Nebulisae Species Guide

Basics

Physical description: Nebulisae (singular nebulis) are feline-like creatures with short legs, flat faces, tall antennae that resemble cat ears, and long, bulbed tails. All nebulisae have partially exposed cores on their chests, which may vary in shape and consistency, but are typically tough on the outside. Many have fins on their tail bulbs, which vary greatly in shape. They can also have fins on their legs and back, but this is much less common than tail fins.

Nebulisae have a head-to-body length of roughly 16 inches, and tails the length of their body or longer, making their nose-to-tailtip body length about 32 inches. They are typically around 7-9 inches tall when standing on all fours.

Vitals & Stats:

Core Resonance: Nebulisae exude a variety of resonances, most of which are beyond the range of hearing of most living organisms. Specific resonances may be searched for as indicators of health.
Temperature: 90-95 F
Lifespan: 80-100 toste (4,000-5,000 years)

Diet: Nebulisae are capable of photosynthesis and of absorbing ambient forsen, radiation, and similar energies. They require water to photosynthesize, but do not require anything to absorb other energy. Sa nebulisae will hunt other creatures and drink their blood to supplement their diet due to a lack of light in their preferred habitat (poles of planets, planets distant from their suns, and other areas that receive little light), but this is considered atypical for the species overall.

Habitat: Most nebulisae live in Catcross V1-RV. They are not picky when it comes to biomes, but prefer areas with water because they enjoy swimming and require it for photosynthesis. They can survive comfortably in the vacuum of space.

Reproduction

Nebulisae can reproduce asexually or pseudo-sexually. To create a new nebulis, an existing one releases energy and data from their core. Two or more nebulisae can reproduce by rubbing their cores together to form a transfer string (which can also be used for horizontal gene transfer) and sending energy and data to the center of it. Either way, it is a very conscious process. Each nebulis can choose what genetic information to pass on to their offspring.

Nebulisae are able to sense the amount of their species present across the multiverse. They feel a "pull" to reproduce when that number dips below a certain threshold, leading to dedicated "spawning periods" of approximately once every 50 years, which is where the duration of a toste (nebulisian year) comes from.
Nebulisae do not raise their young. Typically, a set of parents (or single parent) will create young, stay long enough to ensure they form properly, and then leave them to the world. The journey to one's kiste is an important rite of passage known in their language as the 'aesach.' Nebulisae who have recently completed their aesach may be considered "young adults" in human terms, though this doesn't translate perfectly.
Newborn nebulisae form tight bonds with those of a similar age, who they find on their journey back to their parents' groups. Because of this, sibling and "found sibling" relationships (referred to as 'aeki' in their language) are viewed as the most important ones within nebulisian society. Often, last names are adopted by nebulisae who traveled together, rather than from parent to child.
Nebulisae do not have a visible physical maturation process, but it takes around 15 toste before a nebulis will naturally feel the "pull" to reproduce. Nebulisian society considers this landmark insignificant, as nebulisae of any age can reproduce, they just don't feel the need to until past that point. Many nebulisae under 15 toste engage in recreational horizontal gene transfer.

General Physiology

Cores

Cores have a solid, gemstone-like outside. The contents of the core have never been analyzed or seen, as when it shatters all of it escapes into the air without a trace. It is theorized that a nebulis's core contains large amounts of forsen.
Cores may be viewed as the 'brain' of the nebulis. They contain all of a nebulis's memories and genetic information, and control all of their bodily functions. When the core dies, the nebulis dies.
Nebulisae are sexually monomorphic. Any individual can reproduce with another individual. As stated before, they are capable of horizontal gene transfer through the same methods that they use to reproduce. A nebulis's core, when stimulated by another nebulis or by the nebulis themself, will produce a sticky layer that can be used to form a transfer string. Nebulisae can freely exchange genes with one another, edit their genomes, and choose which genes to display at will.

Photosynthetic Membrane

Also referred to as a "pseudonose" or even just "nose" due to its appearance.
The photosynthetic membrane is a large patch of energy-producing cells. Though such abilities are within all of a Nebulis's outer cells (their fuzz allows the passage of necessary rays/radiation while still being a shield against attackers), the ones there are particularly efficient, and account for the majority of their energy production.
Nebulisae have an instinctive drive to lift their heads toward the sun to expose the photosynthetic membrane to more light when they run low on energy. Sunbathing belly-up is a common behavior.

Antennae

The tufts on top of their antennae, as well as the tips, are able to send and receive signals through a variety of means. Some Nebulisae have been known to tune into radio stations using these organs when they're bored, as their primary mode of communication is radio-based.
Tufts may receive or send signals, but they cannot do both at once. Typically, one tuft receives while the other sends.
Antennae, despite their outward resemblance to ears, do not have interiors. They are just big cones to house the organs that interpret and send signals.

Exterior

Their outside is a movable organ similar to that of skin. However, it can flex and stretch much more greatly than skin. When not being moved, it hardens and can feel like plastic. The fuzz on it can range in length, but it almost always feels soft and silky to the touch.
A nebulis maintains its shape through the pressure exerted by its core. Their exterior does not naturally have any shape or hardness to it, and only gains these features through that exerted pressure. Because of this, when a nebulis dies, their body melts. Severely injured or old nebulisae may be soft or even gooey to the touch.

Interior

Within the Nebulis is a thick, molasses-like gel. All internal organs rest inside of this gel. The gel is typically the color of their eyes.
They have multiple large water storage units, typically about 2-4. The water storage units are only used when generating energy from non-photosynthetic means is not sufficient.
- Sa nebulisae frequently consume blood and other liquids. They have colonies of organisms inside of their storage units that help them digest these substances. New Sa (and any other nebulisae wishing to consume substances other than water) obtain these organisms through two means: horizontal gene transfer to reprogram the lining of their storage units to produce them, or consuming material from other organisms that contains them.
Nebulisae do not have a circulatory system. Their equivalent of blood cells are flagellated free-swimming organisms, which are controlled by ultrasonic vibrations from their cores.

Limbs

Water or other liquids may be soaked up through a nebulis's paw pads. They can taste through these organs, though it requires conscious effort to do so.
Their claws are used for fighting, defense, and grip. They are not true claws, as they aren't permanent structures. A nebulis shapeshifts them whenever they're required.
Their tails are used for balance, grip, and movement in water/low-gravity environments.

Energy Conservation

When low on energy or for the sake of relaxation, a nebulis may slip into dormancy, a state which resembles sleep. This state allows them to conserve energy, since the only energy utilized is to maintain the integrity of their physical form. Nebulisae have claimed they don't dream when asked.

Special Abilities

As creatures made of forsen, nebulisae are advanced forsen users. In addition to all basic capabilities of forahen (see: Guide to Forsen), all nebulisae are able to teleport.

Illnesses & Injuries

Nebulisae are immensely impressive healers. Anywhere on their outer shell can heal without any sort of scarring. The gel that is inside of them is what creates their shell in the first place, so it's easy for them to repair. Other parts of their body are not as easy to repair.

Cores, as mentioned in other sections, are unfixable. A nebulis is their core. It directs all of their bodily functions and stores the individual's knowledge and personality. If it is damaged, they are damaged. An undamaged core removed from its body will typically atrophy before anything meaningful can be done to save it, while an uninjured body separated from its core will immediately turn to goo.
Receiver tufts cannot be regrown if completely removed. However, they can be regenerated from as little as a single cell. A nebulis with no receiver tufts is functionally deaf. One with a single receiver tuft cannot speak and hear at the same time, but can do either separately.
- Receiver tuft transplants are an experimental procedure. Trials were not completed before the Sa-Order conflict began. But, theoretically, a nebulis could regrow receiver tufts from donated cells.
Eyes cannot be fixed and will scar. Nebulisae do not see in a manner different from the typical cat, dog, or human, so their eyes are similarly delicate.
Photosynthetic membranes are not efficient at self-repair. Small injuries may not scar, but larger ones tend to.
Internal organs are quite susceptible to damage from external sources.

Illnesses that plague them are few and far between.

Foreign body: Nebulisae only take in liquids. If something is small enough to pass through their suckers or gets caught in their body through other means, it will almost always cause an obstruction. At the very least, it will cause discomfort. Nebulisae are built to let things in but not out, so removal is always invasive.
Parasitosis: Few parasites have evolved to infect (or infest) nebulisae. In most cases, nebulisae are incidental hosts of blood parasites or parasites whose life cycles involve water. If parasites manage to survive within their storage units, they can cause an obstruction. Their unique flagellated transport cells are typically not susceptible to infection by intracellular blood parasites.

Government

Nebulisae are social and live in three known groups (referred to in their own language as 'kiste'): the Sa, Fai, and Lenetae. These groups were united under a single government, the Woiti (translated as 'Order'), by Vi-Kara Lenetae within the last thousand years. The Woiti is led by a council composed of one member from each kiste known as the Fashi Klashae. The individual Fashi are typically addressed using the title Fashi, and are described by that title and their kiste (ex: the Sa Fashi).

The Fai

The Fai are widely stereotyped as playful, somewhat lazy pranksters. This isn't without justification, as they generally carry a low-stress attitude and enjoy participating in leisure. Most Fai are scientists, teachers, and communicators. The kiste has the highest proportion of mathematicians, chemists, and physicists of the three.

Pre-Order

The Fai were decentralized and nomadic, preferring to spend their time in mild climates and uninhabited planets. They frequently traveled in small groups, and it wasn't uncommon for groups to come across one another. Individual groups typically had their own rules.
These groups met every toste, typically after the spawning period ended, and would stay together for a couple of decades before dispersing. This facilitated exchanges of ideas and traditions.
Because gatherings were so rare, Fai valued friendship, communication, and conflict resolution, since they spent most of their time around the same small set of nebulisae. Loyalty was highly valued, and leaving one's travel group was scandalous no matter the reason.
The Fai were also the group to make the most extensive use of mind links. At the start of each gathering, they established a kiste-wide mind link that could be used for long-distance communication.

The Lenetae

In the current day, the Lenetae are generally considered the most powerful kiste. One of their Tos Aniae, Vi-Kara Lenetae, was responsible for the formation of the Order. Most Lenetae are philosophers, politicians, or artists, though geologists and zoologists are not uncommon.

The majority of the Order's laws were created by the Lenetae, leading their traditions and ideals to be preserved above all others.

Pre-Order

The Lenetae were explorers with an interest in zoology and geology, often living in biodiverse areas such as rainforests. They viewed life as fascinating and sacred, and this interest in life and minerals led them to discover pigments. They were the first nebulis artists.
They practiced a culture focused on debate and the sharing of knowledge. Their leaders, referred to as Tos Ani, were elected by the public, with candidates chosen by the previous Tos Aniae. Voting was considered an essential duty, and those who did not vote were punished.
Disputes were often settled through lengthy trials and debates, and violence was heavily discouraged. This led them to clash with the Sa, who held different views.

The Sa

The Sa are generally considered the least powerful kiste. Most are laborers, hunters, or entertainers, but they do have the largest proportion of medical professionals.

Their society is arranged around groups of five referred to as gijae (singular gij), which originally sprung up from the need to hunt in teams. These groups have two main positions--fo and meno (literally "fore and hind")--which are subdivided into five total positions, with three in fo and two in meno. The three positions in fo (referred to as Fopavae, literal translation "Forepaws") are the Ani (Core), Sevipav (Left Paw), and Danipav (Right Paw). The two positions in meno (referred to as Menopavae, literal translation "Hindpaws") are Sevipav and Danipav. While fo and meno are relative to the prey, the positions within the paws are relative to the Ani's position, with "sevi" translating to left and "dani" translating to right.

The Ani leads the group, taking the central position in a hunt. They are typically the most experienced member of the group. It is considered the most dangerous position because the Ani is often right in front of the prey, and therefore at risk of retaliation.
The Fosevipav and Fodanipav play similar roles, but are on different sides of the Ani. Like the Ani, they start the hunt facing the prey, and are responsible for keeping it from escaping. Because of this, Fopavae are typically the fastest members of the group.
The Menosevipav and Menodanipav also play similar roles to each other. They start at the back of the prey, and are responsible for killing the prey, or, failing that, aiding the Ani in killing the prey. The Menpavae are also typically the ones who track the prey. Because of their role, the Menopavae are usually the strongest members of the group with the best eyesight.
Outside of, but still related to the hunt:
- The Danipavae are typically responsible for medical care.
- The Sevipavae are typically responsible for preparing the prey to be consumed and maintaining the gij's living space.

A Sa's role within a gij (real or hypothetical) can be thought of as a type of gender. These roles are often referenced when describing structures of authority (ex: a Sa saying it's not leadership material by calling itself a position other than Ani). They are the most formal thing resembling a family structure that any of the three kiste have.

Pre-Order

The Sa originally lived at the poles of planets and other similarly extreme environments. They received less sunlight than the other tribes, so they sought alternative sustenance. They were the first kiste to hunt, which formed many of their traditions.
They were led by a Tos Ani and their gij (referred to as the Tos Gij). The Tos Ani was typically the Ani of their gij, and any successor they appointed could expect to become the new Ani of that gij once the Tos Ani died.
Most disputes that couldn't be talked out were settled through oktosae (honor duels). The victor would have their way. Killing was generally frowned upon, but if both participants agreed ahead of time, duels to the death (referred to as lif oktos) were allowed. Lif oktosae were outlawed under the Order, and though oktosae in general were outlawed, Sa would still have them in secret.
An individual could attempt to increase their standing through challenging the Tos Ani or a member of their gij to oktos. If this was their explicitly stated purpose, they did not have to win to gain any favor, just impress the Tos Ani.

Communication

Body Language & Interactions

Often, two close Nebulisae will greet one another by touching ears or cheeks.
Their version of a "high five" is to slap tails.
Blinking slowly at another is the equivalent of a smile or reassurance.
Touching pseudonoses is like a kiss.
Touching another Nebulis's core is considered aggressive without permission. Putting pressure on the core prevents a nebulis from teleporting, making them vulnerable. With permission, it's considered a gesture of great trust.
Bopping another on the nose can either be playful/teasing or scolding/shaming depending on the context.
Nebulisae with close relationships will twine tails during dormancy. Since they lived in space before living in Catcross V1-RV, this is likely a carryover from when their friends were at risk of drifting away.

Spoken & Written Language

Nebulisae speak a single language, Nebulisian. A document outlining Nebulisian is in progress.

A nebulis's pronouns are derived from which kiste they are a member of.

Kiste	Nebulisian Pronoun	English Pronoun
Fai	fa/zaf	she/her
Lenetae	ta/zat	he/him
Sa	sa/zas	it/its
Kisteless	ke/zae	they/them

Possessive cases don't exist in Nebulisian, so they are not outlined here.

Aside from speaking, they make various sounds.

When in distress or to get the attention of a large and/or loud group, a nebulis will make a shrieking noise that sounds like microphone feedback.
Bursts of static may be used to silence others, similarly shushing someone.

A Note on Rhett

Rhett is a legendary nebulis and an admin of the Tirtenverse. She has a unique donut-shaped core, and was the first nebulis to ever exist. She is the immortal ancestor of all current-day nebulisae.