Dsuid

As one of the smallest species and having adapted to live underwater, the **Dsuid** require specialized suits to live on land. Consequently, Dsuids are rarely encountered, aside from the wealthy who can afford such suits. Dsuid blowholes and multiple tentacles allow them to swim quickly and effectively underwater; on land, they struggle to breath and move slowly even within mech suits. Dsuids are highly sought after on oceanic planets, as their skill in swimming and mastery of underwater construction makes them the best species for use in underwater operations. Like many other species, Dsuids are fiercely divided on the emergence of Humans within the galaxy, forming factions based on their beliefs. While this hasn’t led to open conflict, general animosity broils in between sects.

## Biology and appearance

The Dsuid are among the smallest known species, typically measuring around 2 to 3 feet in height. They possess a streamlined body shape with smooth, hydrodynamic features, allowing them to move swiftly and efficiently through water. Their bodies are covered in a thin, sleek layer of protective scales, which provides them with additional resistance against water pressure and potential aquatic predators.

One of the most notable features of the Dsuid is their blowholes, located on the top of their heads. These blowholes enable them to breathe efficiently while swimming near the water's surface, allowing them to take in fresh air without fully exposing their bodies. Their respiratory system is adapted for underwater living, allowing them to hold their breath for extended periods and extract oxygen from water if necessary. Respitory tubes located on the underside of the Dsuid allow it to shoot bursts of air while underwater, giving it temporary boosts of speed.

Dsuids possess multiple tentacles, which are used for precise movement and manipulation underwater. These consist of two larger, primary tentacles, four secondary tentacles, and two longer tertiary tentacles. These tentacles are flexible and dexterous, enabling them to grasp objects and navigate through complex aquatic environments with ease. However, on land, the tentacles are less effective, limiting their mobility and making movement slow and cumbersome. The use of specialized suits designed to mimic the buoyancy and movement in water helps alleviate some of these challenges when Dsuids need to venture onto land, but the abilities of the Dsuid are limited by the makeup of the suit.

The Dsuid are matriarch dominated, with the brood female being noticeably larger than smaller male Dsuids. Dsuids also produce internal ink, but unlike fellow mollusk relatives, they lack the ability to secrete it beyond reproductive acts.

## Society and culture

Due to their unique adaptations, Dsuids are highly sought after for underwater operations and construction on oceanic planets. Their natural swimming abilities and mastery of underwater construction make them the preferred choice for tasks in deep-sea exploration, infrastructure development, and maintenance.

The Dsuid culture revolves around their deep connection to the water and their affinity for underwater living. They have a strong sense of community and cooperation, often forming tight-knit groups and working together on various underwater projects. Collaboration and harmony within their communities are highly valued, as they believe that collective effort leads to success and survival in their challenging aquatic environment. However, the same affinity for cooperation does not exist between separate communities: communities often intentionally segregate themselves by bodies of water and remain intensely competitive with each other.

Dsuids have a deep respect for nature and the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. They are known for their sustainable fishing practices and conservation efforts to preserve the health and diversity of marine life. They possess extensive knowledge about underwater flora and fauna, which they pass down through generations, ensuring the survival of their cultural heritage. This also leads to the disregarding of unbalanced aquatic ecosystems, such as the lack of Dsuids on the polluted world of Pipework (and a similar dislike for the Fishloin species).

Dsuids often work closely with aquatic-based species, such as the Andorrans or the Zernin, sharing knowledge and collaborating on projects that benefit both parties. The Dsuid's exceptional swimming abilities and understanding of underwater environments make them highly sought after for joint underwater research endeavors or infrastructure initiatives. However, their relations with species that primarily dwell on land can be more complex. The Dsuids' reliance on specialized suits to survive outside of water can cause limited integration within land-based societies. Some species may view the Dsuids as exotic or distant, only encountering them in specific circumstances where their unique skills are required.

The emergence of Humans within the galactic society has also stirred mixed reactions among the Dsuid population. Different factions have formed based on their perspectives on Human integration, exasperating the previously formed communities. Some Dsuids embrace the opportunities and cultural exchange that come with interacting with Humans, while others harbor reservations or even animosity toward the presence of Humans within their territories. Even after the end of the Secession War, tensions between these alliances of communities still persist.