|
|
Overview: |
Social, inquisitive, and artistic, the K'ac''ott are a race that has a close communion with the ecosystems of their planet. Physical appearances differ by region, but for the most part K'ac''ott are an eight legged creature, with long limbs except for the front arms, and clawed hands with double opposable thumbs on all but the rear legs. They walk on either the back four or six limbs, with their torso in a position that is perpendicular or parallel to their motion. They have extremely flexible spines, and are very lightweight. The head has two large, forward facing eyes, and culminates in a long snout with a ring of mandible like claws circling the oral cavity. When a K'ac''ott attacks, it grabs the target with the oral claws, affixing the mouth firmly against the victim. It then inserts its tongue, which has a sharp cartilaginous tip and many cilia appendages, into the nervous system, paralyzing the target. This allows the K'ac''ott to open the receivers in its cilia and commune with the other body. While joining in this manner, the K'ac''ott has several options:
There are a few individuals, called Designers, who can utilize this ability to change the physical appearances of animals by manipulating cells and stimulating growth in the desired areas. Very rare are Creators, who can change the genetic structures of themselves and other living creatures. Only Creators can join with other K'ac''ott; joining by other individuals initiates a reaction that can permanently damage the tongue's receivers. |
Navigation:CoLC Index |
Index:Q-dex / Technology / Magic
|
Q-dex: |
T 668.2673/326.565A M 468.7644/720.61 |
Technology: |
K'ac''ott have a strong understanding of all sciences, especially biology. However, their religious beliefs make them loathe to begin any course of action that would effect the ecosystems of their planet. It is rumored, though, that some Creators of the mountain regions have ordered tests to begin deep within their rocky caves. |
Magic: |
All K'ac''ott are able to manipulate manna. However, the majority are able to utilize manna solely within their own bodies, and any changes are purely illusory (in that no cellular or genetic materials are changed) in manner. For example, all K'ac''ott are naturally able to control some biological characteristics, such as metabolism or slight pigmentation shifts.
Masquerades can cause the manna to give them intricate coloration's, or perhaps a change in the textured appearance of their skin. Some conscious thought is required for this, and complete distraction will cause a shift to the natural form. They cannot create an illusion of another form; they must work with what nature has given them. The energy used by Designers and Creators to cause desired changes are fueled and simplified by manna, and the process is the same for Workers (those who are able to work inanimate objects such as stone or metals by caressing their cilia across them). Workers, Designers, and Creators do not have the illusory capacities of Masquerades. |
Size: |
The K'ac''ott have not developed space travel, so they have not yet amassed a large amount of knowledge on their system. They do know some basic information, however.
There appear to be four planets--their own being second from the sun. Of the other planets, only one (the first) can be seen with the naked eye. The rest must be viewed with lenses. Moons seem to be plentiful as all planets seem to have at least two or three, with the K'ac''ott home planet being able to boast of two. Astronomy is still a new science for the K'ac''ott, but their researchers are eager and dedicated, and more information will no doubt soon be forthcoming to the public. |
Population: |
The K'ac''ott live long lives, but females (with the exception of the Creator) are only able to breed once or twice in a lifetime, so population growth is slow. There are also maximum population limits on the communities so that the least amount of impact is placed on the ecosystems. Population is now in the tens of millions. |
Climate and Geography: |
see: Empire Size |
Flora and Fauna: |
Incredibly diverse and constantly being catalogued by the many researchers. |
History: |
The K'ac''ott find great importance in the history of their people, and it is one of the first subjects taught to their children. It is generally told to young children in story form to keep their interest, but K'ac''ott of all ages enjoy these tales of their past. The following is an excerpt from one of many stories telling of the Changed.
*Taken with permission from ''T'fisth, Story Teller to the Children and Head Librarian of the K'tac Community, Feiel'c Region* ....A few of the people remained in their homes near the tops of the trees out of fear, for their light frames were easily broken by the large animals living beneath the trees. But still, most continued to descend. Many were lost not only to new predators, but to poisons and disease as well; for they had no Creator to cure their ills. But still they went on, and as they went, they learned; and their medical knowledge increased. Many animals, including some of the predators, were captured and studied, and it became known that the even all the stealth of the K'ac''ott could not persevere over the huge strength of the ground animals. Thus it was decided to create a protector, one who was physically able to defend the people from the stronger animals, and the designers conceived of the Changed. Many weeks it took to capture and prepare the animals, and all the while the Designers planned and conferred and opened their minds to their Totems, for they knew that the power of the manna increases with blessings from the Totem. Then the night came, and the Designers took their animals, and made them more that they were. They made the shelled ones more armoured, and the venomed ones more deadly, and the brawny ones even stronger, and all were made larger and smarter than they were before. And lastly, they took away the memories of the Changed, so they would know not what they were or what they had been. And when all was done, they were brought to the community, where they were treated with affection and understanding, and the Changed became dedicated and loyal protectors for all. But, even though all was successful, some K'ac''ott were not happy. They brought up the ethics of the Changed; they still had their original instincts, which was sometimes confusing for the animal. They could not mate, as there were none other like them. They were created specifically to be put into dangerous situations. The right of the K'ac''ott to do this was questioned, but in the end, the needs of the people were important....... |
Government: |
The head of any region is the Creator, who is the leader of both the temple and the government. Temples are found throughout the communities, and are the base of government activities therein. The Creator is of direct blood link to the previous Creator, usually a mother-daughter relationship. However, the first male Creator has taken control of his region, and all eyes are on this unique ruler.
The Creators of the different regions can all trace their bloodlines back to the first Creator and as such, all are related, however distantly. The birth of a Creator is very rare, requiring genetic compatibility and the involvement of an unknown factor, generally believed to be the will of the Spirit. A Creator has an abnormally long life span, and the ability to have many offspring, which is vital to ensure the continuation of the government after her death. Occasionally, a daughter will wish to rule before the death of her dam, or has strongly opposing viewpoints, and will break away from the region. Having built up her own following, she leads them until she finds her new region, sufficiently distant from that of her mother's. This new Creator then communes with the environment and the Spirit, changing her genetic structure until a form is reached that , although still recognizable as a K'ac''ott, is more conducive with the new surroundings. She then joins with her followers, changing their genetic complements, and creating a new regional race and government. The entire process can take many months. Creators are held in high esteem, and as it is believed that they are selected by the will of the Spirit, the people of the communities accept their right to rule without question. This is not necessarily the case between Creators, and sometimes even high ranking Designers may attempt to change the political situation. Desire to rule is strong in Creators, and it is not unknown for a daughter Creator to surreptitiously speed up the transferal of power. However, in most regions the government is stable, and the people are happy and strongly loyal. Foreign Policy:The K'ac''ott are both very excited and somewhat apprehensive about meeting with the other sentient species of Omnet. An area within one of the mountain regions has been set aside for the purposes of building a docking station / meeting area for any visitors, but it is to remain small, and is solely for diplomatic reasons. Eventually, the K'ac''ott would like to build facilities on one of their moons, where most interactions with the space faring people would take place. Any access to the planet would be strictly monitored and dependent upon the compliance with certain dictates. For example, the applicant would have to be a known species (i.e. the K'ac''ott would have had to have joined with a representative of that species) and no weapons would be allowed. Travel on the planet would be restricted to communities, unless accompanied by a K'ac''ott guiding party. The laws of the K'ac''ott would have to be understood before visiting the planet, and followed once on the planet. There would be other dictates as well, but in return for compliance to the rules, the K'ac''ott would make every effort that the visitors would have a pleasurable and enriching experience. There is a major stumbling block, of course; the K'ac''ott do not have space travel and as such cannot build any facilities on their moons. It is hoped that a trading agreement can be arranged to obtain the technology; the K'ac''ott as a whole are a race of healers, from diagnoses to healing on the cellular level, and believe that their services may be considered quite valuable. Domestic Policy:Laws are generally consistent from region to region, although Creators do alter some to reflect their personal beliefs. Although K'ac''ott are fairly easy going, there are some laws that must be adhered to, most dealing with the environment and the breeding program. Punishments for most infractions generally involve some type of public service, but the most severe infractions can result in incarceration or regional banishment. Repeat offenders are brought before the Creator, who joins with them to determine if a biological factor is the cause of the deviant behaviour. If it is biological in nature, the Creator can remedy it; if it is deemed spiritual in nature, then the K'ac''ott try rehabilitation. Banishment is only the final option. Survival in the wilderness can be very difficult for a lone K'ac''ott, and life expectancy is low. As a whole, Creators try to allow their region as much freedom as possible, while maintaining the planetary and regional laws. Most encourage free speech; if a group begins to cause an undue amount of tension, it is encouraged to begin its own community. There are no taxes as the vast majority willingly donate money to the temples. |
Society: |
The beliefs of the society revolve around the Temple of the Spirit and, to a lesser degree, the Totemic Temples. The only existing hierarchy is found in the Temples (and subsequently, the government) and it is based on bloodline and an individuals ability to manipulate manna. People outside of the temples are equal, regardless of their talent in manna.
K'ac''ott are social and enjoy one anthers company. They are open minded about many things, including mating. Permanent relationships between couples are rarities, even between breeding couples. However, family links are strong, and a youth may continue living with either parent long after schooling years. K'ac''ott tend to live with three or four other individuals, and strong friendships can develop. Breeding is strictly monitored by the Temple of the Spirit, which keeps an in-depth family and genetic history on all K'ac''ott. Females have strong control over the reproductive areas of their bodies, and can make their internal environment hostile or conducive to conception, so they don't reproduce until they want the child. They then apply to the Temple of the Spirit, who determines if her bloodline has a genotype that would be beneficial if passed on. If so, a list of compatible mates is compiled, from which she can meet and choose the father. If there is no demand for her bloodline, she is free to choose whomever she wants as long as the Temple determines that the offspring will not have any painful hereditary afflictions. No K'ac''ott, male or female, regardless of bloodline, will be forced to have a child. In the very rare case of a permanent couple wanting a child, an application still must be made, but the bloodline checks are usually waived on compassionate grounds. Schooling begins at a young age, as soon as the child is able to leave the mother. Schools are always in session, doubling as a day care for the very young. There are many teachers, and classes have staggered hours in order to be compatible with the parents' work schedules. Students are taught the basics of all the sciences, as well as the practical and fine arts. When they are youths, they are tested for aptitudes, and to see which of the designs they have inherited, whether it be Designer, Worker, or Masquerade. They then continue into their first year of schooling in the career their aptitudes suggested. After the first year, students are free to continue in that field or to choose another more desirable to them. (with the exception of Designers; since their skill deals with living creatures, they must be fully proficient at their talent.) When not at school, children spend time with either family and their roommates. Languages:Three forms of communication exist for the K'ac''ott. The first is a complicated oral dialect--the snout of a K'ac''ott is made up of lateral and circular muscles, which surround the oral cavity. These muscles can contract and stretch independently. Air is drawn in through nostrils located at the top and sides of the snout, and then expelled down through the oral canal while the muscles are manipulated. In this manner, a huge variety of sounds can be made. (There are two pair of nostrils: one is used solely for respiration, the other for either respiration or vocalization.) In addition, the oral claws can be manipulated to change the size of the opening, as well as coming together to make clacking sounds. There is also a written language which is a series of lines and dots. The third form of communication is much more personal in nature, used mostly between individuals with strong friendships. It involves the intertwining of tongues, where the cilia match and connect, effectively creating a circuit between the same pathways that each K'ac''ott possesses. In this way, conscious thought and feelings can be transmitted, and two minds are as one. This is occasionally used during mating, but only between long time couples; the overwhelming flood of emotions and thoughts can be unnerving when from someone not well known. Religion:The K'ac''ott believe in reincarnation. When one dies, it becomes an essence and is drawn towards and joins the combined essences of its species. This conglomeration of essences is itself an Essence, and for the K'ac''ott it is called the Spirit. Specific individuals do not retain memories upon their death, but they remain themselves as beings none the less. K'ac''ott are able to commune with the Spirit--this does not involve conversation, but instead becoming immersed in the essence. Usually this is a calming experience, but the Spirit can become agitated if it feels a threat to the K'ac''ott. The essences are still individuals, and are drawn to K'ac''ott of similar mind bents. Because of this, some essences have a stronger communication link with K'ac''ott of one region over another, while the Spirit remains unbiased as a whole. Some K'ac''ott are also able to commune with the essences of other species. Totemic Temples exist in communities along side the Temple of the Spirit, but they are not involved in the government. There is a tendency of some Totemic Temples coming into conflict with others, as their natures may be very different, but this rarely escalates as followers are K'ac''ott first and foremost. Regardless of whether a K'ac''ott has a totem or not, all are followers of the Spirit. The Temple of the Spirit is present in every community as it is also the ruling government. The Creator of a region resides in the First Community, her offspring and high-ranking Designers filling the government positions . She continues to have children until one has tested to be a Creator; because they are not tested until youths, she may have bred more than one. Her offspring are subject to all laws, especially the breeding law: only the current Creator may breed Creator offspring. Temples are open at all times for their members. There are no regular services, but a seasoned Temple has many religious leaders, and at least one is always present for questions. The Temples' purposes are not for worship, as K'ac''ott don't worship themselves or other life-forms. They are there to allow the community to realize it's oneness with the planet. Castes:Ranking members of the Temple of the Spirit make the laws and ultimately wield the power of the communities. These positions are not elected; K'ac''ott religious leaders are chosen by their peers, who were ultimately placed by the Creator. All others are equal. There are various levels of wealth, ranging from the rich to the poor, although the poor are very few in number and constantly changing. All K'ac''ott are fully trained as youth, and eventually find jobs with help from the Temple. In the meantime, they re generally supported by family and roommates, some of whom may be relatively well off. Some regions still design Changed, and these creatures are considered less than the K'ac''ott, although they are treated with kindness. |
Economy: |
Once the schooling years are finished, it is expected that all K'ac''ott utilize their varying skills. If work cannot be found in the home community, the K'ac''ott can apply to different communities. Wages are relative to skill and employer. |
Military: |
Many K'ac''ott enter the military after schooling, and if not actively serving, they maintain their training in case of their need. The military / police was started when Changed were deemed unethical, and the K'ac''ott needed to better defend themselves. Hand to hand training is intensive, as is training with knives and other hand held weapons. Projectile weapons are also taught, but generally are not enjoyed: K'ac''ott prefer to feel a target under their hands. Instruction in strategy is intense, for both large group and solo endeavors. K'ac''ott are very adept at infiltration and reconnaissance: their ability to change colour and texture, slow their metabolism, and their innate stealth all make them difficult to target, and their skills in the art of combat as well as the devastating effects of their digestive enzyme make them deadly foes. |
Sports and Leisure: |
K'ac''ott enjoy socializing. There are many restaurants and bars. Large communities may have zoos, began as a place to keep representatives of now extinct life forms, and also used as learning centers. Others may have stadiums where team sports and various fighting competitions are held. Any site where a great deal of noise may be made is directed towards the center of the community, so that K'ac''ott life is not overly disturbing to the surrounding environment. Music and the arts are strongly valued in K'ac''ott culture, and talented artisans are in high demand. |
Major Population Centers: |
The most populated region is the Feiel'c region, where the ancestors of the K'ac''ott created the first colony beneath the huge trees instead of within. The First Community there is the Theal community, named after the first Creator. This region is home to many beginnings, and is a strong draw to K'ac''ott who wish to learn of their roots. |
Chronic Problems: |
Creators are always making power plays with their neighbours, creating and breaking alliances, and occasionally absorbing bordering communities. These are generally quiet events, however, achieved with little if any bloodshed, and the political environment as a whole is calm. Recently, Creators of many regions are becoming increasingly concerned with the actions of Tc'ael, Creator of the Tc'et region.
Hers is a region that continues to utilize Changed, and reports have come out that she has been actively experimenting with the forms of her people, breeding a radically different type of K'ac''ott, to the point where it would no longer be a part of the species. Creating new, breeding species (as opposed to races) goes against the beliefs of the K'ac''ott, and there are worries as to what she might be breeding for. There have also been rumoured sightings of renegade groups in and near the Tc'et border, apparently Banished who have found each other and survived with the mutual support. Boundary communities are calling for an increased military in the area. |
Submission Information: |
Submitter's Name: Carolyn Johnston Nichols (Pseudonym: Khamelion)
|