Rill

Rill
Biological type:	Reptilian
Place of origin:	Unknown
Appearance:	Galaxy 4

The Rills were a peaceful and advanced telepathic race.

Biology

The Rills were large, scaly reptilian creatures. They had powerful skulls with wide, tusked mouths and large eyes. They had several pairs of tentacles, including six with human-like hands. They communicated telepathically and were unable to speak, as they had no vocal cords. They required ammonia gas in order to breathe and could not survive in oxygen-rich environments without a portable ammonia gas supply.

The Rills had long lifespans, with a five-hundred-year-old Rill being comparable to a ten-year-old human. They also had a slowed perception of time; weeks seemed like years to them. Normally, they moved fifty times slower than a human and thought only twice as fast as they moved. In order to deal with other species, the Rill could increase their reaction time. Though they could speed up their minds to the rates of humans, they found it uncomfortable. (TV: Galaxy 4, PROSE: Galaxy Four)

Culture

The Rills were pacifists, only fighting when attacked and left with no other options. (PROSE: Galaxy Four) They had a political system in which the uglier one was, the more power one attained. (PROSE: Lucifer Rising) In general, though, leadership was unneeded, as the Rills had so little activity and preferred to simply think, leaving robots to do any activities. (PROSE: Galaxy Four)

Female Rills found a large skull sexually attractive. (PROSE: Galaxy Four)

Technology

Interior of a Rill spacecraft. (TV: Galaxy Four)

Rill ships were massive black spheres with vents for propulsion. They were potentially capable of intergalactic travel and were capable of incredible speed. Though the Rills were pacifists, their ships had advanced weaponry and force-shields for protection. They also had devices to convert an atmosphere into one rich with ammonia. Their ships used nuclear power, which they called "solar".

Much of the work was done by the Chumblies. These robots did menial labour, defended the Rills and communicated with outsiders. (TV: Galaxy 4, PROSE: Galaxy Four)

History

Early in their history, the Rills vastly increased their lifespans. They came to regret this, finding their lives dull and boring. They slowed down their perspective of time, allowing them to appreciate life more. They also started travelling through space, taking the time to learn and encounter new civilisations.

At some time, a Rill ship with a crew of twelve encountered a Drahvin ship. The Drahvins attacked and though the Rills were more advanced, both ships crash-landed on an uninhabited planet due to explode in two days' time. Only four Rills survived the crash, and tried to help the Drahvins — even going to the aid of a badly injured warrior. But they were chased off by a gun-wielding Maaga, and then saw her kill the injured warrior. The Drahvins refused help and tried to take the Rill ship for themselves.

When the First Doctor, Steven and Vicki came to the planet, the Rills tried to contact them via the Chumblies. The Chumblies were modified to communicate with them and they came to an agreement. The Doctor recharged their ship with the TARDIS's power, allowing them to escape the planet. (TV: Galaxy 4, PROSE: Galaxy Four)

In the far future, Rills visited Kirith and were taken to Kandasi, where they were presumably killed. (PROSE: Timewyrm: Apocalypse) Rills were also visitors to the Pridka Dream Centre. (PROSE: Infinite Requiem)

Behind the scenes

• The Rills were played by Peter Holmes, David Brewster, Bill Lodge and Brian Madge, who remained uncredited both on-screen and in Radio Times.
• The Rill Voice was provided by Robert Cartland, who was a late addition to the cast — replacing Anthony Paul.