A Founding Member of the:

The Fruit Federation is made up of 5 different fruitnoid species that are involved in a complex and co-operative economic system that helps bring stability and prosperity to all members. Fruit are adept at trade and resource collection, but their smaller size makes them vulnerable in combat.

General

Cultural Modifiers

Racial Characteristics and Aptitudes

Biology
There are a number of different fruitnoid species that co-inhabit the large fruit homeworld. All species breathe oxygen and prefer rocky terrestrial planets, although each species is better adapted to different climatic zones. Apples, Pears, and Grapes tend to inhabit the more temperate regions in the northern and southern hemispheres, while Oranges and Melons reside in the more tropical regions.

Grapes: Are the smallest of the Fruit species averaging 3-4cm in height and 8-10g in mass. Grapes have a thin peel and tender bodies that contain large amounts of pulp and water that helps to insulate their organs. Their small size makes them vulnerable, but Grapes have highly developed senses that contribute to their alert nature. Grape reproduction occurs when female Grapes deposit their seeds in clusters and they're fertilize by male Grapes. The clusters emerge into many young Grapes that reach maturity after 100 days. The Grape diet consists of lots of sugar and water. They are short lived, and not many make it past 10 years of age.

Apples: Round bi-pedal fruit that come in a number of varieties differentiated by colour. Apples tend to stand 8-12cm tall and weigh 160-200g. They have thick legs and long arms, and are usually adorned with a thin stem on the top of their bodies. Apples are thickly constructed, which helps to protect their vital organs and makes them very rugged. Apples possess remarkable strength and endurance, although they have a tendency for clumsiness. Apple reproduction occurs when the females seeds are fertilized and planted. After 130-140 days, the seedlings emerge as young apples. Apples require lots of sugar and water for growth. Their lifespans range from 30-40 years.

Pears: Are bell-shaped bi-pedal fruit standing 10-12cm tall and average 150-240g in mass. Pears have a similar physiology to Apples, although their bodies contain lots of sclerenchyma cells that make them even more robust. Pear limbs are not as developed as other Fruit species, but they still possess good strength and reasonable dexterity. Pear reproduction occurs when male Pears fertilize seeds from female Pears. The seedlings emerge 140-150 days later as nearly full grown adults. Pears require sugar and water for growth, but also some important minerals. Pears are relatively long-lived with individuals surpassing 30 common.

Oranges: Round bi-pedal fruit that have characteristic orange peels. They range from 8-12cm tall and weigh 140-180g. Oranges thick outer peels help to protect their soft insides. Their bodies are internally divided into specialized segments that perform specific living functions. Oranges contain high levels of ascorbic acid that helps to maintain a strong immune system and is also poisonous to other species. Oranges have thin but strong limbs and good overall mobility. They display a reduced tolerance to changes in temperature and climate. Orange reproduction takes place when female Oranges lay their seeds and they are cross-pollinated by male Oranges. The seedlings grow into small oranges after 150 days after germination. Oranges require sugar, particularly fructose, and plentiful water for growth. Healthy individuals may live for 40-45 years.

Melons: Are the most unusual and largest of the fruit species with six legs and two long arms. They often reach 20-25cm in height and carry a mass of 2000-4000g. They have a long oblong shape and prefer aquatic environments to support their weight but can move readily on land. Melons have a thin peel and their bodies contain a high concentration of water and sugar reserves. Melons have large mouths and eyes, and otherwise good senses. Melon reproduction is infrequent, but occurs when female Melons lay their seeds in shallow pools of water that are then fertilized by male Melons. The seedlings grow in the pond and emerge about 200 days later as sub-adults. Melons require enormous amounts of food in terms of sugar and water-soluble vitamins. Melons can live 20-25 years.

Society
There are 5 nation states, each composed of one fruit species, that make up the Fruit Federation. Each species elects representatives to the Federation Council based on a number of factors. The Council convenes on a regular basis to resolve disputes, introduce new regulations, and address any other international issues. The Council is led by the President who is selected in a popular vote. Apples and Oranges tend to form most of the government although the other species play minor but vital roles. All Fruits enjoy democratic rights and freedoms as mandated in the Federation charter. The open economic system has created a unique balance between each species and provided an overall stability that has created many benefits including an overall increase in living standards and elimination of many social problems that plagued the Fruit for ages. The Grapes are the primary suppliers of ethanol, an important fuel. Pears are in control of plentiful resources and have highly developed resource extraction facilities. Apples and Oranges have developed sophisticated manufacturing industries, while Melons operate a network of vast transportation services that serve the entire planet. Despite more inter-species co-operation, there is still little intermixing between Fruit populations. Although this is more of an effect due to different physical characteristics, some tension still remains from past conflicts. Depending on the species, Fruit may inhabit large cities that dot the planet and coastlines or rural communities that serve the widespread continental interiors.

History
For a long time most of the Fruit species remained geographically isolated from one another with little communication between them. The earliest known formal relations were between the Apples and Pears, and subsequent interactions quickly led to a unification of most species' numerous factions. From the beginning the more advanced Apples and Oranges were bitter rivals. A series of wars and disputes dragged on for many years over territory, trade, and resources. Many times, the Apples and Oranges would carry favour with other Fruit species by offering them new technologies or land in return for their support. The final Apple-Orange war was on a scale much greater than ever before and exacted a lasting devastation on all Fruit species. The Grapes, Melons, and long time Apple ally Pears, sought to form an agreement to place sanctions against both Apples and Oranges. The sanctions at first angered both species and almost led to war, but shrewd negotiations finally brought the first lasting peace agreement. New international organizations formed to settle territorial and trade claims and their success and a growing interdependence of all Fruit species led to the founding of the Federation. The unification of the Fruit under one banner hasn't eliminated all past bitterness, but has allowed the Fruit to continue to advance and prosper.

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