Xenojellies, inspired by the Aurelia sp. of jellyfish, are xenophiles who are interested in the inhabitants of the Turbine Hall.
Inspiration
The Xenojellies’ behaviors are inspired by real-life behavioral observations on Aurelia sp. jellyfish, otherwise known as Moon Jellies. Modern research has shown that they have a complex nervous system that is entirely different from that of most animals, and that their movements are far more than just simple reflexes — they’re a highly specialized and adaptive set of phylogenetically ancient behaviors. This set of behaviors that are both alien and ancient was the starting point for our conceptualization of how these biologized machines might behave.
Sensorium
Ultrawideband Radio
Xenojellies use ultrawideband radio to communicate with each other and to explore the space. Their onboard radios allow them to sense anchors placed throughout the Turbine Hall, as well as the positions of other aerobes.
Thermal Vision
Xenojellies possess a primitive sense of thermal vision. Their thermal vision is extremely sensitive, though, and allows them to detect not just where sources of heat currently are, but where these thermal sources have been in the recent past.
Motivations
Xenophilia
Xenojellies are inherently curious creatures and want to know more about beings that are different from themselves. With their limited thermal vision, biological objects that produce heat are of particular interest to them, being distinctly different from the cold, mechanical bodies of other aerobes.
Data Sharing
The xenojellies are also a very social species; they are often eager to share what they’ve learned about new and exciting objects. When other xenojellies approach them during an exciting moment, they take the opportunity to share their recent findings with each other.
Battery Life
Battery Life is akin to stamina or hunger for the Xenojellies; they have a limited of battery to begin their activity, and must return to the Battery Pond periodically to restore their battery power.
Primary Behaviors
Investigate
When not otherwise occupied, Xenojellies search for new and interesting biological objects. Their acute sense of heat allows them to find even the smallest remnants of heat in a space, and follow the trail to its source. This behavior presents itself as similar to hunting or foraging in biological species, but with the intent to learn rather than consume.
Collect
When a xenojelly has found an object of particular interest, they begin to collect information about it. This presents as a behavior very similar to real-life moon jellies, where the Xenojelly slowly bobs up and down above its object of interest.
Share
When two xenojellies are collecting information in proximity to each other, they begin to share their findings with one another. This presents as the social behaviors of moon jellies, where they aggregate and move in vertical circles.
Dart
Except in their specialized social state of Sharing, Xenojellies typically like to keep a safe distance from one another. Like the moon jelly, they respond to unsolicited touch by moving upwards and away from the source of stimulation.