Origins
Hailing from the planet Ehx, the Ydruz are a dominating species who have beaten down nearly every rivaling life form that threatened their place in society. The only existing life form on Ehx that could match their intelligence and ability are the Daz, a vastly similar species whose only protection is their habitat. Ehx is a primarily snowy and cold planet, composed of tundras and white forests, except for a small strip of the planet that is a desert. This is where the Daz live, in relative safety from the Ydruz, who live in the cooler parts of the planet. Some believe that the Daz evolved from the Ydruz, but the communication gap between the two species is too massive for this to be proven.
It is also believed that the Ydruz came directly from the ocean, instead of from a primate like creature, but this too is unable to be verified. The history and background of the Ydruz is muddled, and the people very much live in the now. It is notable that they are adept swimmers, and can see underwater through a sort of sonar.
Society & Culture
The Ydruz have a community structure based on survival and collaboration. Even now, when the Ydruz struggle less to survive than in the past, they emphasize working together for the better of the entire people. They wouldn't call themselves selfless; they can be rather selfish, but they acknowledge that their own success is dependent on that of those around them, thus creating a group of peoples that seem humble and service oriented. Outsiders wouldn't as easily see the passive aggression between ethnic groups of Ydruz, or the lack of tolerance for change.
They live in a female dominated society (this is based more so on a females longer life span, stronger physique, and higher intellect than reproduction or bullying) in which the females have more freedoms in religion, education, career, and personal life. In terms of sex, there are three; female, male, and what they call asex (a person without sex organs. An individual with both male and female organs is viewed as female, and can reproduce on their own). In terms of gender, it is viewed as fortunate to be born as a nonbinary or gender fluid type of person, since males are viewed as lesser; if gender were to be ranked, it would go female, nonbinary, gender fluid, then male. A person assigned the male sex typically is weaker in body and viewed as weaker in mind, though a transgender female is seen as unfortunately having a weak body, but fortunately, a strong mind.
In terms of orientation, it is deemed acceptable to prefer females or nonbinary/gender fluid peoples over males (whether this is in the form of being lesbian, bi, pan). It is frowned upon for males to only take interest in other males; it is viewed as a worthless bond. It is worth noting, though, that males who do find a way to contribute to society (making a discovery, dedicating their life to service) are vaguely respected.
The Ydruz are religious in the sense that they worship their planet and the universe. The universe they have named Tevehx, their planet, Ehx. They are unwilling to state specifics about their religion and how they identify 'holy' figures, but have a deep respect for knowledge, believing it to be a gift from the universe, and nature, a gift from their planet. They view themselves as being a species of higher status than others, though imperfect. Any sentient race that dominates its planet is a 'higher status' race (humans, for example). They celebrate their religion with several holidays (the 'birth' of the universe and their planet, as well as their race and their food sources. They also celebrate fasting holidays and have days dedicated to community service).
Scattered across the cold regions of the planet Ehx, the Ydruz live in small communities, ranging from as little as 10 to under a 100 members. In the cases of work or research settlements, they live in higher numbers, maxing out at 1000 residents. Their government is a democracy, located in a city at the northern most pole of the planet. Anyone is welcome to come and voice their concerns, and votes take place in the city. Those who currently do not occupy the city do not get a vote. As such the city is the most populated area of Ehx, ranging from thousands to millions depending on the season. Ydruz outside the city accept these laws without question; if they have a concern, they visit the city themselves, and make an appeal.
Physical Characteristics
Technology
The Ydruz have just as advanced technology has other groups, but have focused their advancements on longevity (they do not reproduce as rapidly as others may) and on planet preservation. They have developed space travel, and focus on exploring other planets for habitability/resources, though they will never deplete a planet of its resources. They try to find ways to extend resource use; recycling, longevity of resources, reuse. They are chemistry and biology oriented.
They tend to reject cybernetics and bodily advancements, as well as steroids. They do use medicinal drugs, though they are usually all natural. They do embrace recreational drugs; not only are they used for the creation of art, but also for creating new ideas (for science and for governing purposes). They have experimented with GMOs and artificial life but will not use altered food sources and reject 'unnatural' animals. Reproduction is either all natural, or it doesn't happen at all.
Much of their technology is put into use in resource collection, including hunting. Computers are used less for entertainment than for survival, though there are some uses of entertainment use, and communication use. The Ydruz listen to music and use their own form of the 'Net' to share ideas, primarily in the form of art or science. Politics is widely kept away from technology.
Miscellaneous
The Ydruz, as community oriented as they appear, are creatures of self. They think in the now, and they have their own personal goals, but simply believe that they can only be reached with the help of the community. They tend to act scholarly and passive until they view a threat. When not working together, they are very independent and tend to live alone. Names are two part; their family name followed by the name of their birthplace region. To differentiate they create a given name as a nickname; the given name of Zuyttyn. Tevrah is Tevryn (it would be written as Zuyttyn. Tevrah-Tevryn). Family name is used interchangeably with given name. Sometimes profession is tacked onto the name.