The Mutara
The Mutara existed before the lions as with many other races. They were smaller though less technology advanced, but had extraordinary abilities.
First they could feed on a portion of a creatures quintessence to gain their shape and become them. They would use the creatures abilities for hunting, to help make their homes, and whatever else they needed to. Mutara nearing death would sometimes die in a creature form in order to provide their group with food.
Second, if someone was willing they could share memories with a Mutara. The species would use this to save and pass on history. Its impossible to do with an unwilling subject unless some sort of device or method was used to bypass this.
Their planet was mostly forests and plains, and even in winter snow was rare. Depending on where a group lived or a member of the race's personal likes depended on their home. They could build with wood if they decided to, usually using that to make buildings or othef constructs if desired. They also made homes in treetops and burrows as well. Almost all of them used nests for beds, sometimes using multiple nests or just sharing one for a family.
Coloration varied, from soft baby blues to vibrant reds. They have markings of different shapes that would glow when they were of sexual maturity. They did breed out of love though, not instinct. Their DNA on its own was flexiable, easily able to mingle with others if tried, but they could create pureblooded of other races or animal species by taking them shape of said species or race.
What happened to their society? Before the galra becane a menace they were found. At first they were quietly observed from space, but their shapeshifting ability was soon discovered. Some wanted to exterminate them finding the threat too large, and thanks to them being much more tribal like they were seen as animals, despite their intelligence and ability to speak.
In the end though they were treated as animals, cargo, goods. Many decided to forcefully breed them, using them to produce more of their own kind and of livestock and endangered animals. The Mutara called thd ships that came for them paths to hell back then, but if any of their own kind were dropped off on the planet they welcomed the 'lost ones.' Though throughout this they were usually treated humanely in animal standards
Not too long before Zarkon would turn evil a group of Mutara took them shape of a ship crew and killed them. They freed breathen, traveling and gaining powerful shapes to combat with. Once Zarkon changed though, he destroyed any rebelling ones, and under his rule their now treated worse than before. Their treated worse then animals sometimes, made to provide pleasure for whoever owns them, rebellious being killed. Pups are torn away as soon as they can be sold usually. The planet itself is under galra control and used to breed more Mutara.
They only try to survive now, having no hope. They accept they will die like this, beaten, used, no more valuable than cutlery. They expect no savior from voltron since it did not help whdn they first were being taken from their home planet. Some whisper though of taking the lions shape, making an army of lions. and gaining revenge as they free their people.
Nictite was just the only one to try.
