Basalites

A typical basalite

The People of the Rock

The Creation Story, First Stanzas

In the era most pristine, yet untouched by time.
In the far outstretching spaces down below,
The Creator, thereupon waves her molten pillow;
And whips the torrid oozing slag until it becomes molten white

The forces meet, now wed in force and beauty
The Creator laboured, heavy-hearted
Till at last, in His full conception
He molds the people of the Rock.

— Author Unknown

Basalites, also known as the People of the Rock or Golems, are a large and powerful species who reside on Oikia. They are relatively unique among the lifeforms in Alaxia, being silicon based instead of carbon based. Basalites are known to reside mostly in small communities, which historically operated independently, beyond engagement in trade and occasional warfare with one another. Today, the majority of the planet's basalites live under autonomous governments within the Hveden Federation.

Biology and Appearance

They appear as a central body, where their "eye" is located, alongside two additional limbs. Their bodies appear as angular rock, resembling basalt, with more molten material allowing movement in their joints. Due to their nature, they are unable to survive without extreme heat, and so are confined almost entirely to the lava fields of East Alaxia, hardening into solid rock if they remain in temperatures below around twenty two degrees Celsius for long periods of time.

Basalites can live for centuries, with some individuals having been recorded to live as long as 300 years. This is due to the fact they can only age by means of erosion of their bodies, leading members of the species to avoid areas with high winds or running water, as it can notably decrease their otherwise long lifespans. The species is known for keen intellects, believed by many to be linked to their very long lives.

Basalites do not possess anything resembling vocal cords, but are able to make grinding and groaning sounds through movements of their rocky bodies, which have developed into a handful of languages. However, for communication with non-basalites, they prefer writing, as it can be nigh-impossible for other species to properly differentiate or reproduce these sounds.

Due to the lack of any other similar lifeforms on Oikia, many scientists believe that basalites are extraterrestrial in origin, possibly coming from the volcanic moon of the gas giant Tychia, or from Kafsi, the planet nearest to the systems star, though no conclusive proof of basalites on either world has been found. Others have suggested a potential interstellar origin. It is not known how they would have come to Oikia from these places.