N'Tari

Physical Description

The N'Tari are a sentient, insectoid species with a blend of arthropod and plant-like features. Their bodies are covered in iridescent, chitinous plates that reflect light and shift colors based on their mood and environment. They have four limbs, each ending in delicate, articulated fingers. Their "heads" are actually colonies of specialized, neural-linked polyps that house their consciousness.

Biotechnology

The N'Tari have developed advanced biotechnology that merges organic and synthetic materials. They cultivate specialized, symbiotic organisms that can be engineered into various forms, including:

1. Ship-organisms: Living, semi-organic vessels that grow around metallic skeletons. These ships, called "Zhra'gha," are infused with N'Tari neural tissue, allowing for intuitive control and navigation.
2. Energy-symbiotes: Microorganisms that convert energy from various sources (stellar radiation, kinetic energy, etc.) into bio-electricity, powering their technology.
3. Smart-skin: Adaptive, photosynthetic membranes that cover their ships and architecture, providing camouflage, insulation, and energy harvesting.

Culture and Society

1. Colonial mentality: N'Tari society is organized into interconnected city-colonies, each a sprawling network of organic and synthetic structures.
2. Holistic philosophy: They view themselves as part of a larger, interconnected web of life, influencing their approach to technology and the cosmos.
3. Explorers and diplomats: The N'Tari are driven to explore, establish connections with other species, and foster cooperation through mutually beneficial trade and knowledge sharing.

Shipbuilding

N'Tari shipbuilding is a deeply involved process that merges technology, biology, and society. A new ship is a new life within the N'Tari civilization, so such enterprises must be carefully considered. Many N'Tari will invest portions of their own minds into these projects, so they are precious in the most important ways. 

1. Genetic blueprints: Designs encoded in the ship-organisms' DNA, guiding growth and development.
2. Neural imprinting: N'Tari pilots' thoughts and experiences are transferred into the ship's bio-computer, creating a symbiotic bond.
3. Gradual growth: Ships mature over time, adapting to their environment and responding to N'Tari needs.

Ship and Station Classes Zhra'gha-Ka: Scouting and exploring vessels with enhanced sensors and agility. A small crew was all that was needed, but such ships needed restocking often. As such, they were usually good for a single mission at a time. Their manueverability improved as ship ands pilot deepened their connection, and the longest operating partnerships could become inseparable. Defenses focused on utilizing their speed to escape danger while deploying measures to slow aggressors.  Zhra'gha-Ra: Cargo ships with expanded storage capacity and adaptive camouflage. The utility focus of these ships sponsored the most transient connections of pilot and ship. Their cargo space often started packed with crew supplies, and as resource gathering progressed as the crew freed up space. As such, these vessels could operate far from N'Tari space for extended periods. There size necesitatd the largest aetherstones available to be able to travel efficiently. Skippy the Majestic is a member of this class.  Zhra'gha-Sha: Warships with advanced defense systems and swarming capabilities. The N'Tari never deployed a single Zhra'gra-Sha. Any battle worth fighting was worth winning, so they avoided engagement unless they had overwhelming numbers. These warships always travelled in packs and used N'Tari neural networking to coordinate to devestate foes quickly.  Noma-Ra: Shuttles that carried crew and supplies between ships. They were capable of travelling between space and atmospheres. Most N'Tari vessels carried two of these, with cargo ships carrying many.  Shahla-Ba: Spaceborn city-colonies that are constructed similar to ships. They are larger than cargo ships, and as such are immobile at installation.  Shahla-Ka: Listening stations and resupply points for scout ships.  Shahla-Sha: Spaceborn forts and weapons platforms.