Ostrovists

Ostrovists are a fictional sentient species originating from the planet Ostrov. Their homeworld is characterized by vast, crystalline deserts and subterranean oceans, a stark environment that has shaped their biology and culture. Ostrovists are known for their silicon-based lifeforms, possessing exoskeletons that shimmer with various colors depending on their mineral intake. They communicate through a complex system of bioluminescent pulses and sonic vibrations, making direct verbal communication with other species challenging.

Culturally, Ostrovists are deeply communal and prioritize collective well-being over individual gain. Their society is structured around interconnected hive-like settlements, where resources are shared and decisions are made through a consensus process mediated by elder Ostrovists who possess a greater understanding of the planet's subtle energies. Their technology is organic and integrated with their environment, focusing on energy manipulation and bio-engineering rather than traditional mechanical constructs. They have a profound connection to the geological processes of Ostrov, viewing the planet itself as a sentient entity. Encounters with off-world species are rare, and Ostrovists generally maintain a policy of isolation, preferring to observe and learn from a distance.