Silicoid

A silicon-based race, the Silicoid empire is one of major powers in the Orion Sector. Their crystalline bodies are immune to pollution and hostile environments, allowing Silicoids to colonize even the most hazardous planet. Being a geodic race, Silicoids are very good at mining and their silicon-based body is hard to be destroyed thus give them advantage in ground combat.

Origin
In Master of Orion 3', it was mention that Silicoids originated from shards of a giant sentient crystal that was destroyed above Cryslon, Silicoid's home planet. They are one of only two major races that never went through genetic manipulation by Antarans or Orions, with the other being the Meklars.

Reproduction
Each Silicoid begins as an asexually created shard incubated in a nutrient bath and eventually grows into an individual with all of their prior knowledge of its parent. This process take long time however, and Silicoids population grew slowly when compared to other lifeforms.

Government
A Silicoid emperor rules by dictatorship and tend to be xenophobic expansionists. Silicoid scientists are consider to be the worst in galaxy, only good at developing new computer technology. During the events of Master of Orion, Silicoids were enemies of Darloks but were on good terms with Humans, Klackons, and Meklars.

By the era of the Battle at Antares, Silicoids had noticable changed both physicially and psychologically. Their mind became hard to comprehend by other races, thus Silicoids would now suffer from communication problems. This resulted in a huge disadvantage at diplomatic relations, as they could not make deals beyond declaring war, peace, and surrendering. They no longer trusted the Meklars but gain respect from Darloks and Klackons. They also disliked the Elerians.

Known emperors Igneous, Geode, Sedimen, Crystous, Granid, Carnax, Igneus Maximus, Sedimin, Krakatoa, Quorzom, Vorkronoa, Sandebar