The Durats of Burtzlund

[FriendlyHeadcrab]

The Durats of Burtzlund
Region: Sansar-50

People

Origin
In times ancient to the ancients, early Durats were classified as a sub-sentient burrowing rodent.  Individually weighing under 15 pounds and rarely longer than 30 inches, Durat burrows were only notable for the psychic jolt they could invoke to spook aggressors. Individually kidnapped Durats displayed a dog-level of intelligence, and could not be made to show meaningful psychic capability.  As such, they were discounted and largely ignored.  However, the Durats had an unknown (at the time) capability.  In groups, usually of four to nine, Durats can psychically link.  This ability, called "[I]wising[/I]" allows the group to communicate, improve their collective intelligence, and increase their psychic capability.

Due to their small size and tendency for hiding in burrows, Durats didn't make a splash until the invention of laser weaponry.  The combination of powerful offensive force packaged into a small form-factor with limited concussive knockback was revolutionary for the Durats.  An individual Durat gained the ability to match a human in combat, and a pod of Durats could match a human in intellect.  And even then, it required [I]The War of Eternal Bombardments[/I] to destroy the old status quo and make room for the Durats to enter the galactic stage.  The following centuries would see a cultural explosion for the Durats, as they became technology obsessed and utilized their newfound power to gain a political capabilities on-par with the other sentient species.

But of course, this is all ancient history.

Modern Times
Durats have gained a rich history and cultural identity.  They improved their ability to speak with other species and gained an affinity for technology.
It is rare to communicate with a single Durat, it could hardly make conversation.  Instead, Durats pods communicate as a single entity, with one Durat taking the role of speaker and interfacing for the group.
Durats are known for their affinity for technology.  Their psychic capabilities allow for careful and precise manipulation of fragile materials by specialized pods.  Leading to Durats becoming a lead superconductor and microcircuit exporter.

Durats are not the only species inhabiting Burtzlund.  Various humanoids live throughout the region, especially near borders and the coast, but Durats make up the population majority.  Burtzlund is ruled by the Exalted Pod in the Capital of Tresses.  This small ruling body consists of the Speaker Supreme and his Great Wisers.

The Exalted Pod
The Exalted Pod is carefully constructed from seven delegates taken from the influential sectors of Burtzlund.  One from a distinguished Professor Pod from The University, one from the High Priest Pod of The Great Cathedral, one from a Corporation Head Pod from the Industrial Merchants, one from an influential general in the military, one from the President Pod of Burtzlund Administration, one from the Policy and Precedent Department Head Pod, and one from a celerity Durat Pod elected by popular vote. This pod of seven Durats has near complete authority over Burtzlund law.  And is assisted by a fleet administration staff and advisors to run the region.

As The Exalted Pod represents the primary influences on Burtzlund rule and operates with totalitarian levels of power, understanding The Exalted Pod gives insight into Durat Civilization.  Firstly, The Exalted Pod is not a phenomenon reproducible by other cultures.  Each influence gives a single ideal Durat from their respective pods, to form the The Exaulted Pod.  Each influence has its own ideals, objectives, and perspectives of the change needed in Burtzlund, but a Durat pod always identifies as a single individual.  The beliefs of each Great Wiser is bound to single identity, that decides its own opinions based off its component parts.  The capability to literally "build" a ruler is not something reproducible outside of the Durat species.

While The Exalted Pod may have near complete authority, it can face consequences to its actions.  The influential bodies can recall and replace their representatives in the Pod if The Exalted Pod is behaving poorly, especially around precedent.  This brings us to Established Precedent.  Established Precedent is a tool used by the Executive Pod to offer stability to its citizens and corporations, creating a foundation upon which society can rest.  Creating established precedent is an action by The Exalted Pod to let the people know that "something is unlikely to change".  And while it is certainly within The Exalted Pod's power to update, modify, or remove Established Precedent, it is a very unpopular move, that can lead to the replacement of Great Wisers. If enough wisers are replaced, the personality of the pod can be differentiated strongly enough as if it were a new person.

With that summary out of the way, lets talk about the seven influential factions that form the Exalted Pod.

The Administration
Do not take the administration lightly, for it is powerful.  The administration is best viewed as a conglomeration of giant government-run companies that serves The Exalted Pod and the people.  It handles Taxes, Schooling, Transportation, Infrastructure, Transplant Centers, Hospital Regulation and so many others.  The Exalted Pod is very willing to run companies as part of the Government, and use profits and research profits to manage other parts of administration.  Do not mistake this for modern capitalism, the Government will take its profits and use them aggressively, and is not above forcefully annexing private companies, though there is a large amount of Established Precedent to be managed in that domain.

The Policy and Precedent Department
The job of the policy and precedent department is twofold.  It is a study of the legalize of past precedent, it's limitations and powers.  And the foreign relation arm of the Administration.  The PPD employs diplomats to other regions and manages internal law.  All very useful influences for The Exalted Pod.

The University
The University is owned by The Administration but operates with a large degree of independence, additionally holding relation to several private sisters.  The University itself is a single great institution in Coastaphornia, with all the research, staff, and teaching that goes on there, but it has strong influence in all academia in Burtzlund.  Its influence adds intelligence, a scientific mind, and cutting-edge knowledge to The Exalted Pod.

The Military
The military is the military.  It is made to fight, it knows how to fight, and it wants to fight.  Luckily the other wisers usually aren't so bloodthirsty. But as the strength of the Durats, the military has its influence in The Exalted Pod.

The Corporations
The corporations represent the influence of the private sector on The Exalted Pod, they provide understanding of the current economic pressures and how to manage the powerful Durat economy.

The Church
More about the Church can be read about in the faith section, but it provides a sense of morality and accountability to the Exalted Pod. 

The People
The people have their vote on The Exaulted Pod as well, so with a singular united voice they can decry the desire of the masses.  As this vote only defines a seventh of The Pods personality, it is not so vicious a fight as in democracies.  Often, the vote of the people becomes the Speaker Supreme, and serves as the face of The Exalted Pod.

Specialty - Wising

Biology
Made possible by a specialized Psybellar Cortex in the Cerebellum, wising is the defining trait of the Durat species.  When a Durat joins a pod of Durats, the single Durat loses all sense of individuality.  Instead, the pod identifies itself as a single individual.  The beliefs, intellect, and capabilities of each member Durat become desires and partial aspects of the whole.  It is a common misconception by humanoids that Durats members retain an individual internal voice in the collective identity.  Instead, the pod identity is one singular perspective, and no mental aspect identifies with any single member.  Even the speaker, who does all or the majority of the pod's communication, is simply the member the pod chose best suited as the "mouth". This distinction is important, and it prevents pods from being bogged down by individual member conflicts of interest.

Summary
To humanoids, a Durat pod is best explained like this.  A single Durat member would be the equivalent to your left arm, but if your arm also made you a bit smarter, and perhaps gives you slight Ornithophobia.  You don't preen over your arm, it's simply a part of your body.  If you were falling to your death, you'd instantly use your arm to save the rest of your body, it's not even a sacrifice, it's just mitigating the injury you're about to take.  Humanoids who don't understand a pod's relationship to its members can often mistake individual Durats as suicidal or extremely self-sacrificing, but the cognative perspective is simply different.

Being part of a pod conveys great benefits.  One of which is simply "not dying", and single Durats outside of a pod will pass away in a matter of weeks.  Additionally, pod members gain increased intelligence, increase psychic abilities, perfect coordination, and exact spatial perspective between members.  If a humanoid were to blindfold themselves and toss a ball from one hand to the other, that's about the difficulty two podded Durats would encounter playing catch while blindfolded.

This level of coordination is extremely helpful to Durats.  From perfect factory assembly lines to perfectly synced sports teams, and from flawlessly moving combat units without blind spots, to astounding improvisational music.

Religion - The Illuminated Primarch

Durats in The Illuminated Primarch (Majority)
Similar to their long-distant Jy'mar cousins, the Durats seek enlightenment to achieve a higher state of consciousnesses.  They aim to achieve the ideal physicality, mentality, and psychality to rise above their weak singular forms and become an exemplar megapod.

Connection
Of all facets of existence, Durats believe that enlightenment is primarily gained through connection. The greatest sign of an Illuminated individual is their wising capability and their capability to maintain numerous connections.  However, this is a large ask, as your usual Durat has trouble wising more than ten other Durats simultaneously.
There are two outcomes from this dilemma. First is that religious Durats often engage in spiritual communion.  This ritual involves large numbers of Durats packed together, each trying to wise with the others.  This ritual has been shown over time to slowly increase a Durats wising capabilities.
The Second outcome is that Durats obsess over technologies that can artificially increase their psychic abilities or extend their lifespan, as many Durats believe that an individual's ability to wise is only limited by practice.

The Great Cathedral
The greatest joy of the Enlightened Durats is the great Cathedral in the South of Midrell.  This massive temple contains a great many-layered room.  Here, daily, Durats gather to partake in the most holy communion, wising in the largest Durat Megapod.  The core of this Pod is formed by a collective of Radiants and Exalted, who have maintained the pod with never less than a dozen mediating in the great chamber for over a millennium.  Their great expertise and power allow even Natural Beings to temporarily join in a megapod over thousands large.  At peak capacity, the latent power of this pod is said to be capable of creating earthquakes.

Geography - Burtzlund

The Region of Burtzlund is divided into five sub-regions.  Norwall, Hovell, Coastaphornia, Midrell, and Southerly.

Norwall
The second largest region in Burtzlund, Norwall is the industrial core of the region.  The mountains to the west are covered with mines and the ground carved with mineral extraction sites.  Factories and foundries litter the landscape, using legendary Durat engineering to craft scientific marvels.  Over 80% of Burtzlund's extracted mineral resources are pulled from Norwall, and 50% of exported technologies are crafted in its factories.
Nature has been pushed back, and superconductive hovertrain rail lines the edges of great ravines carved into the earth.  Spaceports and loading stations are plentiful, and a steady stream of carrier ships are constantly moving their wares just above.

Hovell
Hovell provides a stark contrast to Norwall. The ancestral home of Durats, the great wooded forest of Hovell is a protected nature preserve.  Aside from select historical sites, research stations, and orbital bombardment bunkers, the landscape of Hovell is largely devoid of civilization.
This has led to Hovell being quite dangerous. Unlicensed citizen pods are not permitted to enter without a guide.  As the native flora and fauna can easily make a meal out of unprepared Durats.  Giant ferns, strangling vines, and brilliant flowers thrive in this overgrown forest.  Predators can be found large and small, from the giant starfaced rashor to the small inverted meat snail, Hovel provides a reminder of just how dangerous Burtzlund used to be.

Coastaphornia
While not the capital, Coastaphornia is the cultural center of Burtzlund. The demographics of Coastaphornia are extremely diverse, with species from all reaches of Sansar and space having made this beautiful land their home.  And it's quite the popular home; long beaches, beautiful architecture, and a moderate climate makes Coastaphornia one of the single most popular tourist destinations in all of Sansar.
But there is more to Coastaphornia than just pleasure.  To the North resides the University of Burtzlund and the North Coast Tech Area.  The North Coast Tech Area contains some of the most successful technology development and sales firms, having a historical reputation of innovation.  The University is similarly impressive.  Alongside its renown for technological development, challenging curriculums, famous alumni, and state-of-the-art laboratories, the University is known for its Dean, the Librarian Pod.
The Librarian Pod is a joint pod with its sister pod in The Arkhive Æternal, and enjoys an exported diet of Honeyed Words.  In The Arkhive Æternal, the distant twin pod oversees the Technology Section as Librarian, and feeds daily on Honeyed Words.  Every five years, cross pollination occurs between the Library Pod in Coastaphoria, and the Library Pod in The Arkhive Æternal, each trading half their members.  These trades allow both pods to stay familiar with the ethnic perspective of both domains, while simultaneously gaining understanding of the great works being done by both powers.

Midrell
Midrell is the largest sub-region in Burtzlund.  The rainy but mild climate makes it the primary location for farming and animal husbandry.  Farms dominate the landscape.  Aside from these, this is the home of the Great Cathedral, which can be read about in the Religion Section.

Southerly
Southerly is the final sub-region of Burtzlund.  Sporting the highest density of Durats and the Region's capital, Tresses, Southerly is dear to Durat identity.  The great forests and lake make a beautiful landscape, but unlike Hovell, the wilds have been tamed and infrastructure built into the trees themselves, integrating with nature rather than destroying it.  Official funding is high in Southerly, often leading the impressive technologies and museums being built within the sub-region.
In the Northwest of Southerly lies Tresses, the Capital of Burtzlund.  Unlike other cities, Tresses is designed specifically and only for Durats.  This leads to great inconvenience for other species, but streamlined and beautiful architecture for Durats to enjoy.  The nature of Tresses is not tainted for the sake of the city, rather, the city builts above, below, and around the trees and beautiful flora of the region.  And the crown gem is the palace of the exalted Pod, the ruling pod of all Burtzlund.

Resources

Export: Superconductors and Microcircuits
A Durat Pod's psychic telekinesis is not particularly powerful, but it affords extreme fine-grain control.  In specialized Pods, this control can be precise enough to place diodes on a circuit with the use of a microscope.  Modern automation is faster and far more efficient for large scale production, but Durat's telekinesis allows them to quickly build test boards for R&D and construct custom-order microelectronics.
This head-start has also kept the Durats at the forefront of microelectronic automation and foundry investment, leading to their largest export being Conductors and Circuitry.

Import: Exotic Matter
Burtzlund is lush and brimming with organic and outward resources, so it follows that the Durats most desire that which come from off-world.  For religious reasons, Durats value rare materials that can increase psychic aptitude or extend one's lifespan.  Durats also have an intense curiosity and love of technology, meaning unknown elements and physics-defying materials are treasured for their scientific value.

Technology

 

Aclaustrophobic Psychiatry
As a burrowing group-mind, coexisting in space-ships comes easier than most. 

Wet Navy Ships
Rodent on a Boat!  Like other Sansar-native species, Durats have also adapted Wet Ships for trade and combat.

 

Edited March 3 by FriendlyHeadcrab (see edit history)

[FriendlyHeadcrab]

 STAR RATS

Solar Trade Administrative Regions of Durats

---

StarTC

Solar Trade Administrative Region Trade Center
Greetings to our fellow Elect! Those once far, now made near by the miracle of technology! We, the STAR RATS, are excited to welcome new partners to the Solar Trade Center!
StarTC is a conglomerate of trading routes connecting all regions and planets of Tekhum! But we can't do it alone, that's why we advise that all the honored Elect Regions begin construction on trading routes to the STAR RATS and Region 110 of the firmament.

 

Additional Information

Summary of the Deal
A. The Honored Elect Territories build trade routes to the STAR RATS.
B. In return, they can trade treasure, artifacts, and technology through the trading post with all other connected Elect.
C. Additionally, they can access to other Additional Perks as shown below.

"But why connect to the STAR RATS instead of someone more immediately profitable?", you ask. The reasons are simple.

Compounding Value
Here at the Solar Trade Administrative Regions, we understand that our greatest value isn't ourselves, but the people we serve. And that's the key value offered by joining StarTC. Not just what we can offer but the ability to trade efficiently with regions across the solar system, buying and selling goods and services without burning time and the hassle of waste action.

Current Partners

Partner	Route Status	Trade Opportunity
The Arkhive Æternal (ARK)	Active	Knowledge shared by the greatest library in the system.
The White Pawns	Active	Mercenaries for hire!
Fiorid Principality of Verdalfheim	Active	Trade with one of the most quickly growing countries in Sansar!
This could be you!

If we as a system can unitedly choose one center of commerce, then trade will boom and connection will be simple. You won't have to worry about what complicated trail of trade routes are required to get your goods where they ought to go, or what you'll be charged to use those trade routes, and how many turns it will take. No! You will pass your trade to StarTC, and it will be forwarded directly where you want it to go! And that leads to our promise.

Our Promise
We, the STAR RATS, will ensure that any trade sent to us, intended for a recipient to which we have a trade route, will be forwarded immediately on the next turn. There will be no tolls, taxes, or tariffs implemented by the STAR RATS. We will always maintain non-actions to send trade to its desired location!
Any technology sent to the STAR RATS for the purpose of trading to select parties shall not be traded by STAR RATS to external parties not involved in the deal, unless STAR RATS later receive the technology again with a less restrictive trade license.
STAR RATS may only halt trade if STAR RATS holdings are directly attacked by an individual involved in the trade.

Investment

The STAR RATS are actively subsidizing and building trade routes! Reach out quickly and you may even be one of the lucky early adopters who gets to take part in subsidized construction!
1. Economy Management

This plan is completely optional, for members who are looking to avoid unruly merchants.
The STAR RATS will buy-out a trading post of a chosen region's desired resource and trade it to the merchant sector to keep it happy, eventually the STAR RATS will impress the Region's Merchants and manage them directly.

Merchants impressed by this opportunity will always support or hinder TP buyouts if requested by the Region's owner.

2. Work Compensation
For individuals that can offer excellent trade opportunities to other customers, 1 treasure will be awarded for constructing a trade route.  Due to slow early cash-flow, applications are currently limited.
These are only available at limited capacity, so reach out soon to see if you qualify.

Location

Region 110 on the Firmament acts as both the perfect land and space port. Located nearly in the middle of Tekhum, Sansar offers an excellent location as a center of trade!

Additional Perks

1. When possible, the Durats offer trade acceleration. Extra Treasure or traded Technology will sent early so commodities arrive for the next round.
2. Partners will have a trade route to a Pan-Tekhum Worker's and Trader's Union Base in Burtzlund.
3. As a fledgling economic powerhouse, over time STAR RATS Trade Routes will enjoy extensive Trading Post resource options for trade.
Expect these perks to be the first of many!

After reading this, I hope you're as excited about the opportunity lying in the Solar Trade Center as we are! We're excited to work with you and bring all the regions of Tekhum together!

 

---

Edited April 6 by FriendlyHeadcrab (see edit history)

[FriendlyHeadcrab]

 Craobhan Mòra
Region: Firmament 110

History

The Era of Eternal Bombardments is a legend. A mythos that warns the modern day of the dangerous of technology, and the cost of all-out war. The Firmament was not spared these consequences. After the last bombs fell, The Firmament was left isolated. Its elevators closed, any remaining ships lost leaving whoever, and whatever, was up there isolated.

In the time of war, a new breed of soldiers was created. The Reserve provided a standard of soldier beyond that which could naturally occur. The Bàsclan. Genetically modified super-insects plagued battlefield with a ferocity, cunning, and capability unmatched by the common soldier.

When The Firmament became isolated, a new era of horror began. Three legions of Bàsclan were stationed on the Firmament, clicking for deployment. Combat ready peak genetic specimen primed for war. And then the war was over. The Bàsclan would not be contained.

It is unknown what the people of that day may have called region 110, they didn't survive the passing of time. Unlike they people of the Reserve, they were hunted to extinction. Until only the Bàsclan remained. Victorious, the Bàsclan gave themselves a name, the A' fuireach.

Geography

Called Craobhan Mòra by the A' fuireach, Region 110 of the Firmament is huge, a scale that can hardly be comprehended. A third of this gigantic ring has a surface area nearly matching that of Sansar as a whole.

Craobhan Mòra is home to giant verdant forests. Perhaps its most recognizable feature are the stage trees. These massive trees were clearly also the target of genetic modification. Rather than sporting a single overhead canopy, the Stage Trees sport many. The highest canopy still contains an overhead of thick fibrous leaves, but the lower canopies are a thick entanglement of branch and vine. These "stages" allow the trees to support each other, and form into flat surfaces that can be easily traversed or built upon by natives.

These many stages create an intense verticality to Craobhan Mòra. Any single stage feels like a ground to itself. The long-spanning branches create a floor and ceiling and floor so thick that vision cannot traverse. These sturdy branches do not bend even under the weight of hefty vehicles. Walking onto a stage feels like being transported into a different "ground" entirely. A new land where the world is held together by pillars of wood holding a brown sky aloft from the similarly wooden ground. Cutting your way into the ceiling allows access to yet another land of branches.

These trees cover the entirety of Craobhan Mòra. Ruins of ancient civilizations are built on the various stages of the trees themselves, and the trees have reclaimed them. Old housing, shipyards, and warehouses have been consumed by trees. Branches intertwining and cutting into the floor. Trees have grown around and into steel itself.

The trees provide cover and food for a numinous arboreal mammals. These creatures may have arrived here as pets, livestock, or simply stowaways. Now they serve as prey for the A' fuireach.

People

As time progressed, the A' fuireach matured as a species. Outgrowing their single nature as machines of war, the A' fuireach developed a language, culture, bonds. For the first time, the Bàsclan no longer lived in opposition to the sapient species that created them. They asked themselves, "Without war, what are we?" That single question expresses the uncertainty of purpose, fear, and freedom embodied by the A' fuireach people.

They found answers.

They are hunters. They are killers. They are parents. They are explorers. They are free. And they will fight for that freedom.

The Modern Day

The A' fuireach were none too pleased at the arrival of the STAR RATS. The war was fast and brutal. For all their natural prowess, the A' fuireach were unprepared for the impact of modern technology.

And yet, were they not created in a time with technologies far more terrible than this? Were they not warriors in an era where the weapons made these look like throwing sticks? There is only one answer, the A' fuireach have grown soft. The millennium of peace have softened their caprices and dulled their teeth.

And so two factions emerged.

Firstly, the A' fuireach that wanted to be more, that wanted to grow beyond the intent of their creation and grasp the fruits of technology into their hand. They wanted to be known and respected as a species. As a people.

Secondly, the A' fuireach that missed the old ways. They relished these new hardships, to bring back the grit in their claws, the sting of their teeth. They believed in the intent of the creator. They were created to be most terrifying monstrosity in existence. The was their purpose, and they would fulfill it.

For now, there is an uneasy truce between the elect, orgs, and the A' fuireach. 500 klicks in every direction from the elevator has been surrendered to outsider control, but all else belongs to the A' fuireach, and they will hunt all hunt trespass.

Religion - Minosians

The majority of A' fuireach worship their creators, the Minosians.  The arms-dealing bioartificers who breathed life into their bodies. It is ironic, considering how many of these same bioartificers were killed by the A' fuireach themselves.

These traditional A' fuireach believe that they were created as being of ultimate strength. And through the expression of that strength, they can connect with their heritage and purpose.
 

This belief system is opposed to a new belief system, that posits that the A' fuireach should grow beyond their original intention. But this belief remains the fringe.
 

And yet a third belief system exists. Fledgling and slowly growing, a belief beyond the A' fuireach. All around them, there is something greater, something powerful. Something not yet named. Something in the leaves, something in the trees, in the soil. An intelligence, a power growing in The Firmament. The great stage trees have been awakening, called to awareness and connection by a new force. Some unknown sapience. It is this force that the A' fuireach hear. It calls to them as it calls to the trees and calls to the mammals. All is called. But it is not the planet, it is above.

Resources

Export: Stage Trees - Flora
The Stage Trees are plentiful and have many uses in trade. The Trees were planted here by peoples of ages past.  When Chemically treated and compressed for long periods, they form a spaceworth building material. When left alone, they decay into fertile soil, which has led to the lushness of Craobhan Mòra.
Add Resource Category: Construction Materials along with flora.

Import: Specialists
The specialists aren't needed by the A' fuireach, but are needed to deal with them. Psychologists, negotiators, hunters, and warriors. People are needed to help forge closer bonds with the A' fuireach that wish to join modern society, and a very different sort of person is needed to put down A' fuireach that resent their new neighbors.

 

Edited May 4 by FriendlyHeadcrab (see edit history)