Axolwisp

Axolwisps are an alien species native to the UDS-affiliated planet Lotl.

## Physiology and History

The pink, cuddly looking Axolwisps share striking similarities to the axolotl species, which is found both on Earth and their home planet Lotl. Their toes are frequently webbed, while their hands are mitten-like in appearance, though they possess five sets of finger bones in each hand that allow them to properly manipulate the deceptively clumsy looking appendages. Their mouths are known to open incredibly wide, and their jaws are extremely flexible to accommodate this trait; however, while one might assume that they make natural predators due to this trait, this is not the case. There are no recorded cases of voracious gluttony in axolwisps -even in the hungriest of their species- with all of them expressing a firm distaste for live meals. Instead, their large mouths appear to help them with oxygen intake both in and out of water, since their gills and noses are both very weak.

While their history indicates that they once had long, flowing tails, they have since evolved to the point where the only remnants of such physiology are small, stubby tailbones that they find overly sensitive to touch. The reason for their loss of tail is attributed to the species early development of technology to help them navigate the deep trenches of their mostly-submerged home world, resulting in the act of swimming becoming an activity of the lower classes and those in need of recreation. The ‘fronds’ on their heads have also become stubby over time, though they remain a helpful part of an axolwisp’s sensory kit, helping them navigate through tight spaces in low vision levels.

Axolwisps insist that while their species is clearly descended from axolotl, they originated on Lotl and not Earth. Most go so far as to claim that Earth Axolotl were brought to the planet millions of years ago by ancient Axolwisps, and they have the facts to back such claims. Axolwisps are commonly considered one of the first spacefaring races, as evidence of their existence can be found on Earth, Falskath, and other planets in UDS space. That said, there exist no present axolwisp colonies on other worlds; they believe they belong solely on Lotl.

## Behaviour

The Axolwisp are a well-known species in the galaxy at large, where they are praised for their advancements in the medical and industrial sciences. Axolwisps make for natural scientists and project leads due to their capacity to pursue research and experimentation almost tirelessly. Yet, despite all these positive qualities, most members of the species would prefer if they played no role in galactic society whatsoever.

Axolwisps are predominantly introverts and are known for their vanity. Though an axolwisp research and development team is relatively cheap to hire, they will not work unless a contract is signed beforehand stating that each team member will have their name very clearly attached to the finished product, along with a lengthy description of what role they played in its development. In addition, many other races find axolwisps arrogant and difficult to work with, substantially decreasing the value of the race as a whole. The axolwisps themselves prefer it this way, and focus their efforts on improving the quality of life on their homeplanet Lotl. They will occasionally export their medical and technological breakthroughs if they feel doing so will garner them more recognition among their own people. Though they are not a xenophobic people, most axolwisps are born with an inherent need for self-validation that manifests through stubborn pride and jealousy. As a result, they tend to look down on other races in order to solidify their own worth. In addition, while they are a creative people, they do not possess the empathy which many other races found necessary to survive, instead focusing on the preservation of the individual. Though it is entirely possible for an axolwisp to develop or be born with above average levels of empathy, most members of the species occupy a spectrum between antisocial and sociopathic. Among their own kind, axolwisps are less difficult, though ambition is a common trait, and a typical axolwisp will tailor their career toward advancing the currency their name holds in planetary society. In doing so, they are often not above putting down others to achieve their goals, especially those beneath them in rank.

## Mating and Parenting

Axolwisps mate and give birth deep in Lotl's oceans, and many never set foot on land. They are known to make subpar parents. Unlike typical amphibians, they give birth to live infants, who take the form of wrinkled bean-like ‘axupods.’ These pods are entirely reliant on their parents to feed them for the first ten years of their lives, as they possess no limbs besides a rudimentary tail, which drops off as they approach their tenth year. Because most axolotls prefer focusing on themselves over their offspring, it is common for axupods to be underfed and neglected, further enforcing their development into jealous, self-serving adults. Once axupods mature into mobile adult axolwisps in their tenth year, they receive intense pressure from their parents to move out and make their own way in life. Those who do not are considered burdens and embarrassments to the family. Embarrassment is not tolerated by most axolwisps, and in rare cases, fully grown children who refuse to leave their families are kicked out and displaced to other areas of the planet, or even to other planets entirely.

Such was the case with young Axara Pufwog, who claims to have received such neglect as an axupod that she developed an antisocial and ravenous disposition. Her unusual appetite so inconvenienced and embarrassed her parents that they were quick to ship her to the planet Earth, where she was fortunate enough to receive the financial support of her eccentric uncle Zexus well through her high school and university years. By all accounts, Axara -or Axi- is highly amicable for an axolwisp, although relative to most humanoids she remains cold, aloof and irritable. In the future, Axi becomes a popular actress and opera star, though her interest in writing and artwork remains a major hobby of hers, a remnant of her species’ creative powers.

## Notable Axolwisps

* Dr Pufwog
* Axi