[b][u]Factions and Notable Organizations[/u][/b] [hider=Thanaton] [b][u]A Broad Overview of Thanaton[/u][/b] A separatist state born after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 located near Artyom, Russia. This position has caused Thanaton to become close associates with the following nations: Russia, Japan (Current year), China, and North Korea; however, Thanaton has also been employed infrequently by other nations such as The United States of America and Israel during the peak of conflicts in the Middle East. Thanaton is formally recognized as a district of Russia by much of the world, but the truth is that it is independent of Russia and merely holds close ties to the nation (despite working against Russia's interests infrequently). The reason for much of the world not recognizing the legitimacy of Thanaton is for several reasons: 1.) Approximately 80 percent of the nations economy results from its citizens being employed as mercenaries by other nations. The other 20 percent results from a combination of pillaging, arms dealing, and alleged human trafficking. 2.) Thanaton does not adhere to any form of war-time law. They do not shy away from utilizing white-phosphorous, or clearing out a hard-point with cyanide gas. These numerous violations has given typically reactionary peacekeeping forces the order to proactively engage Thanatonian mercenaries if spotted. 3.) The most grave and serious mark against Thanaton is its use of selective breeding within its population to create optimal soldiers for the modern battlefield. This attempt at optimizing the soldier has created the Thanatonian race which can either be born with above average combat capabilities, or crippling health defects. A major point of contention commonly cited as grounds to chastise Thanaton is its caste system which designates a specific caste to be "breeding-stock." Although, in Thanaton's defense said caste ranks highly in their order of reverence. [u][b]The Thanatonian[/b][/u] A closer look at the individuals of Thanaton creates a more nuanced perspective of their warrior-nation. Thanatonians, despite being relatively recent, are identified as their own race which also has their own unique language. This language is as a combination of Chinese and Russian known as Thanish. It is referred to as a brash, forceful language, of limited vernacular with intentional exemptions of words referring to concepts such as "love" and "peace." [hider=Thanish Theory] A closer study of Thanish and the relation to the overall Thanatonian society demonstrates that the language itself is a form of conditioning from an early age to disconnect "love" and "peace" from their culture. This is done to make remorseless soldiers who can take on any contract asked of them, but also enables the act of breeding to be free from romantic feelings. This attempt to overcome empathy and love via language control has seen mixed results within the Thanatonians. It is important to note that Thanish has over 50 words referring to honor and pride in varying forms. Many sociologists believe that the numerous variations (which have not all been recorded) have become their words for love. Therefore, love still infects Thanatonian culture, but is seen as a breach of law considering all breeding must be regulated. [/hider] The appearance of Thanatonians are typically stocky white-haired caucasians with slightly upturned eyes and thin lips. Selective breeding of females has seen recent generations of women being comparable in size to men, yet lacking equal muscle-mass, but more than the average woman. The white-hair was derived from a variance of partial albinism that merely targeted the hair which became a desired trait to have in Thanatonian culture, which has made them a distinct force. [hider=Common Thanatonian Genetic Traits] - Reversed organ placement in body - Increased bone density - Immunity to cyanide - Modest resistance to many toxins - Higher representation of individuals with perfect vision - Higher oxygen count in blood (adjusted to higher climates and running long distance) (NOTE: A few Thanatonians have outlier traits not listed here. These are the most common genetic traits) [/hider] From an early age Thanatonians are taught the values of nationalistic pride, identity, and honor. Their society is not without mercy and it takes the form of them owning up to the consequences of shoddy breeding attempts. Those born with mental retardation, crippled limbs, and other severely debilitating ailments are expected to be cared for and protected - approximately 20 percent of Thanatonian income goes towards caring for these individuals, which is a growing point of contention in Thanatonian society. Finally, Thanatonians have begun to modify their bodies with cybernetics. Some see this as impure and against their values, but other Thanatonians see this as the natural progression of their society. Many Thanatonians who have fallen victim to their limited gene-pool and were born with a disposition to various organ failure or complications have replaced their faulty organs with cybernetic replacements. Both sides tend to agree that cybernetics should be used to counteract some of their genetic issues, but one side believes it should also be used to actively advance their combat potential. [b][u]Thanaton Caste System and Gender Roles[/u][/b] Thanaton has a caste system that operates under a partial direct democracy. Only those who have risen into the Reverence caste and above have votes. Some castes can be skipped under the right conditions - a member can never be demoted to a lower class, they can only be moved to an equivalent caste or higher. [b]The Reminders:[/b]This caste is where all severely genetically defected individuals exist. They live their lives performing basic tasks within their ability and being cared for. [b]Fresh-Blood:[/b] This is the caste that all Thanatonians are born into. Additionally, under the rare circumstance an outsider is recruited, they are placed in this rank. They are all seen as the trainees and children of the higher-castes. There is no set amount of time one exists in this caste. The only way out of this caste is to successfully accompany three mercenary operations, or pass the Thanatonian trial by combat. [b]Contractor:[/b] This caste is where most Thanatonians live and die in. They accomplish many tasks from training, organizing contracts, fulfilling contracts, caring for The Reminders, and so on. This difference in tasks is carefully managed by the The Authority who preform a series of tasks to find out the proficiency of each individual. Although, regardless of proficiency, all contractors are eventually deployed at one time or another to preform mercenary work for the nation. [b]The Pool:[/b] The next caste is a recently formed one of selected females who are designated as genetically fit to be bred. This recent formation of this caste resulted from the declining population due to casualties. These women live lavish and relaxed lives free from all wartime responsibility. The initial reaction to this life is good, but women in this cast tend to suffer from depression over time. All castes including this one and above can participate in the democratic process. [b]Contractor-Superior:[/b] Contractors who have been recognized by the authority as worthy to participate in the democratic process. Furthermore, the men (and occasionally women) are allowed to participate in the breeding process because they are considered genetically sound enough to do so. [b]The Pure[/b]: An elite force of Thanatonians who act as a secret police within Thanaton and also are in charge of espionage and counter-espionage efforts. [b]The Authority:[/b] A caste that only consists of three people who propose reforms in Thanaton. Direct democracy is held on the first of every month to go over these reforms. These individuals serve for life and a new Authority member is voted in once one dies. Gender roles in Thanaton has gone through numerous reforms. Initially, Thanaton promoted an absolute meritocracy with equality in all things. However, this led to many women of prime genetic condition to serve as contractors and die in the field. Thus, a revised policy pertaining to gender was decided upon. Women who are not considered prime genetic material can exist as contractors, but if a woman has at-least 30 percent prime genetic material then they are subject to become part of The Pool. Although, this can be avoided if said "prime" women overcompensate their skills and talents in relation to their male peers. This overcompensation and extra effort on some women part to stay as a contractor has created the fear of Thanatonian women in the outside world. [/hider]