Elos

The Elos are a race of near-humans brought over from Earth to a terraformed 'study world' by an ancient spacefaring civilization of gargantuan power. They advanced much earlier than the human race itself because of genetic manipulation and abandoned technology.

Biology
The Elos are a race of humanoids who have evolved to - but do not originate from - a naturally cold but habitable planet which orbits a star with a markedly lesser reach of UV rays compared to Earth. This has led the standard complexion of the race to be somewhat achromasiac and resistant to cold.

Additionally, the planet's slightly different gravity has shortened their height when compared to humans, making them a generally lighter and more nimble people, although quite hardy. They are most comfortable in cool, underground areas and need either extensive conditioning or protection when exposed to more intense sunlight. The rest of their biological functions are almost identical to that of their forerunner race, excepting the purpose of their isolation.

Shared by the Elos is an evolutionarily adopted microorganism that serves as a neurological extension of each individual. Referred to in their dominant language as the Haeros (pronounced 'ehros'), these agents can mingle with the hae of fellow Elosians, giving way to a form of emotional communication via direct interaction of brain impulses.

These microorganisms can also bond with and grow in individuals of other races who become very close to an Elosian, albeit usually in a weaker form comparatively. Additionally, the hae have a set of cell-replenishing abilities, which although is partially thought to be a countermeasure to the spread of disease due to transmission of hae, has an effect of fast recovery for most minor ailments, a preservation of youth, and an extended natural lifespan of a standard 250 years.

Other abilities are also possible within the nature of these agents, although often only with extensive training can they be a physical force of substance, and mentally, finding someone who can force themselves into the mind of another is at best extremely rare. An innocuous side-effect of the hae is notably - compared to humans - a greater variation of eye-color, with some even possessing a trait of regularly changing eye color.

History
The Elos arrived on their home planet approximately 150,000 years ago, where they were subjected to experimentation in a scientific project funded by an imperial power from clear across the other side of the galaxy. This supervision ended a few thousand years before the Qerydon reached that section of space, as it was one of the last scientific projects recalled by the economically collapsing central government of that empire.

It was through the historic contact of their very distant remnants that the location of Earth was given, which had been an international project for millennia up to that point. It had been of particular cultural importance to many aspects of Elosian society and culture that their 'home planet' be found.