Krvn

Krvn are vaguely arachnoid creatures originally thought to be native to a world in the Spinward Marches Sector. They have been identified on several widely spaced planets, possibly having been transplanted as beasts of burden in the distant past.

Krvn nests contain dozens, perhaps hundreds, of workers and one or more large breeders which are rarely seen aboveground. Krvn are sometimes mistaken for the infamous chamax, to which they bear a rather worrying resemblance.

Physiology

An adult krvn has six primary legs plus four smaller manipulators to provide additional stability, and a central body around 1 metre in length. Krvn aren't strong enough to be ridden, but can pull a sled or carry a light pack at considerable speed, even over swampy terrain or snow.

Espaan

Some populations of krvn live in a symbiotic relationship with a warm-blooded species known as the espaan. These small, furry creatures resemble a six-legged starfish. They attach themselves to the undersides of worker krvn and direct their actions. Espaan are more intelligent than krvn workers, and can direct them in complex tasks. Nests with espaan tend to be bigger and more successful than a sole-krvn nest, making the symbiosis an effective one.