Dromite

Dromites tend toward no particular alignment. The best and the worst are found among them.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dromites resemble a slender, androgynous humanoid with greyish-colored, hairless skin. Extensions of convoluted chitin rise from multiple parts of its body, almost as a kind of natural armor; it most visibly rises from the dromites' head in lieu of hair, extending down the length of its spine, but other prominent patches include shoulders, torsos and the backs of their hands. The race has striking eyes - sparkling, almost luminescent orbs, subdivided into hundreds of tiny cells - and sports a pair of small, fleshy antennae that emerge from its temples. These antennae are mobile, and their motions emphasize the dromites' moods or actions. An asexual species, they have no real modesty taboo; clothing is worn for practical purposes, and typically consists of nothing more than heavy boots and a sturdy harness.

Genetics and Reproduction

Despite their lack of conventional genders or anything approaching a sex drive, dromites form close emotional bonds with others of their race, especially within the confines of self-selected groups known as life bonds. These relationships are similar to what other races refer to as marriages, but a life bond usually contains more than two members. As older members of a life bond die, new members are brought in, so a life bond persists long after the original members are no longer a part of it.
Dromites reproduce by temporarily transforming individuals into males and females; this has become central to their culture, with each dromite cityhive electing two individuals each year to stand as the hive's Grand Queen (designated female) and Exalted Consort (designated male). Despite these grandiose titles, the duo's only responsibility is spending that year breeding ceaselessly, producing dozens of dromite eggs which are then nurtured in secluded hatcheries; when the infants hatch, they are adopted by a life bond and reared by it until they reach maturity.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Dromites vary in their temperament, but each usually exhibits one of four personality types, depending on the cast that dromite eventually joins. Those of the Fire Caste are often quick to anger, but also quick to laugh and forgive. Those of the Ice caste are analytical, slow to make decisions, but often right. Those of the Voice Caste are consummate artists, reveling all types of performance, especially song. Those of the Glimmer Caste always move at high speed, rarely resting in their pursuit of life's tasks.
Each caste identifies with the energy type associated with its creed: fire, cold, thunder, and electricity, respectively. Dromite city-hives can be found under any land, but are usually secret and have only a few openings to the surface or to some other subterranean location.

Genetic Descendants

• Fire Dromite
• Glimmer Dromite
• Ice Dromite
• Voice Dromite

Average Height

Dromites average about 3 feet tall.

Average Weight

Dromites weigh about 40 pounds.