Dwalins

Dwalins are a fictional species that first appeared in the novel "The Serpent's Shadow" by author Elara Vance. They are described as a nomadic race inhabiting the arid plains of the planet Xylos. Physically, Dwalins are characterized by their thick, leathery hides, which range in color from sandy brown to deep ochre, providing excellent camouflage against their environment. They possess four limbs, with the lower pair being strong and digitigrade, adapted for swift travel across varied terrain, and the upper pair being more dexterous and ending in clawed hands. Their heads are elongated, featuring large, dark eyes capable of seeing in low light conditions and prominent, sensitive ears that can detect subtle vibrations.

The social structure of the Dwalins is tribal, with communities often numbering in the hundreds and led by elders who hold significant wisdom and experience. They are known for their deep connection to the land and their skilled tracking abilities. Their diet consists primarily of hardy desert vegetation and small, burrowing creatures. While generally peaceful and reclusive, Dwalins have been known to defend their territories fiercely when threatened. Their culture emphasizes communal survival, respect for elders, and a rich oral tradition of storytelling and ancestral lore. Contact with other sentient species has been minimal, often limited to brief encounters during their nomadic migrations.