Aalana – a photophagic spacefaring people who communicate in harmonies and sung notes. Triad mating groups are necessary for reproduction: male, female and nen. Digestive and circulatory structures have more in common with Earth plants than animals.
Faiina – an Aalana's dermal covering consisting of triangular overlapping pieces. Under normal circumstances, these are soft, not unlike feathers, but when an Aalana feels threatened or is startled, the faiina swiftly fill with rah to form sharp, defensive spikes.
Lim – the tentacle-like tubular structures atop an Aalana's head. Unlike hair, these are tactile, mobile, serve as particulate filters for a more sensitive method of smell than humans, and can shoot either melai when threatened or also, in males during reproduction, pollen.
Melai – a mild neurotoxin propelled from an Aalana's lim to immobilize an attacker. Only used in extreme circumstances.
Munalid – an Aalana courtship ritual involving the creation of patterns from small items to indicate mating intentions.
Nen – the Aalana third gender. Nen provide spores during mating and are the necessary catalyst for conception of young.
Rah – an Aalana's circulatory fluid, thicker and stickier than blood.