Dionae Culture

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Art

Art within Dionae society is unlike the static creations of many other species. It is a living, dynamic practice that reflects their ability to reshape themselves and interact with their surroundings. Blending their forms, movements, and environments to express emotions, preserve cultural traditions, and foster harmony encourages the species to pursue the arts – it is yet another facet of self-expression for the species. One of the most iconic forms of such is Hieroaetherian Forma; a style that uses their body as the medium, and is particularly celebrated across the Commonwealth of Hieroaetheria, especially within the Union of Gla’orr, where it is practised recreationally and competitively.

It saw a decline during the industrial and biocompute revolutions but was revived at the turn of the 2400s, becoming a cornerstone of Gla’orr and its artistic culture. The most popular and widely practised form of this art is Aa’shur Forma; gestalts reshape their biomass into intricate and often abstract forms, creating living art pieces. These pieces can interact with their environment, such as forming a twisting bridge across a river, or stand alone to emphasise the gestalt’s unique form. Aa’shur Forma is not only an expression of creativity but also has practical benefits. Regularly reshaping their form is believed to slow the effects of ageing by preventing their external chitin layer from hardening, making it both an artistic and rejuvenating practice. The revival of Aa’shur Forma has spread its influence to other Dionae communities across the galaxy, symbolising a connection to their heritage.

Beyond Hieroaetherian Forma, Dionae explore other forms of art that take advantage of their unique biology. Biomass Sculpting is a popular practice, where gestalts or communities create living sculptures that grow and change over time. These sculptures can represent personal stories, philosophical ideas, or simply decorative beauty. Dionae also create environmental installations, using the landscape as their canvas. These large-scale pieces might involve growing patterns into forests or restructuring entire landscapes into harmonious designs that serve as gathering places or landmarks. For the Dionae, art is more than a practice—it is a testament to their adaptability, community, and deep connection to the environment around them. Whether through reshaping their forms, sculpting their environments, or crafting resonant harmonies, Dionae art is typically a celebration of life itself.

Ritual Scarification

Ritual scarification among the Dionae is an ancient, and deeply symbolic practice, that intertwines with religious and cultural expression. Unlike other species, whose scarification is often a permanent marking of flesh, Dionae treat it as a living, evolving art form – one that reflects their identity, experiences, and beliefs. Each scar, or etching, is a physical manifestation of memory, pain, growth, and purpose, reshaped and redefined over time. Existence is not static, and neither is the body – in accordance with Dionae. The species’ ability to shift, reshape, and adapt means that scarification is an intentional choice – one that requires a conscientious effort to maintain. Many Dionae find themselves deeply embroiled within the teachings of the Eternal – and even in some cultures – see the allowance of a scar to face as an act of healing or a rejection of what that scar represents. Some maintain them for centuries, reinforcing them as living records of past experiences, while others may elect to allow them to disappear as a way of moving past certain memories – whether it as a means of healing or outright denial of their impact on their life anymore.

It has been tied to the preservation of wisdom, particularly since the species absorbs knowledge through experience – marking the body allows for a physical manifestation of a memory that can be shared with others through touch, study, or mimicry. Some believe that scars act as an anchor – helping a Dionae remember its purpose even if its Nymphs split or reform, whereas others view it as aesthetic expressions, shaping them into intricate patterns and glyphs that evolve alongside the Gestalt – however, it is generally agreed upon by the species that it is deeply rooted within religious expressionism.

Methods of Dionae Scarification

The act of scarification is a ritual of discipline and endurance, where the chosen form must be maintained and reinforced over time, or it will simply disappear as the Dionae grows older and loses mobility with the growth of chitinous bark over their exterior. Some of these methods have no definitive origin, thought merely to have cropped up during the millennia of Dionae existence within the Spur – others having been created with technological advances, and even some deemed blessed by the Eternal’s Omnivirate.

Searing

Using controlled radiation or intense heat, Dionae have managed to create lasting imprints on their biomass. These will often represent pivotal moments in a Gestalt’s life – such as survival through extreme conditions, significant knowledge gained, or a deep realisation of one’s circumstances and future – in some instances, Dionae from particularly high-radiation environments have been able to make their etches appear bioluminescent in certain conditions, but those that elect to do so embark on a journey, done only for important memories – critical to the core of their personality.

Etching

Etching involves carefully carving lines and grooves – particularly into the chitinous bark that forms as one gets older. Over time, the maintenance for this kind of ritual scarification can become laborious, as a Dionae will need to prevent regrowth in the area chosen. This method has largely disappeared due to its laborious maintenance, but those who elect to continue it often are thought to be dedicated, or deeply troubled – the memory that they have chosen to highlight typically represents the loss of something important to the Dionae, such as a mentor, or even a loved one.

Growth Intrusions

Rather than removing biomass, or altering it through other methods, some Dionae have gone so far as to use foreign materials – such as minerals, metals, or biological matter – to embed into their flesh. These foreign inclusions created raised scars or ridges, which serve as both art and function. This is the easiest method of ritual scarification, and often for less “important” memories but nevertheless one that a Gestalt may wish to highlight – like a particularly memorable day, an anniversary perhaps.

Fracture Scarring

The most extreme form of ritual scarification is fracture scarring. It involves intentionally splitting part of Dionae’s form and allowing it to regrow improperly. This method is often associated with self-punishment, atonement, or deep pain, as it forces the Gestalt to carry a physically deformed appearance as a reminder of a past failure, lesson or critical loss. Unlike other forms of scarification, these scars are typically permanent in a Nymph that has undergone fracture scarring. These scars are painful, and can often lead to decreased mobility or function.

Meaning of Scars

The reasons for scarification may vary across Dionae, but typically there exist several overarching themes that are common:

Memory and Legacy: Scars serve as a physical record of experiences, encoded with the meaning of past struggles and achievements.

Bonding and Unity: Some Gestalts create matching scars a s assign of deep connection, whether as partners, mentors, or members of a collective cause.

Atonement and Discipline: Some have used it as a away to atone for perceived failures, forcing Dionae to endure the weight of their actions.

Music

Music is an integral part of Dionae – Rootsong being the linguistic medium in which they speak to each other, utilising their own bodies to create what sounds like music to others, but can actually be conversations, or even speeches. It is deeply connected to their physiology, and unlike traditional music from other species, Dionae music transcends simple sound. It is a multi-sensory experience that incorporates vibrations, tones, and even electromagnetic signals. It serves as both an art form, and a means of communication, expressing emotions, preserving history, and reflecting their unique relationship with music.

Typically, they create it from their own bodies, using vibrations and electromagnetic waves – they are able to emit harmonics through their biomass, creating patterns that can be felt as much as hard. In instances where sound cannot be heard, such as the cold grasps of space, Dionae use electromagnetic signals to produce music that resonates both mentally and physically. This allows them to share complex emotions and ideas with one another, even across vast distances. While they themselves are their primary instruments, Dionae are also known to use their surroundings to enhance their music; shaping their biomass into resonance chambers that amplify and modulate sound, or using their tendrils as string-like instruments to produce intricate melodies. In some instances, it has been observed that Dionae use hollow logs, rocky surfaces, or even asteroid craters, as part of their compositions.

Dionae music varies depending on its purpose and setting, with communal performances known as Echo Chants; typically involving the synchronisation of their vibrations to create layered harmonies, and more likely seen during significant events – or during sermons held the Eternal. These symphonies are typically inspired by the rhythms of nature, with compositions mirroring the sounds and movements of their surroundings, like the slow pulse of radiation waves in space, or the busy hustling of Mendell City. Environmental cues are critical to enhance the intention of the music, layering with existing carcophonies and bringing them into harmony.

Music has also become a method of preserving experiences and history, besides physical sharing of such through merging and absorption. It serves purposes beyond merely artistic expression – it has become a method of communication, and plays a role in encapsulating their experiences, environments, and perspectives of the Orion Spur. It is seen across Dionae as a universal language and a reflection of one’s journey through existence; whether created by a vast network of Dionae, or an isolated Nymph. Music is intertwined with the species. Life without it, or being unable to grasp it, understand it, or truly appreciate it, is a life not worth living according to the majority of the species.

Language and Communication

Verbal 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.

Non-Verbal Language

Dionae possess a rich system of non-verbal communication that complements Rootsong and is deeply tied to their biology and collective nature, enabling them to convey their emotions, intentions, and information in ways that are both practical and expression – where physical gestures play a significant role. Tendril movements, such as curling, waving, or pointing, convey intent or emphasis; which is further solidified by chirrups or brief crescendos. Dionae will even go so far as to mimic the gestures of body language of another species, as a means to lower conflict – or even create a false sense of security. Therefore, when interacting with other species, Dionae adapt their non-verbal cues to establish rapport – mimicking the gestures and in some circumstances even the expressions (at least to some extent). Some examples may include:

• Raising a tendril, and curling it into a loop is typically indicative of curiosity.
• Mimicking the posture, or stance, of another is generally construed as a Dionae being willing to engage.
• Tapping something, or someone, in a repetitive manner is usually seen as agreement, or an indication of acknowledgement.
• Closing oneself, or crossing tendrils, is an indication that a Dionae is unhappy, or not willing to engage.
• Extending a tendril, but stopping prior to physical contact, is typically seen as an invitation to engage.

Intrinsic Traditions

Dionae are the opposite of creatures of habits – continuously seeking new experiences – though they possess deep-seated instincts that guide many of their lifecycle events, blending the biological necessity within them with the cultural significance of their actions; these intrinsic traditions, such as returning to their growing grounds, absorbing deceased gestalts, and forming new gestalts, are pivotal to their identity, and survival. One of the most profound instincts is a Dionae’s compulsion to return to their birthing grounds – particularly when nearing the time to spread one’s seeds. It is viewed largely as a sacred act, symbolising their roots and continuity – and the journey may be dangerous, particularly if their original site cannot be accessed, or become inhospitable – such as Rueltab I. Many accept the risk, it is a biological instruction, which only those with extremely strong willpower can resist.

Similarly, death among Dionae is not seen as an end, but as a transformation. When a gestalt dies, nearby Dionae are instinctively driven to absorb its biomass. This act transfers not only physical nutrients, but also the deceased’s memories, skills, and experiences, enriching the collective – the absorption is viewed as a way to preserve the legacy of the deceased, ensuring their knowledge and traits endure within the greater collective – such as a cluster, or even a gestalt. However, if the deceased contains traumatic memories or harmful genetic material, the process may be met with hesitation, often requiring communal deliberation.

Another intrinsic tradition of a Dionae is merging, where the formation of a gestalt is a significant milestone for Nymphs. Before merging, Nymphs instinctively explore their surroundings, gathering experiences, and genetic material where possible, to prepare for their transition and understand the environmental situation – it is a calling within Nymphs, an overwhelming urge to seek numbers. A Nymph in isolation does not fare well and rarely will survive in the long term. Dionae are social creatures, a biological program that heavily encourages seeking others. When the time comes, Nymphs will gather and merge in a process guided by instinct; which has now become a “rite of passage” among the species, with already formed gestalts typically celebrating it, bearing witness to the process, and welcoming them.

Social Structures

Social structures of Dionae are typically shaped by their mindtypes, and collective nature, with the observed phenomenon of older, wiser gestalts naturally taking on advisory roles, while younger, more mobile gestalts handle practical tasks. Within each gestalt, a Nymph will take on a specific role to ensure the collective thrives – which further translates to other types of gestalts; each specific to the mindtype to which they were formed, some perform communication, others as limbs – each necessary for the further survival, and existence, of the collective. In larger settings, such as a Colossus, or Cetus, Dionae may even have designated roles. Generally, the greater mobility a Dionae wields the higher the likelihood they will be within a practical role; gathering resources for the greater collective. In observations regarding Dionae behaviour, it has been noted that the species tends to rely on those with more experiences or those older, as leaders – even shepherds to a degree.

Conflict within communities of Dionae is rare, but not unheard of. When disagreements arise, many may instinctively seek to find common ground or rest at some conclusive agreement – with Elders often mediating disputes, thought to hold wisdom so as to propose fair resolutions. In very rare circumstances, Dionae may seek violence as a resort, but, as the age-old proverb, it is a last resort – and in such instances, violence among Dionae may be brutal. This is particularly seen within the Covenant of Xrim, where disagreements on Glorsh-Omega spurred a conflict that left many dead. The violence capable of being inflicted by a Dionae is not one that should be thought to be minor, when cornered into violence, they will ensure they win through any means necessary.

In multi-species societies, Dionae adapt their social structures to align with the cultures they interact with, whilst retaining similar values. The species’ flexibility and focus on diplomacy first makes them valuable members within various communities – in some instances, however, their violence can be utilised to the benefit of any particular host; as seen within the Dionae across Moghes, exposed to the horrific trade, and forced to perform violence under pressure by unsavoury elements within the Wastelands. However, most social structures are still guided by mindtypes and instincts, which allows them to navigate complexities associated with their collective, and individual, identities while maintaining something resembling unity.

Collectivistic Thinking

Many species in the Spur, particularly humans, grade Self determination, Individuality, Ambition, and Freedom as high virtues. For Dionae, these are tertiary values compared to Unity, Oneness, Hierarchy, and Order. The Eternal posits that the universe is the disordered mind of a slumbering god, and that they are its agents. To this end, Hierarchy is paramount, and the roles Dionae undertake within them are dutifully maintained. Each Dionae is capable of merging with another, and so each Dionae is itself to themselves. Dionae of differing cultures or civilizations tend to be viewed as wayward siblings.

The Social Impact of Dionae lifespans

While Dionae prefer cooperation and neutrality when dealing with other species, this is not always motivated out of a sense of altruism. Many Dionae hold an attitude of apathy towards temporals. Dionae outlast most species in the Spur several times over. At best, this means a level of detachment from the relationships they hold with other species. At worst, arrogance towards most temporal species, whose lifespans are measured in rodent years compared to them. Vaurca and Skrell are treated as curious exceptions, as they respectively possess soul anchors or longer lifespans. Although Dionae raised in societies heavily influenced by temporals lack this sense of arrogance and unsympathetic perspective, they are much more vulnerable to ephemeral concerns that plague other species, such as want, or fairness.

Identity and Self-Expression

Identity is deeply personal and shaped by the accumulation of experiences, environments, and decisions that Dionae have made throughout their lives. Unlike many species, their identities are fluid, evolving with every encounter or absorbed memory; this adaptability allows them to explore themselves in a way that is both introspective and outwardly expressive. Their sense of self begins as a Nymph – particularly shaped by exploration, as Nymphs venture into their surroundings, learning from what they encounter and absorbing traits and knowledge from the world around them. These formative experiences create a foundation for their personality, and guide their future decisions – some may form a strong sense of curiosity, exploring relentlessly, while others may develop introspective tendencies, spending time processing the intricacies of their environment.

One of the more important aspects of a Dionae’s identity is their name; they serve as living records of their experiences, and often evolve over time, reflecting major events or changes in their lives. These names are deeply significant, acting as milestones that define who they are, and what they value. However, Dionae often adapt their names in simpler forms when interacting with others, keeping the full version as a private reflection of their life’s journey – only sharing it with fellow Dionae or highly trusted non-Dionae.

Dionae also express themselves through their physical forms, using their ability of mimicry to reshape their biomass as a medium for individuality – these adaptions often reflect their emotions, experiences, or the environments they have lived in. Dionae within harsh, rocky terrains might adopt a rugged, and angular form, while one who has spent time in lush forests might elect a form that resembles the free-flowing nature of the local flora. These physical changes not only communicate their past but also act as a form of self-expression, showcasing their experiences or highlighting a moment of pride or personal growth.

Taboos

Dionae hold certain behaviours as deeply taboo, across the Orion Spur – regardless of origin, or beliefs – these prohibitions are rooted in their biology, culture, and even their very existence; breaking these taboos can lead to significant consequences, as the represent the violations of the very foundation of Dionae. One of the most serious taboos among Dionae is the abandonment of Nymphs. Neglecting or deliberately leaving them without guidance is considered a grave betrayal – the species instinctively cares for their young, ensuring they have the resources and mentorship needed to grow, and gather experiences as a gestalt. Failing in this duty is viewed as rejecting their species’ core values, and communities that uncover such neglect may ostracise the responsible parties, or require them to adopt and nurture other Nymphs as a means of atonement.

Further, the forced separation of a gestalt is a contentious subject. Though they represent the sacred union of Dionae, and forcing them to separate against their will is usually seen as both physically and emotionally destructive, some groups among Dionae have sought it fit to utilise it so as to control Dionae that don’t exactly “adhere” to societal norms – with some non-Dionae even practising such, like the Nralakk Federation. Though it is known such separations can fragment memories and identities causing irreversible damage, this does not prevent these actors from continuing the practice. Most Dionae are of the belief that a gestalt is given autonomy to decide if, and when, they wish to separate, and interfering with this process is considered a violation of the species’ values.

Lastly, Dionae hold the preservation and sharing of knowledge sacred, considering how intertwined it is with the Eternal – making the withholding or destruction of knowledge a significant taboo. Since much of their societies across the Spur, at least as is currently known, revolves around shared memories and collective growth, hoarding knowledge or refusing to contribute it to the community is seen as selfish and dangerous – Offenders may face exile, or be required to reintegrate their experiences into the collective, ensuring no wisdom is lost. This comes at odds in some situations; megacorporations have long feared that Dionae may share information, corporate secrets or other sensitive data – which has led to the institution of non-authorised mergings being banned for those that hold such data. The same goes for those in positions of power within other groups, such as the Nralakk Federation or the Republic of Biesel.

Voidic Proto-Culture

Voidic Proto-Culture encompasses the oral traditions, behaviours, and beliefs of feral or wild Dionae that inhabit open space. These gestalts, referred to collectively as "The Voidic," have developed a distinct culture shaped by the unique challenges and vastness of space. Despite environmental and physiological factors leading to its wide distribution, Voidic culture is remarkably uniform. This is largely due to the decentralised Rootsong Network that allows for long-distance communication and the shared lifespan of these entities.

Voidic Dionae possess a perception of existence that lacks the typical distinctions between living and non-living or sapient and non-sapient. To them, the universe consists of objects either in states of action or inaction, encompassing everything from celestial bodies like asteroids and stars to other species and themselves. This perspective leads Voidic Dionae to refer to themselves and others using object pronouns in the third person. For example, a Voidic gestalt might refer to itself as "this object" or "this entity." This reductive view often makes Voidic Dionae seem detached or even amoral to other species, as their perspective lacks the emotional and moral frameworks familiar to most sapient beings. They perceive themselves not as individuals but as emergent concepts formed from the amalgamation of their constituent parts. This perception also extends to other species, whom they interpret as collections of beliefs, concepts, and ideas rather than discrete beings. Unless the notion of ego or personhood is explicitly explained to them, Voidic Dionae treat others as conceptual entities. Consequently, Voidic Dionae do not use social masks or filters in communication; their speech is raw, unfiltered, and represents a pure consensus.

Through Rootsong, the Voidic Dionae communicate with each other, a language that works across the electromagnetic spectrum as well as through sound. By transmitting information in a vacuum, they are able to build a decentralised network of communication that stretches over enormous distances. In spite of the vast distances between Voidic Dionae, Rootsong's functionality ensures that they are still able to communicate, even if they are separated by immense space. However, messages are delayed by distances between them. As a result of the usage of this form of communication, Voidic Proto-Culture has become uniform while simultaneously proving to be resistant to change. The Voidic Dionae are able to detect radiological phenomena, both natural and artificial, in addition to using Rootsong. Because of their ability to sense the universe intuitively, they are able to traverse it with ease, and large gestalts play a critical role as communication hubs in this network. As a result of their size and radiological capacity, they are capable of intercepting and amplifying Rootsong transmissions, ensuring a steady connection between distant gestalts at all times.

Voidic Dionae possess a perception of time and existence that stretches far beyond that of most species. Their natural longevity and the enduring influence of ancient gestalts have instilled a temporal perspective that dwarfs the lifespans of other beings. Voidic Dionae often refer to other species as "Temporals", acknowledging their fleeting existence in comparison to the Dionae’s own enduring presence. However, individual Voidic gestalts interpret Temporals differently. Some Voidic Dionae are curious about Temporals, viewing their short-lived cultures and rapid technological advancements as fascinating. Others are empathetic, having intercepted unencrypted electromagnetic or radiological transmissions from their machinery, which provide glimpses into their thoughts and emotions. However, many Voidic Dionae remain indifferent or dismissive, perceiving Temporals as transient phenomena with no long-term significance. Despite this varied perspective, most Voidic Dionae agree that Temporals are worth investigating, as their technological achievements far surpass those of the Dionae, and their actions increasingly regulate Dionae movement through claimed space.

Voidic Dionae demonstrate a unique approach to language, shaped by the nature of Rootsong and their perspective on existence. While they can learn other species’ languages quickly through merging, genetic absorption, or conventional methods, they often struggle to use these languages organically. Instead, they adapt their speaking style to mimic the structure of Rootsong, resulting in a peculiar, consistent manner of speech across all languages. Voidic Dionae refer to themselves and others using object pronouns in the third person. Phrases such as “this collective” or “the consensus” are commonly used to denote themselves, especially when multiple gestalts occupy the same space. They also place immense importance on names and titles, often avoiding nicknames or abbreviations in favour of full, formal names. Their communication is verbose, employing lengthy descriptions and a diction that fluctuates between archaic, poetic, and utilitarian tones. Unlike most species, which prioritise brevity for convenience, Voidic Dionae indulge in their lengthy speech patterns, taking their time to express ideas unless immediate action is required.

The Harrowing

Nymph loss is an inevitability for all dionae. Although measures can be taken to circumvent the loss, such as nymph recycling, a callus is always left upon the Dionae's psyche, leaving it wearier of the universe and more standoffish in the immediate aftermath. Many Dionae have learned to mend or circumvent this psychological callus through the assistance of other gestalts, merging with them, or even reconstituting themselves as completely different beings through the exchange of nymphs. Those that have resorted to replacing their own nymphs on their own over a long period of time, however, undergo a process known as The Harrowing: the development of sub-mindtype where the nymphs within the gestalt depersonalize, as their cognitive strata begins to distribute redundant images of their memories, experiences, and skills across every single nymph in the gestalt complex. Scientists believe the process of Harrowing is an cognitive adaptation meant to address long periods of attrition without replenishment, and is common in long lived gestalts on Hieroaetheria, or within the Voidtamer Confluence. Harrowed Dionae tend to be more aggressive, or worldly in disposition. The personality traits of the nymphs under them blend together, and merge into a singular recurrent theme within the gestalt. Rather than being outright shunned, they take their place as stalwarts and warriors within their societies. A rare, terrible, yet ultimately necessary caste; a compliment to a species that is typically diplomatic, careful, and ponderous.