Dansian

Nomadic wanderers of the planet Dansia, the **Dansian** rarely leave their home planet. Naturally accustomed to its intense heat and dry environment, Dansians roam the planet in cycles to avoids its sandstorm seasons, as their exoskeleton is too thin to effectively withstand them. Dansians live in clans, each with separate customs or even slight biological differences; notable groups include the stationary oasis Dansians who control the planet’s oases and water supply, or the nomadic clans who plunder encountered locations while on their yearly cycle. Despite their bug-like appearances and frightening bulging eyes, most Dansians are cooperative with people encountered in their travels. Some Dansians even have wings, which are used to climb rocky outcroppings. Rarely, Dansians are recruited as offworld workers for efforts in particularly hot areas.

## Biology and appearance

Dansians have a bug-like appearance, with a durable exoskeleton that provides protection from the elements. Their bodies are typically compact and agile, allowing them to navigate rocky terrains and sandy dunes with ease. Many Dansians have bulging eyes, which help them detect subtle movements and changes in their surroundings. Dansians also a set of antennae.

Male and female Dansians have distinct appearances: male Dansians have wider heads and may have the ability to grow wings, which they use to climb rocky outcroppings or glide short distances. Female Dansians have smaller heads, are generally taller, and have elongated necks.

Dansians reproduce through egg clutches, which they lay and bury in sand dunes, before returning after a period of around three days to assist in the hatching. Any young that hatch early are most often lost to the dunes.

Despite their exoskeletons, Dansians are unable to survive the fierce sandstorms of Dansia, which quickly erode through their thin chitin layers. Dansians aim to avoid these storms but if need be, they can bury themselves into the sand dunes to wait out the storm.

###### Subspecies

Dansians segregate themselves into clans and each has slight biological variations. However, the Oases Dansians are the most distinct. Oases Dansians lack the level of natural protection in most Dansians, instead evolved to the comparingly benign nature of Dansia's oases. Along with a consistent water source, Oases Dansians have a thick, beetle-like shell, more flush skin, and receded eyes.

## Society and culture

Dansians live a nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving across the planet in search of resources and suitable habitats. They form clans, each with its own customs and sometimes even slight biological differences. Some clans are stationary, taking control of the planet's oases and water supply, while others are more nomadic, venturing out to explore and plunder encountered locations during their yearly cycle.

Most Dansians are cooperative and peaceful when interacting with other species. They are known to be welcoming and hospitable to individuals they encounter during their travels, offering assistance and sharing their knowledge of the planet's harsh environment. Oasis Dansians are known for forming alliances with fellow oases and offworld groups. This cooperative nature is rooted in their collective survival and the need to form alliances for resource sharing. However, some nomadic groups may prove territorial when encountered.

Although Dansians rarely leave their home planet, there are rare cases where they are recruited as offworld workers in particularly hot areas. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and adapt to harsh conditions and especially the male with wings, makes them valuable assets for tasks in environments that are inhospitable to other species.

Some Oases Dansian clans claim control of the planet's oases. These clans may assert control over the water resources and dictate access to them. This can sometimes lead to conflicts or tensions with other clans who rely on these oases for survival or economic activities. This also often leads to feelings of superiority or inferiority with other clans, comparable to a class difference.