Dendriti (Den-DRIT'-ee) (DD)

Physical Description: Dendriti are molluscan in terms of physiology, but they are structurally much more complex. The body is bilateral symmetrical. The average Dendriti is approximately 2.5 meters tall and masses 100 kilograms. The internal skeleton is composed of a network of thick but flexible fibers which underlay the epidermis of the entire body. This skeletal network allows the Dendriti to move literally in any direction and also provides good protection to vital organs. The epidermis itself is rough but evenly textured, and is also very resistant. The legs of the Dendriti expand at the lower end into two wide extremities with no protuberances of any kind, very much like the "foot" of a clam or other mollusk. The arms however branch and branch again to form 4 manipulative tentacles for each of the left and right "hands". The Dendriti head is flat and featureless except for the mouth. All sensory apparatus is located within the epidermis. The species "sees" in the radar wavelengths and "hears" with a sonar- like system. "Gumbys" or "Gumboys" is the human nickname usually given to the Dendriti. The origin of this reference is not known.

History: A warlike race who preyed on each other through nation/state military orders, the Dendriti were discovered by the Rikel. The Rikel decided to help this new race to get established and improve on its abilities. Since the Rikel were basically peaceful they tried to instill this in the Dendriti while improving the physical characteristics of the Dendriti through gene splicing and other forms of genetic engineering. The Rikel turned the Dendriti into the modern beings that they are today although this experiment turned out to be somewhat of a failure for the Rikel. Instead of developing a new and improved Dendriti that was of a peaceful nature, they only managed to enhance the military ambitions of the species. The Dendriti placed so much emphasis on military pursuits that their society eventually collapsed from within and the only Dendriti found today are individuals and small populations scattered throughout Dark Well Space.

Society: None. Where found, the Dendriti have adopted the society of other allegiances.