Jellyfish

A Sophont species native to Axasorsa (2802 Far Home), on the coreward edge of Far Home Sector. Jellyfish are omnivorous ocean-dwelling creatures preferring the benthic zone of sheltered coastal shallows. They mass approximately 800 kg, with a saucer-shaped neutrally buoyant body surrounded by a fringe of beating tentacles. At the lowest point of the body is a mass of manipulator tentacles and sensory stalks surrounding a mouth, and towards the rear is a muscular extendable ‘foot’ that allows the creature to anchor itself in place. They communicate through the use of “song”, deep booms and rumbles and clicks that can carry for hundreds of kilometers.

Jellyfish carry a number of small (20kg) semi-independent organisms called “Squids” within their body. Squids can be ejected as required and sent to carry out simple tasks, usually gathering food or resources. Squids can move on land as well as in water but they can only survive for a limited period on their own, needing to return to their parent Jellyfish to receive nutrition and remove body waste – they are able to “download” their memories and experiences at the same time. They can either re-enter the body or latch onto a specialised tentacle to achieve this. If squid are lost, Jellyfish are able to grow replacements as required.

Most Jellyfish live in vast, carefully laid out communal farms, dwelling within large decorated “scrapes”. They are generally uninterested in much outside of their own experience. Their main drive is the acquisition of food – a Jellyfish is happiest in its aquatic garden. When they are required to interact they are distant and cold in their manner, and are considered bad-tempered, argumentative, and difficult to negotiate with. Though they are largely uninterested in offworld affairs there is a thriving trade in trinkets and baubles, usually paid for in valuable mineral ores.