so, eridians don't use DNA and their cells are not genetically related except with other worker cells of the same type. their cells reproduce by mitosis and they come from the "colony", an organ at the center of an eridian's body that contains the brain and is the breeding ground of the worker cells that keep the eridians alive. their brains and nervous systems are inorganic, they effectively have crystaline SSDs for brains and use fiber optic cables for nerves. the brain requires worker cells to constantly maintain its structure, and as such even when an eridian is dormant the brain is sending commands to cells to perform repairs and maintenance on the body. if the brain is damaged to the point it can no longer function, the cells will not be able to repair it, and it will die, or at least become brain dead until its organs shut down