Gran

The Gran are a sentient mammalian species native to the planet Kinyen. They have been noted for establishing colonies on other planets such as Hok and Malastare.

Anatomy and Physiology
Grans can be easily identified by their three eye stalks and goat-like snout. Females have also been noted to have three breasts. Grans also have the ability to sense one's emotions by changing skin color and body heat. Their vision is described as excellent, having the ability to not only resolve more colors than other species but also see in infrared. Grans also have two stomachs used to help digest plants in the mountains of Kinyen such as Goatgrass. Grans tend to eat rather slowly, savoring the taste by chewing and digesting it slowly. It can take up to a day to finish a meal but a Gran won't need to eat for several days after that meal.

A genetic disorder among Gran is abnormal swelling of the hands and feet. This swelling doesn't affect a Gran's physical abilities, but it's view by society, usually resulting in social isolation.

Society and Culture
Given the large and open grasslands and highlands of Kinyen, the once primitive Grans needed to band together to defend themselves against predatory animals. This resulted in the development of strong bonds between family and society for Grans. Once civil, the Grans created settlements for the carnivorous species that once threatened them.

Grans are also very protective of their families, being one of the most devoted parents in the Galaxy. This was achieved through the Gran's very powerful and sensitive sight, which have the ability to sense the emotions of their mates and children. Gran society set up strict quotas to ensure that Gran are educated in talents they are specialized in. Though looked down upon by other species, the Gran view this societal structure as logical and essential.

The Gran are also religious, worshipping the goddess Doellin.

Grans also had a strong need for companionship. A lack of companionship could leave a Gran insane, leaving an isolated individual vulnerable to bribery, drugs, liquor, and even death. Despite this, Gran usually look for companionship among others of their kind yet are able to form strong bonds with other species. Gran within their society were peaceful and amiable, with a keen sense of their place in society. In society, Gran are unselfish and are willing to participate for the greater good for everyone as opposed to themselves.

With such close bonds, the Grans formed small, individual cities concentrated to a fine area. Doing so prevented Grans from losing contact with close relatives. These cities also hosted small governments controlled by a loose group of Gran delegates of different aspects of society. A delegate is selected every three and a half years to become leader. This system proved to be effective due to the Gran's peaceful nature. Hostilities between groups occurred early in Kinyen's history due to shortages in supplies and a need to survive.

History
The Gran on Kinyen managed to live peacefully among one another for over ten millennia. Years later, the Gran would colonize the planets Hok and Malastare, emigrating from Kinyen. The result would leave an improper balance in Gran society on Kinyen. The Gran government of Kinyen would then impose isolationist policies and prohibit unauthorized emigration from Kinyen. This resulted in the Gran of Hok and Malastare to be isolated from their original homeworld. The Gran stationed on the two planets would form strong bonds with their new homes and operated independently. However, a weak social code would result in an increase in corruption.

The Gran on Malastare would come into contact with another species - the Dugs. The lack of social codes would result in the Gran subjugating the native Dugs, treating them like slaves and even relocating them to the western continent of their own planet. The aggression of Gran on Malastare was most peculiar, as the Gran on Kinyen were peaceful and against violence. This behavior of the Gran of Malastare would cause the Gran of Kinyen to no longer believe the Gran of Malastare were true Grans.

During the waning years of the Galactic Republic, the Gran of Malastare held a great deal of power in the Galactic Senate. Notable senators included Aks Moe and Ask Aak.

When the Galactic Empire came into power, the Galactic Empire demanded access to all parts of Kinyen. The Gran of Kinyen would then protest against the Empire which resulted in the Empire leveling part of Kinyen. This action would result in the Gran secretly supporting the Rebel Alliance during the Imperial era, but through peaceful manners such as offering a source of food. Most Gran disapproved of violence, yet Rebel sympathizers insisted that no military actions were acceptable on their homeworld.