Undying

The Undying are a species of sapient, ambulatory flora that bud off of a significantly larger specimen of their genus. More or less genetically built-to-order based on a mix of selected traits, borrowed genetic material from multiple alien species, and the reflected preferences of visitors to Koschei.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Undying are humanoid, albeit a bit proportionally thick, with long pointed ears and a 'tail' left over from the individual's broken stem. They have 'hair' on the tops of their heads and in tufts on the ends of their tails, though it's more like plant fiber than anything mammalian. Similarly, though Undying have breasts, they are completely ornamental and lack nipples.

Genetics and Reproduction

All across Koschei I's beaches, fleshy pods emerge from the sand bearing fully-grown Undying. Each individual is made up of a purpose-grown body and a collection of memories partitioned off from The All; some personalities recur across incarnations, while others change or are reabsorbed - but are never truly lost. Undying do not reproduce sexually, though their bodies feature genitals that resemble different types of colorful Koscheiian flowers. The adoption of sex organs seems to be driven entirely by contact with aliens, as they serve no purpose outside of physical sensation.

Growth Rate & Stages

Undying are born fully-grown, and 'ripen' over the course of about five years, turning from pale green to pale yellow. When an individual is fully ripe, they return to The All to recycle their bodies and minds. If an Undying perishes before she can return, others will still return the body, and enough of her memories persist in ambient or shared pollen for a surprisingly complete reconstruction. So long as an individual remains on the planet's surface, very little unique life can be lost... hence the name.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivorous; Undying do not seem to lose or replace cells except in cases of injury, and gain most of their energy from photosynthesis, leaving few restrictions on where they acquire calories. When injured, however, they gain a voracious appetite for plant matter until any wounds or lost extremities are healed.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Nearly planetwide, avoiding only the polar regions.

Average Intelligence

Smart cookies!

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

All Undying are psychically linked through a specialized form of pollen that carries thoughts and memories. This pollen is also used by various nonsentient flora across the planet, maintaining a link between the Undying and The All.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Undying names all seem to end in -Y, though when or why this started is unknown.

Gender Ideals

Undying are universally female, with feminine names and presentations.

Common Dress Code

Undying are enthusiastic nudists, though they will grudgingly wear clothes when requested by the Consortium and its guests.

Common Taboos

The thought of leaving Koschei - and thus the reach of the All - is unthinkable.

History

Originally no more than crablike worker drones produced by the All, first contact with a lost Star Surveyor crew introduced the concepts of individuality and humanoid form. With no hope of rescue, the crew shared their knowledge with the All - as well as their bodies, post-mortem. By the time second contact came around, this time with the Interstellar Consortium, the Undying were fully sapient individuals - albeit still rather crablike. Once an agreement was reached to open the planet to tourists, further revisions were implemented, and the Undying became quite a bit... softer.