Q'orl
From Lexicanum
The Q'Orl were a type of intelligent, advanced insectoid aliens that lived in the galaxy designated bestiola superior by the Imperium and were native to the Swarmworld Loqiit, located in the Segmentum Pacificus. Their empire was known as the Q'Orl Swarmhood and they were centered around their single holy world.
History
Studies of Q'Orl writings show that the race were descended from winged invertebrates. Whilst all are born equal, there were several distinct strains that are developed within the larval nurseries. This was done so through the use of hormonal soups exuded by the queen which is responsible for siring the entirely male race by laying several thousand eggs every day.
The Q'Orl were discovered by Imperium colonists who learned that the insectoid race were less then pleased about their territories being occupied by human interlopers. As such, they massacred an estimated thirty thousand pilgrims before the colony-ark and its ships escaped. They placed numerous planetary based marker stones, deep space monoliths and excavation sites with their texts stating the superiority of the swarmhood as well as their aim for the total conquest of the Galactic hub.
Overview
Their primary sensory node contained six ocular orbs each of which were horizontally paired that contained photoreceptor rods of specific primary wavelengths. There were also a trio of scent-organs with greasy cilia-layers within that connected directly to the neutral cerebral column. The primary form of communication was through form of chemical and olfactory form making direct Human interaction impossible. However, they do possess a runic language which was simple and based entirely upon a mathematical principle which relates each element of a Q'Orl's life based on a prime number.
Their thorax contained a chitinous endostructure with ultra dense muscular mass that possessed eight limb structures of of which served as triple jointed perambulatory legs. The other four limbs contained manipulator extremities. The abdominal sac allows for thoracic joint which in turn provides 180 degree movement. Infused technology at the abdomen suggests a bio-mechanical port; possibly for weapons, vehicular interface or device operation.
Study of the race's biology shows an ancestral evolution from primitive invertebrate lifeforms indigenous homeworld of Loqqit. They possess multiple dexterous limbs with the presence of complex bionic technology suggesting a highly intelligent as well as advanced species. It was also believed that they were a short-lived but highly industrious species. They live in vast honeycomb structures that orbit their secret homeworld which lie the bodies of the dead are lovingly deposited. Each adult can live for ten years roughly making their lives brief but fast which is reflected in their ideology. They have a sense of ancestor-worship where progress was made by continuing the half-finished projects of their forebears. The exception to this rule was the queen who lived for hundreds or possibly thousands of years. The Q'Orl believe in a form of racial glory where expansion and glory were the only justifiable outcome for the deaths of billions of their kind. This makes them a dangerous threat to the Imperium of Mankind in the future.
The species were divided into numerous breeds which included warrior drones and a queen. Newer strains were customizable through the use of a hormonal soup that was fed to the developing larva. The queen herself produces hundreds of egg everyday. A newer breed was later discovered by the Imperial Navy which were small maggot-like creatures that can infest Humans or Navigators allowing them to control other races. This was one possible method of bypassing their inability to navigate through the Warp.
Q'Orl space ships were highly advanced and heavily armed but lacked warp travel capability which had restricted the expansion of the Swarmhood. Furthermore, it provides a possible way to escape attacking Chainships. However, further reports indicate the Q'Orl were in the process of adapting Imperial warp engines into their space craft. Typical tactics of the race was to avoid capture with their Chainships separating into segments and fleeing in every direction.
