Doad

Similar in appearance to large mushrooms, early **Doads** used this to their advantage as camouflage from both predators and prey. The species is weak and numerous in number but aspire to earn the respect of other species. While much of the species are stuck in the past, content to resort themselves to maintaining farms on their homeworld of Reviren, others aim to modernize themselves and their planet. These views often come into conflict with each other with each side siding with various political groups. Efforts by the latter group to modernize the planet into a metropolis was met with embroiled opposition, plunging the planet into civil war. Off-world Doads have attempted to distance themselves from the conflict, instead feigning neutrality. However, if Doads interact, their traditional or modernist mindsets come to the surface and may result in hostility.

## Biology and appearance

Doads have evolved to resemble large mushrooms, which initially served as effective camouflage against both predators and prey. Their bodies consist of a sturdy stem-like structure topped with a broad cap, reminiscent of a mushroom. The caps can vary in color and texture, ranging from earthy browns to vibrant hues, and are often covered in a protective layer of spores. The caps also vary in shape, with the diameter and height of the cap depending on the original host.

Doads reproduce asexually, through the emitting of spores. The spores are released into wind streams and attach to the first object encountered. If small enough, the spore grows around the object and uses it as the internal base of the Doad's physical body. This method also results in a high failure rate during sporing, as the spore grows around living or too large objects, resulting in malformations and quick death of the Doad. Still, the Doads are plentiful in number, sporing multiple times per year and heaving dedicated sites for sporing (though reserved for only the most distinguished clientele).

Doads are also physically weak, having short statures and stubby limbs. The susceptible fungi body is fragile and susceptible to damage. Doad's are unable to heal from injuries, so any accumulated injuries are permanent. Doad's account from this by either living in overly protected environments or wearing think protective clothing. This largely fails however, in prolonging the life of a Doad beyond a few years. Doads also naturally denigrate within two decades. The Doads' weakness and high population leads to them being viewed as disposable by both their culture and other species.

## Society and culture

Despite their physical weaknesses, Doads aspire to earn the respect of other species. They long to be seen as equals and desire recognition for their contributions and capabilities. The Doad society is divided between those who are content with maintaining their traditional way of life, focusing on farming and preserving their homeworld's natural resources, and those who seek to modernize and transform their planet into a thriving metropolis, largely to earn the previously listed goals. These opposing viewpoints create tensions and conflicts within Doad society. Even with massive efforts of urbanization on Riveren, Doad's efforts to earn equal footing have mostly failed, as the construction efforts have led to decades of civil war.

Before the modernist sect of Doads arose, much of Doad society revolves around farming practices on their homeworld, Reviren. Agriculture played a central role in their culture, and they took great pride in their ability to cultivate and harvest various crops. Most were content with their simple culture and remaining excluded from galactic events. However, increasing galactification and exclusion of the Doad from most of the political discussion post-Race War led to the mass rise of modernist Doad parties.

Doads align themselves with various political groups based on their mindset regarding the modernization of their society. Traditionalists may join factions that prioritize preserving their agricultural way of life, like the System of Independent Alien Planets, while modernists may associate with groups advocating for urban development and technological advancement, like the Planetary Union. The clash between traditionalists and modernists has resulted in a civil war on Reviren, mostly spurred by explicit funding from the Union for large-scale construction projects. Off-world Doads, seeking to distance themselves from the conflict, often feign neutrality and avoid taking sides. However, deep-rooted differences in mindset can surface if Doads from opposing factions interact, potentially leading to hostility.

The perception of Doads among other species varies depending on their exposure to the different factions and their understanding of Doad society. Some may view them as simple farmers, while others may recognize their potential for growth and development. Due to their internal conflicts and divided society, Doads have limited interactions with other species beyond their homeworld. Their attempts to maintain neutrality and avoid entanglement in the civil war often hinder their ability to form substantial alliances or engage in broader galactic affairs. Doads have the potential to establish meaningful relationships with other species if they can reconcile their internal divisions and present a united front. By showcasing their unique agricultural expertise and their willingness to contribute to the larger galactic community, they may gain the respect they aspire to. However, the reputation has denigrated with the prolonged civil war, as in addition as being viewed as disposable, they are also now largely viewed as an erratic and irresponsible species.