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Introduction
Introduction
In 2032, a meteor was headed towards Earth. The situation was dire; there was little to be done and the expected damage was expected to be catastrophic. Everyone prepared for the end of everything, and yet—
When the meteor breached the atmosphere, it exploded into countless microscopic fragments, scattering across the world.
No one knew what to make of it for quite some time. And then, the Phelions began to emerge. This refers to the individuals who have assimilated a fragment of the meteor, developing various strange abilities including telepathy with other Phelions, telekinesis, creation and manipulation of hard-light matter, etc.
It was in 2045 that one Phelion calling themself Kaluin discovered the Shift: an ability to alter their entire physical form into a biomechanical entity capable of much stronger abilities, in addition to requiring very little sustenance to live—being sustained mostly by sunlight, and very efficiently.
Kaluin spoke of a collective will originating from the meteor, and other Phelions echoed a similar sentiment. There was, they said, an impetus to go into space. So they gathered together in an organization they dubbed Periapsis and ascended to the stars, building an orbital base by Earth to be their base of operations for study of their kind, space exploration, and community. The organization is often referred to as the Academy.
Another ten years passed before the first Aphels attacked. Alien beings, startlingly similar to Phelions, who descended upon the Periapsis base and Earth. They seemed to specifically target Shift-capable Phelions, being passive to other beings. This is when Phelions discovered their offensive potential, fighting off the invaders.
Most Phelions thus joined the Academy, and the Academy in turn developed different divisions that they could join: Research, Exploration, and Defense. Phelions could also choose to stay at the Academy without joining any, perhaps for protection or just to stay within a community of those like them. Those who did wish to join a division first had to become a student with a focus on their desired division before joining the official ranks.
And so the Phelions pushed forward, studying the nature of their existence, defending themselves against the growing threat of the Aphels, and expanding through space to seek out the truth of their origin.
Setting Overview
Setting Overview
The setting of the Phelion universe diverges from our universe, and is set approximately 200 years in the future, i.e. 2200s. All Phelions are humans.
Earth civilization is much more advanced and with greater levels of unity and collaboration between nations due to the alien threat. The ecosystem is in balance, energy is sustainable, populations are stable, and healthcare is free and advanced. Hard-light technology is developed for general use as well. So long as power sources are available, various artificial structs can be made for purposes big and small, whether making a bridge or using a retractable or reconfigurable tool.
Most Phelions who are capable of the Shift will go to the Academy—partially to understand themselves and learn how to handle their abilities, and partially because Aphels attacks tend to be around Shift-capable Phelions. Without proper training or guidance, it can be a very harrowing if not fatal experience.
Phelions who are killed or rendered unconscious by Aphels have what makes them Phelions removed and absorbed by the Aphel, which is almost always fatal if they were not already dead. A few are able to survive, if injured and with a strong feeling of emptiness and listlessness, and those that do often only recover by integrating with a new fragment. Even after reintegration, they often seem like a drastically changed person afterwards.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Periapsis | The Academy
Periapsis | The Academy
The Academy is the common term for the Periapsis organization, though through common use "the Academy" has become synonymous with Periapsis. The Periapsis organization was founded by Kaluin, and its purpose is to unite Phelions in understanding themselves and progress towards better futures for all.
The Base: Perihelion
The Base: Perihelion
The orbital base, referred to as Perihelion, is a massive construct orbiting Earth, constructed and expanded with great assistance from the metallokinetic abilities of Phelions. It is visible from Earth, though never eclipsed by it (so as to always get light from the sun). It is protected by an invisible barrier, though some sections of the barrier may be released to draw the focus of Aphels rather than allow them to break the barrier themselves.
Inside, some areas of the base have windows that enhance the sunlight to make it seem as if it were day; these rooms are called sunrooms. Other areas keep the windows natural, offering a view of space. There are large spacious areas including common areas, leisure/recreation areas, cafeterias, combat rooms, etc. You can imagine them as having futuristic architecture of metal and glass, largely elegant and minimalistic. Some areas have various plants, brightening the area with greenery and such.
The central, innermost part of the Academy is the most well-protected area, and it includes the residential area. Housing in the Academy is fairly spacious, with options for single rooms, shared rooms, and suites with personal rooms. All necessary amenities are provided, including internet. There is no concern of running out of room, as the base was built to be large and can be expanded further fairly easily with the combined efforts of Phelions.
All Phelions and individuals in any stage of Phelion metamorphosis are guaranteed residence and access to any courses of their choosing at the Academy at no cost. Non-Phelions can also apply to join the Academy; this is also at no cost, but very few spots are available. That said, the Academy often collaborates with research efforts on Earth, and some collaborators may be able to enter Perihelion or extraterrestrial bases.
Rules and Regulations
Rules and Regulations
Members of Periapsis are subject to a number of rules and regulations that are briefly reviewed annually and reviewed in more detail every five years. The brief process involves the Academy leadership reviewing and considering if any changes are needed. The detailed process involves an initial process of review and presenting of ideas and issues across the entire hivemind; this information is distilled into clear points of discussion by a smaller committee, reviewed by Academy leadership, and then approved through acceptance or denial through hivemind communication. These regulations generally include a commitment to the goals of Periapsis (studying the nature of their existence, defending themselves against the growing threat of the Aphels, and expanding through space to seek out the truth of their origin), consciable interactions with other beings, doing no deliberate physical or mental harm to other Phelions, and other matters of conduct, along with more logistical regulations such as those relating to the use of Academy resources and funds, standards of research, commerce in Perihelion, and more.
The strictest regulations apply to those in Perihelion and activities directly related to the Academy (such as research and exploration using the Academy's resources, including funds, facilities, and vessels, and/or work under the name of Periapsis), but even then, autonomy is highly valued. They are permitted to act however they please on their own, so long as it does not harm the Academy or other Phelions—but they are responsible for the consequences of their own actions, such as facing fines or other consequences if they commit a crime in an alien civilization.
Note: Non-Periapsis residents of Perihelion are subject to a different set of rules. These are individuals who are not Phelions or who have declined to join Periapsis after Shifting, simply living in the protection of the Academy.
Space Travel
Space Travel
There are some options for travel in space. An individual with both Exploration and Defense qualifications can travel in space alone with or without a vessel. For group travel, it is fairly common to have a vessel that can house all individuals and act as a base of operations of sorts, in addition to providing a place to rest and relax. Individual Phelions may split off to explore and regroup at the vessel; they are able to detect the vessel's signal in space. Phelion vessels use technology derived from Phelions—individuals or multiple Phelions can interface with and power the vessel for travel, though the vessels do have independent power sources for general operations. With more power from Phelions (either from boosting or more individuals), the vessels can travel at higher speeds, from lightspeed to faster-than-light speeds. More power is necessary for larger vessels.
To report their findings, Phelions typically create light structs that are essentially "data cubes" that Academy technology can read and register. A Phelion can make a number of these and store them within their body, eventually to be registered at a base, vessel, or the Academy itself. If the data cubes are damaged or destroyed, it is typically not too much of a problem—the knowledge disseminates throughout the hivemind subconsciously, and can be retrieved. It may simply take some time to reorganize the information.
Various Phelion bases are scattered throughout space, typically managed and occupied by those of the Research division. Those of the Exploration division can come to the bases to rest, register data and report findings, and restock any resources.
Commerce and Funding
Commerce and Funding
The Academy has its own currency, credits, with 100 C ≈ 1 USD. While nations still retain their own currency, credits are considered universal enough to be able to be used anywhere. Most Phelions have two credit accounts: one personal, one for the Academy. All members of Periapsis and residents of Perihelion, the orbital base, receive a basic income to their personal account every month, with the amount varying based on their position. Many have no need to use it, as Phelions do not require sustenance beyond sunlight and amenities at Perihelion are provided for free, but there is also a shopping area in Perihelion where anyone can apply to sell goods and services. Some offer food beyond the basics that can be materialized in the dining hall, which can be enjoyable for Phelions to consume despite not needing it. Some sell crafts, whether simple or complex. Some sell crafts, whether simple or complex. Some sell items, plants, and even pets from beyond the Solar System. There is a large variety possible, though it must be approved by the Commerce Board of Periapsis.
Their Academy account is used for acquiring resources needed for their work. Any individual can apply to have funding added to their Academy account, and the Funding Board of Periapsis will review it. While many resources, including vessels and accessible materials, are provided by the Academy at no cost, if the individual wishes to purchase specialized equipment, rare materials, resources from Earth, or resources from alien civilizations, they will tend to use their Academy account.
Note on Creature Companions
Note on Creature Companions
The Commerce Board strictly regulates the sale and trade of sentient beings by those under its purview. Living beings that have been clearly demonstrated to not have any sentience, such as plants and simple organisms, tend to be allowed without issue, but anything with complex social behaviors falls under several regulations. Individuals interested in pet trade must pass several qualifications, and then additionally fulfill several requirements for each kind of creature, including comprehensive documentation of its behavior, biology, ecology, etc., consciable methods of acquisition (capture, trade, or otherwise), shelters that mimic their environment, and methods of ensuring that new owners take care of them properly. Some may go the route of acting as something like a species ambassador, becoming involved in the pet trade of existing alien civilizations to make things more ethical and organized.
That said, throughout space, there are sometimes social creatures who desire companionship, whether they are more animal-like or sapient. They may be wild or part of an alien civilization, but they retain their agency. Something that could be approved by the Commerce Board is a service that brings clients and these creatures together to see if there is a match, and both would like to engage in a long-term companionship. Some of these relationships may be symbiotic, such as a Phelion finding companionship and comfort from an alien that absorbs energy radiated from the brain activity of content individuals. Some may seem like the relationship a pet might have with its owner, but the creature is there by choice and is not under the legal ownership of the Phelion, though the Phelion may be responsible for their care and logistical matters such as approval to bring them to Perihelion.
Note that these particular regulations concern the sale and trade of pets under the Commerce Board. Research, rescue, preservation, and other areas involving the handling of alien creatures all have different considerations and regulations. There could be Phelions in Research and/or Exploration that specialize in rescue and rehabilitation of endangered alien creatures, for instance, or those who take in alien creatures whose homes have been destroyed and have little chance of surviving on their own.
Roles in Periapsis
Roles in Periapsis
Almost all Phelions capable of Shifting have joined the Periapsis organization and have at least spent some time in Perihelion. Those who join the Academy often are classified into three categories which may overlap: resident, student, and qualified.
Note: You are welcome to change the roles for your Phelions at any time, save for the Didact role. If you wish to update the Masterlist, please see the ML update instructions.
Resident: Those who reside in the Academy and spend most of their time there. Those who are not in other categories may be there for protection (as the Academy is most well-defended, even though it is also the most frequent target of Aphel attacks) or community (many Phelions find comfort in being around other Phelions, partially due to hivemind influence).
Student: Those who are in training for qualifications. Most students are also residents, but some may work with a direct mentor away from the Academy, as is often the case for those seeking Exploration qualification. Students study for qualifications in one or as many as they like of the three divisions of the Academy: Defense, Research, and Exploration. They are required to have experience in both Defense and Exploration-related activities, so they can handle themselves in combat and in space if it becomes necessary. The pace of every student is different and individualized; some may get qualifications in a year or less (depending on prior experience as well), while others take their time and do more—perhaps five or six years or longer.
Qualified: Those who have achieved qualifications for any of the three divisions. Some may still be students for other qualifications, and some may be residents or not regardless of division.
Didact: Instructors, overseers, and mentors to other Phelions. They must be qualified in the subject they teach, in addition to undergoing some additional training and procedures. Instructors teach courses, overseers handle and watch over practical exercises, and mentors personally guide the education of another Phelion; there may be some overlap, such as someone who is an instructor for a practical Defense course. There can be informal mentorships from non-didacts as well, but these do not count towards a qualification.
Note: Didact role requires completion of the Didact Qualification Quest. You can see information on official and approved Didacts on the Didacts sheet.
Divisions
Divisions
Phelions who are students or qualified may be in one more multiple divisions. They typically have one primary division.
Note: You are welcome to change the divisions for your Phelions at any time.
Defense: The most combat-oriented division. Defense is focused on defending the Academy, Earth, and any interstellar research sites from Aphel attacks. Generally, they pick a general area to patrol and defend, or they accompany a traveling Exploration team. Some in other divisions may get Defense qualifications to ensure their combat abilities are good enough to defend themselves.
Research: The division focused on understanding the science of Phelions and Aphels, in addition to seeking out their origin. Some may be lab-oriented, with a focus on biology, chemistry, physics, etc. Others may be more interested in field research, and either get double qualifications for Research and Exploration or otherwise work with those qualified for Exploration.
Exploration: The division focused on navigating, mapping, and exploring space, largely with the intent to discover the origin of their kind. They are experts at efficient travel and navigation.
Courses and Qualifications
Courses and Qualifications
The Periapsis organization as a whole is dedicated to exploring space and understanding their nature as Phelions, along with defending themselves from external threats. As none of these pursuits are entirely straightforward and require a fair amount of coordination, the Academy offers a vast selection of courses, primarily in the areas of Defense, Research, and Exploration; these courses are all managed by Didacts. There are also elective offerings that may be managed by both Didacts and non-Didacts who apply for it; these can include artistic pursuits, sports, gardening in Perihelion, and more.
Different courses may differ in timing, structure, and location. These are some common offerings, but there may be other possibilities:
Timing
Timing
Semesterly: The course takes half a year.
Annual: The course takes a year.
Unrestricted: The course has requirements to fulfill, but there are no deadlines to complete them.
Structure
Structure
Class: The course holds classes at set times on a regular schedule.
Session: The course holds sessions at irregular times, coordinated by the course manager.
Independent: The course does not hold any sessions, with students completing requirements independently.
Location
Location
Internal: The course is held at a specific location in or near the Perihelion orbital base.
External: The course is held at a specific location, not at Perihelion.
Remote: The course is held remotely, with students able to participate from any location, whether in Perihelion or not.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Each of the three areas has a list of course requirements to fulfill. Many different courses can fulfill the same requirement, allowing a great variety in each individual's curriculum. The pace of every student is different and individualized; some may get qualifications in a year or less (depending on prior experience as well), while others take their time and do more—perhaps five or six years or longer.
Each student has one or more advisors; these are Didacts who assist the student with course planning and designs their Qualifying Exam. One is assigned to them when they register as a student, but they can request a change or to add another advisor. There is one primary advisor. Once the student meets the course requirements, they must meet with their primary advisor, who will determine the content and nature of their Qualifying exam. These may vary, but common formats are:
Defense: spar with a Didact from the Defense Division and demonstrate capability in all major combat techniques.
Research: submit a thesis on a research topic of their choosing and their primary advisor's approval, and defend it in a presentation to their advisor(s).
Exploration: lead a minor expedition or a mock expedition to an area known by the Academy, demonstrating capability in navigation, mapping, and coordinating exploration teams.
The primary advisor determines whether or not they pass. If they do not pass, they can retake it as many times as they want, though it is up to the primary advisor whether or not the content of the exam changes.
Research Areas
Research Areas
The Academy's research is highly varied. The main goal is understanding the science of Phelions and Aphels in addition to seeking out their origin, but many also investigate subjects that are only possible or at least easier to investigate because of their nature as a Phelion. Research areas include but are not limited to:
Phelion Studies
Phelion Studies
Phelion psychosociology — Phelion psychology, cognition, the hivemind connection, socialization of Phelions.
Phelion physiology
Phelion abilities
Aphel Studies
Aphel Studies
Aphel behaviors — patterns of attacks, behaviors in battle, etc.
Aphel physiology
Sciences
Sciences
xenobiology — study of extraterrestrial flora and fauna
chemistry — especially with materials normally dangerous to humans or that cannot be found on Earth
exoengineering — development of technologies, tools, and resources from non-Earth sources, including Phelion abilities, alien technology, exoplanetary resources, and more. Includes hard-light engineering.
You are welcome to ask if a certain research area is possible.
Earth
Earth
As of the 2200s, Earth civilization is much more advanced and with greater levels of unity and collaboration between nations due to the alien threat.
The meteor's fragments have affected the Earth's ecosystem on a large scale over time, with there generally being a much greater cohesion and efficiency in a sustainable ecological cycle. This effect started to manifest clearly around the 2080s, though environmental scientists were aware of changes as early as 2050.
Populations have largely become stable, and food and resources have become easier to manage.
Healthcare is free across the globe as of 2060, and it is highly developed with the help of Phelion sciences—there are healing pods that can be operated by Phelions and licensed technicians to heal and conduct surgical operations with hard-light technology.
Hard-light technology is developed for general use. The first basic technologies reached Earth around 2050, with much more from 2060 and beyond. So long as power sources are available, various artificial structs can be made for purposes big and small, whether making a bridge or using a retractable or reconfigurable tool. Note that artificial structs are much more inflexible and must have pre-programmed forms.
Solar power sources developed from researching Phelions are also available, which capture energy from sunlight with very high efficiency; this is largely what powers human civilization now.
The Academy established its own currency, credits, with 100 C ≈ 1 USD. While nations still retain their own currency, credits are considered universal enough to be able to be used anywhere.
Most Phelions who are capable of the Shift will go to the Academy—partially to understand themselves and learn how to handle their abilities, and partially because Aphels attacks tend to be around Shift-capable Phelions. Without proper training or guidance, it can be a very harrowing if not fatal experience.
The Helios Treaties
The Helios Treaties
From 2045-2050, Kaluin led the Academy in forming a series of major international agreements. These were revised in 2055, after the Aphels attacked. These treaties established that:
Earth nations retain sovereignty over Earth-based governance, economics, and human-to-human conflicts. Traditional military exists for border security and human conflicts (which are more limited now, but still happen), disaster response, and internal security.
Periapsis holds primary authority over space exploration, alien contact, and Aphel defense. They are allowed to intervene in human political and military matters if they are relevant to Phelions and Aphels.
They collaborate in areas such as managing the identification and intake of Phelions into Periapsis, providing means for Phelions who don't wish to join Periapsis to remain on Earth in relative safety, and other matters related to both Phelions and Earth societies.
After 2055, the Academy assisted many Earth militaries in establishing Aphel Protection Corps, with some Phelions remaining on Earth to act as the Academy liaison or a member of these corps. The Academy provided hard-light weapons that were only authorized for use against Aphels, with protections such as being unable to fire on humans. Members of these corps are generally referred to as APCs. APCs provide first response to Aphel attacks while Phelions are contacted, handling evacuation, civilian protection, and backup for Phelion defenders.
Additionally, after 2055, the Academy provided technology for voluntary Phelion screening. This allows individuals to voluntarily scan their body for fragments. If they are in the integration stage or have a sufficient level of fragments to be in the absorption stage, they are strongly recommended to join Periapsis. If they decline, they are provided with a device that they must wear at all times; this device allows them to send a distress signal that will be received by the Academy and nearby APCs.
When new Phelions or individuals in the process of metamorphosis are discovered, whether through Shifting or screening, they must be presented with the option and means to join the Academy and go to Perihelion. The Academy provides vessels that regularly travel between certain Earth locations and Perihelion, or a Phelion can pick up the individual. The individual is allowed to retain their citizenship indefinitely, even if they join Periapsis, but they can give it up if they wish; those who remain citizens can engage in activities such as voting, though a portion of the credits they receive from the Academy are automatically deducted to pay taxes. They are not required to participate in any duties that would necessitate them to be in person.
Timeline
Timeline
This is a timeline of major Phelion events. You may use this as a reference point for your own characters.
2032: Phelion meteor scattered across Earth
2045: Kaluin discovered the Shift, founded the Periapsis organization, and created the Academy.
2055: First Aphel attack, divisions founded
222X: Present
You can see a timeline of major Phelion events plus notable events including characters here.
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