Ælstrs

Ælstrs are a fictional species native to the planet Xylos. They are known for their bioluminescent skin, which shifts in color depending on their mood and the ambient light. Physically, Ælstrs are tall and slender, with four arms and large, dark eyes that are highly sensitive to light. Their diet consists primarily of the luminous fungi that grow in the subterranean caverns of Xylos.

The Ælstr society is organized into a collective consciousness, where individuals share thoughts and emotions through a complex network of telepathic signals. This collective nature makes them highly cooperative and empathetic, but also somewhat resistant to individualistic thought. Their technology is bio-organic, utilizing living organisms and engineered crystals for tools and infrastructure. They have a deep reverence for the natural world of Xylos, particularly its intricate cave systems, which they consider sacred.

Communication among Ælstrs is primarily non-verbal, relying on a combination of light patterns emitted from their skin and telepathic nuances. While they possess a spoken language, it is rarely used for everyday interaction. Their history is marked by a long period of peaceful coexistence and a gradual understanding of their planet's delicate ecosystem. Encounters with off-world species are rare, and Ælstrs generally approach outsiders with cautious curiosity, prioritizing observation and understanding over direct engagement. Their unique biology and societal structure make them a subject of interest for xenobiologists and xenoanthropologists.