The Hyot’tohr are a race native to the planet Vulcan.
Hyot'tohr are humanoids with a tough, rock-like exterior. Their tough skin protects them against volcanic activity and corrosive gases in their home, Vulcan. They feed on bacteria and microorganisms found in the mineral-rich volcanic soil and hot springs. Small openings in their exterior provide direct access to their internal structures to absorb nutrients and expel waste efficiently.
Their skin often resembles the volcanic landscapes of their home planet. Red, brown, and black are common hues. Their skin texture can be either smooth and polished or rough and craggy. The Hyot'tohr communicate through subtle vibrations in their rocky exterior with minimal hand and body gestures.
While their exterior appears rock-like, it is actually a specialized protective layer covering their soft internal structures. The small openings across their bodies contain valves that regulate the intake of bacteria and other microorganisms from their environment. These valves also act as sensory organs, allowing them to detect changes in temperature, pressure, and chemical composition in their environment.
In many ways, their biological structure resembles that of marine tunicates, with a protective outer layer and internal filtering mechanisms. Like tunicates, they have developed specialized openings that filter nutrients from their environment. However, while tunicates filter seawater for plankton, the Hyot'tohr filter volcanic soil and thermal waters for bacteria and minerals. Their valve system operates on similar principles to a tunicate's siphons, though adapted for a terrestrial, volcanic environment.
Despite their resilience, the Hyot’tohr population remains small and isolated, primarily inhabiting underground caverns and geothermal vents. They have slow metabolisms and long lifespans, which has affected the growth of their population. Due to their hard, heavy skin, they cannot move quickly on their own. Thus, Hyot'tohr often live very slow-paced, contemplative lives.
Hyot'tohr can reproduce both sexually and asexually. They use the small openings across their bodies that normally regulate nutrient intake to exchange genetic material during reproduction. During asexual reproduction, they can split off portions of their rocky exterior which then develop into new individuals, though this process is extremely slow due to their low metabolism.
The Hyot'tohr possess several abilities that stem from their rocky composition. Their most notable ability is their exceptional heat resistance, which allows them to endure extreme temperatures lethal to most other species. They can traverse lava flows and enter active volcanic areas with ease. They are highly durable as their rocky exterior shields them from most physical harm.
Additionally, the Hyot'tohr have developed a form of camouflage, blending seamlessly with their rocky surroundings when they remain still.
Their rock-like exterior and specialized valve system also render them immune to most toxic gases and corrosive substances found in their volcanic environment. This adaptation allows them to thrive in areas where other species would quickly succumb to poisonous fumes.
Despite their isolated nature, some Hyot'tohr have ventured off-world, joining other factions as valued geologists and terraformers. They are patient, strong, and highly durable.
The Hyot'tohr have developed a unique style of attire that reflects their culture and environment. They don simple, draping garments, often in earthy tones that complement their natural coloration. These clothes are commonly sleeveless and knee-length for ease of movement and to showcase their distinct texture. Accessories play a significant role, as well. The Hyoh’tohr wear necklaces, bracelets, and rings crafted from precious metals and gemstones found in their volcanic homes. Some have elaborate stone pendants that tell stories of their clan or personal achievements.
The Hyot'tohr communicate through vibrations emitted from the small openings in their rocky exterior. These vibrations create patterns that other Hyot'tohr can interpret through their sensory valves. While they cannot produce vocal sounds, they have developed a sophisticated written language using petroglyphs.
Their writing system consists of intricate petroglyphs carved from right to left, with each glyph representing specific objects or concepts. The name "Hyot'tohr" itself is derived from two distinct glyphs: "hy'ht'" (”ventricles or connected channels”) and "t'hr" (”vibrations”).Their language is called T'hurudok (T'hr-nd'k).
The petroglyphs are carved with remarkable precision using specialized tools made from hardened volcanic glass. These tools allow the Hyot'tohr to create intricate patterns that can convey meanings through their subtle variations in depth and spacing. The glyphs create vibrations when struck or touched, allowing Hyot'tohr to "read" their written language through their sensory valves.
When other species attempt to pronounce Hyot'tohr names, they can only approximate the vibrational patterns associated with each glyph.