Sectaur

The Sectaurs are the descendants of a human-like race on the planet Symbion which mutated with insect characteristics.

Biology
Sectaurs are humanoids with insectoid characteristics, most obviously antennae and compound eyes. They also have mammalian characteristics (e.g. breasts for the females). Sectaurs are psychic and can establish a sympbiotic telebond with insectaurs (giant insects). When telebonded, they feel each other's emotions, can communicate to each other, and if one feels pain the other does too. Severing of the telebond by the death of one, causes severe psychic trauma to the survivor.

Sectaur Society
On Symbion, the Sectaurs are divided into two main states (the Dark Domain and the Shining Realm). They are farmers, miners, warriors, priests, and bureaucrats. No mechanical or electronic technology of any kind is used (though it is found in the ruins of the hidden and lost cities / bases of the "Ancients" - the human ancestors). Family homes are called "nests" and their children are called "youngspawn".

The Dark Domain is a warlike, expansionist, brutal, and oppressive state which is ruled by Empress Devora. It has its capital at Synax where she rules from Castle Grimhold (giant wasp-like hive which hangs from an overhead natural structure). Devora's military is called the Imperial Guard and it is led by General Spidrax. Elite units are the Wing-Warriors (led by Spidrax himself) and the Sting-Troopers of Commander Waspax.

The Shining Realm in turn is in comparison a just, benevolent, and peaceful domain which consists of city-states ruled by kings who gather in a council. It has its capital at Prospero with the Lightkeep as its palace. Leading the Shining Realm is the Regent Galken, as the heir, Prince Dargon refuses to take the throne. It's miltary, the Royal Army is led by Galken himself who is accompanied by the Royal Guard.

History
A technologically advanced human-like civilization once dominated Symbion. They mastered genetic engineering and their ecological technology could control the elements (e.g. the weather). Disaster struck the world as a genetic experiment went wrong and caused the insects to mutate into giant insectaurs, while mutating the humans with insect characteristics. Prior to that, simultaneously, or afterwards they lost control of their ecological technology resulting in natural disasters that devastated the planet. Now all that remained were ruins and hidden cities, with the Sectuars referring to them as the "Ancients" and their knowledge is forbidden.

The Dark Domain and the Shining Realm have been at war, on and off until a peace treaty was established between the two, a deception by the Dark Domain while the Shining Realm weakens its defenses. A race between the two for the power of the "Ancients" began, as rogue heroes of the Shining Realm and military units of the Dark Domain led by Spidrax seek the "Hyves" (strongholds of the "Ancients") to acquire and control the ancient technology or destroy it before the other side gets the power.

Weapons

 * Venom Guns (fire darts)
 * Sting Launchers (fire spears)
 * Swords and Spears
 * Shields

Insectaurs

 * Battle Beetles (mounted)
 * Trancula (giant spiders, mounted)
 * Dragonflyers (winged mounts)
 * Spiderflyers (winged mounts)
 * War-Beasts (dog-sized companions)