Arkitan

The Arkitan are one of the two native sentient species of Nendrelus, evolving on an isolated island in the center of the world’s largest ocean—an island later revealed to be the exposed fragment of an enormous mineral-rich meteor that struck the proto-continent before life fully emerged. This geological anomaly granted the Arkitan early access to rare earth metals, conductive elements, and exotic minerals, accelerating their technological evolution to a degree unmatched by the mainland Nendrelan.

The Arkitan are known for their scientific brilliance, rapid innovation, and advanced machinery long before foreign contact. Their intervention during the Solar Flare Catastrophe saved the Nendrelan from near extinction and sparked the cultural unification that reshaped Nendrelan–Arkitan history.

Biology

Arkitan physiology reflects their island’s coastal and aquatic environment, as well as their evolutionary split from the Nendrelan.

Physical Traits

Amphibious Adaptation: Arkitan lungs process humid and saline air efficiently; they hold breath for long periods.
Strong Limbs: Adapted for coastal climbing, diving, and manipulating heavy minerals.
Dense Bone Structure: A trait linked to early aquatic ancestors.
High Endurance: Suited for long-distance swimming and intense manual labor.
Slate-Toned Skin: Often smooth and reflective, adapted to high ocean glare.

Evolutionary Divergence

Though related to the Nendrelan through a common ancestor, Arkitan physiology diverged due to:

isolation on a mineral-rich island
aquatic hunting traditions
early exposure to conductive metals
climate differences after the melting of the ice caps

This divergence produced a species more physically robust and technologically inclined.

Culture

Arkitan culture places emphasis on:

engineering
metallurgy
precision craftsmanship
communal problem-solving
oceanic tradition

Metal, rather than glass, became their foundational art form.

Metallurgy and Technology

The meteor-island provided an abundance of:

rare earth metals
conductive minerals
heavy elements essential for early circuitry and alloys

As a result, Arkitan technological progress included:

early electricity
advanced metallurgy
primitive computing mechanisms
experimental energy storage
automated tools centuries before Nendrelan equivalence

Their machines were often elegant, compact, and ocean-resistant.

The Solar Flare Catastrophe

The defining moment in Arkitan history came when Nendrelus was struck by a catastrophic solar flare.

The Nendrelan were devastated:

power grids failed
agriculture collapsed
coastal regions burned
entire settlements perished

The Arkitan were positioned on the planet’s night side and their advanced equipment survived the flare.

They launched a massive relief effort, providing:

medicine
energy systems
food supplies
mechanical infrastructure
scientific support

The Nendrelan hailed them as returning kin—“the lost family returned by fate.”

Relationship with the Nendrelan

Despite their long isolation, the two species share:

common ancestry
compatible physiology
intertwined history

Cultural and scientific integration accelerated after the Great Reconciliation.

Together, Nendrelan artistry and Arkitan technology became the backbone of Nendrelus’ rise to an Ecumenopolis.

Arkitan Society

Modern Arkitan influence on Nendrelus includes:

oversight of planetary reactors
deep-core engineering
atmospheric regulation towers
advanced cybernetics
oceanic research

They remain deeply tied to scientific institutions and are often seen as the “architects” of Nendrelus’ technological era.

Spiritual and Cultural Identity

While less spiritually focused than the Nendrelan, the Arkitan maintain deep reverence for:

the Ocean Core
the Meteor of Origins
the “Skyfall Forge”—the place where the meteor first landed

Ceremonial metallurgy is practiced during planetary milestones.

Modern Arkitan

In the Ecumenopolis:

they dominate science and engineering
frequently serve in high-tech industries
maintain the largest oceanic research guilds
act as custodians of Arkitan cultural memory

Their quick intellect and problem-solving nature make them essential to planetary infrastructure.