Ikthian

The Ikthians are a technologically advanced race of aquatic creatures that have come to Nexus seeking rare natural resources, scientific knowledge and the secret technology of the Eldan. Alien, cold, and hostile, the Ikthians believe they are superior to most races, and display a frightening emotional detachment in everything they do, be it scientific experimentation or violent acts of aggression. The Ikthians care nothing about claiming territory or establishing domain, but they will not hesitate to eradicate anyone or anything that stands in the way of achieving their objectives on Nexus.

Physical description
Ikthians are lean, wasp-waisted humanoids that stand more than two meters tall on land, and half a meter taller underwater with fins unfurled. They are rarely seen without their helmets and body armor when on dry land, but in their natural habitat they are decidedly inhuman. The average Ikthian face resembles a cetacean predator, mouths lined with dozens of tiny, sharp teeth and small eyes nestled beneath a prominent brow. Their skin tone ranges from deep blue to silver, with twin pairs of hydrodynamic gills flaking their heads.

Nerids
As the Murgh are to the Falkrin, Nerids are large, unintelligent cousins to the Ikthians, serving as loyal servants. They are much larger and wider than regular Ikthians, with faces that resemble actual fish more, complete with huge, gaping mouths filled with sharp teeth.

Titans
Some Ikthians have been genetically enhanced with injections of Primal Water, making them massive, hulking giants, easily 3-5 times the normal size. They usually wield gigantic hammers and act as guards to bases. Their intelligence remains unknown, though they really don't need it.

Origins
The Ikthians evolved on Ikthia, a planet almost completely covered in water. During the later stages of their development, they discovered the rare and exotic material known as aquaplasm, one of the purest physical manifestations of Primal Water - and an extremely potent source of energy. With aquaplasm, the Ikthians became one of the most technologically advanced races in the galaxy, achieving great things in areas like advanced weapons development, augmentation and acceleration of biological growth, and interstellar travel. Inspired by a belief in their racial superiority, the Ikthians united under the flag of the Ikthian Empire. It is believe that even the Eldan considered them a threat, though it is unknown whether the masters of Nexus had any major encounters with the Ikthians.

Triton Guard
The Ithkian military on Nexus is known as the Triton Guard, and is comprised of Ithian super-soldiers and the officers who command them. Because there were relatively few Ikthians in the initial exploratory units to Nexus, a large percentage of the Triton Guard currently serving there have been grown in Ikthian incubation farms located in various hidden locations on the planet's surface.

The Cortex
The Cortex is the Ikthian scientific division of the empire. The brilliant scientists of the Cortex have been the catalysts for a vast array of technological advances that make the Ikthians one of the most powerful races in the galaxy. Many scientists of the Cortex on Nexus have been grown in Ikthian incubation farms.

Technology
Notable as one of the few species capable of harnessing the powerful but dangerously volatile Primal Water, Ikthian technology is incredibly dangerous and efficient. Their machines are quite varied, from their massive ships, to specimen cells, to drills, to dissection machines, to giant robots, to armour for their animals.