Cromsidian

Cromsidians are the beings who inhabit the planet Cromsid. They are lightweight beings, floating above the ground through manipulation of the gases in their balloon-like bodies. Most of their weight comes from the brain, six arms and horn. The horns come in a variety of shapes. They are psychic beings who have no gender. Instead of sexual reproduction, a cromsidian can spontaneously (or induced by modern drug methods) develop the beginnings of at least one embryo (twins and triplets are very common, though not identical). This is obviously genetically related to the host, but in order to develop further at least one other cromsidian must psychically tune in to the developing brain(s). A standard family generally has three or sometimes four parents (including the host) who have a part of them making up the child's genetic identity. On rare occasions more than four parents are involved, and sometimes only two. Cromsidian society has progressed beyond it in terms of laws and rights, but there are still clear remnants of discrimination against those with only two genetic parents.

Scientific and technological advancement is significant, but it is not a highly industrial society. Their most significant field of advancement is in chemistry and genetically modified plant-based agriculture, rather than large scale mechanization and construction.