Contest Entry

Alright, these puppies are fom a planet that's about 80% water, and the 20% of land is mostly island chains and very small continents (Australia sized). The atmosphere is much more dense and the gravity is slightly lower, about 85% of Earth's. Days are the same length, but their year lasts only 10 Earth months. This planet is also rich in superconductors that operate at room temp, and most of their tech revolves around supermagnets. Their standard weapons are pretty much identical to Earth conceptual railguns, with gravity-fed clips and removable power cells.
They evolved from creatures similar in appearence to Earth's rays and skates, but possesing rudimentary arms and legs as well as fins. Their gills developed into a closed lung-like system that can still operate in water, but functions best in very moist air. Their teeth are semi-transparent, and they possess a second set of jaws that are normally nestled far back in their mouths. These jaws help them pull struggling prey into their mouths and can double the damage from a bite. They also have a second set of eyes on top of their heads that only sense differences in light levels. The retractable barb on the end of their tails can inject a mild neurotoxin that really only affects beasties smaller then they are.
They aren't particularly strong fliers, they prefer to glide on wind currents that are plentiful on the ocean. They tend to settle on cliffsides, and cities are most often build directly into the face of rock. This allows them easy access to the sea and open air.
Males are usually larger, standing between 7 and 9 feet tall, while females rarely get larger that 7 feet. A male will take anywhere between 1 and 5 mates that may stay for several years, but rarely for life. A pregnant female will give birth to 1-3 pups after a gestation period of about 6 months.
Most clothing consists of large cloth wraps, not unlike a Roman toga. Civilliand wear plain wraps, while soldiers have stripes that denotate rank. Military armour is minimal, protecting the head, chest and belly.