ytors

Ytors are a term used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to denote a group of fictional beings or entities. There is no single, canonical definition; the term's meaning and attributes vary across works. The etymology of ytors is varied; some authors attribute it to a constructed language within a setting, others treat it as a proper name or as an acronym coined by fans. In practice, ytors are often described as intelligent and capable of forming complex social structures, but the details differ widely.

In many depictions, ytors may be humanoid or non-humanoid. Commonly cited traits include long lifespans, telepathic or empathic communication, and forms of collective decision-making; other works emphasize technological advancement, environmental adaptation, or distinctive cultural rituals. However, because there is no universal canon, there is no agreed taxonomy for ytors, and descriptions can range from solitary beings to eusocial communities.

The term has gained popularity in online fan communities and indie speculative media as a flexible placeholder for exploring non-human cognition, ethics, and interaction with human characters. Ytors are often used to test worldbuilding ideas, language creation, and the design of alien cultures without prescribing a fixed template.

See also: alien species, fictional species, worldbuilding resources.