User:Caelphon/Sandbox1

Overview

A unique race of fungoid creatures, the Dionae are a unique blend of biological and intellectual capabilities that distinguishes them from other known life within the Orion Spur, or the greater galaxy. With a physical resemblance to slugs, they have the ability to form "gestalts" which are complex, collective entities that enhance cognitive abilities and perform intricate tasks. They may also exhibit sophisticated behaviour, showcasing a collective intelligence that evolves with the number of Dionae within a gestalt. Dionae have the ability to gain information through genetic absorption; meaning they are able to assimilate knowledge and skills from a genetic sample, allowing them to gain knowledge through biological interaction. This has allowed Dionae to rapidly adapt to the societies present within the Orion Spur. Dionae rely on radiotrophy, in which they derive energy for growth and sustenance from ionizing radiation. Dionae convert radiation into usable chemical energy, which in turn allows them to survive in otherwise inhospitable environments as long as radiation exists.

Heads of Staff

Dionae can be the following Heads of Staff:

• Research Director

• Chief Engineer

• Chief Medical Officer

• Operations Manager

Dionae

D. Primis

Native Language(s): Rootsong

Faction(s): Xrim, Hieroaetheria, Moghes, Nralakk Federation, Primitive Sirens, Titan Prime and Others.

Location(s): Everywhere

Biology

Forms

See: Dionae Forms

The process of merging and separation for Dionae is a rather strenuous affair, taking both a significant amount of time and energy. Nymphs are considered the smallest form, however, Nymphs are Dionae in their 'baseline' form. Nymphs will then typically come together to form larger structures, a process which can span several hours, sometimes days for the larger forms. The majority of Dionae exist in Cyclops-forms, which is a bipedal, human-like formation. Before a formation is made, Dionae will typically gorge themselves on biomatter, and supplement themselves with radiation, as a method of ensuring that the stockpiled energy and resources needed for the demanding process are not exhausted at the end. In contrast to merging, there is separation. It is a rare, drastic measure typically reserved for situations where survival seems unlikely. It is a traumatic process, and very rarely done. Sustained, repeatedly separation may lead to the loss of knowledge, and even the loss of life in some circumstances.

Mindtypes

See: Dionae Mindtypes

Dionae, dissimilar to other sophonts, have personalities formed from the unique interplay of the biological and cognitive characteristics exhibited in the species: mindtypes. Mindtypes are essentially the personality of the collective gestalt and often involve how the Dionae presents itself to others. Mindtypes represent the myriad of ways in which gestalts process information, form identities, and develop consciousness. The formation of a mindtype is influenced by several factors, including the method in which they merged, continued separation of Dionae, the accumulation of experiences, and the manner in which these memories or experiences are shared or retained within the gestalt. There are several different types of document mindtypes, with more still being discovered as time marches on.

Physiology

See: Dionae Biology

Culture

Language

Unlike most other species of the Spur, Dionae are grown already knowing their native language, Rootsong. Rootsong is spoken through a combination of sounds created by limbs, membranes, and movement that all come together to create a “song” that can be understood as words and sentences. To the uninitiated, these sounds tend to sound more "natural", with many comparing their songs to an orchestra of leaves rustling in the wind, branches rubbing together, and sometimes softer instrumental sounds such as a noise akin to a flute. Emotion and intent can be understood through the pitches and speed of the sounds, with faster, lighter pitches used for happier words, and lower, slower pitches for more negatively-inclined words. Dionae are capable of comprehending and oftentimes speaking a plethora of languages found throughout the spur, although they can have some difficulties with speaking languages that require certain facial features or body parts used in motions and gestures whilst speaking. To overcome this Dionae are capable of growing or designating a Nymph to create a mimicry of what they’re missing, such as by designating a Nymph to act as a tail to assist them in speaking certain languages or using biomass to create appendages that can act as fingers for sign language.

Naming

The naming conventions of Dionae are as diverse and intricate as the beings themselves, varying significantly depending on the origin of the gestalt. Unlike other sophonts within the Orion Spur, in which there exists a conventional naming system that generally is applied to all members of the species, Dionae are deeply rooted in their experiences, emotions, actions or ideals, in which their names serve as a reflection of their identity. They are highly fluid, changing as the Dionae evolves and undergoes new experiences, and can be both literal and metaphorical in nature. A Dionae's name might stem from daily routines, significant memories of interactions with others, particular fascinations or emotions, unique locations where important events occurred, or even distinctive physical features. The broad range of inspirations indicates there exists no limit to the length or complexity of a Dionae's name, through for practical reasons, they are typically shortened to make them more manageable in written form.

Voidic Dionae

See: Voidic Proto-Culture

Voidic Proto-Culture refers to the oral traditions, behaviours, and beliefs held by feral or wild Dionae gestalts that exist within the vast expanse of open space. These gestalts, often removed from the influence of more structured and technologically advanced societies, develop a unique cultural framework shaped by the harsh and isolating conditions of their environment. Despite the vast distances and isolation inherent in space, the Voidic Proto-Culture is remarkably widespread and uniform among Dionae, indicating a deep-seated set of survival strategies and shared understandings. Among the Dionae, this proto-culture is known simply as the Voidic.

Terrestial Dionae

Unlike their voidic counterparts, terrestrial Dionae do not have a uniform culture. It is heavily dependant on the origin of the gestalt, this variation stems from the wide range of environments, societies and experiences encountered by the Dionae living on different planets or within other terrestrial settings; such as the Pests of Titan Prime. As a result, the cultural practices, beliefs, and behaviours of such Dionae are as varied as the worlds they inhabit. There is a complex integration of ecological, social, and historical influences that give rise to these unique cultures across the planets of the Orion Spur.

The Eternal

See: The Eternal

The Eternal has spread far and wide across the Orion Spur. It is largely considered the most influential organisation within Dionae society, having branched into three different Schools of Thought that each has its own interpretation of the Eternal; ranging from ingesting blood to augmenting oneself with biotechnology to transcend into a reality with the Eternal in accordance with their faith. Othrodox Eternal is the most followed branch of the religion, followed by the Iron Eternal, and lastly the Ichor Eternal. Operating as an interstellar theocracy, headed by the Omnivirate, they call for all Dionae to follow the Eternal, and pledge themselves to it. The future of the faith is uncertain as it continues to develop and evolve from its circumstances in the Orion Spur. The majority of Dionae are well acquainted with the Eternal, with it being a facet of life in most factions. It is advised for players to familiarize themselves with it.

History

See: Dionae History

Dionae have a varied history, with three defined instances of first contact with the Skrell. Humans and the Unathi. Though these first contact situations each differ, they all led to the fundamental discovery of the species in a new capacity; the Skrell sought to use the species as a stop-gap measure as they built a new society without the incorporation of artificial intelligence, in the wake of the reign of Glorsh-Omega and the Genophage. They were integrated and subsequently became an integral component of the Nralakk Federation in the decades following their discovery. However, their ability to act as a replacement for the lost workforce of the Federation was merely one element of their abilities.

The discovery of the Rueltab Titan brought forward an era of concern regarding the presence of Dionae. A joint Human-Skrell expedition into Rueltab turned into a gruesome conflict following the destruction of the SAMV Ophion as a result of the largest conglomerate of Dionae to ever, and likely have ever existed in the Orion Spur, launched an attack on the expedition. This attack ultimately changed the view of Dionae for many within the Orion Spur, and after the attack surviving gestalts were forced into servitude to repay the Solarian Alliance reparations for their actions. The ensuing years saw Dionae proliferate across the Orion Spur as they found themselves assisting the Solarian Alliance in bolstering their colonisation forces in some instances. Following the discharge of their debt, many found themselves within the Republic of Biesel, building themselves a life from the scattered remnants of the Rueltab Titan.

The caution concerning Dionae only began to wane upon the discovery of their biological abilities to essentially terraform upon the unearthing of the species on Moghes. Though it is unknown how they came to arrive to the irradiated wastelands, their beneficial presence largely discounted any such further enquiry. In a matter of months, areas highly populated with Dionae and previously thought to be uninhabitable as a result of the overwhelming presence of radiation began to transform into many oases in the growing wasteland. Soon thereafter, Dionae found themselves embedded within some of the Unathi Clans, but also captured and forced into servitude similar to the survivors of the Rueltab Titan.

In recent times, Dionae have established themselves as a species within the Orion Spur that wishes to have presence on the interstellar stage. The Commonwealth of Hieroaetheria is one such example, as well as the Covenant of Xrim. Both are among the only known instances of communities having been created, and sustained, by Dionae. Though, the former more prominent than the latter, considering the vassalage of the Covenant of Xrim with the Nralakk Federation. Only time will tell whether they truly integrate within the greater Spur, besides merely being a population encompassed by the other factions present within the Orion Spur.

Factions

Primitive Sirens of Mictlan

Mictlan

Sankta Tereza System

Sector: Corporate Reconstruction Zone

Capital: Arequipa

Species: Human, Skrell, Unathi, Diona, IPC

Common Languages: Tau Ceti Basic, Tradeband, Sol Common

Demonyms: Mictlani

Part of: Republic of Biesel

Formerly part of: Sol Alliance

See: Mictlan

Rooted within the emigrants from Rueltab, following the completion of their debt as a result of the Rueltab Incident, Dionae have nestled themselves within their own city of “Fallowed Meadows” in the Mictlani Sertão. However, different from other Dionae settlements across the Orion Spur, the Primitive Sirens follow an ideology of technophobic primacy, where they deny themselves the pleasures and convenience of advanced technology to ensure the preservation of the true tenets of a Dionae – connection to nature, and to themselves. Though their foundations remain the same, the Primitive Sirens have evolved their approach to their understanding, and assimilated themselves within Mictlani society, to a degree, of course. Following the cornerstone of gaining experience, the Primitive Sirens regularly leave the Fallowed Meadows and work in the surrounding Mictlani cities, most of the time forming the basis of the cities’ common labourers – construction workers, operations employees and even farmhands.

Commonwealth of Hieroaetheria

See: Hieroaetheria

Standing as a beacon of interstellar cooperation and unity amidst the vast expanse of the Spur and its political system, the Commonwealth of Hieroaetheria represents a collaborative effort to foster mutual prosperity and security for the Dionae of the planet; at its core lies a commitment to diplomatic dialogue, economic integration and collective defence, aimed at ensuring stability and progress for all member entities. Hieroaetheria is unique in that it is amongst one of the few planets within the Spur dominated primarily by Dionae, but with varying views on their existence. There currently exists three factions within the Commonwealth of Hieroaetheria; The Consortium, who strives to realize the principles of freedom, equality and fairness; The Eternal Republic of the Ekane, who are religious fanatics that do not take kindly to non-Dionae or heresy; The Union of Gla'orr, a nationalistic entity that seeks to prove the supremacy of Dionae, and the inferiority of non-Dionae.

Mourning Survivors of Rueltab

See: Rueltab

The resting place of the largest formation of Dionae, the Last Vociferation of The Superlative Consensus, a Titan-class the size of Mars. Initial contact between Humanity and the Rueltab Titan resulted in the breaking out of a conflict that led to the destruction of the latter, forced to reside on Rueltab I and perform menial work to 'pay reparations' for the damage that it had inflicted during First Contact. Rueltab 1 is a glorified landfill for the discarded refuse of the Solarian Alliance, the Dionae put to work scavenging anything salvageable in hopes of being relocated to more prosperous colonies within the Alliance. Many eventually were distributed across the Solarian Alliance as indentured workers, some establishing their own communities such as the Primitive Sirens of Mictlan, or the Hierophants of the Eternal Gardens. Those who remained on Rueltab, even following the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, continue attempting to pay off their reparations, likely as a result of a unified guilt present in all those originating from Rueltab.

Hierophants of the Eternal Gardens

See: Eternal Gardens

Pests of Titan Prime

See: Pests of Titan Prime

Indentured Wanderers of Moghes

See: Dionae in the Hegemony

Prisoners of the Narrows

See: The Narrows

Servants of the Covenant

Covenant of Xrim

Xrim System

Sector: The Estuaries

Capital: Sanctus

Species: Dionae

Common Languages: Nral'Malic and Rootsong.

Part of: Nralakk Federation

See: Covenant of Xrim