Summary
Independent Omega-HomunculusClans determined by lineage to a specific Geneseed. Relatively insular.
History
[Arose after the fall of the PE]
[Origin of name Connate, where and when it’s applied vs. Omega or other names]
Habitat
Generally in ruins of PE arcologies, or environments that are inhospitable to other races. High-gravity or -pressure bodies allow them to isolate effectively.
Demographics
Population
The vast core of a Clanfrith is composed of the descendants of a single geneseed, and they don’t tend to be terribly hospitable to outsiders. Almost all of the population are Omega-Homunculi.
However for various reasons, small minorities from other Friths or geneseeds, or even other humanoids, may take up residence within a Frith. But they are considered outsiders, and are expected to accept that they occupy a lower station. Accordingly, most form minority enclaves and may be looked upon with suspicion by society at large.
Language
Many adopt ancient languages matching the origins of their geneseeds. Some convert fully to them as a primary language, but it’s generally kept as a ceremonial point of pride.
Some minor linguistic shift did occur in the Progenitor Era, so while they do keep Earth Standard as a lingua franca, most Friths exhibit small dialectical variations.
Religion
Many adopt ancient religions matching the origins of their geneseeds, for largely ceremonial practice. Adherence to these ancient norms is a badge of cultural fidelity, and a means to social prestige.
Family Structure
A family unit is generally organized under its eldest or most prominent member, who exercises absolute control over the family’s finances and major decisions.
Health
Education
Historians and Genealogists are highly esteemed in nearly all Omega cultures, both as academics and as embodiments of their people’s history.
Science & Technology
Relatively stagnant due to cultural influences, but has achieved exceptional refinements of existing technologies.
Government & Politics
Subdivisions
Most Clanfriths are comprised of descendants of one geneseed, or an amalgam that developed its own identity.
Below this are the Great Clans, then endogamous Clans, then exogamous families. Sovereignty tends to flow upward rather than downward, higher bodies only exercising authority when necessary.
Rulership
Many Clanfriths and Great Clans hold democratic elections for leaders, and just as many skip the formality. Even most electees run unopposed or with only token competition, as the heirs apparent are usually made clear through rigid social mores. Geneseed lineage, Clan seniority, dynastic pedigree, ceremonial honors, and technocratic experience are highly valued.
When true political competition does arise, opposing support is often entrenched to the point of threatening a social rift. Indeed, some schisms or wars do arise through a dispute of succession. Rarely these are precipitated by ambiguous mandates, and more often by political opportunism.
Foreign Relations
Criminal Enforcement & Resolution of Civil Disputes
Clanfrith legal systems generally recognize private and local authorities (Families, Clans, Guilds, Companies), and accord them a high degree of freedom to resolve their own disputes.
An offense against a peer or coequal body is treated relatively leniently, and often left to resolution between the parties or their superiors. This may lead to a feud, which is only referred to higher authorities for resolution if it begins to affect uninterested parties.
Appeals processes are generally only utilized in the case of conflicting coequal jurisdictions. Punishments that come from a higher authority are often collectivized to the next level down, as in the practice of Frankpledge. A collective punishment is then expected to be passed down until it reaches the offender, though it is considered a sovereign and separate decision. These punishments are not light, even if they consider a close family member. To give an overly lenient sentence when society entrusted you to punish an offender is a shameful act.
Jurisprudence is based heavily on precedent, though legal codes are elaborate, well-respected, and reasonably efficient.
Ostracism and exile are the highest forms of punishment in the Clanfriths. Serving sentences less than this is considered the service of one’s duty, and many criminals who return to society are respected more for it if their crime was not onerous. It is not uncommon for an ambitious Clansman to commit a minor crime against a rival, escalate the matter to a feud that demands higher resolution, and serve their sentence in order to build their social cachet.
Economy
It is common for most or all of a worker’s pay to be remitted directly to their familiar elder, making the Clan the standard economic unit of the Clanfrith economy.
[Guild membership?]
[Clanfrith market structure?]
Social Divisions
In the Clanfriths, social divisions are political divisions. Refer to that section.
[Anything that wouldn’t be considered political?]
Infrastructure
Exceptionally well-maintained and respected, especially if it is considered culturally significant. Monuments and adorned public works often honor historical figures.
Culture
Food
Literature, Philosophy, Visual Art, Music, etc.
Sports
Mass Media
General Aesthetics
Values
Loyalty, Honesty, Tradition, Obedience, Bravery, Self-Sacrifice, Diligence, Refinement, Improvement, History
If one has a new idea, they must often justify its validity by citing the success of historical analogues. That is to say, the concept of innovation does not even receive lip service. Improvement is esteemed as loyalty to an existing idea, but revolution is a taboo concept.
Gameplay
Simple but effective mechanisms. May outclass you if you rely on a toe-to-toe fight, but less effective if you use indirect means.
Influences
- Dwarves
- Anglo-Saxons, I guess maybe?
- Guild economy, possibly [not sure yet]