Editing Cylons (TOS-RH)

{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}{{Disambiguation|Cylons (TOS)|the canonical counterpart to this race}}

The '''Cylons''' are a hybrid race of genetically-engineered warriors created through the combination of reptilian alien DNA and human genetic material by [[Count Iblis]], with the primary purpose of exterminating humanity and conquering the universe.

== Origins ==

===The Reptilian Ancestors===

The original Cylons were a sentient reptilian species native to the planet [[Cylon (planet)|Cylon]].<ref name="ARM221">{{cite book/RH|1|221}}</ref> These creatures were warlike, truculent, and savage in nature, possessing intelligence but lacking advanced technology.<ref name="ARM221" /> The reptilian Cylons still exist on the [[Cylon (planet)|Cylon homeworld]], though they remain separate from the hybrid race that bears their name.<ref name="ARM221" />

===Count Iblis and the Creation of the Hybrid Race===

Millennia ago, an outsider arrived on [[Cylon (planet)|Cylon]]—a human filled with anger and savagery that the native reptilians admired.<ref name="ARM221" /> This individual was [[Count Iblis]], a member of humanity who had split from the [[House of Kobol]] and been exiled with his followers to the hostile planet [[Cylon (planet)|Cylon]].<ref name="RES173">{{cite book/RH|3|173}}</ref> Rather than perishing as intended, Iblis chose to nurture the planet's life forms along an evolutionary path, instilling in them an insatiable hatred for humankind.<ref name="RES173" />

Iblis was an expert in genetic engineering and advanced biological techniques.<ref name="DES86">{{cite book/RH|6|86}}</ref> He introduced technology to the reptilian Cylons, keeping them indebted to and fearful of him for decades.<ref name="ARM221" /> During this time, he conducted extensive experiments, promising to transform them into the fiercest, most perfect warriors the universe had ever seen.<ref name="ARM221" /> Because of this promise, the Cylons allowed him to do whatever he pleased with their species.<ref name="ARM221" />

Over many generations, the Cylon race was artificially evolved into bipedal form to better utilize the technology Iblis had introduced.<ref name="ARM221" /> Human DNA—specifically, Iblis's own genetic material—was used for this evolutionary process.<ref name="ARM222">{{cite book/RH|1|222}}</ref> Iblis hated all human instincts and attempted to breed those aspects out of his Cylon creations.<ref name="ARM222" /> He established the extermination of humankind as the Cylons' primary directive.<ref name="ARM221" />

Iblis introduced a cloning process using pure genetic material, which made Cylon females unnecessary; consequently, they died out.<ref name="ARM222" /> He also introduced the cybernetic implants that became part of every [[Cylon Centurion (TOS-RH)|Cylon Centurion]].<ref name="ARM222" /> Through genetic manipulation, Iblis eventually bred all emotion out of the Cylons—with the exception of hatred.<ref name="ARM222" />

The terraforming of [[Cylon (planet)|Cylon]] created numerous problems, including the activation of long-dead spores that caused breathing difficulties for everyone except Iblis, who developed a cure but chose not to share it with fellow humans.<ref name="DES88">{{cite book/RH|6|88}}</ref> His interest remained almost entirely focused on the hybrid race he was creating.<ref name="DES88" />

== Cylon Hierarchy ==

=== Centurions ===

[[Cylon Centurion (TOS-RH)|Centurions]] are the most common type of Cylon warrior encountered by the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)|Colonial Fleet]].<ref name="DES88" /> They are viewed by some Cylon factions as pseudo-machines rather than true members of the species.<ref name="DES89">{{cite book/RH|6|89}}</ref> Centurions are manufactured on the [[Cylon (planet)|Cylon homeworld]], which serves as the primary production facility for the Cylon military.<ref name="WAR164">{{cite book/RH|2|164}}</ref>

[[Cylon Centurion (TOS-RH)|Centurions]] feature cybernetic implants and heavily armored exteriors made of [[saligium]].<ref name="WAR239">{{cite book/RH|2|239}}</ref> Advanced models of Centurions are larger, possess harder armor, and have flesh that is more resistant to heat than earlier versions.<ref name="PAR45">{{cite book/RH|7|45}}</ref> Some newer Centurions are equipped with a Human Logic Function brain implant, making them far superior and more deadly than their standard counterparts.<ref name="ARM121">{{cite book/RH|1|121}}</ref>

=== Two-Brained Cylons ===

Two-brained Cylons represent the upper echelons of Cylon society and are sometimes referred to as [[Cogitators]].<ref name="DES88" /> These Cylons possess both reptilian and human DNA and are the only Cylons capable of meaningful conversation with humans.<ref name="WAR164" /> When the bio-labs producing two-brained Cylons become depleted, they work overtime to meet required quotas.<ref name="DES88" />

=== Three-Brained Cylons ===

The creation of three-brained Cylons represents the pinnacle of Cylon evolution and is the most closely guarded secret of the [[Cylon Empire (TOS-RH)|Cylon Empire]].<ref name="DES90">{{cite book/RH|6|90}}</ref> The [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]] is always a three-brained Cylon, and a replacement is kept in preparation on the [[Cylon (planet)|Cylon homeworld]] should the reigning leader die or be destroyed.<ref name="WAR164" /> The transition process from two-brained candidate to three-brained leader is methodical and deliberately complicated.<ref name="DES90" />

== The Cylon Civil War ==

At some point in Cylon history, a damaged genetic program caused a virus that destroyed the Iblis programming in certain two-brained Cylons.<ref name="DES88" /> These Cylons began to reject the purposes for which [[Count Iblis]] had created their race, concluding that the human element in the Cylon genome was a weakness preventing them from conquering the universe.<ref name="DES88" />

A clandestine movement developed among these reptilian purists, who preferred purely reptilian Cylons over those with human DNA.<ref name="DES89" /> They created a new religion to defy the orthodoxy of the [[Iblis Faith]], insisting that not only must pure humans be destroyed, but any human element in the Cylon race must be expunged.<ref name="DES89" /> Under this doctrine, any two-brained Cylon with human DNA would be treated the same as a full human.<ref name="DES89" />

The reptilian faction labored to create their own three-brained leader using stolen technology and equipment.<ref name="DES90" /> They succeeded in generating [[Alpha Leader]], creating a situation unprecedented in Cylon history—two three-brained Cylons existing simultaneously.<ref name="DES90" /> The loyalists to [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]] sarcastically referred to him as "Omega Leader," intending him to be the last of his kind.<ref name="DES90" />

The civil war between these factions became increasingly brutal. During attacks on Cylon settlements, pale-green pulsating sacs with metal arms would grab two-brained Cylons and extract their human DNA through spinal injections, leaving desiccated mummies behind.<ref name="DES86b">{{cite book/RH|6|86-87}}</ref>

== Biology and Technology ==

Cylon blood is purple in color.<ref name="PAR45b">{{cite book/RH|7|46}}</ref> Their bodies contain organic components, including spinal cords with small knobs protruding from them.<ref name="PAR70">{{cite book/RH|7|70}}</ref> Cylon biological research facilities include tanks containing spinal cords of varying lengths, suggesting plans to create even larger Cylon warriors than standard [[Cylon Centurion (TOS-RH)|Centurions]].<ref name="PAR70" />

Advanced Cylon facilities feature biological computers consisting of tanks of floating brains suspended in blue-green liquid, with wires connecting them to control consoles.<ref name="PAR70b">{{cite book/RH|7|70-71}}</ref> These biological systems operate at a motor-function level and integrate with surveillance systems featuring living, sentient walls, ceilings, and floors that can see and hear.<ref name="PAR70" />

== Military Capabilities ==

The Cylons possess vast military resources, with countless warships forming armadas that appear endless as grains of sand.<ref name="RES22">{{cite book/RH|3|22}}</ref> They have developed advanced teleportation or rapid deployment technology that allows them to replace destroyed [[Cylon Raider (TOS-RH)|Raiders]] with seemingly instantaneous speed, circumventing traditional space travel.<ref name="RES21">{{cite book/RH|3|21}}</ref>

The Cylons have formed alliances with other species, including the [[Chitain]], operating on equal terms rather than in the traditional Cylon xenophobic manner.<ref name="RES21" /> This represents a significant departure from typical Cylon behavior and suggests strategic adaptation in their conflict with humanity.

== Notable Cylons ==

* [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]] - The three-brained supreme leader of the Cylons
* [[Alpha Leader]] - The three-brained leader of the reptilian purist faction
* [[Lucifer (TOS-RH)|Lucifer]] - A [[Cogitator]] who served as an advisor

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Cylons (TOS)]]
[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]]
[[Category:Genetically Engineered Species]]
[[Category:Races]]