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| <div class="noprint" style="background-color:#FAFAFA; position:fixed; bottom:2%; left:0.25%; padding:0; margin:0;">
| | =Overview= |
| [[#top|Back to Top]]
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| {{Navbox Lore}}
| | 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. |
| {{Navbox_Dionae_Lore}}
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| ====Dionae Clusters====
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| Clusters are groups of Dionae who share similar ideals, emotions, or goals and have interacted socially at some point may be part of a '''Cluster'''. These clusters are grown from group identity, if a diona heavily agrees with one or multiple clusters they will say they are from those clusters. This means clusters are very loose most of the times, with some exceptions. Clusters do not have to be physically linked to exist.
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| Some clusters are inside or a part of other civilizations, and will require knowledge of those societies. '''''Find one that interests you, you don't have to know them all, and you don't even have to be from any of them!'''''
| | ==Training== |
| | ''“Evil is just a lack of empathy and perspective. To understand is to be good.”'' |
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| ==Dependent Clusters==
| | 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. |
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| ===The Overgrown Labs of Xrim - Jargon Federation (WIP)=== | | == “Hshh’shee” or “Student Ranks”== |
| [[File:xrim_lab.png|An old skrellian lab, reclaimed by a Xrim Gestalt.|thumb]]
| | ''“Waging war against good creatures is bad for the soul.”'' |
| The Dionae who live on the jungle planet of Xrim in the Jargon Federation. Currently, their labs house the largest amount of biodiversity in the Federation thanks to the rich amount of wildlife on Xrim, as well as the wildlife that was forced onto the planet from all across the Federation during a [[Skrell_History#The_Third_Incident|very troubling period in Skrell history]], which included the first Diona that created this cluster! The primary home for these gestalts are actually multiple ruined labs across the planet, which they've rebuilt from their own bodies. Uniquely, as the Dionae of Xrim have utilized large gestalts to rebuild the ruined labs of the planet, the gestalts also act as pseudo AI systems, with the Gestalts able to monitor the insides of their “body” and report on trespassing or inappropriate activity. They are even able to operate the “doors” of their gestalt as required and communicate with anyone who might be within their “bodies”.
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| The Dione on Xrim operate under a technocratic form of governance following a triumvirate of Dionae argus form scientists simply known as “three minds” to the Dionae of Xrim. The triumvirate operate out of separate laboratories which they themselves are physically part of, communicating through a rootsong network across the area. When required to consolidate into a singular location, to entertain skrellian diplomats for example, the triumvirate will each break off a smaller cyclops form which will interact with the guest, receiving instruction from the argus form via rootsong.
| | 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. |
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| Dionae from Xrim tend to be studious and learned with many devoting themselves to the sciences. This is largely due to their close proximity to Skrellian society. Their scholarly nature and semi-isolation from other species during their growth from nymph to gestalt tends to lead to Xrim Dionae having very cold, almost frosty personalities. They tend to focus a lot more on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics then society or psychology. Their art reflects this with many of their [[Dionae_Culture#Art|Artem]] forms being functional above all else. Xrim Dionae tend to be much more capable at processing rapid inputs of information and working in the noisiest of environments owing to their growth around the Xrim rootsong network.
| | ===Shee’sho - First Rank aka Student of the First Level=== |
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| Not every diona agrees on every subject within Xrim, and there is never consensus on whether Glorsh was a good or bad thing - Some idolize the synthetic for bringing them into civilization, and allowing them to form bonds with the Skrell, while others are disgusted by the atrocities the AI committed. Xrim tend to only speak when necessary, conveying all they need without small talk or distraction. This can seem rude to other species.
| | At this level, students are taught techniques based around defensive retreat from a threat. |
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| ====The Rootsong Network aka "The Symphony"==== | | ===Shee’cho - Second Rank aka Student of the Second Level=== |
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| The rootsong network or “the symphony” as it is known to the Dionae of Xrim, is essentially an agreement made by the large, building like gestalts to relay any messages they are given across the overgrown labs in root song. This is passed along a chain of gestalts until it reaches its target. Other, smaller forms may assist in this though it is not expected. The rootsong network causes the labs to have a constant, almost heavenly melody piped across it at all times. Many non-Dionae guests to the area find the “song” to be quite beautiful, it’s melody just soft enough for one to relax in one of the many Dionae gardens and even fall asleep, listening to the hymnal tunes. For Dionae the noise is more like that of a busy office, many voices talking at once, not terrible but certainly not a relaxing, pleasant experience.
| | 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. |
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| ===The Emperor's Royal Garden - Dominia(WIP)=== | | ===Shee’sho - Third Rank aka Student of the Third Level=== |
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| The Emperor himself perceives the Diona as the perfect life form, and has a personal biodome behind connected to his palace to house his Royal Garden, where all his most loved children stay. When a nymph is grown in his garden, it is grown in the best imported soil, given imported comet-based water, and lavishly bathed in a golden tub of locally sourced blood. These diona nymphs are the perfect gift for
| | At this level, students are taught a wider array of close combat neutralization techniques as well as being taught to master defensive retreats. |
| The direct vassals, pets, children, and jesters to the high nobility of Dominia, these gestalts are perceived as displays of immense wealth for nobility. However, the cost for keeping a diona satisfied in the chilly system of Dominia is somehow so much higher than everywhere else - especially since they are one of the Emperor's most loved for beings.
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| ===The Pests of Titan Prime - Vaurca Hiveship=== | | ===Shee’sho - Fourth Rank aka Student of the Fourth Level=== |
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| This cluster, who have for '''500 years''' been hiding away on the Vaurcan Hiveship of Titan Prime, has constantly been in conflict with the bug-like Vaurca. The original gestalt was scooped up from a Gas Giant by the Vaurca on a routine fuel-refill for them, and it worked its way and grew on the outside of the ship like a barnacle. Eventually, the gestalt dug into the ship out of curiosity, causing a vaurca drone to be sent out to scrape off the biomass causing the damage thinking it's a routine acidic blob outbreak. Upon being attacked, the gestalt fought back, killing the drone and eating what it could of the corpse - but it didn't learn any languages, and couldn't communicate with the Vaurca in any way as their primary form of communication is telepathic, robotic, and foreign. More drones came upon the death of the first and were deadset in their orders to remove the dionae. This attack was more vicious and killed many of the nymphs, forcing the gestalt to deform.
| | At this level, students are taught how to utilize the environment/objects to assist in close combat neutralization as well as in defensive retreat. |
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| After the first encounter, the nymphs escaped in different directions. They scurried through the strange, dark ship, barely surviving off the little heat and light they could find. Every nymph had to adapt to the different situations they were thrown in to in different ways, some resorting to mimicry and others using nymphs to scout areas ahead, with the rare gestalt wearing a Vaurca exoskeleton to blend in. Their main goal was '''survival''' now, and so they adapted to the confined spaces of the ship, hiding at moments of activity and scavenging off of the Vaurca. They would take advantage of any situation, and constantly have to split and reform to survive. This continued for 500 years, adaptation and adversity, death and loss - being '''treated like a pest'''.
| | ==“Hshh” or “Full ranks”== |
| | ''“Holding hate in your heart is like grasping fire. It is you who is burnt in the end.”'' |
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| Eventually, the hiveship found '''Tau Ceti'''. Now that there is a form of communication between the Vaurca and Diona, the Queens and Unbound of the Zo'ra Vaurcan hives have apologized and been welcoming - even offering a small greenhouse to live on at the top of the ship. Some diona have taken the deal, some have left to live with the other species. '''All of them have shared trauma of this experience.'''
| | 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. |
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| ===The Spirits of the Oasis - Moghes Wasteland=== | | ===Shh’ch - Defender aka Defender of the Dionae=== |
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| [[The_Wasteland#The_Spirits_of_the_Oasis|'''The Spirits of the Oasis''']] are a great example of a symbiotic relationship between species - Unathi and Diona. Originating from a simple friendship between a lost Diona tending to wounded animals and a wandering Wastelander unathi on the brink of exhaustion, the clans of the Spirits of the Oasis have truly begun to understood and seek out any Diona on Moghes to assist in survival.
| | 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. |
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| The origins of this friendship stem from a tale - the tale of Walking Sands, Clan Mother Dorviza, and the Last Plains Tyrant.
| | ===Shh’ch’sha - Sentinel aka Sentinel of the Heavens=== |
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| Clan Mother Dorviza was the eldest woman of her clan, and an avid Plains Tyrant tamer - knowing full well how to care for, feed, and tame one of these savage beasts. Walking Sands was a young and unknowing diona - born from the destruction of an Izweski laboratory in a nuclear blast. Both souls have learned something of the Wasteland, and in this tale their combined knowledge will allow the survival of several Wasteland clans.
| | 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. |
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| Walking Sands wanders through the Wasteland and comes across a wounded and trapped Plains Tyrant - the last one to be seen in the wild naturally. Lacking the knowledge or understanding of what it is, they approach it and the Plains Tyrant slashes out defensively. Understanding that the Tyrant is wounded and stuck, Walking Sands continues to try and get closer to try and see if it can help and gets attacked again. This continues until the Tyrant becomes too exhausted to resist, and falls unconscious. The diona cannot help, yet still remains by its side for days growing shade and safety for the monstrous animal. Clan Mother Dorviza, knowledgable of traditional and ancient Plains Tyrants locations, comes to the scene after a scout from her clan reports a strange plant-like growth in a ruined temple.
| | ===Uushh’ch - Master aka Master of the Defence of Heaven=== |
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| ==Independent Clusters==
| | 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.” |
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| ===The Viscerabelt - Tau Ceti Space=== | | ===Uushh’ch’sha - Grand Master aka Grand Master of the Defence of Heaven=== |
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| : '''''"WE ... ENJOY BEING PAID ... IN A PECULIAR CURRENCY ... ... BLOOD!"''''' - ''THE HUNGRY BLOOD GILDED COMET''
| | 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. |
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| Located in the '''[[Tau_Ceti#The_Romanovich_Cloud|Romanovich Cloud]]''' around Tau Ceti, these violent and gluttonous gestalts make their home in a region of the cloud called the '''Viscerabelt'''. This area of space is littered with asteroids and carp nests, and is actually the most '''densely populated area of space carp in the known galaxy''', making it one of the very dangerous part of natural space in Tau Ceti. Gore coats the asteroids where the carp nests the Viscerabelt dionae have made home, showcasing how violent these gestalts are in devouring their prey.
| | ===Hss’shh’sha’shu - Marshall aka Marshall of the Divine Mandate to Defend All=== |
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| The Viscerabelt dionae are deep-set on their desire for blood, and although capable of communicating in Tau Ceti Basic, are strict in their demands for more. Very territorial, any stray miners that have come near their nests will often become prey for their space carp, and if not, the dionae themselves. Their area of space is technically under Nanotrasen control, and the company wants to find a way to make a use for this strange, violent cluster. | | 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. |
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| Occasionally, some Viscerabelt gestalts will leave the cluster's physical location in search of a new meal, whether it be in a raider party, mercenary group, or 5 star restaurant.
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| ===The Blossoms of the Great and Divine Eternal - Deep Space===
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| : '''''"The Blessed Eternal is the perfect life form. It is the light in the cold and the dark and the ash. Its tendrils are bountiful and expanding and terrible in its fury. But it is a benevolent ruler. "''''' - ''Birthing From The Womb Of Heavy Matter''
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| An extreme in the ways Diona can naturally develop culture, the Blossoms of the Divine Eternal are a cluster based around their belief in '''The Eternal''', a primordial entity which exists in Light, Energy, and Essence. The followers of the Eternal wish to create the densest materials in the universe by forging and reforging heavier and heavier elements - which they do so by devouring as much as they can and throwing themselves into stars once they reach a certain size - most likely the size of a Cetus form diona, large enough to be considered a stellar body. The gestalts of this cluster believe Diona are the embodiment of the Eternal in physical form, made to ensure all things born from stars return to stars ... eventually. This is the natural form of the universe.
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| The gestalts of the Divine Eternal appear seemingly randomly from deep space, located towards the center of the galaxy. They typically have stories and experiences of celestial events - stars falling into each other, planets crashing, near death experiences which they have lived through.
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| The Blossoms of the Divine Eternal are adamant in their encouragement of Diona to come together - literally. In times where a large Divine Eternal gestalt has come across a wild and 'unintelligent' diona gestalt, they have violently attacked and destroyed the creature and consumed its biomass for the expansion of their mindset and the Eternal's will. | |
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| ===The Wild Ones - All Space===
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| : '''''"Back in the ol' daysss of Wild'un huntin', they'd pay thousssandsss if you brought back a Wild'un dead. I jusst wissh we didn' kill ssso many... ya never sssee 'em much anymore."''''' - ''Captain Kash Lardback - 2460''
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| Majestic and chaotic, Wild Ones fly through space with no knowledge of civilization or culture - only the desire to feed and grow.
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| There aren't too many documented Wild Ones in space anymore due to over-hunting and the fact that many have been integrated into society to become intelligent, however, some are tagged and studied by researchers aiming to understand Diona's natural instincts better. They swim through space, only reacting when something gets close enough for them to detect the radiation of engines or the biomass of organisms. These "Wild Ones" are not legally allowed to be killed in Sol Alliance and Jargon Federation space unless they pose significant threat - but Frontier laws vary depending on system. Poachers will hunt these "Wild Ones" for 'ambergris', a solid amber-like substance that builds up in the center of larger Diona gestalts that is used as a luxury topping and spice when shaved onto meals.
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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.