Legend has it the name “Thayarr” – which is both singular and plural – stems from one philosopher’s observation about their nature in her native language: “They are to us as we are to nothing.” Regardless of the veracity of this Statement, the sentiment is entirely right; to a race such as Thayarr who count the stars themselves as home, the concerns and thoughts of planet-bound peoples are almost too trifling to consider.

They call themselves the Spool; although it is unknown if this name is singular or plural, xenobiologists use the name for both. When a Spool was asked for clarification about its name, the befog calmly said, “We are the Spool, from which unwind the mind of puppets.” The contempt dripping from its voice perfectly matched the hubris in this explanation (if true); to the Spool, all other minds are merely playthings, toys to be used and abused at will. And, like a spoiled child with a toy, if one should break … well, there are many more out there, waiting to be played with.

Across the known universe, countless resources have been spent to ease the fears of emperors and paupers alike as governments seek to protect their precious holdings from those who covet them. Their vast war machines purchased with the blood of the masses prowl through the silent void of interstellar space and stand as mobile monuments to the prowess of their masters’ military might. Indeed, most would be foolish to challenge such formidable forces. The mere presence of these juggernauts stands as a bloodless preemptive strike aimed at the hearts of those who would conquer them.