The Mrlssti are native to the verdant world of Mrlsst, which lies on the very edge of Tapani space on the Shapani Bypass. They lacked space travel when the first Republic and Tapani scouts surveyed their world 7,000 years ago, but have long since made up for lost time; Mrlssti are regarded as scholars and scientists, and are vey good at figuring out how things work. They jump-started their renowned computer and starship design industries by reverse engineering other companies' products.
The Mrlssti are diminutive flightless avian humanoids. Unlike most avians, they are born live. They are covered in soft gray feathers, except on the head, which is bare except for a fringe of delicate feathers which cover the back of the head above the large orb-like eyes. Mrlssti speak Basic with little difficulty, but their high piping voice grate on some humans. Other find it charming.
Young Mrlssti have dusky-brown, facial plumage which gradually shifts to more colorful coloring as they age. The condition and color of one's facial plumage plays an important social role in Mrlssti society. Elders are highly honored for their colorful plumage, which represents the wisdom which is gained in living a long life. "Show your colors" is a saying used to chastise adults not acting their age.
Knowledge is very important to the Mrlssti. Millennia ago, when the Mrlssti were developing their first civilizations, the Mrlsst continents were very unstable; earthquakes and tidal waves were common. Physical possessions were easily lost to disaster, whereas knowledge carried in one's head was safe from calamity. Over time, the emphasis on education and literacy became ingrained in Mrlssti culture. When the world stabilized, the tradition continued. Today, Mrlsst boasts some of the best universities in the sector, which are widely attended by students of many species.
Mrlssti humor is very dry to humans. So dry, in fact, that many humans do not realize when Mrlssti are joking. | 
