Burralorien

### Notable Attributes

Bill, webbed appendages, electroreception, arboreal claws, \*wooden natural breastplate
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*On Original and Astral
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## Introduction

The Burraloriens are a unique and enigmatic species hailing from the world of Saphyrna, one of the two moons orbiting the planet Foris. Known for their remarkable adaptations and rich culture, the Burraloriens have left an indelible mark on the lore of this fictional universe.

## Origins

The origins of the Burraloriens can be traced back to the Genesis Burraloriens, one of the earliest but now extinct species in the universe. They played a pivotal role in the creation of advanced spacecraft known as Arks, which carried their genetic material and were dispatched into the cosmos. These Arks, sent in various directions, would later lead to the emergence of diverse Burralorien subraces on different worlds.

## Physical Description

Burraloriens are distinguished by their distinctive features:

* Bill: They possess a broad but flat bill, which is adapted for sensory perception and communication.
* Fur: Their fur comes in various shades, reflecting their environments. Jala resemble lush mangrove forests, while Vana have fur mimicking the murky swamps. Astral Burraloriens often sport dense grey fur.
* Sternal Nexus: Original Burraloriens, the descendants of the Genesis Burraloriens, have a wooden growth with unique patterns, remnants of their symbiotic relationship with Verdalroot Trees.

## Races

The Burraloriens have evolved into several distinct subraces, each uniquely adapted to their respective environments:

### Genesis Burraloriens

The original members of the species, known for their great leaps in genetic biotechnology and other advanced natural sciences. Due to a war with one of their neighbouring species, the Nagastryn, they were hunted to extinction, but not before creating unmanned probes that were sent out with Burralorien genetic material and the capabilities to create new Burraloriens on new planets with their own adaptations. Their fur and body colourisation was often browns to black, typically standing at an average height of 4.5 to 5.5 feet and weighing around 130-160 pounds. Genesis Burraloriens had a natural lifespan of 150 - 220 years.

### Original Burraloriens

Descendants of the Genesis Burraloriens and a part of the Original Kin of Foris. They are known for their distinct sternal nexus' - remnants of their symbiotic relationship with Verdalroot Trees. There are two races that either inhabit the waterlogged mangroves, or the murky marsh lands, and a mysterious third race that took to the sky.

#### Jala

A jala burralorian's sternal nexuses is often adorned with symbols and patterns etched into them, denoting family, class or great events. They posses lush green fur and webbed hands and feet, perfectly adapted for their mangrove homes. These semi-aquatic arboreal beings have an average lifespan of 60-70 years and stand at an average height of 5 to 6 feet, weighing around 150-180 pounds.

#### Vana

Vana burralorians possess more porous sternal nexuses, which facilitate the growth of essential fungi. Their fur exhibits various shades of blues and purples, blending seamlessly with their marshy environment. These marsh wanderers have a lifespan of 50-60 years, standing between 5 and 6.5 feet tall, with an average weight of 160-190 pounds.

#### Astral

By a series of mysterious events, a group of burraloriens found themselves within a Grey - a living spaceship - named Pantheon. Astral burralorians have a continuous symbiosis with Pantheon, through their sternal nexus, which adopted a grey coloration. Their appearance is distinct, with a more streamlined build and metallic cybernetic augmentations. They have an extended lifespan of up to 100 years. On average, they stand at 6 to 7 feet tall and weigh around 180-220 pounds.

## Sternal Nexus

The burraloriens that evolved on Foris' moon Saphyra, gained a new trait. Just as a human would posses a bellybutton, burraloriens from Saphyra posses a sternal nexus.

Burralorien reproduction includes laying eggs within mossy pouches found amongst Verdalroot Trees. During their gestation period, they are symbiotically connected to the verdalroot trees. This connection serves as a source of nourishment and protection for the developing Burraloriens. Over time, this biological adaptation evolved into the sternal nexus, a central and vital aspect of Burralorien physiology.

### Purpose and Utility

The sternal nexus, appearing as an exposed, shield-shaped plate in the center of their chest, serves various functions depending on the Burralorien race:

1. Scarification and Cultural Significance (Jala): Jala Burraloriens etch meaningful symbols and patterns into their sternal nexus. These markings denote familial lineage, social class, and significant life events. Scarification of the sternal nexus is both a form of cultural expression and a means of preserving their history.
2. Nutrient Absorption (Vana): Vana Burraloriens have developed a unique relationship with their sternal nexus. Fungi grow on the slightly porous surface of their sternal nexus, allowing them to absorb additional nutrients from the marshy environments they inhabit. This adaptation contributes to their ability to thrive in nutrient-poor ecosystems.
3. Symbiotic Connection (Astral Burraloriens): Astral Burraloriens have taken the concept of the sternal nexus to new heights. Their breastplate has adapted to have a more grey coloration, representing a closer symbiotic relationship with their living spaceship, Pantheon. This connection allows them to exchange information and resources with Pantheon, enhancing their survival in the vast expanse of space.

While the sternal nexus is a common feature among Burraloriens, its appearance and function can vary significantly based on the Burralorien's race and environment. Each Burralorien race has adapted the sternal nexus to suit their specific needs, resulting in a diverse range of appearances and functions for this unique anatomical feature.

## Elderocratic Communitarianism

Burraloriens practice an Elderocratic Communitarian system of governance, where respected elders from each community form councils to collectively make decisions. Leadership roles rotate, ensuring fairness and inclusivity, while merit-based selection guarantees the most qualified individuals ascend to these positions. Intertribal councils foster cooperation, preserving cultural traditions, and guiding environmental conservation efforts. This governance model embodies the Burraloriens' values of wisdom, unity, and environmental stewardship, nurturing a strong sense of community and harmony.

## History

The history of the Burraloriens is as rich and diverse as their adaptations.

### Genesis Era

The earliest Burraloriens were one of the first species to emerge in the universe. Their remarkable genetic makeup and advanced understanding of biotechnology allowed them to thrive.

### The Nagastryn Conflict

However, their progress was not without challenges. The Genesis Burraloriens faced a cataclysmic conflict with the enigmatic Nagastryn. This clash resulted in the near-extinction of the Genesis Burraloriens. In their final days, their brilliant scientists devised a solution: Arks, unmanned spacecraft capable of using Burralorien genetic material to create new Burraloriens.

### The Legacy of Arks

The Arks, filled with the genetic legacy of the Genesis Burraloriens, were sent hurtling into the cosmos. One such Ark crash-landed on Earth, leading to the creation of the unique platypus species on this distant planet.

### Origins on Saphyrna

Meanwhile, on the moon of Saphyrna, the Genesis Burraloriens' genetic descendants, the Original Burraloriens, emerged. These Burraloriens continued to adapt and evolve, splitting into three distinct races – the Jala and Vana, each thriving in their own unique environments, and the Astral Burraloriens.

### Astral Burraloriens

Some Burraloriens managed to escape the horrors of a Scorchborne assault on Saphyrna and found refuge on the massive Pi Grey known as Pantheon. These Burraloriens, now known as Astral Burraloriens, evolved into a spacefaring society by merging Burralorien technology with Grey biotechnology.

### Galactic Federation

Astral Burraloriens rose to power and formed a galactic federation, with hundreds of representatives forming an assembly overseen by a conclave of Burralorien elders. They became key players in the complex political landscape of the universe.