Turian

The Turians were the last of the Citadel species to join the Council. The Turians gained this position after defeating the Krogan for the Council during the "Krogan Rebellions". To defeat the Krogan, the Turians employed a biological weapon called the genophage which virtually eliminated the possibility of new Krogan births and caused that species to go into a steady decline. Turian features are avian, making them resemble humanoid birds or raptors. They have a reputation for skill and bravery in combat, but they are not known to be bloodthirsty. A rigid code of honor and strict discipline are the hallmarks of any Turian officer. This includes Humane treatment of prisoners and conquered enemies. A Turian patrol unit will never willingly leave behind one of their own, no matter what the cost of going back to retrieve their comrade.

Turian society is highly regimented and very organized, and the species is known for its strict discipline and work ethic. Turians are willing to do what needs to be done, and they always follow through. They are not easily spurred to violence, but when conflict is inevitable, they only understand a concept of "total war." They do not believe in skirmishes or small-scale battles; they use massive fleets and numbers to defeat an adversary so completely that they remove any threat of having to fight the same opponent more than once. They do not exterminate their enemy, but so completely devastate their military that the enemy has no choice but to become a colony of the Turians.

Other species see them as "men of action," and they are generally regarded as the most progressive of the Citadel races. Since their culture is based on the structure of a military hierarchy, changes and advances accepted by the leadership are quickly adopted by the rest of society with minimal resistance.