in fact, very few large animals in general. Most of the wildlife is fairly small, often cave-dwelling or burrowing species that hibernate for a good portion of the year.
Most of the plant life on Thega is just as diminutive as the fauna. In the vast alpines that dominate the majority of the inhabited continent, the "trees" are really just a tall species of shrubs, barely seven or eight feet in height. There are technically no species of trees on the planet; instead, there are these tall shrubs, land-hugging thickets, tall grass, and rich moss plains that extend as far as the eye can see. There is a wide band of taiga in the mountains to the north, where the shrubs can grow up to fifteen feet tall.
The land near each of the large rivers is extremely fertile, and much of the riverbanks are lined with crops. The planet is famous for Safu, a fruit that, at least to human tastes, tastes similar to a cross between a watermelon and a pomegranate, with a distinct cooling minty sensation. There are hundreds of species of brightly coloured native peppers, which are found in nearly every Thegan dish.
CULTURE
As a whole, the race is rather laid back and arguably fairly hedonistic. Thegarian culture is very food-centric, and they put a high value on culinary prowess. They have a wide range of odd spices and preparation tricks that can turn even the blandest food into a (usually spicy) delicacy. Besides culinary pursuits, entertainment and the arts are highly encouraged and applauded, and creativity in general is seen as a highly valuable trait. Of course, the sciences are also heavily studied and practiced, and many of the galaxy's greatest scientific geniuses are Thegan-born.
Unlike the matriarchal society in Tela, the people of Thega have no such gender disparities. In fact, because of their biology (in which the males and females of the species have zero sexual dimorphism), the concept of gender is alien to them. To ask a person's sex is seen as weird and somewhat rude, in the sense that it is literally asking what set of genitalia they have. However, some Thegans who grow up offworld with aliens will not be so estranged from the concept of gender. Most will use either he/him or she/her pronouns when around races who recognize a distinction, mainly for the sake of simplicity. Some, however, will embrace their natural lack of a gender, and use they/them pronouns. It is generally good practice to ask an individual's pronouns if they are not offered.
Like their planetary neighbour, wars are very rare, with hundreds of years in-between and very few backers on either side. In comparison to Earth's World Wars, they are petty skirmishes. The political world also shares some similarities with Tela, lacking a true central governmental power, instead dominated by a group of spiritual leaders, diplomats, and representatives. They do, however, have a seat on the Galactic Coalition, with an appointed leader sanctioned by the planet's representatives.
While they're not a warlike race, they are a rather paranoid race.
Technology abounds in Thegan society. Notably, they have perfected the Gravity Engine, used to power hovercraft such as the ever-popular Skyrocket, a motorcycle-shaped craft with two to five gravity engines lining the bottom surface. Hydroelectricity is the power source of choice, and large power plants can be found in the center of each of the large rivers, usually far outside the city, where they won't be disruptive. Their field of medicine is astonishingly advanced, and many alien races will come to Thega simply to recieve the medical expertise their planet might not have. Though, it should be said, Thegans are eager to share their advancements with any society that asks. Cybernetics is a valid and widespread practice, and a sizeable portion of Thegans pursue some form of augment, from bodily enhancements, to biomechanical prosthetics, to data ports that can access software directly through the brain.
INTERSTELLAR RELATIONS
Several embassies exist in every major city, and mingling within other races is common. Since Thegarians are such a social race, they welcome aliens into their society very easily. Because of their emphasis on entertainment, the planet is a popular destination for interstellar tourists and foodies alike. Many Thegans live off-world, and are coveted cooks on any space vessel.