Aben - TheGiraffe3/Endless-Sky-Creators-Handbook GitHub Wiki
NAVIGATION
PHYSIOLOGY
CULTURE
PHILOSOPHY
PHYSIOLOGY
Physical Characteristics
The Aben are a humanoid species with some distinct differences from Humans. Their physique is subject to drastic adjustment to adhere to their lifestyle choices, bringing about an inherent quirk of their society of hyper-specialisation. The resulting edict because of their physiology became the establishment of homogenous enclaves of like-raised communities dedicated to the lifestyle of the greater portion of each enclave.
They bear few physical omissions from their Human likeness:
- They are asexual, lacking any external genitalia, and their reproductive processes are not a focus of this document.
- They are completely hairless across their whole body.
- They do not have noses.
While the stature and physical prowess of individuals vary dramatically, males and females have no discernible difference in height and only present as having a distinct facial structure and behavioural quirks.
Castes
A separation of castes was brought forth from an early time in their history. Muscular types took the role of protectors and hunters, while an inverse lifestyle drew back on those attributes and resulted in intellectualism. Sub-castes sprouted from intellectuals as their physiology followed lifestyle cues; diplomacy, philosophy, engineering.
The typical spread of castes and sub-castes presents as follows:
- Muscular
- Brutal
- Dextrous
- Intellectual
- Diplomatic
- Philosophical
- Ingenious
Ingenious types will often work closely with Dextrous types, and both are often found in fields of engineering where Dextrous types are favoured for their general physical prowess and spatial-cognitive reasoning in repairs and assembly. Brutal types will be found bridging the gap in physical work between general and technological necessity; this rule of thumb can be used to describe most of a Brutal type's roles in society.
While Intellectual castes physically adapt to their lifestyles, their natural bodies are not fool-proof, and so their frame can become frail and susceptible to failure due to their natural mutagenic over-correction. Mutagenic over-correction is the term used for when a lifestyle triggers the body to adjust to a selectively beneficial state while other crucial areas are left insufficient for an individual to self-sustain. To manage this, all types and castes are required to engage in a certain level of involvement in all types of exercise. Brutal types will be required to complete regular mental exercises to maintain a workable level of competency and, in rare cases, be forced into reintegration schooling. Similarly, all Intellectuals will be encouraged to exercise their bodies to ensure they are capable of physical self-sufficiency, though most find it difficult to maintain a healthy physicality even when a damaged body presents risks to impacting their intellect.
Mutagenic Equilibrium
Aben physiology undergoes significant changes from a young age due to their unique mutagenic processes. These processes reach a critical balance during the Golden Period, where the body's systems optimally manage and regulate mutations that enhance their abilities. This phase represents a peak in their physiological stability and functionality, allowing them to perform at their highest capacity.
However, this equilibrium is not static and eventually faces limits. As the Golden Period progresses, the body's ability to maintain this balance deteriorates. The decline begins when the mutation rate surpasses the body's capacity to manage and regulate these changes effectively. This results in an increased prevalence of detrimental mutations, leading to a rapid deterioration in both physical and mental health. The transition from peak performance to decline is marked by a gradual loss of the body’s ability to sustain the mutations that were once beneficial.
This inevitable decline is a well-documented phenomenon, and while efforts to extend the Golden Period through genetic or technological means exist, they are fraught with challenges. The balance between extending the period and preserving the culture built around it is a contentious issue, with ongoing debates about the implications for societal equity. Ultimately, the loss of equilibrium and the resulting decline underline the Aben cultural emphasis on legacy and the importance of preparing for the end of life during this peak phase.
CULTURE
Life
The lifespan of Aben is measured from the beginning to end of the Golden Period; anything before is considered developmental and after is considered to be a decline. Particularly extreme advocates will refer to the before and after stages as gestational and post-death, respectively. There is popular support for social programs aimed to better equip Aben that have not yet developed into their Golden Period, and there are also provisions to aid those that have passed on through their Golden Period.
Golden Period
The Golden Period represents the pinnacle of Aben vitality, a phase where their unique physiology reaches its zenith and their potential for societal contribution is at its highest. During this time, an Aben's body and mind are in perfect harmony, enabling them to fulfil their roles within their caste with unmatched efficiency. This period is not just a peak in physical and intellectual performance; it is a critical time for establishing a legacy.
From birth, their bodies undergo a series of complex changes shaped by their environment and lifestyle. These changes are not random; they are guided by a genetic blueprint designed to maximise the individual's potential in their chosen caste. The early years are a time of intense adaptation where the body rapidly adjusts to the demands of the individual, and their body is more than capable of handling the changes if nourished during this time.
This adaptation continues at a steady pace until it reaches a critical point, what the Aben refer to as the "Golden Threshold." Upon crossing this threshold, the mutagenic processes stabilise, and the Aben enter the Golden Period. During this time, any adaptation due to changing lifestyles is more responsive and has a higher ceiling of performance for how the body can support the individual.
From a medical standpoint, the Golden Period represents a carefully managed equilibrium between mutagenic processes and the body's capacity to regulate them. During this time, the Aben's physiological systems achieve optimal efficiency, allowing mutations that enhance their abilities while minimising potential harm. However, as the Golden Period progresses, the inherent limits of this equilibrium become apparent, leading to a gradual decline as the body’s ability to manage mutations diminishes and the rate of mutation accelerates.
The conclusion of the Golden Period is a moment of both sorrow and reflection for the Aben. It marks the transition from a life of productivity and growth to one of inevitable decline. The Aben are acutely aware of this shift, and it is culturally accepted that once the Golden Period ends, an individual's primary contributions to society have concluded. What follows is a time of introspection, where the Aben begin to prepare for the end of their life and the continuation of their legacy through their descendants or their past contributions.
Legacy
The looming finality following their Golden Period encourages most into a mindset of adventure or drastic change. Dying before the end of the Golden Period is considered the done thing and signifies the intent of the parent for their legacy to continue; there are no enforcements for children to follow a legacy, but it is tradition. Dying after the end of a Golden Period, however, is an expression of a dying legacy by selfishness or intent. From this point on, the children's legacies begin with them, and they can choose to mimic their parents' legacy or strike out on their own.
This is intended to symbolise the notion of Ancestral Sin. In this symbology, the sins of an ancestral line are clear to the point of when the new legacy began but are vague about its history out of reverence for those that came before.
It is considered a merciful tradition for a child to end the life of a parent plagued by unchecked mutation past their Golden Period.
Pressure
A lot of societal pressure is placed on individuals during their Golden Period to achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy. In Aben culture, the Golden Period is seen as a time of peak productivity, and living out a 'purpose' is seen as paramount, often at the cost of personal well-being.
The pressure results in a sense of inadequacy or failure for those who do not achieve what is deemed as significant contributions. Additionally, this pressure may discourage individuals from exploring other life paths or interests that fall outside societal norms, leading to a homogenisation of experiences and the stifling of diversity. The ethical question here is whether it is just to impose such expectations on individuals, potentially leading to the neglect of other important aspects of life.
PHILOSOPHY
Schools of Thought
The Aben's Golden Period is more than a biological phase; it is a concept that has given rise to various schools of thought. One prominent philosophy, known as Transcendent Purism, views the Golden Period as the purest expression of an individual's essence. Adherents believe that during this time, an Aben is closest to their true nature and potential, and thus, they should focus entirely on perfecting their craft and contributing to society. This school of thought encourages the idea that the Golden Period is a sacred time, not to be diluted by distractions or altered by artificial means. It promotes a life of discipline and purpose, where the ultimate goal is to achieve a legacy that resonates through the ages.
The school of Harmonious Continuum sees the Golden Period as part of a broader and cyclical understanding of life. Followers of this philosophy argue that the Golden Period should not be viewed in isolation but as one phase in their flow of existence. They emphasise the importance of balance, suggesting that though the Golden Period is vital, the times before and after it are equally significant in shaping an individual's life, encouraging a holistic approach to life rather than fixating solely on the peak.
The Existential Praxis school challenges the deterministic view of the Golden Period by proposing that its significance lies not in what it can give an individual, but in the choices an individual makes during this time. Accordingly, the Golden Period is defined by the actions and decisions that contribute to one's legacy, rather than by the inherent peak of performance. Adherents of Existential Praxis believe in the importance of personal agency and argue that an Aben can redefine their Golden Period through deliberate action.
Spiritual Practices
Spiritual practices during the Golden Period are rooted in the Abens' own beliefs for this phase of life. Rituals often involve mindful living and reflection during a communal retreat, where individuals define their inner purpose and the legacy they wish to leave behind.
As the Golden Period progresses, these practices become more introspective, focusing on the transition that lies ahead. Many Aben engage in ceremonies that honour their achievements and prepare them mentally for their eventual decline. These ceremonies often include the passing of knowledge to younger generations, ensuring that the individuals' contributions continue to resonate within the community long after their Golden Period has ended.
Period Extension
The ethical implications surrounding the Golden Period are a source of ongoing debate within Aben society. One central dilemma concerns the morality of interventions designed to extend or enhance the Golden Period. Advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology have made it possible to prolong this period, but not without significant ethical concerns. Most Aben argue that such interventions could lead to an unequal distribution of resources, where only privileged castes can afford to extend their Golden Period, exacerbating social inequalities. Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential loss of cultural values, with some fearing that the natural progression of life and its associated wisdom could be undermined by artificially prolonging the Golden Period.