The Ranki-Baas are an alien species from the Andromeda Galaxy. Seen as a barbarian race by most of the universe, the Ranki-Baas didn't develop space travel on their own but had it introduced to them by visitors. However, their resource-limited homeworld made them an unattractive prospect for invaders and traders alike. Ranki-Baas culture is simple in its aesthetic tastes - making things for mostly utilitarian purposes and avoiding ornamentation or art-for-art's sake.
The main exception is in their songs, which are renowned abroad, even by those who dismiss other aspects of their culture. Singing is extremely important to them - in fact, several wars have been fought solely because a tribal chief or two wanted a venue to showcase a new acapella war chant or the like. They each have two throats, which aid in their ability to harmonize.
Ranki-Baas only have one sex, with each member having both male and female features. In a mating scenario, both participants tend to give birth. The have live births, but the young are soon after suspended in nutrient-rich mud until they reach adolescence, when they emerge healthy and strong. Ranki-Baas have expandable throats, like the bullfrog of Earth, with are used in threat displays. Their "horns" are actually the upper canine tusks, which grow upward and pierce through their skin.
Inspired by the Goblins/Orcs from the Rankin/Bass Tolkien movies. I always liked their designs (even though they're not remotely book-accurate) and they always had the best songs. Their gestation period is based on the infamous "Orc Pods" from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies.
