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==History== | ==History== | ||
The exact origins of the Byzatium races is not clearly known. The Dorfmen, being almost indistinguishable from Terrans, are assumed to be pioneers of early Earth space travel, but have intermarried with the Omunics in the deep and distant past. The records of their space travel was lost, even though the timespan to the present day was relative short. Overtime, the forefathers of the Omunics did not like the way that their bloodline was becoming tainted by Dorfmen genes. However, their solution was to change their own physiology through genetic engineering, trying to turn themselves into the ultimate creatures in the Galaxy. However, far from achieving a noble end, they are now twisted and monstrous, hiding their warped forms inside long flowing cloaks. | The exact origins of the Byzatium races is not clearly known. The Dorfmen, being almost indistinguishable from Terrans, are assumed to be pioneers of early Earth space travel, but have intermarried with the Omunics in the deep and distant past. The records of their space travel was lost, even though the timespan to the present day was relative short. Overtime, the forefathers of the Omunics did not like the way that their bloodline was becoming tainted by Dorfmen genes. However, their solution was to change their own physiology through genetic engineering, trying to turn themselves into the ultimate creatures in the Galaxy. However, far from achieving a noble end, they are now twisted and monstrous, hiding their warped forms inside long flowing cloaks. | ||
The Omunics have lived on Byzatium for much longer than the Dorfmen, and were reckoned to be the dominant species before the humanoids arrived nearly two centuries earlier. The Omunics are very secretive, and have almost no contact with the outside galaxy. They are capable of space travel, but have never been known to leave the surface. | The Omunics have lived on Byzatium for much longer than the Dorfmen, and were reckoned to be the dominant species before the humanoids arrived nearly two centuries earlier. The Omunics are very secretive, and have almost no contact with the outside galaxy. They are capable of space travel, but have never been known to leave the surface. | ||
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==Physiology | ==Physiology== | ||
Dorfmen: The humanoid bi-peds are very similar to their Terran ancestors, but on average tend to be over six feet tall and athletic. Dark hair predominates, and many of the men have beards, often to hide scars from fights and brawls. | Dorfmen: The humanoid bi-peds are very similar to their Terran ancestors, but on average tend to be over six feet tall and athletic. Dark hair predominates, and many of the men have beards, often to hide scars from fights and brawls. | ||
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[[File:crazy3.jpg|center|150px]] | [[File:crazy3.jpg|center|150px]] | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
The Vectis: The Vectis are bi-pedal diploblastic (jelly-like) creatures that glow | The Vectis: The Vectis are bi-pedal diploblastic (jelly-like) creatures that glow in dark light. This ability is due to luminescent pigments in their blood. There are also three main sub-groups within the Vectis:<br> | ||
Vectis - Gnaij of Byzatium: | Vectis - Gnaij of Byzatium: | ||
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<br> | <br> | ||
==Religion | ==Psychology== | ||
The Dorfmen and Omunics have no known telepathic or empathic abilities. However, the Vectis have strong psychic energies. However, their telepathy is only between their own kind. They cannot read the minds of other races. The only skill they have in that field is that when they talk to other species, the voice is projected into the mind of the receiver. The Vectis therefore have no vocal chords in the traditional sense. However, this psychic projection is just one way. A visitor’s thoughts are still their own.<br> | |||
==Religion== | |||
None of the three races have any organised religions beyond simple superstitions. Transient visiting species may have different ideas however.<br> | |||
==Mythology== | |||
A favourite tale, told as historical fact, is the legend of two warring cousins, each in possession of a mighty castle upon its own island city. One cousin was evil, the other was kind. The Good Cousin did all he could to protect his own people, and minimise the suffering of the other island’s people as much he could, but the actions of his wicked relation pushed him further into hard reprisals. Eventually the noble man offered to decide the war in single combat with his rival. The dark master accepted. The great duel began, and raged for hours, then days, neither man yielding. Eventually, the good cousin saw a chance to win the fight, but only at the cost of his own life. Without hesitation he made the move. Each man ran the other through with their swords. Where the good man’s blood spilt on the ground, trees, flowers and even a spring erupted from the soil. Where the evil cousin’s blood seeped out, a multi-headed serpent burst forth and slithered away. The legend persists that one day the two men will fight another battle to the death, but only one will be victorious – and will rule the planet, and the galaxy, for eternity.<br> | |||
==Society== | |||
Dorfmen society is largely city based, and is nominally divided into different nations, with nuclear families as the basis of day-to-day life, but in actuality gangs, clans and rival syndicates dominate public life and children often owe greater alliegance to their gang master than their own parents.<br> | |||
Omunic society is largely unknown, and is thought to be almost like a hive mentality, with a few alpha individuals (or Queens) dominating their servitors and underlings. They have no single mass consciousness, but do display highly disciplined, swarm-like characteristics, especially when hunting.<br> | |||
Vectis society is confined to its few domed sanctuaries, and is far akin to a mass colonial group. As they reproduce asexually, family units are not even a notional concept, and offspring are literally offshoots of their parents, and have to a more or less degree the same psychological make-up. This allows for great cohesiveness within Vectis society. This is very necessary bearing in mind their vulnerable existence on the planet.<br> | |||
== | ==Culture== | ||
Dorfmen culture is centred upon a persons ability to make money and fight. Art and literature are considered to be luxuries that the people cannot afford to waste time in. A love of weaponry and vehicles is the most popular pastime on the planet. All this does not absolutely exclude more ethereal considerations, but that they are often shunted to the margins of society. | Dorfmen culture is centred upon a persons ability to make money and fight. Art and literature are considered to be luxuries that the people cannot afford to waste time in. A love of weaponry and vehicles is the most popular pastime on the planet. All this does not absolutely exclude more ethereal considerations, but that they are often shunted to the margins of society.<br> | ||
It is customary for Dorfmen to compete in extreme sports, where deaths are not uncommon, even at a young age. It is considered important in building up their resilience in later life. | It is customary for Dorfmen to compete in extreme sports, where deaths are not uncommon, even at a young age. It is considered important in building up their resilience in later life.<br> | ||
Music tends to be loud and brash, and most popular is a form called Solid State Surge, which has been likened by historians to 21st century Earth extreme death metal music.<br> | Music tends to be loud and brash, and most popular is a form called Solid State Surge, which has been likened by historians to 21st century Earth extreme death metal music.<br> | ||
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The Vectis’ highest moral code is a desire for their entire race to eventually be reunited into one glorious sentient entity, and travel the galaxy learning about the mysteries of the universe. | The Vectis’ highest moral code is a desire for their entire race to eventually be reunited into one glorious sentient entity, and travel the galaxy learning about the mysteries of the universe. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
==Customs== | |||
A popular custom amongst the Dorfmen is to engage in drinking contests that can last days, and result in serious health implications for the winners and losers alike.<br> | |||
It this love of danger and hard living that makes many Dorfmen of Byzatium have a very weathered appearance despite their usual natural good-looks.<br> | |||
Another custom associated with the Dorfmen is the giving of gifts and engaging in wild revelries for anyone reaching 50 years of age. It is seen as a great achievement to have survived for such a length of time, and the festivities can last weeks.<br> | |||
==Technology== | ==Technology== | ||
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The Vectis have developed their own unique brand of technology, largely chemical and optical. Light is passed through a number of fluid filled chambers, some constructed and some within their own bodies – and these have been used for a wide number of purposes such as communication, energy transfer and medical purposes. | The Vectis have developed their own unique brand of technology, largely chemical and optical. Light is passed through a number of fluid filled chambers, some constructed and some within their own bodies – and these have been used for a wide number of purposes such as communication, energy transfer and medical purposes. | ||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
The Omunic and Vectis communities are mostly self-contained economically. The Dorfmen would class themselves as traders and pilots predominantly, but that is really a euphemism for piracy, smuggling, slave-trading, and general black marketeering. The Dorfmen are considered rogues and bandits by most of their neighbours, especially the adjacent [[Bardeezan|Bardeezans]], who are most often enslaved to become the Dorfmen’s ‘Hotch’ (slaves). | The Omunic and Vectis communities are mostly self-contained economically. The Dorfmen would class themselves as traders and pilots predominantly, but that is really a euphemism for piracy, smuggling, slave-trading, and general black marketeering. The Dorfmen are considered rogues and bandits by most of their neighbours, especially the adjacent [[Bardeezan|Bardeezans]], who are most often enslaved to become the Dorfmen’s ‘Hotch’ (slaves). | ||