User:Zundy/Sandbox

=Overview=

As Dionae are generally pacifistic in their outlook they tend to operate in support positions within military units, acting as field medics, logistical support and any other function which does not involve direct aggression. That being said, under the teachings of the Eternal it is understood that there is a potential for violence to be unleashed by the powerful onto the powerless and thus it falls upon those who have undertaken martial studies to defend themselves and those unable to defend themselves. This is known as “Shh’sha’shu” or “The Divine Mandate to Defend All.” Dionae settlements that follow the principles of the Eternal are therefore aligned in their martial doctrines, these include but are not limited to Epsilon Ursae Minoris, The Narrows and the Biesel Choir.

Training
''“Evil is just a lack of empathy and perspective. To understand is to be good.”''

In a universe largely unforgiving towards the Dionae it’s not uncommon for gestalts to study Dioane martial arts - “Shh’ush” or “Defence Mastery,” an art largely based on utilizing a Dionae’s great endurance and their opponent's momentum. The level of study a gestalt might undertake depends on a particular gestalts interest in martial studies overall with many dabbling in the art but not immersing themselves. Mastery of the student ranks or “Hshh’shee” allows a gestalt to ascend into full ranks or “Hshh” which serve as the highest scholarly ranks for martial studies and the military forces of the Dionae known collectively as “Guardians of Eternal” or “Chaa’shh’sha’shu” (The Guardians of the Divine Mandate to Defend All). Under the Eternal and generally for the majority of Dionae, combat or military defence isn’t a job but a calling and area of scholarly study. Other species might study Defence Mastery for it’s non-lethal takedowns however the art is especially suited for Dionae due to its reliance on their natural resilience and slower speed.

“Hshh’shee” or “Student Ranks”
“Waging war against good creatures is bad for the soul.”

Initial training in Defence Mastery is focused on techniques to neutralise an opponent with minimal harm to both the user and their opponent. This is achieved by utilizing grapples, pins and stunning blows before retreating as well as methods of defensive retreat. Lethal force is not taught at this stage and is even strongly discouraged. Students at this level refer to themselves as “Shee” - Student or “One who is learning”. The teacher is referred to as whatever their rank may be. All teachers are those from the “Hshh” or “Full Ranks.” Advancement comes through mastery of the subjects being taught at each level and the completion of physical and written tests.

Shee’sho - First Rank aka Student of the First Level
At this level, students are taught techniques based around defensive retreat from a threat.

Shee’cho - Second Rank aka Student of the Second Level
At this level, students are taught key close combat neutralization techniques alongside advanced defensive retreat forms, including methods to assist others in retreating from threats. Most Dionae who don’t feel the call tend to stop at this level.

Shee’sho - Third Rank aka Student of the Third Level
At this level, students are taught a wider array of close combat neutralization techniques as well as being taught to master defensive retreats.

Shee’sho - Fourth Rank aka Student of the Fourth Level
At this level, students are taught how to utilize the environment/objects to assist in close combat neutralization as well as in defensive retreat.

“Hshh” or “Full ranks”
''“Holding hate in your heart is like grasping fire. It is you who is burnt in the end.”''

If a Dionae feels the call and has mastered the “Hshh’shee” or Student Ranks, they can opt to study the “Shh’sha’shu” or The Divine Mandate to Defend All and thus join the “Chaa’shh’sha’shu” or Guardians of Eternal. This is a more intricate martial discipline and covers military history, doctrine, diplomacy, martial theology and all combat forms. Advancement through the ranks is achieved not just by mastery as with the student ranks but also with the approval of the teacher. As with any hierarchy, commands flow down the ranks to the Defenders.

Shh’ch - Defender aka Defender of the Dionae
At this stage, a Dioane is taught lethal combat forms as well as the use of weaponry and vehicles. The “Shh’sha’shu” is also taught which includes military history, doctrine, diplomacy and martial theology. Escalation of force is also taught at this level with a focus on de-escalation. Police and security units would begin at this level.

Shh’ch’sha - Sentinel aka Sentinel of the Heavens
At this stage, a Dioane is taught further combat forms and more advanced lessons from the “Shh’sha’shu.” They might begin to specialise in a particular martial method such as piloting, combat engineer or even logistics.

Uushh’ch - Master aka Master of the Defence of Heaven
At this stage, a Dionae becomes an Overseer with mastery over combat and defence. A dioane at this level is familiar with all forms of the “Shh’sha’shu.”

Uushh’ch’sha - Grand Master aka Grand Master of the Defence of Heaven
At this stage, a Dionae has not only mastered the “Shh’sha’shu” but also multiple specialties. It is possible due to the way in which the advancement system works within the “Shh’sha’shu” for every member of the “Chaa’shh’sha’shu” to end up being a Grand Master barring the Marshall, though such a thing has never occurred historically.

Hss’shh’sha’shu - Marshall aka Marshall of the Divine Mandate to Defend All
The highest rank in the “Chaa’shh’sha’shu.” At this stage a Dioane would hold superlative knowledge of the “Shh’sha’shu” and not just be an expert fighter and military leader but also a tremendous diplomat. Unlike all other ranks the Marshall is largely unique, with only one Marshall per independent Dionae nation. The current Marshalls are: ‘Amplified by Probing Discoveries of Unknown Investigations’ of the Epsilon Expeditionary Force, ‘Metal Forms Made Ready‘ of the Narrows and ‘The First Lights Across the Void’ of the Biesel Choir.