Cyclodus

Slimy creatures, the **Cyclodus** are self-absorbed and prefer to keep to themselves. Likewise, others tend to avoid them due to their rank smell and generally unpleasant demeanor. Cyclodus biology also promotes this; Cyclodus leave thick trails of slime wherever they go, and their stature and speed make them undesirable in most roles. One exception is their multiple eyes, granting Cyclodus enhanced perception and thus, effectiveness as lookouts or spies. Cyclodus often live with bots as their main companions, often growing overweight. Cyclodus attribute one’s level of fat to their stature in society, so thick depositions are sought after greatly. Cyclodus pride themself on their own culture, participating in large numbers in cultural arts and promoting their own importance in the greater galaxy.

## Biology and appearance

Cyclodus are slug-like mollusks originating from Xatic. Cyclodus are small in stature and despite the ability to attach to surfaces through suction, lack mobility. Cyclodus have front beaks and multiple eye stalks, ranging from four to eight in number. Cyclodus lack bottom limbs, instead having extended tails. The bottom layer of the tail is suctioned, allowing the Cyclodus to grasp to surfaces. Cyclodus have a set of two tipped upper body limbs, able to grasp using constriction.

Cyclodus have a large front beak, the only bone within their body. Instead of teeth, Cyclodus have large, muscular tongues, continuously able to secrete saliva to break down food. Cyclodus have multiple eyes stalks; each stalk is capable of its own individual movement. The stalks vary in length and are able to retract to the Cyclodus head. Due to a lack of limitations, Cyclodus eyes have a nearly 360-degree view. Eyes are able to regrow if the stalk is cut off.

Cyclodus lower bodies are covered in pores, that secrete foul smelling mucus. This mucus is left in layers if the Cyclodus moves. The mucus allows the Cyclodus to move and stay hydrated. Specifically designed skin ointments can lower the amount of slime produced, often used in public spaces by Cyclodus. During gorging or birthing periods, Cyclodus produce excess mucus.

Cyclodus have well known appetites, due to the energy used in mucus production and the existence of multiple stomachs. Cyclodus bodies are very receptive to their diet; buildup of fat is common and selectively sought after by Cyclodus individuals. Cyclodus often undertake seasonal gorging sessions, eating large amounts of food to gain moderate amounts of weight quickly. After these periods, the Cyclodus undergoes temporary hibernation, creating protective seals around themselves with excess mucus, as they digest the food.

## Society and culture

Cyclodus culture is very self-indulgent. Cyclodus, either through a lack of awareness or general ego, heavily promote their own role within the greater galaxy, despite not having any notable role in its history. Cyclodus are generally hostile towards others, even fellow Cyclodus. Instead, they prefer to live isolated lives, using servant bots as their only companions. When Cyclodus venture away from their solitary homes, it is usually only for cultural traditions or visiting other Cyclodus. This indulgent lifestyle can only be afforded by the wealthiest Cyclodus. As such, Cyclodus often undertake economically focused careers or get-rich-quick schemes.

Cyclodus view self-indulgence and displays of wealth as important cultural traits. As such, Cyclodus, when participating in society, often display grandiose, vain displays of the individual's wealth. Even with these displays comes a faux nature, as most Cyclodus are unable to afford their indulgent lifestyles, forcing them in unwise investments in self-perception. Unfortunately, this also makes Cyclodus prone to unwise financial investments, such as scams or gambling addictions.

However, Cyclodus culture also promotes vanity in the form of arts; Cyclodus remain active in the arts community, with well-known Cyclodus becoming popular musicians, authors, and artists. Even if many of the produced products are often self-masturbatory in nature, Cyclodus prove adept in these roles, even to the point of collaborating with others.

## History

Despite the heavy involvement of Cyclodus in historical records and their own inflated view of worth, the Cyclodus have little to no tangential role in galactic history. The Cyclodus have traditionally been allied with the Planetary Union, mostly through the guise of their neighbor species, the Corzan. Even with the polluting of Xatic by the Corzan, the Cyclodus were largely able to adapt to the pollution of the planet and have stubbornly refused to relocate or assist in rebuilding efforts.