Zhard-Krellin

Zhard-Krellins are a semi-sapient bipedal fungoid species that originated on the tropical world of Tellon. The species was first noticed by the Bloomwrought Wildscape of Tellon because of its intelligence and tool use capabilities compared to other symbionts, and has formed the backbone of the Wildscape ever since. Importantly to the collective, Zhard-Krellins are the most suited symbiont for spaceflight, as they are more resistant to radiation and g-forces than others. As such, most interactions by other civilisations with the collective are done through Zhard-Krellins, which have effectively become the 'face' of the Wildscape internationally.

A Zhard-Krellin is actually a symbiotic fusion of two different species: the Zhard, a mammalian species, and the Krellin, a fungoid species. The two species are integrated before birth and cannot survive without the other, so are effectively a single species. The Zhard part of the species is responsible for the body and muscles, while the Krellin creates a protective shell around the Zhard and controls the brain. Due to more recent genetic engineering advances, Krellin have been transplanted onto other species, including sapient ones, and are capable of fully infesting and hijacking their bodies.