Edgewar - User contributions [en]

CrystalRaven

2023-12-12T18:59:52Z

Cael: Created page with "=Excerpt from A Guide to Sihblosian Fauna: The Magical, the Mythical, and the Mundane= …brings us to the native Sihblosian Giant Crystal Raven. This large bird bea..."

=Excerpt from A Guide to Sihblosian Fauna: The Magical, the Mythical, and the Mundane=

…brings us to the native Sihblosian Giant Crystal Raven. This large bird bears strong resemblance to the Earth species of the same name, but distinct key morphological differences make it uniquely adapted to the perpetual extreme cold of Sihblos.

First, we will consider the commonalities of the crystal raven and the common earth raven. Both are extremely intelligent birds capable of higher communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and tool using skills. Both have complex social hierarchies in their flocks and exhibit family dynamics that include advanced aunting behaviors. Both seem to possess (at the risk of anthropomorphizing) the clever trickster spirit that ravens are famous for. Both are opportunistic, enthusiastic omnivores.

But the crystal raven is, for all it has in common with it’s earthly cousin, a very unique creature worthy of further study on its own. The rise of homologous animal adaptations across planetary boundaries is fascinating and delightful, and covered more in Chapter Seven.

It is, of course, white- like many creatures on Sihblos, it takes advantage of the camouflage snow offers. Like the polar bear of Earth’s artic, this white coloration is actually the result of translucence- when taken individually, the feathers of the crystal raven actually allow light to pass through them and to the black skin underneath, helping keep the bird warm. This coupled with a hint of rainbow, holographic sheen has earned it the title it currently wears: the Crystal Raven. The white color comes from the triple layer of feathery down and windproof, waterproof under feathers combined with the more typical flight feathers stacked on top of one another. Spectrograph studies have shown the crystalline molecular structure of these feathers focuses light as it passes through them, enhancing the warming effect.

In keeping with the pattern of abundance of megafauna on Sihblos, the young crystal raven is also nearly half again as big as the common raven. With wingspans averaging four to five feet and documented at six, this bird is closer to the size of most earth eagles. The crystal ravens are incredibly long-lived; if they manage to survive, they continue to grow. There are stories of a very few crystal ravens that are the size of Giant Bears, and even one sighting of an Elder Crystal Raven that was the size of a young dragon.

Like many birds, the crystal raven’s legs and feet serve an important function in thermoregulation: instead of being bare for ease of cooling, they are fully feathered for additional insulation. Claws that border talons and extremely strong feet help it keep a grip on ice and snow covered branches, or even on sheer rock. The crystal raven actually has two claws on the alula of its wings, like a hoatzin, to provide additional grip and traction. In blizzards, a special tendon in the legs will lock them in place, sitting down and wings draped to grip with those appendages and keep from being blown away even in the fiercest winds.

These claws, along with a special chisel pointed beak, also enable superior tool making and using. Crystal ravens are possibly some of the smartest animals on Sihblos, and often have stashes of lovingly stripped twigs, special rocks, and other items they value or use. Scientists have observed them using sharp stones to chip away at frozen corpses in the wild in a striking resemblance to Neolithic humanoids. In particular the alula claw is essential in making the domed colony nests crystal ravens have. These weathertight shelters are meticulously woven from the long needles of the nearpine tree, and are essential in protecting vulnerable, sick, injured, old, or young birds from the harshness of the ever present winter that blankets the planet, not to mention hungry predators…

Crystal Ravens are among the most intelligent animals on Sihblos. The Crystal Raven is a cousin of Raven, and shares their penchant for play, creativity, and intelligence.

==Shamans==

Crystal Raven Shamans explore both themselves and the world around them and like to make tools to do so, whatever those may be. They are ever changing, incorporating what they learn into their lives. They also have a knack for mischief, but never in a malicious way, and strong flock values. Bringing fine food, new tools, or especially shiny objects is a sure way to leave a good first impression with Crystal Raven. Crystal Raven Shamans prefer secure, weatherproof dwellings that have easy exits to the outdoors, preferably with skylights; being poorly defended or shut off from the sky is very uncomfortable to them.

Ahklut

2023-12-12T18:50:27Z

Cael: Created page with "=Excerpt from A Guide to Sihblosian Fauna: The Magical, the Mythical, and the Mundane= …the Ahklut. Yupik and Inuit legend speaks of a man-eating, fearsome beas..."

=Excerpt from A Guide to Sihblosian Fauna: The Magical, the Mythical, and the Mundane=

…the Ahklut.

Yupik and Inuit legend speaks of a man-eating, fearsome beast that takes the form of a wolf on land and an orca in the sea. Where pawprints end at the water, or begin coming out of it, the Ahklut has walked- and all those with good sense take care. Sometimes depicted as a hybrid of both animals -it’s most dangerous form- the myth says the Ahklut was born out of a man's obsession with the sea. This man was so enthralled with the ocean that it provoked a peculiar change in him. After spending so much time in his beloved body of water, he was unrecognizable to the people of his village; they exiled him, and he took to roaming the wild. The man discovered a pack of wolves, and out of desperate hunger transformed into one to join their hunt. But he could not resist his love of the ocean, and this longing drove him to return to the water. When he jumped into the sea, he transformed into an orca, finding that he was capable of becoming both wolf and killer whale.

Reality is no less fascinating than the legend.

The Sihblosian Ahklut is not a shapeshifter or an exile. And while they can be amphibious (packs that live around the unfrozen parts of Sihblos, those kept warm by geothermal activity, indeed spend a lot of time in the water and on the shore) most Ahkluts live on land. They are neither wolf nor whale, but do resemble the hybrid of legend in a number of fascinating ways, hence the name.

An addendum, before we proceed. Most of what we know about the Ahklut is incomplete. They are exceedingly difficult to study in their native environment, due to the rugged nature of the Sihblosian wilderness and the animal itself. Much of what we know comes from deceased specimens. Conflict with settlements and sapients has led to hunting and extermination in several regions until barriers were put in place, for while they do not actively prefer to hunt people, they are also not picky… and every calorie is precious in extreme cold.

Folklore has long hinted at the intelligence science only recently suggested: tales of systematic retribution against entire families for killing a mother Ahklut and her pups in their dens exist, and so do stories of respectful peace brokered between the brave (or foolish) and a neighboring pack, each benefitting from the relationship. Attempts to corroborate these stories have been met with mixed success. Shockingly, they can be domesticated, but not easily, as is the case with many large intelligent predators- and even so, it is a dangerous endeavor not for the faint of heart. To do so involves finding one willing to make the packbond with a sapient instead of its existing pack (see packbond details further below) and a sapient willing to brave a pack of Ahklut to try and convince one to do so.

However, it is said that a packbonded Ahklut is the most loyal, fiercest friend anyone could ever have. While this smacks of romanticism, it may actually be true. But those sapients who have managed the feat tend to be few and far between, and as hard to find for the making of this book as their other half, so we cannot confirm or deny such rumors.

We start with the basics of what we know. Ahkluts are large, highly intelligent mammalian pack hunters. They are apex predators and a keystone species of their environment. Equally adept in water and on land, their historical range is planet wide. In the present day they are found most commonly in more remote areas (see range map figure B1). The advent of the barriers has driven them further from most population centers. Packs of Ahklut are structured much like an earth wolf pack with a complex social-familial hierarchy and dominant bonded pair, often the parents, at the top. Packs exhibit male-male, male-female, and female-female pairings, with same sex pairings often taking on extra pups from large litters. This allows the young Ahkluts an increased chance at survival as the burden of parenthood is shared among these “aunts and uncles”. They are highly intelligent, along the lines of whales or dolphins; in particular their ability to communicate to one another with the packsong is a subject of much fascination. They are known for their intelligence and ability to hunt game much, much larger than they are, coordinating seamlessly to take down whole mammoths. Larger than the extinct earth direwolf, Ahkluts average over two or three hundred pounds and well over five feet at the shoulder, though there is considerable regional variation. Specimens of campfire stories in the deep north were said to be easily large enough for people to ride. Their incredibly dense fur has no less than four separate layers for weatherproofing in even the most extreme areas. The most common coloration is gray and white, but black patterned individuals also exist. Huge paws with webbing and fur between the toes make for built in snowshoes, letting them run across drifts instead of falling in, and massive claws act as cleats for gripping. Very small ears reduce heat loss. A large ruff, almost a mane, is present. Tails are long, strong, and fluffy. A deep bellows chest, large lungs, and highly efficient respiratory system involving a vestigial blowhole means they can run almost anything to the ground. The fur on their head is the most highly prized of all furs on Sihblos. This short one inch layer is twice as dense as sea otter fur and, as long as it is kept groomed with a special comblike dewclaw, utterly impervious to the elements, as it is so dense it traps air against the skin. Wind and snow simply cannot penetrate it. A large head and broad shovellike muzzle help them dig dens when needed even through hardpack or ice, and provides superior crushing bite power that lets them rip into frozen corpses or break and eat bones in lean times. The eyes are small, and their vision not the most spectacular, but they don’t need to be able to see well.

It’s their hearing that marks the Ahklut’s most extraordinary adaptation.

All Ahklut have a large, curved bone attached to the skull called an ossicle. This ossicle makes the oscular fin, a curved finlike head structure that is no fin at all. It serves as an attachment point for crushing jaw muscles, but it also serves as their primary auditory organ. Ahkluts don’t hunt by sight. They hunt by sound, specifically echolocation, which means that while other animals must duck and hide in the howling blizzards that wrack Sihblos’s surface, the Ahklut comes out to play. Even the darkest winter nights hold no threat to them, nor the thickest nearpine forest; they can hear animals hiding in the snow and under water or ice. Using the oscular fin and the ossicle organ it houses, they communicate to one another in a complex series of whistles, chirps, growls, warbles, clicks, and howls, some audible to humans and some not. This is the packsong. The impact of the packsong on an Ahklut is immense; while details remain unclear, Ahklut who have suffered injury to their oscular horn and who are unable to “hear” properly often simply stop eating, lay down, and die. The packsong is considered essential in the packbond that Ahklut share. This is less of a physical connection than an emotional or, in wilder claims, even spiritual or magical one. Whether simply the need of a social creature for company taken to an extreme or something more metaphysical, it is a documented phenomenon that packbonded Ahklut display an uncanny sense of each other. This includes mood, location, even if another Ahklut is in trouble or hurt. The essence of the packbond is mostly conjecture. What is known is that it seems to be formed after a pack or bonded pair “sings” together. Portions of the brain change afterwards and do not revert.

In temperment, Ahklut are incredibly tenacious, fiercely loyal, and startlingly intelligent. They have long memories and highly developed critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. As social pack hunters they prefer to be with their pack at all times and should never be kept isolated. Beyond these, data is once again lacking. Hearsay, however, reports a healthy sense of curiosity (common to many intelligent animals). There seems to be wide variation among individuals….

==Ahklut Shamans==

Shamans chosen by the Ahklut are as rare as their totems: they combine the supportive sociability of Dog and the fierce protectiveness of Wolf with a resourcefulness and emphasis on communication all their own. They tend to be group oriented in some way; even introverted shamans have a family, community, team, or other set of people or animals they hold dear and defend. They value clear communication while working together to achieve a goal. But for all the emphasis on communication and community, Ahklut shamans often find themselves called to violence. The Ahklut is an apex predator and unashamed of it, and their shamans are not afraid to fight. Ahklut shamans go where the pack does, and can manage large cities for short to medium periods of time, but most Ahklut shamans simply are not built for extremely urban life. Many Ahklut shamans also possess a healthy sense of curiosity and love of exploration, given their totem’s natural intelligence and large pack ranges

Free Republic of Sihblos

2023-12-12T18:38:56Z

Cael: /* Cultural Lore */

Faction; Place 
Area of Operations: [[Sihblos]] 
Allies: [[Farwatch]]; [[Rational Ascendancy]] 
Rivals: no data 
Enemies: [[Childstealers]] 
See also: [[First Farwatch Purge]]; [[John Lincoln]] (Secretary of Defense); [[Republic Marshals]]

The Free Republic is an independent nation state. It includes the following factions:

* [[Expats]]
* [[Mother's Children]], The
* [[New Arcadia]]
* [[New Liberty]]

== Key Locations ==

* '''Embassy on Earth:''' the Republic maintains an embassy on Earth, in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon. Apart from embassy security, Sihblos has no military assets on Earth, as part of their treaty with the United States.
* [[New Liberty]]: capital city.

== Political Philosophy and Societal Culture ==

The New Republic's constitution centers on two principles, called the Two Pillars of the Republic:

* '''Vigilance''': Sihblos is a hostile world in an often-hostile multiverse. The persistence of normal and paranormal threats demands strength, cleverness, and steadiness. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Excellence military science
** Excellence in natural sciences (especially the sciences of survival, e.g., aerospace, engineering)
** Excellence in education
* '''Unity''': Fear itself is a threat, and living demands more than just surviving. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Families, friendships, teams, and other positive relationships
** Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
** Excellence in social sciences, especially sustaining communities
** Arts and culture, especially to sustain hope and bring people together

In many ways, the Farwatch defectors of New Liberty brought the Pillar of Vigilance, while the Sihblosians brought the Pillar of Unity.

As an example of both Vigilance and Unity, all Libertonians must give several years of military service or public service when they become adults or apply for citizenship. All citizens remain lifelong members of the New Liberty Militia.

As an example of Unity, most clans among the [[Mother's Children]] are communist. Each colony walker places the survival of the walker and the safety of the collective above all, and supports the military walkers through a complex system of volunteers, donations, and tithes. (An outsider might see the tithes as taxes, but the Sihblosians consecrate their walkers, and this support is part of their religion.)

The Pillars are intended to balance each other. [[John Lincoln]] and the other founders of the Republic believed that martial law was necessary to survive on Sihblos. However, long-term military rule often leads to oppression, corruption, and violations of human rights. The Republic's government is charged with keeping Vigilance and Unity in dynamic balance.

The founders designed the Republic as an experimental, militarized, techno-socialist republic.

* Experimental: the government is designed to evolve over time, in response to the challenges of surviving. It is also designed to adapt to internal challenges. The constitution recognizes that interactions among Libertonians, Sihblosians, and Expats will inevitably change and challenge Unity.
* Militarized: the Republic is under permanent martial law.
* Techno: an open source network promotes high transparency "in the square" (see below), promoting equitable access and impeding corruption.
* Socialist: all resources, goods, and services "in the square" are under direct government control or strong government oversight.
* Republic: each state in the Republic retains some autonomy, especially around its local defense and commerce.

Sihblosian culture is a mix of native practices and Libertonian/expat influences, with an emphasis on personal freedom, The Pillars, and the Square.

===Cultural Lore===

<blockquote><code>
Nearpine needle tea is the number one tea on Sihblos, being native and also full of vitamins and minerals in an environment where fresh fruit is rare.

'Oasises' by geothermal vents are highly prized and guarded in their locations, as it is easy to exploit them by overharvesting; some disrespectful outsiders have done this. These areas are often sources of rare fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits for those without access to the hydroponics of a walker, and if by water, even elusive fish and seafood. They attract wildlife for miles and serve as a scientist's dream.

Most of the sugar on Sihblos is derived from tree sap instead of sugarcane. Offworld sugar is very expensive.

The actual 'dirt' of Sihblos is usually miles beneath the ice; where it comes closer to the surface is usually marked by locals for use, being very important even if frozen or a small amount. Most Sihblosian trees have adapted their root systems to draw nutrients from the ice if needed.

Mushrooms and fungi are often used as vegetable replacements, being much much hardier than their more typical garden counterparts and able to grow on trees and rocks instead of in the ground. These are often foraged to add to the food stores of walkers, villages, and homesteads.

Pickles and ferments have honorable places in the Sihblosian diet, given the need to preserve food, especially more delicate things that can't withstand freezing without losing important nutrients. Kimchi and other expat recipes like it were adopted with glee.
</code></blockquote>

== The Square ==

The Republic constitution distinguishes between two kinds of infrastructure and commerce:

* In the square: anything deemed essential to survival, including government, defense, food, water, shelter, sanitation, medicine, and education.
* Out of the square: anything deemed non-essential to survival, including recreation, luxury, and premium versions of goods and services in the square.

Any citizen can use the New Liberty open source network to see what's happening "in the square."

The term comes from a government program that hosts public dances in New Liberty to improve relations between Libertonians and Sihblosians. These dances are held in public squares (indoors, of course). The funding and operation are transparent. These dances remain very popular. Many couples meet at dances, so the idea of "the square" has layers of meaning.

There is ongoing disagreement on where some art and culture falls.

== Government ==

* '''Parliament'''
** The Republic Parliament is the most powerful branch.
** It is a single legislature.
** Each state sends one Member of Parliament (MP), chosen as they see fit. MPs are citizen legislators. Parliament sessions are typically limited to 45 days, twice per year.
** A primary duty of the legislative branch is balancing Vigilance and Unity over time, through updating the laws and amending the constitution.
** Balancing also includes periodically passing a budget, which must be approved by the 1st General.
** Each clan of the [[Mother's Children]] has a Member of Parliament, representing the residents of their flotilla. That includes any clanfolx currently serving on military walkers.
* '''Army'''
** The 1st General is the commander in chief of the Republic Army. They are nominated by the Army's Senior Officer Corps and confirmed by the Parliament.
* '''Executive Branch'''
** The 1st Minister is the chief executive. The primary duty of the executive branch is managing everything in the square. The 1st Minister is an MP chosen by the Parliament.
* '''Judicial Branch'''
** The 1st Marshal is the chief justice, chosen through an open vote of the Marshals Council. This is a lifetime appointment, but the few 1st Marshals so far have served between three and five years.
** The Council is composed exclusively of Republic citizens who have served at least twenty years in the Republic's justice system in good standing, and who have now permanently retired. (This directly reflects the Sihblosian value of respecting elders.) Any form of service counts, so the Council includes everyone from retired clerks and custodians to marshals and forensic scientists, as well as the former 1st Marshals.
** Until recently, the Republic was too young to record twenty years of service, so Parliament appointed members to the Marshals Council based on a mix of service before founding and after. However, enough time has passed since founding that Parliament's power to appoint has expired. Thus, the Council is a mix of appointees and "true twenty" members, and the balance will continue to tip towards the latter.
** The [[Republic Marshals]] are the primary operatives of the Judicial Branch.

== Geography and Climate ==

== Flora and Fauna ==

[[Category:Faction]]
[[Category:Place]]

Free Republic of Sihblos

2023-12-12T18:33:56Z

Cael: /* Cultural Lore */

Faction; Place 
Area of Operations: [[Sihblos]] 
Allies: [[Farwatch]]; [[Rational Ascendancy]] 
Rivals: no data 
Enemies: [[Childstealers]] 
See also: [[First Farwatch Purge]]; [[John Lincoln]] (Secretary of Defense); [[Republic Marshals]]

The Free Republic is an independent nation state. It includes the following factions:

* [[Expats]]
* [[Mother's Children]], The
* [[New Arcadia]]
* [[New Liberty]]

== Key Locations ==

* '''Embassy on Earth:''' the Republic maintains an embassy on Earth, in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon. Apart from embassy security, Sihblos has no military assets on Earth, as part of their treaty with the United States.
* [[New Liberty]]: capital city.

== Political Philosophy and Societal Culture ==

The New Republic's constitution centers on two principles, called the Two Pillars of the Republic:

* '''Vigilance''': Sihblos is a hostile world in an often-hostile multiverse. The persistence of normal and paranormal threats demands strength, cleverness, and steadiness. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Excellence military science
** Excellence in natural sciences (especially the sciences of survival, e.g., aerospace, engineering)
** Excellence in education
* '''Unity''': Fear itself is a threat, and living demands more than just surviving. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Families, friendships, teams, and other positive relationships
** Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
** Excellence in social sciences, especially sustaining communities
** Arts and culture, especially to sustain hope and bring people together

In many ways, the Farwatch defectors of New Liberty brought the Pillar of Vigilance, while the Sihblosians brought the Pillar of Unity.

As an example of both Vigilance and Unity, all Libertonians must give several years of military service or public service when they become adults or apply for citizenship. All citizens remain lifelong members of the New Liberty Militia.

As an example of Unity, most clans among the [[Mother's Children]] are communist. Each colony walker places the survival of the walker and the safety of the collective above all, and supports the military walkers through a complex system of volunteers, donations, and tithes. (An outsider might see the tithes as taxes, but the Sihblosians consecrate their walkers, and this support is part of their religion.)

The Pillars are intended to balance each other. [[John Lincoln]] and the other founders of the Republic believed that martial law was necessary to survive on Sihblos. However, long-term military rule often leads to oppression, corruption, and violations of human rights. The Republic's government is charged with keeping Vigilance and Unity in dynamic balance.

The founders designed the Republic as an experimental, militarized, techno-socialist republic.

* Experimental: the government is designed to evolve over time, in response to the challenges of surviving. It is also designed to adapt to internal challenges. The constitution recognizes that interactions among Libertonians, Sihblosians, and Expats will inevitably change and challenge Unity.
* Militarized: the Republic is under permanent martial law.
* Techno: an open source network promotes high transparency "in the square" (see below), promoting equitable access and impeding corruption.
* Socialist: all resources, goods, and services "in the square" are under direct government control or strong government oversight.
* Republic: each state in the Republic retains some autonomy, especially around its local defense and commerce.

Sihblosian culture is a mix of native practices and Libertonian/expat influences, with an emphasis on personal freedom, The Pillars, and the Square.

===Cultural Lore===

<code>

Nearpine needle tea is the number one tea on Sihblos, being native and also full of vitamins and minerals in an environment where fresh fruit is rare.

'Oasises' by geothermal vents are highly prized and guarded in their locations, as it is easy to exploit them by overharvesting; some disrespectful outsiders have done this. These areas are often sources of rare fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits for those without access to the hydroponics of a walker, and if by water, even elusive fish and seafood. They attract wildlife for miles and serve as a scientist's dream. </code>

<q> Most of the sugar on Sihblos is derived from tree sap instead of sugarcane. Offworld sugar is very expensive. </q>

<q> The actual 'dirt' of Sihblos is usually miles beneath the ice; where it comes closer to the surface is usually marked by locals for use, being very important even if frozen or a small amount. Most Sihblosian trees have adapted their root systems to draw nutrients from the ice if needed. </q>

<q> Mushrooms and fungi are often used as vegetable replacements, being much much hardier than their more typical garden counterparts and able to grow on trees and rocks instead of in the ground. These are often foraged to add to the food stores of walkers, villages, and homesteads. </q>

<q> Pickles and ferments have honorable places in the Sihblosian diet, given the need to preserve food, especially more delicate things that can't withstand freezing without losing important nutrients. Kimchi and other expat recipes like it were adopted with glee. </q>

== The Square ==

The Republic constitution distinguishes between two kinds of infrastructure and commerce:

* In the square: anything deemed essential to survival, including government, defense, food, water, shelter, sanitation, medicine, and education.
* Out of the square: anything deemed non-essential to survival, including recreation, luxury, and premium versions of goods and services in the square.

Any citizen can use the New Liberty open source network to see what's happening "in the square."

The term comes from a government program that hosts public dances in New Liberty to improve relations between Libertonians and Sihblosians. These dances are held in public squares (indoors, of course). The funding and operation are transparent. These dances remain very popular. Many couples meet at dances, so the idea of "the square" has layers of meaning.

There is ongoing disagreement on where some art and culture falls.

== Government ==

* '''Parliament'''
** The Republic Parliament is the most powerful branch.
** It is a single legislature.
** Each state sends one Member of Parliament (MP), chosen as they see fit. MPs are citizen legislators. Parliament sessions are typically limited to 45 days, twice per year.
** A primary duty of the legislative branch is balancing Vigilance and Unity over time, through updating the laws and amending the constitution.
** Balancing also includes periodically passing a budget, which must be approved by the 1st General.
** Each clan of the [[Mother's Children]] has a Member of Parliament, representing the residents of their flotilla. That includes any clanfolx currently serving on military walkers.
* '''Army'''
** The 1st General is the commander in chief of the Republic Army. They are nominated by the Army's Senior Officer Corps and confirmed by the Parliament.
* '''Executive Branch'''
** The 1st Minister is the chief executive. The primary duty of the executive branch is managing everything in the square. The 1st Minister is an MP chosen by the Parliament.
* '''Judicial Branch'''
** The 1st Marshal is the chief justice, chosen through an open vote of the Marshals Council. This is a lifetime appointment, but the few 1st Marshals so far have served between three and five years.
** The Council is composed exclusively of Republic citizens who have served at least twenty years in the Republic's justice system in good standing, and who have now permanently retired. (This directly reflects the Sihblosian value of respecting elders.) Any form of service counts, so the Council includes everyone from retired clerks and custodians to marshals and forensic scientists, as well as the former 1st Marshals.
** Until recently, the Republic was too young to record twenty years of service, so Parliament appointed members to the Marshals Council based on a mix of service before founding and after. However, enough time has passed since founding that Parliament's power to appoint has expired. Thus, the Council is a mix of appointees and "true twenty" members, and the balance will continue to tip towards the latter.
** The [[Republic Marshals]] are the primary operatives of the Judicial Branch.

== Geography and Climate ==

== Flora and Fauna ==

[[Category:Faction]]
[[Category:Place]]

Free Republic of Sihblos

2023-12-12T18:33:16Z

Cael:

Faction; Place 
Area of Operations: [[Sihblos]] 
Allies: [[Farwatch]]; [[Rational Ascendancy]] 
Rivals: no data 
Enemies: [[Childstealers]] 
See also: [[First Farwatch Purge]]; [[John Lincoln]] (Secretary of Defense); [[Republic Marshals]]

The Free Republic is an independent nation state. It includes the following factions:

* [[Expats]]
* [[Mother's Children]], The
* [[New Arcadia]]
* [[New Liberty]]

== Key Locations ==

* '''Embassy on Earth:''' the Republic maintains an embassy on Earth, in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon. Apart from embassy security, Sihblos has no military assets on Earth, as part of their treaty with the United States.
* [[New Liberty]]: capital city.

== Political Philosophy and Societal Culture ==

The New Republic's constitution centers on two principles, called the Two Pillars of the Republic:

* '''Vigilance''': Sihblos is a hostile world in an often-hostile multiverse. The persistence of normal and paranormal threats demands strength, cleverness, and steadiness. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Excellence military science
** Excellence in natural sciences (especially the sciences of survival, e.g., aerospace, engineering)
** Excellence in education
* '''Unity''': Fear itself is a threat, and living demands more than just surviving. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Families, friendships, teams, and other positive relationships
** Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
** Excellence in social sciences, especially sustaining communities
** Arts and culture, especially to sustain hope and bring people together

In many ways, the Farwatch defectors of New Liberty brought the Pillar of Vigilance, while the Sihblosians brought the Pillar of Unity.

As an example of both Vigilance and Unity, all Libertonians must give several years of military service or public service when they become adults or apply for citizenship. All citizens remain lifelong members of the New Liberty Militia.

As an example of Unity, most clans among the [[Mother's Children]] are communist. Each colony walker places the survival of the walker and the safety of the collective above all, and supports the military walkers through a complex system of volunteers, donations, and tithes. (An outsider might see the tithes as taxes, but the Sihblosians consecrate their walkers, and this support is part of their religion.)

The Pillars are intended to balance each other. [[John Lincoln]] and the other founders of the Republic believed that martial law was necessary to survive on Sihblos. However, long-term military rule often leads to oppression, corruption, and violations of human rights. The Republic's government is charged with keeping Vigilance and Unity in dynamic balance.

The founders designed the Republic as an experimental, militarized, techno-socialist republic.

* Experimental: the government is designed to evolve over time, in response to the challenges of surviving. It is also designed to adapt to internal challenges. The constitution recognizes that interactions among Libertonians, Sihblosians, and Expats will inevitably change and challenge Unity.
* Militarized: the Republic is under permanent martial law.
* Techno: an open source network promotes high transparency "in the square" (see below), promoting equitable access and impeding corruption.
* Socialist: all resources, goods, and services "in the square" are under direct government control or strong government oversight.
* Republic: each state in the Republic retains some autonomy, especially around its local defense and commerce.

Sihblosian culture is a mix of native practices and Libertonian/expat influences, with an emphasis on personal freedom, The Pillars, and the Square.

===Cultural Lore===

<code> Nearpine needle tea is the number one tea on Sihblos, being native and also full of vitamins and minerals in an environment where fresh fruit is rare.

'Oasises' by geothermal vents are highly prized and guarded in their locations, as it is easy to exploit them by overharvesting; some disrespectful outsiders have done this. These areas are often sources of rare fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits for those without access to the hydroponics of a walker, and if by water, even elusive fish and seafood. They attract wildlife for miles and serve as a scientist's dream. </code>

<q> Most of the sugar on Sihblos is derived from tree sap instead of sugarcane. Offworld sugar is very expensive. </q>

<q> The actual 'dirt' of Sihblos is usually miles beneath the ice; where it comes closer to the surface is usually marked by locals for use, being very important even if frozen or a small amount. Most Sihblosian trees have adapted their root systems to draw nutrients from the ice if needed. </q>

<q> Mushrooms and fungi are often used as vegetable replacements, being much much hardier than their more typical garden counterparts and able to grow on trees and rocks instead of in the ground. These are often foraged to add to the food stores of walkers, villages, and homesteads. </q>

<q> Pickles and ferments have honorable places in the Sihblosian diet, given the need to preserve food, especially more delicate things that can't withstand freezing without losing important nutrients. Kimchi and other expat recipes like it were adopted with glee. </q>

== The Square ==

The Republic constitution distinguishes between two kinds of infrastructure and commerce:

* In the square: anything deemed essential to survival, including government, defense, food, water, shelter, sanitation, medicine, and education.
* Out of the square: anything deemed non-essential to survival, including recreation, luxury, and premium versions of goods and services in the square.

Any citizen can use the New Liberty open source network to see what's happening "in the square."

The term comes from a government program that hosts public dances in New Liberty to improve relations between Libertonians and Sihblosians. These dances are held in public squares (indoors, of course). The funding and operation are transparent. These dances remain very popular. Many couples meet at dances, so the idea of "the square" has layers of meaning.

There is ongoing disagreement on where some art and culture falls.

== Government ==

* '''Parliament'''
** The Republic Parliament is the most powerful branch.
** It is a single legislature.
** Each state sends one Member of Parliament (MP), chosen as they see fit. MPs are citizen legislators. Parliament sessions are typically limited to 45 days, twice per year.
** A primary duty of the legislative branch is balancing Vigilance and Unity over time, through updating the laws and amending the constitution.
** Balancing also includes periodically passing a budget, which must be approved by the 1st General.
** Each clan of the [[Mother's Children]] has a Member of Parliament, representing the residents of their flotilla. That includes any clanfolx currently serving on military walkers.
* '''Army'''
** The 1st General is the commander in chief of the Republic Army. They are nominated by the Army's Senior Officer Corps and confirmed by the Parliament.
* '''Executive Branch'''
** The 1st Minister is the chief executive. The primary duty of the executive branch is managing everything in the square. The 1st Minister is an MP chosen by the Parliament.
* '''Judicial Branch'''
** The 1st Marshal is the chief justice, chosen through an open vote of the Marshals Council. This is a lifetime appointment, but the few 1st Marshals so far have served between three and five years.
** The Council is composed exclusively of Republic citizens who have served at least twenty years in the Republic's justice system in good standing, and who have now permanently retired. (This directly reflects the Sihblosian value of respecting elders.) Any form of service counts, so the Council includes everyone from retired clerks and custodians to marshals and forensic scientists, as well as the former 1st Marshals.
** Until recently, the Republic was too young to record twenty years of service, so Parliament appointed members to the Marshals Council based on a mix of service before founding and after. However, enough time has passed since founding that Parliament's power to appoint has expired. Thus, the Council is a mix of appointees and "true twenty" members, and the balance will continue to tip towards the latter.
** The [[Republic Marshals]] are the primary operatives of the Judicial Branch.

== Geography and Climate ==

== Flora and Fauna ==

[[Category:Faction]]
[[Category:Place]]

Free Republic of Sihblos

2023-12-12T18:31:35Z

Cael:

Faction; Place 
Area of Operations: [[Sihblos]] 
Allies: [[Farwatch]]; [[Rational Ascendancy]] 
Rivals: no data 
Enemies: [[Childstealers]] 
See also: [[First Farwatch Purge]]; [[John Lincoln]] (Secretary of Defense); [[Republic Marshals]]

The Free Republic is an independent nation state. It includes the following factions:

* [[Expats]]
* [[Mother's Children]], The
* [[New Arcadia]]
* [[New Liberty]]

== Key Locations ==

* '''Embassy on Earth:''' the Republic maintains an embassy on Earth, in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon. Apart from embassy security, Sihblos has no military assets on Earth, as part of their treaty with the United States.
* [[New Liberty]]: capital city.

== Political Philosophy and Societal Culture ==

The New Republic's constitution centers on two principles, called the Two Pillars of the Republic:

* '''Vigilance''': Sihblos is a hostile world in an often-hostile multiverse. The persistence of normal and paranormal threats demands strength, cleverness, and steadiness. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Excellence military science
** Excellence in natural sciences (especially the sciences of survival, e.g., aerospace, engineering)
** Excellence in education
* '''Unity''': Fear itself is a threat, and living demands more than just surviving. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Families, friendships, teams, and other positive relationships
** Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
** Excellence in social sciences, especially sustaining communities
** Arts and culture, especially to sustain hope and bring people together

In many ways, the Farwatch defectors of New Liberty brought the Pillar of Vigilance, while the Sihblosians brought the Pillar of Unity.

As an example of both Vigilance and Unity, all Libertonians must give several years of military service or public service when they become adults or apply for citizenship. All citizens remain lifelong members of the New Liberty Militia.

As an example of Unity, most clans among the [[Mother's Children]] are communist. Each colony walker places the survival of the walker and the safety of the collective above all, and supports the military walkers through a complex system of volunteers, donations, and tithes. (An outsider might see the tithes as taxes, but the Sihblosians consecrate their walkers, and this support is part of their religion.)

The Pillars are intended to balance each other. [[John Lincoln]] and the other founders of the Republic believed that martial law was necessary to survive on Sihblos. However, long-term military rule often leads to oppression, corruption, and violations of human rights. The Republic's government is charged with keeping Vigilance and Unity in dynamic balance.

The founders designed the Republic as an experimental, militarized, techno-socialist republic.

* Experimental: the government is designed to evolve over time, in response to the challenges of surviving. It is also designed to adapt to internal challenges. The constitution recognizes that interactions among Libertonians, Sihblosians, and Expats will inevitably change and challenge Unity.
* Militarized: the Republic is under permanent martial law.
* Techno: an open source network promotes high transparency "in the square" (see below), promoting equitable access and impeding corruption.
* Socialist: all resources, goods, and services "in the square" are under direct government control or strong government oversight.
* Republic: each state in the Republic retains some autonomy, especially around its local defense and commerce.

Sihblosian culture is a mix of native practices and Libertonian/expat influences, with an emphasis on personal freedom, The Pillars, and the Square.

===Cultural Lore===

<code> Nearpine needle tea is the number one tea on Sihblos, being native and also full of vitamins and minerals in an environment where fresh fruit is rare. </code>

<q> 'Oasises' by geothermal vents are highly prized and guarded in their locations, as it is easy to exploit them by overharvesting; some disrespectful outsiders have done this. These areas are often sources of rare fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits for those without access to the hydroponics of a walker, and if by water, even elusive fish and seafood. They attract wildlife for miles and serve as a scientist's dream. </q>

<q> Most of the sugar on Sihblos is derived from tree sap instead of sugarcane. Offworld sugar is very expensive. </q>

<q> The actual 'dirt' of Sihblos is usually miles beneath the ice; where it comes closer to the surface is usually marked by locals for use, being very important even if frozen or a small amount. Most Sihblosian trees have adapted their root systems to draw nutrients from the ice if needed. </q>

<q> Mushrooms and fungi are often used as vegetable replacements, being much much hardier than their more typical garden counterparts and able to grow on trees and rocks instead of in the ground. These are often foraged to add to the food stores of walkers, villages, and homesteads. </q>

<q> Pickles and ferments have honorable places in the Sihblosian diet, given the need to preserve food, especially more delicate things that can't withstand freezing without losing important nutrients. Kimchi and other expat recipes like it were adopted with glee. </q>

== The Square ==

The Republic constitution distinguishes between two kinds of infrastructure and commerce:

* In the square: anything deemed essential to survival, including government, defense, food, water, shelter, sanitation, medicine, and education.
* Out of the square: anything deemed non-essential to survival, including recreation, luxury, and premium versions of goods and services in the square.

Any citizen can use the New Liberty open source network to see what's happening "in the square."

The term comes from a government program that hosts public dances in New Liberty to improve relations between Libertonians and Sihblosians. These dances are held in public squares (indoors, of course). The funding and operation are transparent. These dances remain very popular. Many couples meet at dances, so the idea of "the square" has layers of meaning.

There is ongoing disagreement on where some art and culture falls.

== Government ==

* '''Parliament'''
** The Republic Parliament is the most powerful branch.
** It is a single legislature.
** Each state sends one Member of Parliament (MP), chosen as they see fit. MPs are citizen legislators. Parliament sessions are typically limited to 45 days, twice per year.
** A primary duty of the legislative branch is balancing Vigilance and Unity over time, through updating the laws and amending the constitution.
** Balancing also includes periodically passing a budget, which must be approved by the 1st General.
** Each clan of the [[Mother's Children]] has a Member of Parliament, representing the residents of their flotilla. That includes any clanfolx currently serving on military walkers.
* '''Army'''
** The 1st General is the commander in chief of the Republic Army. They are nominated by the Army's Senior Officer Corps and confirmed by the Parliament.
* '''Executive Branch'''
** The 1st Minister is the chief executive. The primary duty of the executive branch is managing everything in the square. The 1st Minister is an MP chosen by the Parliament.
* '''Judicial Branch'''
** The 1st Marshal is the chief justice, chosen through an open vote of the Marshals Council. This is a lifetime appointment, but the few 1st Marshals so far have served between three and five years.
** The Council is composed exclusively of Republic citizens who have served at least twenty years in the Republic's justice system in good standing, and who have now permanently retired. (This directly reflects the Sihblosian value of respecting elders.) Any form of service counts, so the Council includes everyone from retired clerks and custodians to marshals and forensic scientists, as well as the former 1st Marshals.
** Until recently, the Republic was too young to record twenty years of service, so Parliament appointed members to the Marshals Council based on a mix of service before founding and after. However, enough time has passed since founding that Parliament's power to appoint has expired. Thus, the Council is a mix of appointees and "true twenty" members, and the balance will continue to tip towards the latter.
** The [[Republic Marshals]] are the primary operatives of the Judicial Branch.

== Geography and Climate ==

== Flora and Fauna ==

[[Category:Faction]]
[[Category:Place]]

Free Republic of Sihblos

2023-12-12T18:28:10Z

Cael: Added Sihblosian lore tidbits and places for geography/climate and flora/fauna entries to be added

Faction; Place 
Area of Operations: [[Sihblos]] 
Allies: [[Farwatch]]; [[Rational Ascendancy]] 
Rivals: no data 
Enemies: [[Childstealers]] 
See also: [[First Farwatch Purge]]; [[John Lincoln]] (Secretary of Defense); [[Republic Marshals]]

The Free Republic is an independent nation state. It includes the following factions:

* [[Expats]]
* [[Mother's Children]], The
* [[New Arcadia]]
* [[New Liberty]]

== Key Locations ==

* '''Embassy on Earth:''' the Republic maintains an embassy on Earth, in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon. Apart from embassy security, Sihblos has no military assets on Earth, as part of their treaty with the United States.
* [[New Liberty]]: capital city.

== Political Philosophy and Societal Culture ==

The New Republic's constitution centers on two principles, called the Two Pillars of the Republic:

* '''Vigilance''': Sihblos is a hostile world in an often-hostile multiverse. The persistence of normal and paranormal threats demands strength, cleverness, and steadiness. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Excellence military science
** Excellence in natural sciences (especially the sciences of survival, e.g., aerospace, engineering)
** Excellence in education
* '''Unity''': Fear itself is a threat, and living demands more than just surviving. The Republic values and nurtures:
** Families, friendships, teams, and other positive relationships
** Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
** Excellence in social sciences, especially sustaining communities
** Arts and culture, especially to sustain hope and bring people together

In many ways, the Farwatch defectors of New Liberty brought the Pillar of Vigilance, while the Sihblosians brought the Pillar of Unity.

As an example of both Vigilance and Unity, all Libertonians must give several years of military service or public service when they become adults or apply for citizenship. All citizens remain lifelong members of the New Liberty Militia.

As an example of Unity, most clans among the [[Mother's Children]] are communist. Each colony walker places the survival of the walker and the safety of the collective above all, and supports the military walkers through a complex system of volunteers, donations, and tithes. (An outsider might see the tithes as taxes, but the Sihblosians consecrate their walkers, and this support is part of their religion.)

The Pillars are intended to balance each other. [[John Lincoln]] and the other founders of the Republic believed that martial law was necessary to survive on Sihblos. However, long-term military rule often leads to oppression, corruption, and violations of human rights. The Republic's government is charged with keeping Vigilance and Unity in dynamic balance.

The founders designed the Republic as an experimental, militarized, techno-socialist republic.

* Experimental: the government is designed to evolve over time, in response to the challenges of surviving. It is also designed to adapt to internal challenges. The constitution recognizes that interactions among Libertonians, Sihblosians, and Expats will inevitably change and challenge Unity.
* Militarized: the Republic is under permanent martial law.
* Techno: an open source network promotes high transparency "in the square" (see below), promoting equitable access and impeding corruption.
* Socialist: all resources, goods, and services "in the square" are under direct government control or strong government oversight.
* Republic: each state in the Republic retains some autonomy, especially around its local defense and commerce.

Sihblosian culture is a mix of native practices and Libertonian/expat influences, with an emphasis on personal freedom, The Pillars, and the Square.

===Cultural Lore===

<q> Nearpine needle tea is the number one tea on Sihblos, being native and also full of vitamins and minerals in an environment where fresh fruit is rare. </q>

<q> 'Oasises' by geothermal vents are highly prized and guarded in their locations, as it is easy to exploit them by overharvesting; some disrespectful outsiders have done this. These areas are often sources of rare fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits for those without access to the hydroponics of a walker, and if by water, even elusive fish and seafood. They attract wildlife for miles and serve as a scientist's dream. </q>

<q> Most of the sugar on Sihblos is derived from tree sap instead of sugarcane. Offworld sugar is very expensive. </q>

<q> The actual 'dirt' of Sihblos is usually miles beneath the ice; where it comes closer to the surface is usually marked by locals for use, being very important even if frozen or a small amount. Most Sihblosian trees have adapted their root systems to draw nutrients from the ice if needed. </q>

<q> Mushrooms and fungi are often used as vegetable replacements, being much much hardier than their more typical garden counterparts and able to grow on trees and rocks instead of in the ground. These are often foraged to add to the food stores of walkers, villages, and homesteads. </q>

<q> Pickles and ferments have honorable places in the Sihblosian diet, given the need to preserve food, especially more delicate things that can't withstand freezing without losing important nutrients. Kimchi and other expat recipes like it were adopted with glee. </q>

== The Square ==

The Republic constitution distinguishes between two kinds of infrastructure and commerce:

* In the square: anything deemed essential to survival, including government, defense, food, water, shelter, sanitation, medicine, and education.
* Out of the square: anything deemed non-essential to survival, including recreation, luxury, and premium versions of goods and services in the square.

Any citizen can use the New Liberty open source network to see what's happening "in the square."

The term comes from a government program that hosts public dances in New Liberty to improve relations between Libertonians and Sihblosians. These dances are held in public squares (indoors, of course). The funding and operation are transparent. These dances remain very popular. Many couples meet at dances, so the idea of "the square" has layers of meaning.

There is ongoing disagreement on where some art and culture falls.

== Government ==

* '''Parliament'''
** The Republic Parliament is the most powerful branch.
** It is a single legislature.
** Each state sends one Member of Parliament (MP), chosen as they see fit. MPs are citizen legislators. Parliament sessions are typically limited to 45 days, twice per year.
** A primary duty of the legislative branch is balancing Vigilance and Unity over time, through updating the laws and amending the constitution.
** Balancing also includes periodically passing a budget, which must be approved by the 1st General.
** Each clan of the [[Mother's Children]] has a Member of Parliament, representing the residents of their flotilla. That includes any clanfolx currently serving on military walkers.
* '''Army'''
** The 1st General is the commander in chief of the Republic Army. They are nominated by the Army's Senior Officer Corps and confirmed by the Parliament.
* '''Executive Branch'''
** The 1st Minister is the chief executive. The primary duty of the executive branch is managing everything in the square. The 1st Minister is an MP chosen by the Parliament.
* '''Judicial Branch'''
** The 1st Marshal is the chief justice, chosen through an open vote of the Marshals Council. This is a lifetime appointment, but the few 1st Marshals so far have served between three and five years.
** The Council is composed exclusively of Republic citizens who have served at least twenty years in the Republic's justice system in good standing, and who have now permanently retired. (This directly reflects the Sihblosian value of respecting elders.) Any form of service counts, so the Council includes everyone from retired clerks and custodians to marshals and forensic scientists, as well as the former 1st Marshals.
** Until recently, the Republic was too young to record twenty years of service, so Parliament appointed members to the Marshals Council based on a mix of service before founding and after. However, enough time has passed since founding that Parliament's power to appoint has expired. Thus, the Council is a mix of appointees and "true twenty" members, and the balance will continue to tip towards the latter.
** The [[Republic Marshals]] are the primary operatives of the Judicial Branch.

== Geography and Climate ==

== Flora and Fauna ==

[[Category:Faction]]
[[Category:Place]]