Du'het full by TheRealBeef1213 on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

The du'het are a species of arthropod-like organisms from the planet of Skaah. They have approximately 20 limbs. The five walking-limb pairs have retracting flap-like "fingers" that rest in a rear facing groove. These blue-blood tinted organs are utilized for both manipulation and swimming aids. The forward-most walking pair is usually kept off the ground to keep them clean. The next pair is large and plate-like. They are used to cover the mouthparts and 4 pairs of mandible limbs.

Their hardened "shell" is more like a fused pair of beetle elytra. Underneath they have a row of gills covering their true back. The outer shell traps moisture to allow breathing outside an aquatic environment. Their compound eyes are on stalks allowing for 360 degrees of vision. Their eyes can see a great many more colors than the average sapient but only capable of near-sighted vision. This gives a preference for contrasting colors and patterns, visible in their art and clothing.

Every so often they replace their plates in a sort of reverse skin shedding. They will grow a fresh skin layer over every plate, which then hardens as the innermost portions are deconstructed, allowing them to get incredibly large for beings with an exoskeleton. This period tends to make them hungrier than normal and irritable due to the resources needed.

The du'het home system is located just outside the core of the milky way. Their transition to a space-based population was fueled by competition between many businesses and corporations rather than population control or a desire to explore scientifically like other species. This healthy economy driven space race produced some of the most rugged ship designs in the core, and their ships can still be seen flying around even hundreds of years later. They are one of the top members of the industrial conglomerate, having been members since its transition to star empire-hood.

Tldr: rich centipede crabs