R'n R: (Terran) Cultural, Evolved and Genetically Adapted Species

TATM T/L Card Terran Cultural, Evolved and Genetically Adapted Species I The Magician Chauvinist II The High Priestess Feminist III The Empress Gynarchy IV The Emperor Andrarchy V The Heirophant Neuter VI The Lovers UniSex VII The Chariot MultiSex VIII Justice 'Wilders' (Wilderness) Tropics to Poles IX The Hermit 'Nebes' (Megapolis) X Wheel of Fortune 'Lanks' (Lo-gee) XI Strength 'Squats' (Hi-gee) XII The Hanged Man 'Drifters' (Zero-gee) XIII Death 'Mutants' (Toxins) XIV Temperance 'Swimmers' (Aquatic) XV The Devil Homo novo "Aesir, New Gods,..." XVI The Tower Homo profundus "Oceanids, Benthics, Tritons,..." XVII The Star Homo caelestis "SpaceBorgers, Vacumen,..." XVIII The Moon Homo aquarius "Merrow, Marids, Aquans,..." XIX The Sun Homo aridus "Bedu, Desert Rats,..." XX Judgement Homo frigoris "Yeti, Snowmen,..." XXI The World Homo Tetraploides Giants, Titans O The FOOL "Chimerae" Exotic Terran (Tx) pretty much anything goes! eg NeoMammals

The following assumes a Terran based campaign. Or at least a humanoid one! Alien species can be derived from these T-Type adaptations and alien cultures, with a sufficiently advanced technology, will adapt to the same environments in a similar manner.

The first seven of these are 'Cultural Adaptations' of the native Terrestrial Hominid species. Based on the principle driving force: Sex! Most advanced colony worlds (Egs.: subsector capitals; commerce planets; transport hubs; nexi; ...) will accommodate (tolerate!) a broad spectrum of these 'sexual orientations'. Some colony worlds will adopt a single orientation (amongst other precepts) the other orientations declared 'taboo' for a variety of reasons: Religion; (Secular) Moral Codes; 'The Law' and unfathomable Fanaticism.

The first two are self explanatory. Gynarchy and Andrarchy indicate a complete biological, political and cultural subjugation of the opposite sex. In the absence of these extreme viewpoints, cultural outlook is largely tolerant to sexual difference; especially when medical technology enables BioSculpture: routine but radical cosmetic surgery. And gender along with physique, skin colour and the humanoid form (!) becomes a matter of whim rather than a matter of birth.

Neuter is a BioSculpt Transform into a non-sexual body form which lacks: external genitalia, reproductive organs, hormones, pheromones and imposes uniform secondary sexual characteristics. Adopted by individuals, cults and cultures desiring the removal of sexual reproduction and sexual politics from human existance. Reproduction becomes entirely in vitro or dependant on new intake. Although a genetically tailored 'Neuter' body type is possible there is little point.

UniSex is a BioSculpt Transform into a single sexual body form that can couple and reproduce irrespective of original gender. Unfortunately advancements and fashions in the latest Transform swiftly change from season to season. For this reason the genetically tailored 'Unisex' body type, although possible, is rarely encountered.

MultiSex is a BioSculpt Transform providing adaptive genitalia capable of coition with a wide variety of sophonts. Note that the transform does not enable cross species reproduction. This requires extensive gene splicing and other 'state of the art' medical techniques to provide a viable hybrid from the two species. Complexity depending on the mutual incompatibility of the two species involved. With a KS previously seeded with hominids (primarily to save on the makeup budget) ...cross species reproduction will be common.

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The middle seven are the principle 'Evolved Terran' species in response to a special or specialised environment. Some of these extremes can be found on Mother Earth. Principally the Wilders: adapted naturally over multiple generations to the local environment. As such these represent the rare example of an indigenous population; rather than the Terrestrial norm of using genetic modification or BioSculpt Transforms to be better suited to the desired environment. Especially when working out a long term contract. Simple biosculpt technics and cellular reprogramming enable the same individual to be given a pale skin and a healthy layer of subcutaneous fat for polar extremes. And, at the end of the working week, a Transform into dark skin and salt retaining sweat glands before the weekend commute back to the Tropics.

Assuming Megopoli and other steel caves: Nebes may arise. Adapted to a permanent life in a human hive culture, somatic changes soon become genetic; producing a hyper-allergenic, non immune, short, hairless, pigment deficient human. In extreme cases without teeth, nails and the usual set of five fingers and toes. "More Morlock than Man!"
Finally assuming environmental disaster from RadPits to Toxic Dumps... the generic Mutant may arise. Usually unpleasant to look at, with a debilitating genetic deficiency; rather than a supernatural beauty with supernatural powers.

Off-world the four principle 'natural' adaptations are to:: zero-gravity: 'Drifters'; low gravity: 'Lanks'; high gravity: 'Squats' and an aquatic (but air breathing) existance: 'Swimmers'.
Although these changes have been gained over generations of adaptation to an extraterrestrial environment... they can be undertaken over a weekend at a BioSculpt 'Chop Shop'. However the skills required to survive in these environments may not so easily be gained.
The nature and extent of these changes depends largely on the extremity of the environment and may include adaptations to other specific local environmental conditions as well as the obvious physical changes caused by the principal environmental factor. Thus resistance to paticular toxins, body fat, hair (or lack of it),... may also characterise Evolved Terrans

The last seven are the principle 'Modified Terran' species specifically genetically tailored for an extra-terrestrial environment.

Homo novo "Aesir, New Gods,..." A generic Neitzschian 'Super Hero' achieved by genetic manipulation rather than NanoSurgical Tinkering (q.v.). Naturally the nature of the genetic ideal differs from culture to culture. Heightened perceptions: touch taste smell etc are accompanied by improved Mimeses linked to the Royalty of the Minor Arcana: Page: 'Booster' (+11/+1); Cavalier: 'Uber' (+12/+2); Queen: 'Genii' (+13/+3); King: 'Commie' (+14/+4).

Homo profundus "Oceanids, Benthics, Tritons,..." Extensively modified for a permanent deep water environment; from the ocean trenches to the upper slopes of the continental shelves. A highly efficient gill system, luminescent chromatophores, large light sensitive eyes, under water sonar, thermal body fat, and any number of other adaptations to the benthic existance.

Homo caelestis "SpaceBorgers, Machman, Vacumen,..." Extensively modified for a permanent deep space environment. Two principle methods: Mechanical and Biological. The former are closer to cyborgs: brains wrapped up in extensive and extended life support machinery and the equivalent of a small space vessel or 'pod'; with manipulators and tools and far exceeding the capabilities of a normal space suited human. The second uses biological systems turning the human into a plant-human hybrid and obtaining their power via a large photosynthetic sail (even larger beyond the orbit of Mars!)

Homo aquarius "Merrow, Marids, Aquans,..." Lesser amphibious adaptations for a coastal existance and thus capable of breathing both air and water; walking and swimming. (But failing to do either extreme efficiently.)  Rather than a single Transform, these genetic modifications could be considered a spectrum of adaptations with Merrow capable of hopping on a single fused fluke/monopod to the Aquans who just have webbed fingers and toes...

Homo aridus "Bedu, Desert Rats,..." Adapted to extreme desert conditions with hyper efficient kidneys, water storing humps, minimal sweat glands and complex systems of heat exchange.

Homo frigoris "Yeti, Snow Ghosts,..." Covered with fur and fat these GM Humans can exist in extreme mountainous and polar environments respectively. "Orcans" (aquatic varieties of H. frigoris) are also encountered, commonly described as "Europans" for obvious reasons.

Homo Tetraploides "Giants, Trolls, Samen,...Genetic doubling produce these giant hybrids of humanity. Generally found on worlds where the Gravity is too extreme for Squats!


And finally...
the Fool: "Chimerae" Exotic Terran (Tx) using Biosculpt, Genetic manipulation, Nano-Tech,... pretty much anything goes! egs include NeoMammals, Rara Ava, Alien Species,...

R 'n R: Man, SuperMan and SuperDooperMan