A race of aliens in Iain Banks' novel Excession. The
name "Affront" was applied somewhat humorously by an observer,
remarking that the aliens were almost designed in every way to
annoy and irritate the Culture. (This is, of course, true, since
it is a fiction written by Banks.) In physical terms, the
Affronters resemble terrestrial jelly-fish, having evolved in a
high-pressure gas-giant-like atmosphere. In cultural and social terms,
they are vicious, barbaric, cruel, and savage. Unfortunately for
the Culture, they were far too well-established by the time Contact
encountered them for any remediation by Special Circumstances.