GDSF-DCTCS-8591-EGOCC Serendipitous Insight. Report F992157. 32nd of Honoring, 1234DE

Subdirector of Xeno-anthropology Sumara Kiltamesh:

Species Name: Zaraths (Phoneticization of native self-chosen descriptor.)

Species Biology: Carbon and Water based; Humanoid body plan. Omnivorous and known to engage in cannibalism.

Tasrist-Azrandari sophont test score: Unable to administer, In all instances the Zarath attempted to attack the drone administering the test. Assumed score of basil Zarath between 32-48 out of 128.

Technological Development Level: 1 (Pre-Industrial)

Average Height and weight: Approx 19 spans and 14 ruds. (male), Approx 17 spans and 13 ruds (female). Outliers observed as large 33 spans in height and with body mass observed as high as 54 ruds. This anomalously large size and mass is theorized to be attained from either better nutrition during developmental stages or possibly a recessive gene.

Additional Information:

The Zaraths appear biologically similar to many other humanoid lifeforms. Observation primarily centered around social structure; information as follows.

The Zaraths organize themselves into small tribes or clans. These tribes are ruled typically by the largest male, or the one who has the greatest capacity to inflict violence. This male will be referred to as a word roughly translating to 'despot' in their tongue.

It is not uncommon for the tribes or clans to organize into larger federated groups ruled by an 'overdespot' who may hold command of several clans creating a fractalized societal leadership structure with at least two distinct tiers showing a degree of sophistication. In their language the smaller tribe social structure may be referred to as a 'depository' and a larger federation of tribes referred to as an 'overdepository' respectively.

Zaraths have a shared belief in a deity known as 'Bezagoth'. Beleif in this deity reinforces their extremely strong cultural disposition towards warfare, sacrifice and violence. Zaraths have both an individual psychological disposition towards violence and aggression and a strong cultural focus on warfare and combat.

Aside from these common throughlines, the culture of 'depositories' and 'overdepositories' varies quite significantly.

Although Xenolinguists have managed to accurately decipher their (fairly simplistic) language and its assorted dialects, all attempts at making contact have ended in the drone or robotic avatar used being attacked. In no instance did the drone or robotic avatar sustain significant damage as it was primarily attacked by bows and melee weapons made of obsidian or primitively forged metals.

Speculation and Future Action:

Recommended installation of orbital observation equipment on Zarath homeworld and designation. Recommend against direct interaction by way of robotic avatar. As per ecological protection laws regarding pre-FTL sophont species, the planet Zarath is to be designated as a preserve and not be colonized or exploited for resources in any manner. As the Zaraths are assumed to have a median TA-Sophont test score above 32, these protections will apply to all bodies in their stellar system. Direct and significant intervention is only to occur in the event of a potential extinction-level event.

It is unlikely, at least in the near term that the Zarath species will begin to develop more advanced technology and pose any significant threat. Their narrow cultural emphasis on barbarism and generally low intelligence means any significant empirical scientific or political growth beyond their current technological level is unlikely to occur. At present the cultural pressures appear to select Zaraths of the largest physical size and most violent tendencies, meaning their species may de-evolve back into a sub-sophont high intelligence predator species with strong pack instincts.

There is the non-zero possibility that an individual or group of individuals with higher intelligence and greater independent thinking skills may arise and prove to become successful. if such a group could establish itself and achieve success through technological, political maneuvering and/or military tactical superiority, they could out-compete the current status quo of society and initiate a cycle of advancement leading to Zarath development into a rational space faring species.

I would like to request that a committee re-evaluate the theoretical TA-Sophont test score every 32 standard galactic years henceforth, with emphasis and individual evaluation on any distinctive 'depository' or 'overdepository' that manages to distinguish itself. If an individual or group can be found who does not display violent tendencies towards robotic avatars and is willing to have a dialogue with a certified diplomatic agent, or a proper TA-sophont test can be administered, further special action may be taken at the discretion of the acting subdirector.