Bubblenaut

Bubblenauts are a peculiar species of unknown origin.

Wherever in the Milky Way Galaxy you find them, bubblenauts are the life and soul of any gathering, and they will always jump at any excuse to celebrate – whether it’s a birthday, wedding, baby shower, funeral, or even just for no reason at all.

Biology and appearance

A whimsical species, bubblenauts are balloon-like beings that hover a few inches above the ground. Their bodies are formed entirely from rubber and silk, and filled with nothing but helium. They have no bones, giving them a soft and almost weightless form. Their bodies comprise string-like necks, connecting to the nozzles on their shoulders, flexible limbs, and big, expressive eyes. Their heads, which often have additional appendages resembling hairstyles, are typically adorned with ribbons, party hats, or other festive decorations. They also have balloon-like antennae, which float independently of their heads. Their lightness makes them one of the most buoyant species in the galaxy.

Society and culture

Bubblenauts are cheerful, playful, and incredibly social beings that thrive in festive environments. They live for parties, games, music, and the indulgence of sweet treats and drinks. Loneliness or boredom is particularly hard on them, and without a lively social circle, bubblenauts become withdrawn and melancholic. They are attracted to bright colors, loud music, and anything that stimulates the senses. Thanks to their helium-filled bodies, bubblenauts naturally float, and often have to tie themselves to solid objects to remain stationary.

Bubblenauts can become irate when deprived of excitement, or when forced into doing monotonous tasks. They dislike stillness, routine, and anything else they deem dull. In a party, they are energetic and unpredictable, but they show zero tolerance for any ‘party-poopers’ who bring down the mood of their group.

Strengths

Bubblenauts can blow balloons from their mouths and fill them with air, water, fire, gifts, or other objects and substances. They can also inflate themselves to different sizes, whether to appear larger for display, to intimidate, or simply for fun. Being naturally skilled at creating balloon animals, decorations, and other shaped objects, bubblenauts are true masters of balloon-crafting. They have a knack for encouraging indulgence, cheerfulness, and exuberance in others, often turning any gathering into an unforgettable party.

Weaknesses

Bubblenauts’ helium-filled bodies are extremely fragile and can be easily punctured by sharp objects. They are also easily tempted by food, drink, and festivities, which can sometimes lead them to make poor decisions. Highly restless by nature, bubblenauts struggle with boredom and cannot tolerate long periods of inactivity or tedious work. They are also very lightweight, and a mere gust of wind can easily make them lose control.

Notable individuals

Noteworthy individuals amongst the bubblenaut species include:

• Balloonatic, an outcast from her social group who parties by herself, slowly turning insane from lack of interaction.