Eruternans

Eruternans are a fictional species originating from the planet Xylos in the K'tharr Nebula. They are a sapient, bipedal species characterized by their iridescent, chitinous exoskeletons and four prehensile limbs, two of which are used for locomotion and the other two for manipulation. Their heads are elongated, featuring a pair of large, multifaceted eyes that allow for a wide spectrum of vision, and a series of retractable sensory tendrils.

The Eruternan society is structured around a collective consciousness, though individual thought and agency are present. Communication is primarily telepathic, supplemented by complex patterns of bioluminescence emitted from their exoskeletons. This bioluminescence is also used for cultural expression and ritual. Their civilization is known for its advanced understanding of bio-engineering and energy manipulation, having achieved interstellar travel through organic starships grown rather than built.

Historically, the Eruternans have maintained a peaceful and isolationist stance, engaging in limited contact with other species. Their primary focus has been on the preservation and advancement of their own biosphere and the exploration of cosmic phenomena. While not inherently aggressive, they are fiercely protective of their home world and its inhabitants, possessing formidable defensive capabilities based on psionic energy fields. Their cultural philosophy emphasizes balance and interconnectedness with the universe.