Velyr were designed for life on their home planet, a desert world encircling a red star. They were also designed to be part of a hive mind, linked to and by the vast sentient computer system of the world. They are humanoid with desert adaptations that allow them to roam the planet and colonize their world.

Velyr males are smaller than females. Females are approximately average human adult male sized and males are about the size of a human teen (before the growth spurt). They have six fingers on each hand and six toes, one of which looks almost like another thumb (see photos of gorilla feet for a close comparison) but is not totally opposable. They have 42 small, pointed teeth for holding and tearing meat. Their finger- and toenails are more similar to claws, thick and strong. They are not retractable, however, and resemble human nails to a certain extent.

Velyr have several desert adaptations. Their eyes, somewhat larger than human eyes, have thick, long lashes to keep sand out of them, as well as a nictitating membrane for the same purpose. Their skin is thicker than a human’s, and generally paler except when they reach old age (see Kyr, below). Their ears are somewhat larger, with pointed and tufted tips to filter sand and radiate excess heat. Their hair grows in a ridge along their spines, down to a small tail. This also helps to radiate heat and protect from blowing sand.

Velyr kidneys are designed to filter almost all water from the waste, as are their large intestines. They excrete fairly small, dried pellets. They have a large primary heart and a smaller pseudo-heart which helps to pump lymph fluid throughout the body. Their immune system is far more aggressive than a human’s.

Velyr are also inoculated with nanites shortly after birth. These tiny robotic devices help to regulate their bodies and aid in regeneration in case of injury or disease. Velyr also host a symbiotic lichen-like organism they call Kyr. It lives in their skin and in the hollow shafts of their hair. Kyr is photosynthetic in the red spectrum and provides adult velyr with nutrients and energy. Kyr is naturally dark in color, so as the velyr ages and the Kyr builds up, the skin and hair darken.

Velyr bones and muscles are more dense than human, designed to withstand about twice the gravity of Earth. Their eyes are designed to see the red end of the light spectrum, and they also see infrared. They cannot see blues or violets.

Velyr society places great emphasis on self-control, so emotions are kept strictly in check. Young children are allowed to be illogical, but once they begin formal schooling, they are expected to learn control. All citizens also learn skills to help control their bodies as well. They have developed a form of martial arts that is similar to the Brazilian art of capoeira, a combination of acrobatics, dance and martial arts.

Family-wise, velyr generally group up in triads, each gender typically sticking with others of that same gender. Females who are in season will seek out males who have attracted their attention, and mate with those before returning to their usual triad. This system is seen as the best answer to the in-fighting seen in lower animals over mating rights.

Females are seen as more logical and controlled than males. Young male velyr are far more likely to become rough in play, for example, and many injuries result from such. As velyr can regenerate, this roughness isn’t frowned upon in the young, but older males are encouraged to emulate their female counterparts and cease such roughness.

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