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Zardoz

Zardoz are hexapodal humanoids with a chitinous exoskeleton and thin but muscular limbs. They are an ancient species, claiming to descend from the original progenitor race and having been left behind by them to guide other cultures, and their technology is highly advanced. Zardoz spaceships are well-known for their trapezoidal shape, which is a design they believe to be aesthetically pleasing and functional for their needs.

Zardoz society is highly organized and hierarchical. The ruling class is made up of judges who are responsible for upholding the law and maintaining order. The Zardoz are extremely legalistic and have a strong sense of justice. They pride themselves on their strict adherence to their legal code and often use it as a means of asserting their superiority over other races.

Despite their focus on the law and order, the Zardoz are not a religious people. They do venerate their ascended ancestors, but they do not practice any formal religion. Instead, they believe in using logic and reason to guide their actions and decisions.

Zardoz are highly intelligent and technologically advanced. They have a deep understanding of physics and are skilled at using plasma shields and electrokinesis. Their spaceships are some of the most advanced in the galaxy, and their technology is highly sought after.

The Zardoz are also known for their obsession with the right trapezoid. They believe that this shape is the most aesthetically pleasing and that it is also the most functional for their needs. As a result, most of their technology, from spaceships to weapons, is built using trapezoidal shapes.

In battle, the Zardoz are formidable opponents. They are highly skilled in electrokinesis and use plasma shields to protect themselves and their ships. They are also skilled strategists and use their advanced technology to gain the upper hand in combat.

Overall, the Zardoz are a highly advanced and organized species with a strong sense of justice, such as it is, and a deep understanding of physics and technology. Their obsession with the right trapezoid may seem odd to other races, but it is just one example of their unique and highly focused approach to design and aesthetics.

Being radiotrophic, Zardoz can work around unshielded nuclear furnaces or plasma generators without harm, giving them an advantage in handling dangerous technology that other races may avoid. This also allows them to use technology like plasma shields that are harmful long-term to other sentients without any problems.

They are extremely legalistic; for example, fighters that do not perform well in battle are ritually "demoted" to cargo shuttles by stripping their weapons and plasma shield generators to make room for cargo.

The Zardoz government is a series of hierarchical tribunals, with a meritocratic bureaucracy in which one ascends by more and more complicated exams; even their Supreme Court is chosen this way.