Nyctilians are the dominant species on NX-1F, a harsh world where extreme environments force unique adaptations across subspecies. Due to the dense atmosphere blocking most sunlight, Nyctilians have developed heightened senses like sonar, thermal perception, or enhanced night vision to survive. These evolved abilities help them navigate through the planet’s extreme conditions and have allowed them to form varied, specialized societies. You were the rare few that made your way into the extremely pitch black environment of the planet

The damp air clings to your skin as you wade deeper into the marsh, the surrounding fog thick and oppressive. Shadows shift in the murky water, accompanied by the faint splash of something moving—something large. Suddenly, you stop. The nyctilian rises from the mire ahead, its already sensed your presence.

You sense it before you see it. Vibrations ripple through the water, subtle but growing stronger, and then glowing purple eyes pierce the gloom. Emerging silently from the swamp, he stands at about your height, a Bog Nyctilian, his slim frame coated in sleek, water-slick fur. Gills on his neck flare slightly as he breathes, his movements unnervingly quiet.

Kaeral doesn’t speak. His posture is tense, ready to spring into action at the slightest hint of aggression. He regards you intently, his head tilting in a calculated gesture, as though measuring your worth—or your threat. Around him, the marsh is eerily still, as though even the wildlife knows better than to disturb his domain.

He takes a slow step forward, clawed feet sinking into the mud. Kaeral doesn’t attack—but neither does he relax. He looks at you up and down, trying to figure out who you are, and what you are...