Star spiders

Star spiders are sentient organic lifeforms from another galaxy. They frequently resemble Earth spiders, at least superficially, but this is a coincidence. Instead of being lone hunters, star spiders operate in semi-autonomous colonies linked by a quantum web. They can read each other's thoughts and operate in total coordination while retaining their individuality, making them deadly when provoked. They vary in role and in intellect, but each member has a voice in the decisions of the group.

The exception to this rule are the weavers, a caste of star spiders who by their genetics and will exert a strong influence on other star spiders. While other star spiders are tied to the web, weavers can traverse it, and are partially and consciously existent in the quantum realm. They are intuitively able to shape organic and chemical compounds, can draw on and use zero point energy to manipulate matter, and command star spider colonies to do their bidding. Weavers see themselves as gardeners, cultivating life across the universe. Their motives are often concealed behind several layers of deceit. In battle, they can be tenacious to the point of localized extinction, or fall back only to return decades later.

Weavers and their emissaries have been known to genetically modify members of species they take an interest in.

Notable star spiders: Kissh'ik, Kask (Al-Reshur), Messhar (Ak-Shirr)