Introducing: The Naucine

The Naucine

Aquatic Nautilus (Terrestrial Precursor) | Monoclonal, Epigenetic

Ascendent Milieu

"The Golden ratio" (sea weeds)

The Naucine are a primarily aquatic species, resembling a nautilus mounted on a four legged trunk - they have two clusters of three strong, prehensile tentacles extending laterally from the upper spiral shell.  In each cluster, one tentacle ends in an armored claw, reminiscent of a lobster.  The other two end in a trifurcated manipulator.  The central trunk extends downwards from the spiral groove, slightly off center, and bears a single eye in each of the orthogonal directions; a short, tough leg extends from the lower end of the trunk in each of the diagonal directions.  The mouth lies at the bottom of the trunk, protected by a masticating beak.  Fossil records are sparse - naucine internal structure is a combination of chitin and cartilege, generally leaving only hardened shells after death, if anything.

As with most forms of life, ancestral naucine began life as a purely aquatic life form - they most likely lacked legs and moved by a combination of expelling gas or water and flagellation of their tentacles.  Their evolution as a species was progressing, slowly, towards a terrestrial species when it terminated at the hybrid stage permanently.  Thus, naucine have short legs suitable for balance, strength, and slow movement but not more dextrous activity due to a lack of joints or segmentation.  They are capable of breathing in water as well as atmosphere.

The cessation of Naucine evolution is due to their most unique trait: The Naucine genome is both highly regulated and highly conserved - it is highly resistant to change and capable of self repair and error checking.  Modern naucine are immune to viruses, bacteria, toxins, and generally any sort of inernalized environmental hazard.  They heal quickly and are possibly age-immortal.  In fact, the DNA-equvalent triple helix compound is so resistant to change, naucine are essentially monoclonal - every individual's DNA is identical, differing only in epigenetic modification governing expression, rate, and post transcription processing.  It is estimated that there are no more than five different sequences in the entire naucine gene pool, all single point substitutions, and no more than two of which are not a redundant change in coding.

Evolution in this species occurred very slowly and always under highly selective pressure (if it occurred at all; there is some scholarly debate, due to a general lack of evidence and the enormous span of time involved).  The discovery of tools and metal working effectively supplanted any further possible evolution as individuals began to form the rudiments of a civilization around specialization and protection from predators.

Naucine are highly intelligent; ancestral naucine used readily available ore veins and underwater thermal vents to shape metal tools and armor against predators - Metal rods, spears, blades, and what appear to be shields and bowl-like armor or helmets.  On land, without the anti-gravity bouyancy of water, the Naucine were forced to refine their forging technicques, developing alloys, thinner and lighter products, and more complex, moving parts.  By working together, naucine society bloomed with communal creches, protected sanctuaries, and readily accessible resources.  Working together, they were able to build lasting sanctuaries and survive both on land and in water.

Modern naucine are skilled craftsmen and artisans.  In art and all else the Naucine strive for creativity, innovation, efficiency, and perfection.  It is the story of their species and like unto a religion for them.  They are avid intellectuals, be it science, philosophy, or art, and capable warriors and strategists when the need arises.  In the Milieu, the Naucine are among the more liberal species, and enjoy exploring and observing new species.  They strong proponents of non-interference and prefer to be contacted than to make first contact.  They have colonized several systems surrounding their homeworld.  Naucine craft are typically ringed, geometric structures, multiply butressed internally, making them quite resilient.  They are generally filled with a thick, neutral gas suitable to naucine physiology and movement.  The hull is partially biological and secretes are harden chitin substance to quickly seal breaches.

Naucine names generally follow mathematical equations that describe geometric structures or graph curves that they consider beautiful or elegant.