The story of the Fulgoridae begins not on this world, but on Xylos, a planet orbiting a binary star system in the Andromeda Galaxy. Xylos was – and perhaps still is, though its reality is fractured – a nexus point for temporal energies. The fulgorids weren't born; they *manifested*. They are echoes of moments shattered by extreme temporal distortions, solidified into beings of light and iridescent chitin.
The dominant lifeform on Xylos were the Chronomasters - sentient crystalline entities who meticulously catalogued and manipulated the flows of time. Their experiments, driven by an insatiable curiosity to unravel the very fabric of existence, created ‘Resonances’ – pockets of unstable temporal energy. These Resonances weren't simply distortions; they were *memories* given form, fragments of experiences ripped from across vast stretches of time.
It is theorized that the Fulgoridae are not individuals in the conventional sense, but rather collective consciousnesses composed of these temporal echoes, each holding a sliver of Xylos's history – and potentially, countless others.
A Fulgorid’s most striking feature is its exoskeleton. It isn’t merely protective; it’s a complex resonant chamber, capable of refracting and amplifying temporal energies. The coloration varies wildly depending on the dominant ‘Resonance’ within the being – ranging from deep obsidian flecked with violet (representing moments of intense grief) to shimmering gold laced with emerald green (reflecting epochs of profound discovery).
Their bodies are roughly ovoid, often reaching a height of 1.5-2 meters. They possess six articulated limbs ending in multifaceted claws capable of manipulating objects and – more importantly – disrupting temporal fields. The ‘lantern’ – the bioluminescent organ at their head – isn't simply for illumination; it’s a focal point for channeling temporal energy, allowing them to briefly accelerate or decelerate localized time around themselves.
Notably, Fulgorids exhibit ‘chronal phasing,’ momentarily shifting out of sync with the current timeline. This isn't teleportation, but rather a fleeting displacement within the temporal stream, granting them an almost impossible evasiveness.
Fulgorids are solitary creatures by nature, drawn to areas of high temporal instability – sites of past conflicts, ancient ruins resonating with forgotten rituals, or locations where significant events occurred. They do not appear to communicate in a conventional manner; instead, they engage in what scientists term ‘chronal resonance,’ projecting and receiving complex patterns of energy that seem to convey information across time itself.
Observation suggests they are driven by a fundamental urge to 'correct' temporal distortions – though the nature of this correction is baffling. They’ve been observed subtly altering events, not through direct intervention, but by manipulating the flow of time around them, creating ripple effects that ultimately stabilize the timeline. This leads many to believe they are inadvertently acting as temporal custodians.
The most perplexing behavior is their attraction to ‘chronal anchors’ – objects or locations profoundly affected by significant moments in history. They seem compelled to surround these anchors, bathing them in their light, and emitting a low-frequency hum that has been recorded across multiple timelines.
The presence of Fulgoridae represents a significant paradox. Their very existence is predicated on temporal instability, yet they actively strive to maintain the integrity of the timeline. Some theorize that they are not simply beings *from* fractured timelines, but rather entities *designed* to repair them – a self-perpetuating cycle of disruption and correction.
Extensive research has yielded unsettling results. Attempts to study Fulgorids directly have resulted in severe temporal distortions within the immediate vicinity – localized time loops, phantom echoes of past events, and even brief glimpses into alternate realities. It’s a clear indication that prolonged interaction with these beings is profoundly dangerous.
The prevailing hypothesis is that the Fulgoridae are not simply creatures to be understood, but forces whose very nature challenges our comprehension of time itself. Their continued existence serves as a stark reminder: some echoes are best left undisturbed.