Is a plant class of species a good idea?

[Chat]

Silicoid - for species that have a silicon-based biochemistry - look like rocks, talk like people. Would probably need the 'AI uprising' DLC (or something similar) first as they'd probably prefer planets that don't have an atmosphere (or at least one that doesn't contain oxygen) and/or are extremely hot (like 1000+°C hot).

I know it's the standard trope for silicoids, but I've never understood the 'they look like rocks' part. I haven't seen much carbon based life that looks like graphite after all.

 

[Prime_01]

I'm not saying they shouldn't add it in, but I'd be curious storywise how they would explain a plant acquiring high level intelligence. It's commonly accepted that photosynthesis can't provide adequate energy generation to support a higher functioning brain (like a humans or greater). Although, they could just make them all carnivorous plants I guess.

 

[Greyhound_Gen.]

I know it's the standard trope for silicoids, but I've never understood the 'they look like rocks' part. I haven't seen much carbon based life that looks like graphite after all.

To be fair you are right about that - I was mainly just being silly with that comment. For those who are interested - although there is no purely silicon-based life on Earth there are some species that use biogenic silica in their bodies, including diatoms, silicious sponges and some varieties of radiolaria. They might be a good place to look for inspiration if you want to imagine what silicon-based species might look like. Diatoms in particular have really nice shell patterns and can be opalescent in appearance (image: http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/imgapr00/midsize.jpg ) - very pretty (at least imo)!

I'd be interested to see what people think boron-based life (another alternative ro carbon that's sometimes suggested) would look like...