Voxadder
| VOX | |
 Vox |
Genus: Vox Primalis Homeworld: Vox Shoal Arkships Central Authority: Vox Armalis, Vox Apex, Vox Auralis Allowed Command Roles: Head of Security, Research Director, Chief Engineer, Chief Medical Officer Guides: Don't breathe the dust. |
The Vox are remnants of an ancient race, that originate from arkships known collectively as the Shoal. "Vox" on its own usually refers to the common Vox Primalis, just one of many castes among the Vox. These strange bioengineered beings have a physiological caste system and follow the tenets of 'The Inviolate'. Breathing pure nitrogen, they require specialized masks and tanks for survival outside their arkships. Their insular nature limits their involvement in broader galactic affairs, maintaining a distinct, yet isolated presence away from other species.
Gameplay
Vox is an optional species that can be chosen for play in the character creation menu. Vox anatomy is uniquely shaped and they are most comfortable in form-fitting clothing, but can manage with standard clothing too. They possess bright blue blood, which is antigenically incompatible with standard ABO blood types. They breathe nitrogen (N2) for respiration, instead of oxygen.
They speak their own language, known as Vox-pidgin (key is :v), which employs a number of harsh shrieks in its phonology.
They are not protected under a standard Asimov lawset, and so caution should be exercised when dealing with humans or the AI and its cyborgs if Asimov is in effect.
Customization
- Eye color
- Skin color
- Head and facial quill styles along with colors and gradients
- Body markings
- Tail markings
- Breath mask type
- N2 tank type
Racial Benefits
- Immune to decay and will not skeletonize.
- Spawn with a nitrogen tank, which could be considered an "illegal-to-remove" weapon.
- Internal organs will not accumulate germs or decay even outside the body; external organs do not accumulate germs while attached to the body.
- Resistant to low temperatures due to their insulating hides.
Racial Weaknesses
- Oxygen is extremely toxic to them, preventing breathing of standard air.
- Blood is incompatible with standard ABO types, must use type V blood.
- Due to their special physiology, they cannot be cloned.
Diet
- Like meat and fried foods, but will generally eat anything.
Unique Mechanics
Vox is a more RP-focused race, the quirks of Vox are mostly in HOW they are played rather than in the mechanics per se (although, there are many mechanical differences).
The most visually obvious fact is that Vox bodies do not conform to standard humanoid dimensions, Vox try to fit clothes around themselves, resulting in a very unique look!
Language
Vox can understand Common fairly well but speak it poorly. They tend to creel or shriek as punctuation. KHAAAAK! SCRAAAAHK! Their laughter sounds like 'kikiki'. It is not impossible for Vox to speak Common fluently, however it is exceedingly rare. Vox often insult other species. Humans are 'meat'. Vuulek are 'rotten' due to their scales. Skrell are 'leaking' or 'slippery'. Tajarans are 'mouldy'.
Vox tend to jeer a lot about how their victims are treeless, that their lungs are full of dust, and such. People usually have no idea what they're on about. Which is fine because the Vox don't put much thought into it either.
Organs and Revival
Owing to their semi-synthetic nature, Vox organs do not suffer from decay. Most of their organs are analogous to ones found in humans, except for the cortical stack; which is so much more than just a brain, being considered almost sacred to the Vox.
Revival is standard as in other species, except for cloning. Vox bodies are unable to be cloned due to their unique physiology.
Lore
Vox are artificially created species that live in environments where nitrogen is their breathing gas. They inhabit colossal moon-sized vessels known as arkships or arks, scattered across the remote fringes of the Orion Sector's outer rim. Its species features several races that live and work alongside each other, among these are the Vox Primalis, which are drones and the main bulk of the species. Primalis are ingrained in a rigid caste system from birth, a structure overseen by the superior races of Vox Armalis and the elite Primalis, who function as both fanatic zealots and guardians of their respective arks. The ark's governance revolves around a theocratic system venerating the Vox Auralis, a powerful vox whose path to ascension is dogmatically followed and taught to all Vox, to engrain their role in the larger purpose and preservation directed by their god.
Despite their complex society, Voxkind exerts minimal influence in the sector, primarily due to their arkships' strategic distance from core worlds, a deliberate choice to avoid interactions with other species. Despite the distance, Vox individuals are occasionally encountered outside their arks, often as exiles, wanderers, or raiders on a sacred mission for their ark. These rarities and their secretive disposition have unfortunately led to widespread mistrust and prejudice against the Vox by other species, fueled by historical incidents and governmental biases.
Consistent in their isolationism, internal strife is rampant within Voxkind. Arkships often engage in covert assaults or sabotage missions against each other, driven by the zealots under faith to their respective Auralis. Even so, the arkships are not strangers to internal conflict, with the populace frequently fighting due to the caste system they work in, and suppression of free thought or wrong ideologies opposing the system.
Behavior
Vox will never willingly surrender unless the only other alternative is death. However, they will happily fake surrender if it puts them in a better position to escape. They lie as easily as they breathe and appear fearless despite their propensity for running like the clappers at the first sign of trouble.
A Vox will never willingly stand and fight if running is a viable alternative, except if it's a challenge from another Vox in front of their crew. Vox are fond of darkness and hiding in lockers.
Arkship groves are very important to Vox culture. Vox who are away from the groves too long tend to get sick and die. It is not clear if this is due to withdrawal, or some other factor.
Raiding crews usually consist of one to three warriors and one or two engineers. Engineers also double as medics. The leader of a vessel of any size is called the Quill.
Civilian crews have no staff roster, just families. If a ship has no families that work a certain trade they will try to exchange families with another ship or ark.
Subraces
There are many different types of Vox within the species physiology. While distinct and fulfilling specific roles within their ark, have complexity in appearance and size.
Vox Primalis
The majority of observed Vox belong to the Primalis category and range from 61cm to 183cm, with sizes being dependent on the original work designation of the body. Primalis are considered the general population of an ark, making up a majority of the vox living there by a significant margin. Their numerous population is for the sole purpose of working and maintaining the arkships infrastructures, tasks, and daily life of vox. Existence as a Primalis can range depending on position within the Vox caste, as Vox can either be leaders and significant authority figures, or laborers and disposable workers.
While the body of a Primalis can range from tiny to large, they contain higher concentrates of musculature that is highly dense and capable of extremely powerful and rapid movement. Primalis physiology is ideal for sprinting and repetitive tasks, something that is necessary for their life aboard arkships, and the designations they operate under. Despite their engineered physiology, these benefits are locked to specific body types, meaning Vox who seek certain attributes and physical appearance need specific artificially made bodies with those features, these can range from height, to muscle mass, skeletal structure, and even beak shape and appearance. Rumor's even speculate of Vox who have managed to have bodies modified under unique circumstances, extra eyes, split beaks, and even different bone structure, this however has never been proven or discovered outside arkships and is considered a tale by most.
Vox Armalis
These Vox are considered the perfect creation of the Auralis, and are powerful in strength, and intelligence. Visually they have a third eye and minimum height of 2.43 meters. They are created with the sole purpose of leadership roles, acting as overseers, fleet commanders, and any critical position inside an ark. They are bulky in size, containing more muscle mass and strength in their giant bodies compared to a Primalis with the ability to easily snap bones or crush arkship walls with ease.
While they are gifted muscular super strength at birth, they are hyper intelligent, able to process multiple tasks without breaking the flow of concentration. With all these benefits comes a cost, their own personal freedoms and goals, as they are born highly loyal to the ark they originate from. Many Armalis would rather die than betray their arkship and it's Auralis. For this reason, they are considered rare outside of arks aside commanding raiders on expeditions. A failsafe is built into the Auralis, similar to modern death implants, designed to dust and turn the body into an ash- so other species cannot study their body completely, or gain significant bionics within the Auralis body.
Vox Apex
These Vox are considered the perfect creation of the Auralis, and are powerful in strength, and intelligence. Visually they have a third eye and minimum height of 2.43 meters. They are created with the sole purpose of leadership roles, acting as overseers, fleet commanders, and any critical position inside an ark. They are bulky in size, containing more muscle mass and strength in their giant bodies compared to a Primalis with the ability to easily snap bones or crush arkship walls with ease.
While they are gifted muscular super strength at birth, they are hyper intelligent, able to process multiple tasks without breaking the flow of concentration. With all these benefits comes a cost, their own personal freedoms and goals, as they are born highly loyal to the ark they originate from. Many Armalis would rather die than betray their arkship and it's Auralis. For this reason, they are considered rare outside of arks aside commanding raiders on expeditions. A failsafe is built into the Auralis, similar to modern death implants, designed to dust and turn the body into an ash- so other species cannot study their body completely, or gain significant bionics within the Auralis body.
Vox Auralis
The original Vox, having multiple eyes and standing over 12ft tall. They are labeled as gods or higher beings within the ark ships they once built millennia ago. They are rumored to be incredibly dangerous, powerful, and have the most potent psychic abilities in existence. Only a handful of Auralis live aboard arkships and exist in their own secluded chamber in the core of the ark, under miles of thick metallic layers enough to survive even the most devastating explosions. Each Auralis shares the same end goal - ascension, and the ability to escape the mortal plane into what their perceive as a higher level of existence.
No Primalis in their existence has ever seen one aside those in the high ranks of the caste who claim too, and the Armalis. Rumored to be in a deep meditative state as they research and focus on finding their goal, an Auralis will never leave its core, and partake in the society it has created around itself. Speculators and heretics within voxkind claim they have already reached the higher plane, or perished during their endeavors. And with said perish, the true purpose of the Vox species as a whole.
Biology
The Vox species can be divided, generally, into four groups: Vox primalis, Vox armalis, Vox auralis and Vox apex.
Due to the mysterious nature of Vox reproduction, and the complete lack of specimens from the three latter categories, much of their genetic and physiological compatibility and similarity are unknown. All four groups are known to possess cybernetic enhancement, sometimes to an extreme degree, and all of them are known to share at least one common dialect, designated Vox-pidgin, irrespective of their vocal capacity, distance from each other, and cybernetic equipment.
The Vox tail is a curious organ, acting as a prehensile limb, temperature regulator, and balance aid all in one. Long, flat scales on the underside of the tail are laced with capillaries, and when in atmosphere a Vox can bristle them to help dispersing excess heat. Sub-nodes in the Vox redundant nervous system are present in the limb, and it has demonstrated twitching movement up to three hours after the tail has been severed.
Vox colouration varies wildly between settlements, ships and crews, but the most common palette is a mix of olive, muddy brown and yellow.
Vox bones are light, porous and very flexible. Vox can turn their heads almost a hundred and twenty degrees to the side due to their long necks. They tend to sway when interested in something, or anxious, and shriek at glass-fracturing volume to drive off attackers.
Vox Creation
When a Vox Primalis is created, its stack is artificially made by the Apex of its respective arkship. Forged with a unique craftsmanship only possible by its scale and precise recipe gifted from the Auralis. It uses organic matter and mechanical implants to fuse and create the stack- a living, durable, and biological immortal brain. There are two species that are artificially made, the Primalis and the Armalis.
When a Vox dies before its set body has reached its decay timer, it will either be replanted inside a new body to continue work. When a Vox dies, it considered a death. When the stack is wiped for reset, or destroyed to the point it is unable to properly function- it is true death, or for simpler terms ego death. This condition is permanent.
Vox Bodies
The bodies of a normal Primalis are designed to live for an estimated 40-50 years before showing symptoms of decay or failure. Vox who have decaying bodies will experience symptoms of like chronic back pain, wrinkled skin tissue, and even health issues like organ failure. These issues can be remedied in several different ways, depending on the circumstances and position of the Vox.
A simple solution is to replace the decaying and failing organs with new ones. Harvested from another host and placed inside. This preservation method can be used to keep a vox body sustained for a time. This allows one to continue preserving and using a body as long as they have a source of fresh organs. Other species' organs can work inside but tend to either show health symptoms or fail due to incompatible blood types and alien nature. Cybernetic implants are also a good alternative but are much more expensive, depending on the quality, and merchant one chooses to buy from.
Another method is moving the original stack to a new empty fresh body, discarding the old one, and recycling it to whatever is most convenient. New bodies depending on the circumstances are challenging to obtain. Arkship vox can wait years for a new body as the Haruspex responsible for growing them need time. As many vox are dying of decay, accidents, and crime within an arkship, the demand is high while the supply is steady but slow, overpopulation can strain this process. Free vox or those not bound to their arkships must find outside sources to replace their bodies.
A market for vox bodies exists among pirates and traders. Traders usually offer worn-out and partially decayed bodies that were missing organs at a fair price. While pirates usually deal in stolen bodies, taken from raids or conflicts among other vox. The pirates' methods to obtaining bodies consistent of violence and murder, so organ replacement is usually necessary when trading with a pirate. A majority of these merchants are only Vox, given the experience and knowledge in preserving bodies, while also being an incredibly niche market to work within the sector.
Vox bodies are difficult to acquire, as their only manufactured inside Arkships by an Apex and Haruspex. This rare value is why vox treasure their body and preserve it for as long they can live within it, as replacement or alternatives are very lackluster, expensive, or impossible. The price for a body outside of arkships normally tend to charge thousands of credits per body, price depending with size, implants, and quality of age.
Vox Organs
Vox are grown for nitrogen based, low-pressure environments, as they naturally live inside arkships which have all these features. Inside the body of most Primalis lie several unique organs, similar to other species but unique enough that no species has ever truly understood the breakdown of its complex structure to recreate.
The Body, a skeleton made of collagen and calcium phosphate. Weaved within it, a nervous and vascular system carry signals and blood over the body.
The Head, two eyes with bioluminescent pupils that glow in the dark. A cortical stack with the ego and spirit of a vox. This stack is responsible for the nervous system and functions to control said body and give life. A beak, made of keratin and concealing sharp rows of teeth designed for ripping flesh. A vox’s throat is grown with unique vocal cords and two tongues. This assembly of muscles, labeled “Syrinx”, is what gives Vox their signature screeching language.
The Chest, wherein lies a vox’s heart, two kidneys, and the stomach. Most strikingly, this stomach is capable of digesting non-organic materials. Additionally, two specialized vox lungs handle the filtration and distribution of nitrogen, from the air. The pulmonary cells inside are especially vulnerable to oxidation, making Oxygen dangerous to breathe.
The Limbs, vox have two muscular arms, and with three phalange-like claws, composed of keratin threads and posessing opposable thumbs. Vox have two equally muscular legs, . They have three phalange-like toe claws designed for standing tall (once again, beast primalis are exempt from this rule). This makes them digitigrade by nature. Vox have a long prehensile tail that can be used like a third limb and serves to keep balance. It can grasp small things and occasionally be used to throw or slam as a defensive tactic, though this obviously depends on the size of the vox and its muscle mass. .
The Stack
The artificial organ that gives the Vox its unique identity, conscious, and ego. Only able to be created by an Apex, it is one of the most advance pieces of Vox technology, being necessary to continue the creation of the species.
Stack Integrity
The general overview of vox's stack. As a vox lives their life of eternity, they may be prone to accidents or possible hazards along their lifetime. These can lead to the death of vox. However, as long as a stack survives, the vox inside lives and can easily be restacked to return to work. While this may be the case, stacks are still prone to taking damage. Anything blunt-related, sharp, or extreme heat exposure, like lasers, can cause true death, meaning the stack is permanently destroyed and only recyclable. Most vox are very careful about avoiding being put into these situations, as being exposed to dangers like these are life-threatening, even if they have an endless supply of bodies.
1. Full Health:
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2. Healthy:
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3. Moderate:
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4. Damaged:
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5. True Death:
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Insight of the Stack
The Ego and imprints inside a Vox are random. While the stack is artificially made and created with usually a designation in mind before being put into a body, personality can have more factors during the growing period when a Vox is learning its place in society. Environment, Hazards, Other Vox, and P-Blockers, which are designed to suppress certain emotions or behaviors if necessary, are all factors in the outcome of how the Vox behaves.
P-Blockers are stimuli enhancers that sometimes are put inside Vox to push their behaviors towards efficiency, usually nulling negative personalities that can hinder their work and making or encouraging ones that aid or help if efficiency.
Enforcers, for example, are usually forced to be distant around low-level drones to avoid sympathy or attachment. They are given P-Blockers to suppress kindness and emotions of love and encourage ruthless behaviors and mannerisms to maximize efficiency in the field. Labor Drones can sometimes also be put onto P-Blockers to breed out laziness and promote incentive workaholic personalities. While they still have some identity that makes them unique, they will generally share similarities in activities and productivity with anyone else manipulated by P-Blockers.
Suppose a Vox tries to ignore the P-Blocker enhancer they are dosed with. In that case, it becomes unpleasant, migraines start to take over, and even short hallucinatory visions can occur, all designed to manipulate the Vox in what the P-Blocker wants. Despite all the things P-Blockers are effective for, there are cases where being off P-Blockers for long enough will eventually make suppressed emotions return, freeing the stack of any shutoff personalities while on the drug. However, the longer one is on P-Blockers, the longer it takes to return to normal, from decades to centuries.
In Vox society, the integrity and preservation of stacks are of utmost importance. Consequently, the Haruspex caste is revered for its expertise in managing the integrity of Primalis stacks, imprints, and bodies. Through their specialized skills and understanding, they are responsible for maintaining the stability and longevity of the Vox population.
The cortical stack also indicates a Vox's status and identity within the caste system. The integrity and quality of a stack can impact an individual's role, responsibilities, and privileges. As such, the health of a stack is closely monitored and maintained to ensure the proper functioning of the societal hierarchy. Furthermore, the stack is pivotal in Vox's loyalty to their arkships and devotion to their respective roles. Through the stacks, a sense of collective identity and purpose is imbued in the Vox population, ensuring their unwavering commitment to their society's objectives. The cortical stacks serve as the foundation of the Vox society by preserving their memories, experiences, and consciousness while reinforcing the societal hierarchy and loyalty. The importance of maintaining stack integrity cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the survival and prosperity of the Vox species.
Stack Taboo
Lastly, there is one taboo in Vox society that many see as evil or sins against their kind, the destruction of a stack through murder, resulting in true death. Many gangs and criminals avoid destroying stacks to reduce pressure or heat from local authorities like the Overseers and their Enforcers. However, this does not mean that murder intending to cause true death is impossible. Some Vox can grow jealous of others and their living conditions, disputes about food and work imbalances, territory wars between rival Primalis gangs in slum sectors, and maybe even cutthroat bureaucracy to gain more in society by removing roadblocks. A vox caught guilty of murdering another may have their rations reduced, demoted to a lower caste like a slave, or repositioned to another sector. A vox caught guilty of murder resulting in the true death of their kin will always be reset and given the ultimate punishment. True death.
Social
Vox culture is fragmented depending on caste, location inside of the world, and even beliefs. Many arkships all house a similar style of systems inside their societies designed to separate the masses from the elites. These parameters and even barriers can result in a difference in belief from how you, a Vox, would adapt and learn. However, arkships are relatively flexible in their designs. These are mostly limited by the creator's imagination and the already set parameters of vox society as a whole. Even with said parameters, you can be flexible about the idea of an ark you choose to make or borrow from someone else's designed arkship.
Arkships are rather ruthless in their authority and their systems. All towns and sectors within the ark are governed like districts. Either by a high-casting Armalis or subsidiary Primalis who always work as a proxy to an overseer. Each sector controls and functions in tangent with The Core to sustain life support and ensure the ark is stable. In the case of no active Auralis, Armalis are usually the head of these sectors and work together as a senate to maximize and control the Primalis.
Naming Schemes
Vox naming is tied heavily into their species language of screeches and shrieks. Composed of primarily voiceless velar and voiceless alveolar plosives, the names are a combination of words within the language created by Vox based on their setting or background. There are two distinct naming schemes for Vox to choose from. Clan based naming scheme, or individualistic that only the naming vox understands.
Clan based naming Vox utilize a combination of physical or mental features, the name of the clan in question aboard their original arkship, and a short unique sound. For instance: A vox can name themselves Ka-Ke-Kori or Kakekori to translate into, Vicious-Darting-Minnow. 'Vicious' is the formative physical or mental feature, 'Darting' is the prefix of the clan name aboard the ark, and 'Minnow' is the modifier sound. This naming scheme is reserved for vox who are considered worthy of their clan affiliation and have earned such achievement by showing loyalty and devotion to their designation. Commonly used by those proudly still aligned with their home arkship.
- Kakekori (Ka-Ke-Kori) (Vicious-Darting-Minnow)
- Kiyaka (Ki-Yaka) (Kind-Drifters)
- Teke-ko (Teke-Ko) (Intelligent-Watcher)
Second to this are their encrypted names. These names are one of the more unique and hidden aspects only known to the Vox speaking them. This complication is sometimes inherently done to feel unique, and confused translation to even those within vox society. Mixed naming can sound similar to clan based names, however the deeper context is changed, with a focus on individuality instead of adopting a group style name. A vox can name themselves Kotokikiya which at first can sound exactly like a clan name, but upon further context has zero affiliation to a clan. Instead Koto-Kiki-Ya is based on the Vox and its choice of meaning for words.
This allows vox to have some control over their identity, and essentially always keep their name secretive. 'Koto' could translate to Friendly, or Bitter, and even Sorrow, making it always be a mystery as to what each combination of words have meaning. This type of naming is usually done by low caste Vox who choose to pick a title instead of their designated serial number. Most who grow to further benefit their arks abandoned the names in favor of more sophisticated clan names, however those who perceive individuality and grow estranged from arkships value the freedom of their naming more.
- Kotokikiya (Koto-Kiki-Ya) (???-???-???)
- Takayaya (Taka-Yaya) (???-???)
Arkship Life
Once a vox inside of an ark is successfully created, their given a designation to work under, and taught the Inviolate. They follow it like a gospel until their unforeseeable promotion or demotion. If they're lucky, they can climb the ranks of their starting designation's caste in society and reach a new social level that gives more opportunity and authority from their previous position.
Inside the ark, slums and sprawling shanty towns tend to litter the ship. These sprawling makeshift homes and buildings are built around actual well-designed structures mainly to help in housing as arks tend to be overpopulated for maximum efficiency. Vox tend to spend most of their days working doing their tasks and designations. If the sector overseer declares a hull breach- every laborer and atmos tech in that sector is expected to fix the issue.
Suppose a sector fails to meet standards or is underperforming. In that case, the punishment can result from demotion to a lower caste position like slave or sector wipes- in which a percentage of the vox are executed and reset to avoid deviancy, as well as sending a message that failure is non-negotiable. However, if most work is completed ahead of time or tasks are in low demand Vox of lower caste slack off or avoid work, doing whatever they wish inside the bounds of the Inviolate. In that, they socialize with each, do productive activities, explore and exercise, and practice their designation.
Designations and The Caste
Designations however are something every Vox should have because their species as a whole was designed to be nothing but tools for the Auralis in upkeeping their ships. Vox are born to have a set of duties and tasks aboard their arkship and their societies since birth. There is no childhood for a Vox, no long lasting innonence, and no sort of free choice to what roles they are allowed to become. They are placed into a caste system inside their species and forced to work until their restack day (death of the body.) These ranks can however differ depending on arkship, and culture inside the society. Some arkships are probably more lax on work quotas, while others are extremely punishing that failure to meet standards can result in true death. When it comes to the caste system there is usually a divide between ranks and hierarchy. The most base form would be the high caste, mid caste, and low caste.
However a Vox does not need to be forced to follow the roles it is given at birth. Some Vox can turn deviant after years of struggle, lack of direction, and possible PTSD. With deviancy comes its own issues of Vox crime ill touch on later, but failure to be a loyalist to the arkship and its kin can be punishable by true death, or demotion to a lower caste. While this is the case it is still common for a majority of Vox to not stray far from their birth designations, as many believe that hard work and sacrifice will be rewarded after ascension.
However a Vox does not need to be forced to follow the roles it is given at birth. Some Vox can turn deviant after years of struggle, lack of direction, and possible PTSD. With deviancy comes its own issues of Vox crime ill touch on later, but failure to be a loyalist to the arkship and its kin can be punishable by true death, or demotion to a lower caste. While this is the case it is still common for a majority of Vox to not stray far from their birth designations, as many believe that hard work and sacrifice will be rewarded after ascension.
The caste system within Vox society plays a crucial role in maintaining order, stability, and efficiency within arkships. Each caste, High, Mid, and Low, serves specific purposes and carries out distinct functions. In this chapter, we will delve deeper into the roles and responsibilities of each caste, while many of the listed roles provide good context as to their duties and the purpose of the primalis, you can be creative and make something that fits into the scenario similar to the examples below.
High Caste
Valuable Primalis that have lived for around 1000 years aboard their arkships, High Caste Vox are extremely loyal to their master apex and the Armalis’ great goal of ascension. Restacked probably hundreds of times, they are dogmatically devoted to their work and kin, leading to them being rewarded greatly with a high position in society. Most Primalis are taught to respect and follow in the footsteps of the high caste, and those who arouse the wrath of the High Caste may be labled as heretics or accused of deviancy. Some roles of a high caste are Haruspexes, Second Command to Enforcer and Fleet squads, and even Sectoral overseer roles.
Haruspex As doctor-priests of the arkships, Haruspex occupy a unique and revered position. They are responsible for preserving the integrity of Primalis stacks, imprints, and bodies, ensuring their proper function and longevity. Additionally, they interpret the will and directives of the Apex, guiding other Vox based on these interpretations. Haruspex also perform autopsies on the rare Armalis or Auralis that experience true death, seeking to understand the causes and prevent future occurrences. Known for their eccentricity and vast esoteric knowledge, Haruspex are believed to possess a deeper neurological connection to the Vox collective, granting them unique insights into their species' nature and purpose.
Overseer Serving as high authority figures, Overseers are either Armalis commanding a sector or high caste Primalis fulfilling the role. They function as governors or mayors within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring stability, smooth production, and proper execution of orders among the Vox population. Their responsibilities include maintaining the overall well-being of their sector, addressing issues that arise, and allocating resources to ensure the prosperity and safety of their domain.
Command Enforcer Reporting directly to Overseers or the Armalis, Second Command Enforcers are responsible for maintaining order and security within arkships. Stationed primarily for home duty affairs, they ensure loyalty and compliance among the vox population, addressing any signs of dissent or potential threats to the stability of the arkship. Their role is crucial in preserving the harmony and cohesion of the Vox society. They usually command and control enforcer teams and field operations.
Logistics Officer Tasked with managing the distribution of supplies, resources, and personnel within their assigned sector or fleet, Logistics Officers work under the direction of their sector Overseer. They ensure that quotas and supplies are properly set for away missions and patrols, coordinating with other Vox castes and designations to maintain smooth operations. Their expertise in resource allocation and management is vital for the efficient functioning of the arkship and the successful execution of missions.
Quill Quills are the skilled pilots and navigators of the Vox fleet. Trained in various flight techniques and adept at operating different spacecraft, they ensure the safe and efficient transport of passengers, cargo, and military assets across the vast expanse of space. Their expertise is crucial for the success of exploration missions, resource acquisition, and military operations, making them an essential component of the Vox society.
Mid Caste
Niche specialized Vox who are born with higher benefits then their lower caste kin. While they are given much more rights and authority, they still are under the watchful eye of their sector overseer or fleet commander. They act as a buffer between the elites and the menial drones, tasked with more difficult work or dangerous duties only done by their caste. Some Primalis view mid caste as examples of loyalty being rewarded, while others see them as nothing more than tools or slaves who only look out for their own benefit. There are multiple types of designations inside the mid caste- these are not limited to; Enforcers, Soldiers, Explorers, Bio-Engineers, and etc.
War Drone War Drones serve as the main combat force within the Vox society, acting as navy soldiers authorized to work alongside Talons and Quills in fleets outside the ark. Trained in various forms of combat and skilled in the protection of the arkship and its inhabitants, they play a critical role in defending their territory and maintaining the safety of their fellow Vox, as well as being escorts for expedition missions.
Enforcer Drone Specializing in close-quarters combat and urban warfare within the arkship, Enforcer Drones employ wolf pack tactics in pairs to hunt down deviants and intruders. Their expertise in breach and clear operations, marksmanship, and tactical planning make them a formidable force in maintaining internal security and order. They ensure all vox understand their place in society, and enforce the inviolate, and designations are done.
Bio Engineer Drone As medical professionals for the low to mid caste Vox, Bio Engineer Drones are responsible for treating injuries, illnesses, and ensuring the well-being of their patients. Though they lack the privileges and esoteric knowledge of the Haruspex caste, their medical expertise is invaluable for the health and welfare of the Vox population.
Command Enforcer Reporting directly to Overseers or the Armalis, Second Command Enforcers are responsible for maintaining order and security within arkships. Stationed primarily for home duty affairs, they ensure loyalty and compliance among the vox population, addressing any signs of dissent or potential threats to the stability of the arkship. Their role is crucial in preserving the harmony and cohesion of the Vox society. They usually command and control enforcer teams and field operations.
Logistics Drone Working alongside Logistics Officers, Logistics Drones assist in the management and distribution of resources and supplies within their assigned sector or fleet. Their diligent efforts in overseeing supply chains, inventory, and allocation of resources are crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of the arkship and its various missions.
Explorer Drone Tasked with venturing into uncharted territories, Explorer Drones gather information, conduct reconnaissance missions, and explore new regions on behalf of their arkship. Their reports and insights provide valuable intelligence to their superiors, aiding in strategic planning and decision-making. As pioneers of the unknown, Explorer Drones contribute significantly to the expansion and understanding of the Vox's domain.
Merchant Drone Engaged in trade and commerce, Merchant Drones facilitate the exchange of goods and services within the arkship's economy. They operate shops, trade hubs, and marketplaces, negotiating prices and deals to keep the economy thriving and resources flowing efficiently.
Low Caste
Called by their higher caste kin as a general term drones. The purpose of a low caste Vox is rather simple in their duties and their authority inside the arkship. Most low caste are born into the bottom during the early age of their stack to develop and show growth in their lifetime. They work many of the general duties that upkeep the ark and keep the figurative blood of society flowing. They are usually the most numerous as it takes a large amount of Primalis to upkeep a planet sized arkship and maintain the always expanding society. Many low caste however tend to grow deviancy due to inexperience, mob mentality, and their living conditions, most usually having ambitious dreams to go higher in the caste, have power in their sectors, or escape the arkship in pursuit of free rights. Roles that are commonly found for low caste are, not limited too Labor, Atmos Techs, Industrial, Slave, and any wanted Vox considered rogue (Deviants.)
Labor Drone Tasked with performing manual labor and handling physically demanding tasks, Labor Drones are essential to the daily functioning and maintenance of the arkship. Their tireless efforts ensure that the arkship's infrastructure is always in optimal condition, enabling the smooth operation of its various systems and facilities.
Industrial Drone Industrial Drones work diligently in various industries within the arkship, playing a vital role in the production and manufacturing of goods and services. From assembling components for spacecraft to refining raw materials for energy production, their skills contribute to the ongoing prosperity of the Vox society.
Cleaning Drone As the caretakers of cleanliness and hygiene within the arkship, Cleaning Drones play a crucial role in preserving the living conditions for all Vox. They maintain the cleanliness of residential areas, public spaces, and work environments, preventing the spread of disease and ensuring the overall health and well-being of the Vox population.
Atmos Drone Specialized in managing and maintaining the arkship's atmosphere and life support systems, Atmos Drones ensure a safe and habitable environment for the Vox population. They monitor and adjust atmospheric conditions, temperature, and air quality, keeping the arkship's ecosystem balanced and functioning optimally.
Logistics Drone Working alongside Logistics Officers, Logistics Drones assist in the management and distribution of resources and supplies within their assigned sector or fleet. Their diligent efforts in overseeing supply chains, inventory, and allocation of resources are crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of the arkship and its various missions.
Deviant Rogue or heretical Vox who have turned to crime or abandoned their duties in pursuit of their own goals, Deviants are considered wanted once exposed. They often operate in the black market or join separatist groups, engaging in activities such as smuggling contraband, causing riots, damaging arkship infrastructure, or attempting to escape the ark to become free Vox. Despite their rebellious nature, their actions sometimes spark much-needed change or bring hidden issues to light within the Vox society.
The Inviolate
The main body of law or rules all Vox are born to follow is the Inviolate. These laws were told to have been preached by the Auralis millenia ago, and shared across many ark vessels. While some have discarded them as old teachings or lack of reinforcement, aboard most, these are the words of a subservant and loyal Vox. The Vox Inviolate is as follows:
Kill as little as necessary. Waste as little as necessary. Preserve the arkships. Preserve materials. Adapt and expand to all circumstances.
Economy
Vox have a bartering system in which they trade to gain and amass wealth in society. Some areas have bazaars designed for trading and collecting. Merchants, Crafters, and even Entertainers like Card readers and gamblers all exist in this space to try and gain more supplies inside of an ark. The main currency that most Vox understand is food rations, a type of MRE given by Vox as they live in an ark. Not very appealing to most- but to Vox, food is food, and with nutrition to one important vessel (the body), it has value everyone can understand. Objects that are traded can range from exotic foods, amenities, rare collectibles, and illegal stuff like drugs, weapons, and implants.
Guilds
Guilds are a relatively common thing that tends to pop up inside Vox society. Trader, Warrior, and even Religious guilds are usually legal organizations that work to maximize their respective field's skills. As many of these organizations are run by high caste Vox who are loyal to the ark, they are never seen as a threat to authority and work as smaller branches to control the masses.
Ideologies
Vox religion is comprised of many factors, all surrounded by the worship of the creator and its divine creations. The Primalis and Armalis see their Auralis as gods and the Apex as their holy creation that gives life. Auralis are worshiped as the great ascender to bring the arkship into a different plane of reality. One free from the bounds of the universe and with a holy gift of ascension. Vox loyal to this belief are told to be given a reward once ascension day comes, the right to join the creator in the higher plane for their life of work. Or any variant that gives them a divine blessing. This sort of religious belief is the standard for most arks due to; conditioning, strict laws against heresy, and isolation from the outside universe.
Many young Vox blind fully follows the dogma preached by Acolytes and Haruspex as their teachings are the holy word of the Auralis. Most Vox who reach 1000 years as loyalists will have developed into a total zealots on their ark. In contrast, others who struggle or have doubts will turn deviant or be labeled a heretic. Overly religious Vox are common in core sectors and aboard ark ships. At the same time, uncertain and heretical Vox are found in crowded areas far from the center of the ark (The Wall) or outside the arkship, where they have freedom against influences and choices in their life.
Some ark ships can have several Auralis onboard that are given titles, holy names, and niche specifications on proper worship, while others can only have a singular Auralis. This depends highly on the type of ark you design for your Vox. However, making gods should be simple and align with the primary goal they all seek- ascension.
It is said that when a Vox is loyal to the ark, it will do whatever it takes to perform its designations. This same dogmatic religious belief is how the elites keep the lower and mid caste in line, false promises all sustained on hope and rare rewards. A drone loyal to the ark and overly religious with its beliefs is more likely to be promoted and avoid true death. In contrast, the heretic who doubts their creator will be reset or demoted, depending on the severity of their heresy. This sort of behavior creates conflicts in beliefs, leading to violent actions against heretics and creating hidden groups labeled Separatists.
Loyalist v Separatist
Loyalist vs. Separatist is a general term for the conflict between the zealots versus the heretics.
Loyalist factions aboard ark ships work towards keeping every Vox aligned with their religion and beliefs. They are rooting out and destroying any sources of information that can disrupt their control of the masses and their gods' will. Many high caste Vox and mid-caste will ensure that sinful behavior is rooted out before deviancy occurs, taking precautionary measures and even policing those they find suspicious. They preach the mantra of the inviolate and believe that a Vox should be loyal to the ark wherever they are, as that is their reason for creation, to serve the gods. The most universally known worship belief is to stay in your designation and work. A Vox who does not question or doubt their orders is loyal.
Separatists work towards the ideology of a free Vox, one unchained from the arkship with the ability to act or believe whatever it wants freely. Many separatists are aged deviants who have become so cynical and doubtful of their ascension that they see it as a lie to control them. These Vox are constantly on the run to avoid punishment, or they usually form underground organizations that try to conduct a criminal activity to sustain their numbers and control. Crime syndicates or freedom-fighting groups usually work to smuggle and expose Vox to outside beliefs, all to bring down the elites and grow their numbers.
Neutral beliefs can exist, as not all Vox are aligned to the spectrum's extremes. You can have a loyalist Vox that is very loose on the following of the Inviolate, or a separatist who finds cutting corners and living aboard an ark as a fake follower a possibility, or even simply just an atheist' who wishes to leave and wants nothing to do with arkship drama. Your Vox, your decision on how you design their beliefs.
Cases of Schisms
While the arks are considered bastions of Vox authority and contain some relative control over their populace. They are not immune to the inhabitants within, and the religious zealotry that comes with the vox. In rare cases, a Haruspex can claim the death or ascension of the Auralis, which with enough persuasion can creates a snowball effect to a self destructive and violent era aboard the Arkship. The Post Ascension Era results in many religious zealots infighting and having holy wars—claiming their sector Armalis as prophets of the Auralis to attempt takeovers due to the following power vacuum. Most Vox in a post ascension ark seek to escape it, and carry on the stories or tales of what occurred, while the ark erratically moves as control changes from one claw to another.
Arkships
Arkships are the home and birthplace of all Vox in the universe. All Vox originate from an ark, but many have their own sets of rules, beliefs, and culture, while still having some of the same original principles from millennia ago. While not all arkships are the same, they all follow a similar formula in their structure and society, with a caste system that is either very oppressive or freer to its Vox. There are a reported 20 confirmed arkships in existence. However, some speculate there are more hidden in deep space, a majority of them taking the position of isolationism to focus on the creator's primary goal of ascension.
They have naming schemes like Refuge of Lost Souls Searching the Stars, Soaring Kestrel on Troubled Skies, or even Arkship Sunborn Sanctuary of Mended Hopes, Hardened by Cosmic Sands, Esteemed Heart of the Sanguine Void, Wizened by Victories, of Many Trees and Branches. Naming of arkships are rather long and expressive.
Diplomacy
While having their own culture, beliefs, and authority, arkships are not very similar to each other in most regards. This difference in ideology has caused what most say is a hidden war inside vox society- from inside influences and outside ones. Arkships that have a rivalry with each other tend to attempt to sabotage one another. This can be spies and traitors sent to abduct and capture vox for their ark. Destroying infrastructures like life support or hull breaches and fueling and inciting rebellions, causing a wave of deviancy to damage the ark's stability. These arks are usually at war and rarely ever settled diplomatically during the war. Wars can last for thousands of years until both parties have acknowledged a cease-fire.
Some arkships are not at odds with each other, usually sharing a sense of neutrality and occasionally trading for supplies, amenities, and even slave drones to bolster and replace numbers. Arks commonly travel in different areas of space, and the most interaction they get are traders and small explorer fleets sent by the home ark.
Sectors
To describe what an arkship is, it's a giant floating vessel the size of a small planet built to house millions of Vox aboard it. It's compromised of many sectors, all with their functions to keep life support and the ship stable. Like the vox who live aboard it, each sector is given designations inside the ship. These are not limited to but primarily consist of-
The Core
The middle of the arkship, housing the Apex and most of the elites. This sector is an urban area that is the crossroad of the main ship. While being the busiest part of the ark, it is second to population density. This sector comprises mostly bureaucratic facilities, precincts, and the central Apex core, which leads to the ship's heart and houses the Auralis.
The Underbay
The ark's lower section is responsible for trade, docking, and travel. Many merchants, logistics officers, and visitors from other arks usually enter through the bay as it holds the only safe entrance into the ship. Like a checkpoint, it's guarded and patrolled by the security of the ark to maximize safety and catch contraband.
The Walls
The outer sectors of the arkship that make up the hull and walls. It is the ship's most densely populated area, composed of primarily shanty towns and cramped living conditions. Structure inside the sector are dangerous for their dense placement of low-caste drones who squabble with each other for resources. While the purpose of the sector is to keep a majority of laborer drones to fix breaches and constantly maintain the walls of the ship, it also acts as an area for artificially made passages across the ark. Hidden passages inside the thick walls have a subzone called the Tunnels- these can either be quick shortcuts around the inner district of the sector or run for thousands of miles across the whole ship, they have a vein-like structure composed almost like caverns.
There are more sectors inside vox society, but these are the three main ones found consistently inside all arks.