Summary

Humans warped by lives lived fully in deep space and later genetic engineering to thrive in it.

Gameplay

Available Backgrounds

• The ULGSCR, an Anarcho-Communist(?) collective
• Research Temple Pytheas, a secret mobile colony in deep space

Origin

Main article: Research Temple Pytheas

Physiology

Ark Pytheas' initial population

The initial members of Ark Pytheas were without exception highly intelligent, so as to ensure a continuing population of highly effective researchers. Scientists, Psionicists & Theologians comprised an outsized proportion of the population.

Selection skewed towards serious, stress-resistant, and introverted temperaments. Corpulence & extraversion were avoided in the interest of maximal utilization of limited space. 

However, this was not intended to be a multi-generational mission, so considerations in that regard were neglected. 

Development in Zero-Gravity

Prolonged exposure to zero-G environment leads to elongated, atrophied limbs. Low bone density & metabolism. On average, Pytheans are 6-8 inches taller than baseline humans.

Skin tends to be very pale, clear & young-looking, due to protection from gravity & UV rays. Normal human undertones are often visible to a degree not normally seen, but still subtle (I believe people tend to have yellow, red, or blue undertones)

Where the normal human hand is designed to grip objects against the pull of gravity, that is largely moot in the Pythean world. Their hands are slender and weak, designed for precision. 

The muscles on the human body designed for upright movement & stabilization are underdeveloped in the Pythean. The Gluteus Maximus, Quadriceps Femoris, Deltoids, Biceps Bracchi, Rectus Abdominis, Latissimus Dorsi, Trapezius tend to be atrophied, beyond even what you would expect for their frame.

Their heads are slightly larger than a normal human’s. The human body relies on gravity to mitigate the influx of fluid pressure into the skull; conversely, Pytheans end up with overpressurized & thus slightly outsized craniums.

Effects of Cryptic Proximity

Effects of Eugenics & Bioengineering

Some exposure to gravity is needed for proper bone growth & immune support. They have systems that expedite this process, but only to the minimal level needed to survive in their own environment.

Many organ systems depend on gravity. In the beginning of their mission they addressed this through medications & treatments, but eventually gene therapy & eugenic selection were utilized to permanently adjust to it. 

The equilibrial system would need to be entirely reformulated. The vestibule (inner ear) is by default downward-oriented. So the zero-G vestibule is likely something more oriented towards inertia: It might re-center after the original sensation rather than issuing a constant signal. They would also rely much more on visual cues for orientation, a capacity native to the human brain at least. 

As for specifics, we may want a consult with someone who understands biology better :)

Pytheans in standard spaces

When moving into 1-G, a Pythean’s posture tends to be slouched, and their gait is shuffling & sluggish. They often make use of subtle exoskeletons to make the transition easier. Their sense of equilibrium is entirely different from ours, and might never fully adjust to gravity.

The heart does much less work in zero-G. When adjusting to 1-G, Pytheans often have to undergo heart conditioning to be able to effectively pump blood to their brains. Those who frequently go to 1-G will often make use of cardiac enhancements, usually including a small pump on the neck’s major arteries.

Due to being separate from the rest of humanity in a highly controlled environment, their immune defenses tend to be dangerously undeveloped. As a result, they tend to wear filters on their mouths & noses to prevent infection. 

So the overall costume of exoskeletal enhancements includes a “cowl” that encapsulates the neck, mouth, nose & the external part of the inner ear. More expensive versions may be installed internally to reduce facial occlusion, for diplomats or traders. 

Psychology

Secretive, haughty, gentle, imperious, neurotic, brilliant, "spacey"

Culture

Their technology is cutting-edge, bar-none. They have gotten the closest to at least being able to consistently apply the chunks of Cryptic tech they find. But they can't reproduce it to any degree.

Their numbers are uncertain given their secrecy, but they do appear to be somewhat few. However, they are numerous enough that they are not an uncommon sight in highly mixed areas. 

Gameplay

Influences

- "Lunar" archetype in SciFi in general