[hider=The Living Worlds][center] [h2]The Living Worlds[/h2] [h2][b]▼ DESCRIPTION ▼[/b][/h2] [indent][sup][Fantasy, Sci-fi.][/sup][/indent] [h3][b]Overview[/b][/h3] In the Koruce system, the Zoolith - Korth coalition rule. Each and every one of their machines, structure and tool are made or grown from organic materials. Originally, such materials were harvested and appriopriated from natural sources, but as time has gone on they have learnt how to manipulate it, specialising in bio-engineering. The forgo the strange glistening (yet not wet) materials of the ones before - the Zoolith call them the Zoolun, and Korth the Chulum. The remains of their work litter the worlds - to follow in their footsteps would surely result in the same tragedy that befell them. [h3][b]Government Policies[/b][/h3] The Zoolith, as would be expected from a parasitic life forms, lean towards an ideology that ruthlessly exploits resources. Due to them being able to possess a variety of hosts, familial bonds are essentially non-existent naturally, and though they work in groups, it is to benefit the self - 'democratic' capitalism is the typical type of government the Zoolith's equivalent to countries upheld. Natural life is essentially absent from their worlds, dominated by animals they have tampered with or which have been forced to adapt to survive their invasive tendencies. Exploitation is unsustainably rampant, leading to their current state where they seem to be both prosperous and on the verge of collapse, propped up by treaties with the Korth. The Korth take on a more reserved, long lasting approach. They lean towards liberal democracy: their ideology is that everyone should be provided the basic necessities required to be content with life, at the very least; resources beyond that are allocated to those who show competence/voted for by the community - a scientist will be provided the necessary tools to pursue a promising avenue of research, for example. They generally believe in keeping things in a state of sustainable balance and to always keep in mind how one's actions will affect the whole, less they dig a grave both for themselves and everyone around them. Currently, they are the main power in the Koruce system due to their crops being perhaps one of the only things preventing the majority of the Zoolith from caving in on themselves - such trade between the species have been highly profitable for the Korth, and the Zoolith dependant. [h2][b]▼ SPECIES ▼[/b][/h2] [list][*][b]Zoolith[/b] - sentient parasites/symbiotes that bind themselves to a creatures brain/nervous system (typically these creatures are bread for such a purpose, but un-tailored ones can still function). They breed by injecting eggs into host creatures - due to this, and the wide range of animals that may host them, familial bonds are essentially non-existent for the Zoolith. Most are highly selfish, mainly since they know nothing else. They specialise in animal engineering, creating work beasts and buildings from. Most of their settlements resemble an amalgamation of giant animals, or their remains. A typical adult is the size of a basketball; their brain makes up the majority of their mass, and they are reliant on their host for nutrients. A Zoolith will prioritise imbedding themselves in positions that keeps them well protected that will hinder their host as little as possible. Due to their size, internal positions are rarely possible. To compensate, they form hard shells around themselves for protection. Issues relating to imbedding are rare in modern Zoolith society however; genetic engineering has allowed for the creation of 'ports' built for the purpose, cheaper host bodies only having one or two options which increase with price. The creatures original brain remains intact to preverse the automatic responses that keep the body alive, albeit with a Zoolith consciousness connected that has as much control over their host body as a typical human would over their own. They bind to non-sentient organisms almost exclusively - binding to a sentient one typically results in madness as they mentally wrestle for bodily control. Zoolith are not bound to their hosts permanently, and may detach themselves so they might move onto another host. The process typically takes an entire day to unbind the necessary nerves without causing shock or trauma, and both the host and the Zoolith are put at risk - the host from the large patch of skin and potential other bits the removed Zoolith took with it as a side effect, and the Zoolith itself has poor self mobility or ability to provide for itself. [*][b]Korth[/b] - resembling a mixture between turtle and pangolin, they are hunched humanoids with thick scales that cover their back entirely and their limbs partially. They are capable of folding their body inwards to protect vulnerable areas, and retracting their head into a hard 'collar' that the head can quickly dart out and back in from. Though their claw-like nails have softened over centuries of evolution, they still somewhat aid them with climbing and digging. Bio-engineers, they specialise in adapting the surrounding environment to suit their ends; they grow their tools and machinery whole from specially bred plant life. They still possess traditional forms of manufacture, though this is typically only used for experimental or highly complex product a 'factory' plant hasn't been produced for yet. They are an omnivorous species, but meat in general is considered an opulent display of luxury in the modern day, due to modified plant life more then able to forefill their dietary needs. [/list] [h2][b]▼ OTHER ▼[/b][/h2] Zoolith products are generally smooth and rounded in appearance, whereas Korth produce is composed mainly of hard edges and simple shapes. The Korth/Zoolith alliance keep their known portals closely monitored and guarded, and allow a scant few in or out of their own dimension. The Korth fear disrupting their carefully maintained ecosystems through the introduction of some foreign body. The Zoolith share this fear, though not the Korth's good will towards wanting no other universe to be disrupted. Only chosen agents may travel between universes, though anyone is free to exile themselves. The majority of Korth frown upon such self-imposed exiles, but Zoolith powers have prevented any laws stopping some of their more curious kind going out to explore - and to permenantly remove competitors as they 'willingly' go on expeditions. [/center][/hider] Here it be. The thing. I'll start bashing out a character sheet soon enough.