Guide:How to make a Xeno Species

One of the most difficult and rewarding projects one could undertake on this site is making their own species of Xeno. Xenos can come in all shapes and sizes, and have diverse cultures. This is a general guide to help you get started on your own species of intelligent lifeforms.

Anatomy
An important part of your Xeno species is going to be their bodies. What are their physical traits? What do they Look like? these are things that you are going to have to figure out. This is also where you figure out your Species' attributes. For instance, are they strong, fast, or smart, these must be taken into account. If you really want to get detailed you can describe their anatomy in detail, decribing organs and their functions. Life is a diverse thing even on earth, and the galaxy can only be more so. Be creative, and if you need inspiration it might help to look at the anatomy of real world animals.

Unique Traits
An important part of you species is going to be unique traits that they possess. For instance the Kroot's ability to assimilate genetic traits by ingesting other lifeforms, or the the psychic energy field given off by all Orks unconsciously. These kinds of things can define your race, even being incorperated into their culture, technology and the way they fight.

Psykers
An important thing to keep in mind is your species relation to the Warp. The Warp plays a big part in the 40k galaxy and where your race stands in relation to it is important. Are your race pcychically dull like the Tau, or do they have a strong connection to the Warp like the Eldar? Keep in mind that simply because a race has a greater affinity to the Warp than another race does not mean that individual Psykers cannot compete. Also where do Psykers stand in your species' society? Are they treated with fear and mistrust like in the Imperium, or are they revered and treated with respect like the Eldar. All of these questions are important.

Technology
The next thing to consider is the level of scientific advancment that your Xenos possess. They could be very advanced like the Eldar or Tau. They could also be at a level superior to the Imperium. Perhaps your Xenos use unique technology not employed by other races. Also, do not fret about making your species too advanced. It is perfectly fine to make primitive Xenos. Technology does not necessarily ensure supremacy, the Orks are a testament to that.

Military
The next thing to think about is your Xenos's military. How is it organized? Are your Xenos a very militant race. What are their warriors like? You should also think about how strong you want your Xenos to be as a race. It is doabtful that your Xenos are going to be a powerful as the Imperium or as widespread as the Orks. That being said you will want to think about how your Xenos should stack up to the armed forces of other races.

Standard Issue Weapons
While not a critically important issue, standard weaponry is something that bears mentioning. Mnay people become ingrossed with the equipment of their special Characters. We all want these characters to have cool and unique weapons and armor. However, when making your race thinking about what kind of weapons their rank and file soldiers will have is important. It is perfectly fine if your Xenos use already existing technology like Lasguns or plasma weapon. However, having their own unique standard weapons adds something, giving your race a calling card. After all it would be nice for an Imperial commander to arrive on a raided world and ber able to say "Yep it's definatly them. Look at the damage to the bodies".