Youkai (Maelstrom) - Revision history

Maloncanth: /* Forces */

2009-06-07T00:17:40Z

Forces

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:17, 6 June 2009
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	==Forces==		==Forces==
	::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Forces (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Forces]]		::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Forces (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Forces]]
	Youkai Space doesn't have an organised military so much as a ''presence'', within the penumbra of which travel or exploration becomes dangerous. ~~They~~ do not ~~conduct~~ war in the ~~usual~~ manner ~~but do have a great deal to throw around~~, ~~with units~~ ranging from nuisances to apocalyptically powerful.		Youkai Space doesn't have an organised military so much as a ''presence'', within the penumbra of which travel or exploration becomes dangerous. Offensively, the most common forms of Youkai action are infiltration, raids, and surges. Although they have great numbers, youkai do not fight war in the ordinary manner and their forces are usually quite divided. Quality of units is greatly variable, ranging from nuisances to apocalyptically powerful.



	''[[Maelstrom\|Back]]''		''[[Maelstrom\|Back]]''

Maloncanth at 00:01, 7 June 2009

2009-06-07T00:01:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:01, 6 June 2009
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	::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Forces (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Forces]]		::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Forces (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Forces]]
	Youkai Space doesn't have an organised military so much as a ''presence'', within the penumbra of which travel or exploration becomes dangerous. They do not conduct war in the usual manner but do have a great deal to throw around, with units ranging from nuisances to apocalyptically powerful.		Youkai Space doesn't have an organised military so much as a ''presence'', within the penumbra of which travel or exploration becomes dangerous. They do not conduct war in the usual manner but do have a great deal to throw around, with units ranging from nuisances to apocalyptically powerful.



			''[[Maelstrom\|Back]]''

Maloncanth at 23:58, 6 June 2009

2009-06-06T23:58:03Z

Maloncanth at 22:34, 6 June 2009

2009-06-06T22:34:32Z

Maloncanth: /* Forces */

2009-06-06T17:26:03Z

Forces

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 6 June 2009
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	==Forces==		==Forces==
	::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Forces (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Forces]]		::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Forces (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Forces]]
			Youkai Space doesn't have an organised military so much as a ''presence'', within the penumbra of which travel or exploration becomes dangerous. They do not conduct war in the usual manner but do have a great deal to throw around, with units ranging from nuisances to apocalyptically powerful.

Maloncanth: /* Forces */

2009-06-06T17:14:57Z

Forces

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 6 June 2009
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	==Forces==		==Forces==
			::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Forces (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Forces]]

Maloncanth at 16:56, 6 June 2009

2009-06-06T16:56:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:56, 6 June 2009
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	~~Arcana is~~ a ~~polity~~ of strange matter life ~~forms~~ within the Deliverance sector. Their recent excursions into neighbouring ~~regions~~ has caused their existence to become a growing rumor in those areas.		The Youkai are a type of strange matter life form within the Deliverance sector. Their recent excursions into neighbouring areas has caused their existence to become a growing rumor in those areas.

	'''Full Name''': ~~Arcana~~ Space<br>		'''Full Name''': Youkai Space<br>
	'''Species''': Youkai, Familiars, Non-Sentient Strange Matter Life Forms<br>		'''Species''': Youkai, Familiars, Non-Sentient Strange Matter Life Forms<br>
	'''Territory''': Deliverance<br>		'''Territory''': Deliverance<br>
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	==Biology==		==Biology==
	The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is simply '''~~Strange Matter Life Form~~''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is a bit more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''~~Youkai~~''', or "monsters". The term ~~youkai~~ also applies to any and all abnormal matter life forms, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". ~~Thus, "youkai"~~ would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".		The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is simply '''strange matter life form''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is a bit more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''youkai''', or "monsters". The term also applies to any and all abnormal matter life forms, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". It would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".

	In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of ~~the youkai~~ would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are hyperdimensional, and entirely composed of abnormal matter and so-called dark energy. Due to the presence of strange quarks, this is a somewhat higher energy state, meaning it tends to decay through contact with nuclear matter.		In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of a monster would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are hyperdimensional, and entirely composed of abnormal matter and so-called dark energy. Due to the presence of strange quarks, this is a somewhat higher energy state, meaning it tends to decay through contact with nuclear matter.

	Elemental composition nonwithstanding, youkai wear human or human-derived forms consistent with ordinary biology, though the illusion fades as damage is sustained. This mimicry provides vital framework and structure for consciousness, without which their sentience would cease to be. Youkai can and do pass themselves off as human quite readily, though appropriately advanced scanning will make their nature obvious. They possess superhuman physical powers, but forces that are not deflected before striking the true body will disrupt strange matter and enough damage will cause the form to disintegrate. Many youkai still cannot be killed in such a manner, but they will cease to exist at the location. If integrity does not totally collapse however, individuals with sufficient reserves can regenerate quite rapidly. Naturally, "soft-kill" catered to carbon life, such as bioweapons or ionising radiation are ineffective.		Elemental composition nonwithstanding, youkai wear human or human-derived forms consistent with ordinary biology, though the illusion fades as damage is sustained. This mimicry provides vital framework and structure for consciousness, without which their sentience would cease to be. Youkai can and do pass themselves off as human quite readily, though appropriately advanced scanning will make their nature obvious. They possess superhuman physical powers, but forces that are not deflected before striking the true body will disrupt strange matter and enough damage will cause the form to disintegrate. Many youkai still cannot be killed in such a manner, but they will cease to exist at the location. If integrity does not totally collapse however, individuals with sufficient reserves can regenerate quite rapidly. Naturally, "soft-kill" catered to carbon life, such as bioweapons or ionising radiation are ineffective.
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	==Society==		==Society==
	~~Arcana has~~ some difficulty maintaining a coherent society as they are drawn to fundamentally human systems that do not always line up well to their own reality. The top "legislative" body is the '''Council of 72''' which can technically make binding decisions for the entirety of ~~Arcana~~ Space. However, this requires a consensus, which is never achievable. In practice, the council is a forum for discussion, argument and clarification of position for those powerful youkai who choose to attend on any given occasion. ~~The youkai recognize battle~~ between closely matched individuals as bad for all parties, and these meetings help avoid miscalculation. The council membership hovers between 100-110, including many who have never attended at all.		Youkai have some difficulty maintaining a coherent society as they are drawn to fundamentally human systems that do not always line up well to their own reality. The top "legislative" body is the '''Council of 72''' which can technically make binding decisions for the entirety of Youkai Space. However, this requires a consensus, which is never achievable. In practice, the council is a forum for discussion, argument and clarification of position for those powerful youkai who choose to attend on any given occasion. Battle between closely matched individuals is recognized as bad for all parties, and these meetings help avoid miscalculation. The council membership hovers between 100-110, including many who have never attended at all.

	~~The rest~~ of ~~Arcana Space~~ could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some ~~youkai~~ have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.		Form of government could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.

	Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''~~Familiars~~'''. Most ordinary, non-sentient objects ~~produced by youkai~~ are considered by them to be "alive" if they resist decay. They are considered spiritually active though by normal definitions, they would simply be objects.		Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''familiars'''. Most ordinary, non-sentient objects are considered by them to be "alive" if they partly resist decay. They are considered spiritually active though, by normal definitions, they would simply be objects.

	==Technology==		==Technology==
	::''Main Article'': [[Technology ~~of Youkai~~ (Maelstrom)\|Technology ~~of Youkai~~]]		::''Main Article'': [[Youkai Technology (Maelstrom)\|Youkai Technology]]
	~~Arcana's~~ technology is primarily founded on their own nature as strange matter life forms and the relatively common Dawn War relics in Deliverance sector. They have broadly inherited Tivlin and, to a lesser extent, other Dawn War combatants' knowledge, excelling especially in physics and superluminal travel. The human condition, including humanity's own singularity, continues to strongly influence how this technology is applied. Youkai themselves have yet to experience any personal ascensions and are conflicted in how to achieve this, since the human model would cause them to disappear.		Youkai technology is primarily founded on their own nature as strange matter life forms and the relatively common Dawn War relics in Deliverance sector. They have broadly inherited Tivlin and, to a lesser extent, other Dawn War combatants' knowledge, excelling especially in physics and superluminal travel. The human condition, including humanity's own singularity, continues to strongly influence how this technology is applied. Youkai themselves have yet to experience any personal ascensions and are conflicted in how to achieve this, since the human model would cause them to disappear.

			==Forces==

Maloncanth: /* Technology */

2009-06-06T16:48:54Z

Technology

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:48, 6 June 2009
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	==Technology==		==Technology==
	::''Main Article'': [[Technology of ~~Arcana~~ (Maelstrom)\|Technology of ~~Arcana~~]]		::''Main Article'': [[Technology of Youkai (Maelstrom)\|Technology of Youkai]]
	Arcana's technology is primarily founded on their own nature as strange matter life forms and the relatively common Dawn War relics in Deliverance sector. They have broadly inherited Tivlin and, to a lesser extent, other Dawn War combatants' knowledge, excelling especially in physics and superluminal travel. The human condition, including humanity's own singularity, continues to strongly influence how this technology is applied. Youkai themselves have yet to experience any personal ascensions and are conflicted in how to achieve this, since the human model would cause them to disappear.		Arcana's technology is primarily founded on their own nature as strange matter life forms and the relatively common Dawn War relics in Deliverance sector. They have broadly inherited Tivlin and, to a lesser extent, other Dawn War combatants' knowledge, excelling especially in physics and superluminal travel. The human condition, including humanity's own singularity, continues to strongly influence how this technology is applied. Youkai themselves have yet to experience any personal ascensions and are conflicted in how to achieve this, since the human model would cause them to disappear.

Maloncanth: Arcana (Maelstrom) moved to Youkai (Maelstrom)

2009-06-06T16:48:24Z

Arcana (Maelstrom) moved to Youkai (Maelstrom)

← Older revision	Revision as of 09:48, 6 June 2009
(No difference)

Maloncanth at 07:45, 6 June 2009

2009-06-06T07:45:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:45, 6 June 2009
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	==Biology==		==Biology==
	The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is simply '''~~strange matter life form~~''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is a bit more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''~~youkai~~''', or "monsters". The term youkai also applies to any and all abnormal matter life forms, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". Thus, "youkai" would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".		The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is simply '''Strange Matter Life Form''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is a bit more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''Youkai''', or "monsters". The term youkai also applies to any and all abnormal matter life forms, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". Thus, "youkai" would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".

	In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of the youkai would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are hyperdimensional, and entirely composed of abnormal matter and so-called dark energy. Due to the presence of strange quarks, this is a somewhat higher energy state, meaning it tends to decay through contact with nuclear matter.		In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of the youkai would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are hyperdimensional, and entirely composed of abnormal matter and so-called dark energy. Due to the presence of strange quarks, this is a somewhat higher energy state, meaning it tends to decay through contact with nuclear matter.
Line 32:		Line 32:
	The rest of Arcana Space could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some youkai have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.		The rest of Arcana Space could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some youkai have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.

	Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''~~familiars~~'''. Most ordinary, non-sentient objects produced by youkai are considered by them to be "alive" if they resist decay. They are considered spiritually active though by normal definitions, they would simply be objects.		Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''Familiars'''. Most ordinary, non-sentient objects produced by youkai are considered by them to be "alive" if they resist decay. They are considered spiritually active though by normal definitions, they would simply be objects.

	==Technology==		==Technology==
	::''Main Article'': [[Technology of Arcana (Maelstrom)\|Technology of Arcana]]		::''Main Article'': [[Technology of Arcana (Maelstrom)\|Technology of Arcana]]
	Arcana's technology is primarily founded on their own nature as strange matter life forms and the relatively common Dawn War relics in Deliverance sector. They have broadly inherited Tivlin and, to a lesser extent, other Dawn War combatants' knowledge, excelling especially in physics and superluminal travel. The human condition, including humanity's own singularity, continues to strongly influence how this technology is applied. Youkai themselves have yet to experience any personal ascensions and are conflicted in how to achieve this, since the human model would cause them to disappear.		Arcana's technology is primarily founded on their own nature as strange matter life forms and the relatively common Dawn War relics in Deliverance sector. They have broadly inherited Tivlin and, to a lesser extent, other Dawn War combatants' knowledge, excelling especially in physics and superluminal travel. The human condition, including humanity's own singularity, continues to strongly influence how this technology is applied. Youkai themselves have yet to experience any personal ascensions and are conflicted in how to achieve this, since the human model would cause them to disappear.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:58, 6 June 2009
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	The first few waves of human colonisation travelled at a relative snail's pace, acting independently on poor information and even worse communications with the homeworld. While successive advancements allowed newer ships to quickly overtake and recollect those destined to get into trouble, a few inevitably slipped through the gaps. Running on a primitive, early model hyperdrive, the colony ship ''Arcanum'' was targeted at the Deliverance sector and quickly became mired in the depths of its shredded space-time. Off course and off schedule, the ship was eventually stumbled upon by the strange matter life form for which it became the seed of sentience.		The first few waves of human colonisation travelled at a relative snail's pace, acting independently on poor information and even worse communications with the homeworld. While successive advancements allowed newer ships to quickly overtake and recollect those destined to get into trouble, a few inevitably slipped through the gaps. Running on a primitive, early model hyperdrive, the colony ship ''Arcanum'' was targeted at the Deliverance sector and quickly became mired in the depths of its shredded space-time. Off course and off schedule, the ship was eventually stumbled upon by the strange matter life form for which it became the seed of sentience.

	Strange Matter Life Form (at the time singular) originated from the activation of a certain Tivlin superweapon and is possibly linked to the creation of the Deliverance sector itself. Its "homeworld" as such is probably one of ~~several~~ candidate strange stars in the region. Spontaneous genesis was followed by the achievement of rapid, arbitrary, and self-directed improvement. This evolutionary singularity resulted in a ~~form of living~~ strange matter but, perhaps due to unique nature, did not produce sentience in the ordinary sense. The end result was a dangerous equilibrium – what could be considered an exceptionally lethal piece of Dawn War fallout on the edge of becoming malevolent – until humanity was assimilated.		Strange Matter Life Form (at the time singular) originated from the activation of a certain Tivlin superweapon and is possibly linked to the creation of the Deliverance sector itself. Its "homeworld" as such was probably one of a few candidate strange stars in the region. Spontaneous genesis was followed by the achievement of rapid, arbitrary, and self-directed improvement. This evolutionary singularity resulted in a corporeal, metastable strange matter but, perhaps due to unique nature, did not produce sentience in the ordinary sense. The end result was a dangerous equilibrium – what could be considered an exceptionally lethal piece of Dawn War fallout on the edge of becoming malevolent – until humanity was assimilated.

	The life form consumed and assimilated the ship, its sleeping passengers and culture, attaining sentience using human cognition as a reference. Obviously, every single human died in that encounter, but they left a legacy in a way they could not have imagined. The being split permanently into an entire tiny shadow civilization that began to think, grow, and develop in independently. This civilization took the ship's name as its own and its present growth is essentially a new singularity in progress.		The life form consumed and assimilated the ship, its sleeping passengers and its culture, attaining sentience using human cognition as a reference. Obviously, every single human died in that encounter, but they left a legacy in a way they could not have imagined. The being split permanently into an entire tiny shadow civilization that began to think, grow, and develop in independently. This civilization took the ship's name as its own and its present growth is essentially a new singularity in progress.

	==Biology==		==Biology==
	The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is ~~simply~~ '''strange matter life form''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is ~~a bit~~ more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''youkai''', or "monsters". The term also applies to any and all ~~abnormal~~ matter life ~~forms~~, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". It would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".		The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is '''strange matter life form''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is shorter and more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''youkai''', or "monsters". The term also applies to any and all strange matter life, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". It would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".

	In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of a youkai would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are ~~entirely~~ composed of ~~time-stable~~ strange matter and so-called dark energy. The precise mechanism of how they are ''alive'' and able to shadow the workings of ordinary life is not known, but ~~it does seem~~ to ~~impart a degree of instability~~, ~~at least compared to "ordinary"~~ strange matter.		In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of a youkai would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are hyperdimensional (albeit to a negligible extent in most cases) forms composed of living strange matter and so-called dark energy. The precise mechanism of how they are ''alive'' and able to shadow the workings of ordinary life is not known but this quality is essential to maintaining integrity. Left on its own, strange matter would rapidly disintegrate in the presence of nuclear matter.

	~~Despite this, youkai~~ wear human or human-derived forms consistent with ordinary biology, though the illusion fades as damage is sustained. This mimicry provides vital framework and structure for consciousness, without which their ~~sentience~~ would cease to be. Youkai can and do pass themselves off as human quite readily, though appropriately advanced scanning will make their nature obvious. They possess superhuman powers, but forces that are not deflected before striking the true body will disrupt strange matter and enough damage will cause the form to disintegrate. Many youkai still cannot be killed in such a manner, but they will cease to exist at the location. If integrity does not totally collapse however, individuals with sufficient reserves can regenerate quite rapidly. Naturally, "soft-kill" catered to carbon life, such as bioweapons or ionising radiation are ineffective.		Youkai wear human or human-derived forms consistent with ordinary biology, though the illusion fades as damage is sustained or the youkai willingly changes itself for other reasons. This mimicry provides vital framework and structure for consciousness, without which their awareness would cease to be. Youkai can and do pass themselves off as human quite readily, though appropriately advanced scanning will make their nature obvious. They possess superhuman powers, but forces that are not deflected before striking the true body will disrupt strange matter and enough damage will cause the form to disintegrate. Many youkai still cannot be killed in such a manner, but they will cease to exist at the location. If integrity does not totally collapse however, individuals with sufficient reserves can regenerate quite rapidly. Naturally, "soft-kill" catered to carbon life, such as bioweapons or ionising radiation are ineffective.

	==Psychology==		==Psychology==
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	Youkai have some difficulty maintaining a coherent society as they are drawn to fundamentally human systems that do not always line up well to their own reality. The top "legislative" body is the '''Council of 72''' which can technically make binding decisions for the entirety of Youkai Space. However, this requires a consensus, which is never achievable. In practice, the council is a forum for discussion, argument and clarification of position for those powerful youkai who choose to attend on any given occasion. Battle between closely matched individuals is recognized as bad for all parties, and these meetings help avoid miscalculation. The council membership hovers between 100-110, including many who have never attended at all.		Youkai have some difficulty maintaining a coherent society as they are drawn to fundamentally human systems that do not always line up well to their own reality. The top "legislative" body is the '''Council of 72''' which can technically make binding decisions for the entirety of Youkai Space. However, this requires a consensus, which is never achievable. In practice, the council is a forum for discussion, argument and clarification of position for those powerful youkai who choose to attend on any given occasion. Battle between closely matched individuals is recognized as bad for all parties, and these meetings help avoid miscalculation. The council membership hovers between 100-110, including many who have never attended at all.

	Form of government could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. Favors are exchanged. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.		Form of government could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. Favors are exchanged. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.

	Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''familiars'''.		Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''familiars'''. Most things created by Youkai are "living" strange matter which is less stable but more easily worked. Such objects are considered "alive", or at least spiritually active. They do also create significant quantities of "dead" things, though these are never used independently. Production of this sort is centered around compact stars.

	==Technology==		==Technology==

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:34, 6 June 2009
Line 13:		Line 13:
	The first few waves of human colonisation travelled at a relative snail's pace, acting independently on poor information and even worse communications with the homeworld. While successive advancements allowed newer ships to quickly overtake and recollect those destined to get into trouble, a few inevitably slipped through the gaps. Running on a primitive, early model hyperdrive, the colony ship ''Arcanum'' was targeted at the Deliverance sector and quickly became mired in the depths of its shredded space-time. Off course and off schedule, the ship was eventually stumbled upon by the strange matter life form for which it became the seed of sentience.		The first few waves of human colonisation travelled at a relative snail's pace, acting independently on poor information and even worse communications with the homeworld. While successive advancements allowed newer ships to quickly overtake and recollect those destined to get into trouble, a few inevitably slipped through the gaps. Running on a primitive, early model hyperdrive, the colony ship ''Arcanum'' was targeted at the Deliverance sector and quickly became mired in the depths of its shredded space-time. Off course and off schedule, the ship was eventually stumbled upon by the strange matter life form for which it became the seed of sentience.

	Strange Matter Life Form (at the time singular) originated from the activation of a certain Tivlin superweapon and is possibly linked to the creation of the Deliverance sector itself. Its "homeworld" as such is probably one of several candidate strange stars in the region. Spontaneous genesis was followed by the achievement of rapid, arbitrary, and self-directed improvement. This evolutionary singularity resulted in a form of ~~corporeal, metastable~~ strange matter but, perhaps due to unique nature, did not produce sentience in the ordinary sense. The end result was a dangerous equilibrium – what could be considered an exceptionally lethal piece of Dawn War fallout on the edge of becoming malevolent – until humanity was assimilated.		Strange Matter Life Form (at the time singular) originated from the activation of a certain Tivlin superweapon and is possibly linked to the creation of the Deliverance sector itself. Its "homeworld" as such is probably one of several candidate strange stars in the region. Spontaneous genesis was followed by the achievement of rapid, arbitrary, and self-directed improvement. This evolutionary singularity resulted in a form of living strange matter but, perhaps due to unique nature, did not produce sentience in the ordinary sense. The end result was a dangerous equilibrium – what could be considered an exceptionally lethal piece of Dawn War fallout on the edge of becoming malevolent – until humanity was assimilated.

	The life form consumed and assimilated the ship, its sleeping passengers and culture, attaining sentience using human cognition as a reference. Obviously, every single human died in that encounter, but they left a legacy in a way they could not have imagined. The being split permanently into an entire tiny shadow civilization that began to think, grow, and develop in independently. This civilization took the ship's name as its own and its present growth is essentially a new singularity in progress.		The life form consumed and assimilated the ship, its sleeping passengers and culture, attaining sentience using human cognition as a reference. Obviously, every single human died in that encounter, but they left a legacy in a way they could not have imagined. The being split permanently into an entire tiny shadow civilization that began to think, grow, and develop in independently. This civilization took the ship's name as its own and its present growth is essentially a new singularity in progress.
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	The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is simply '''strange matter life form''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is a bit more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''youkai''', or "monsters". The term also applies to any and all abnormal matter life forms, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". It would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".		The technical name of these beings, for the purposes of xenobiology, is simply '''strange matter life form''' or less formally, "strange critter". Their own name for themselves is a bit more colorful. Although they aspire to humanity, most individuals are cognizant of their true natures and thus contrast themselves as '''youkai''', or "monsters". The term also applies to any and all abnormal matter life forms, in contrast to carbon-based life, which they conceptualize at some level as "human-like". It would actually be comparable to humans referring to themselves as "mammals".

	In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of a ~~monster~~ would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are ~~hyperdimensional, and~~ entirely composed of ~~abnormal~~ matter and so-called dark energy. ~~Due~~ to the ~~presence~~ of ~~strange quarks~~, ~~this is~~ a ~~somewhat higher energy state~~, ~~meaning it tends~~ to ~~decay through contact with nuclear~~ matter.		In terms of structure, even the material composition (much less biology) of a youkai would be beyond the reach of most polities' physical sciences. Their bodies are entirely composed of time-stable strange matter and so-called dark energy. The precise mechanism of how they are ''alive'' and able to shadow the workings of ordinary life is not known, but it does seem to impart a degree of instability, at least compared to "ordinary" strange matter.

	~~Elemental composition nonwithstanding~~, youkai wear human or human-derived forms consistent with ordinary biology, though the illusion fades as damage is sustained. This mimicry provides vital framework and structure for consciousness, without which their sentience would cease to be. Youkai can and do pass themselves off as human quite readily, though appropriately advanced scanning will make their nature obvious. They possess superhuman ~~physical~~ powers, but forces that are not deflected before striking the true body will disrupt strange matter and enough damage will cause the form to disintegrate. Many youkai still cannot be killed in such a manner, but they will cease to exist at the location. If integrity does not totally collapse however, individuals with sufficient reserves can regenerate quite rapidly. Naturally, "soft-kill" catered to carbon life, such as bioweapons or ionising radiation are ineffective.		Despite this, youkai wear human or human-derived forms consistent with ordinary biology, though the illusion fades as damage is sustained. This mimicry provides vital framework and structure for consciousness, without which their sentience would cease to be. Youkai can and do pass themselves off as human quite readily, though appropriately advanced scanning will make their nature obvious. They possess superhuman powers, but forces that are not deflected before striking the true body will disrupt strange matter and enough damage will cause the form to disintegrate. Many youkai still cannot be killed in such a manner, but they will cease to exist at the location. If integrity does not totally collapse however, individuals with sufficient reserves can regenerate quite rapidly. Naturally, "soft-kill" catered to carbon life, such as bioweapons or ionising radiation are ineffective.

	==Psychology==		==Psychology==
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	Youkai have some difficulty maintaining a coherent society as they are drawn to fundamentally human systems that do not always line up well to their own reality. The top "legislative" body is the '''Council of 72''' which can technically make binding decisions for the entirety of Youkai Space. However, this requires a consensus, which is never achievable. In practice, the council is a forum for discussion, argument and clarification of position for those powerful youkai who choose to attend on any given occasion. Battle between closely matched individuals is recognized as bad for all parties, and these meetings help avoid miscalculation. The council membership hovers between 100-110, including many who have never attended at all.		Youkai have some difficulty maintaining a coherent society as they are drawn to fundamentally human systems that do not always line up well to their own reality. The top "legislative" body is the '''Council of 72''' which can technically make binding decisions for the entirety of Youkai Space. However, this requires a consensus, which is never achievable. In practice, the council is a forum for discussion, argument and clarification of position for those powerful youkai who choose to attend on any given occasion. Battle between closely matched individuals is recognized as bad for all parties, and these meetings help avoid miscalculation. The council membership hovers between 100-110, including many who have never attended at all.

	Form of government could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.		Form of government could be described as a feudal community of sorts. Weaker individuals serve stronger ones in return for benefits. Favors are exchanged. There is no one monarch at the top of the heirarchy, and some have interlocked loyalties. The political situation would be quite cutthroat if not for the sheer vastness of the universe. As it is, wanting something is usually just a matter of taking something that is unclaimed (or is non-youkai) and there are few resources in such shortage that it is worthwhile competing directly with each other for.

	Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''familiars'''. Most ordinary, non-sentient objects are considered by them to be "alive" if they partly resist decay. They are considered spiritually active though, by normal definitions, they would simply be objects.		Youkai continually produce new forms of strange matter life, either through genesis or transmutation. Many are spread into the region while others are retained as children, underlings, ships, and so on. Beings produced via transmutation are known as '''familiars'''.

	==Technology==		==Technology==