Tîran
Species
Sentient SpeciesThe Tîran are a near-human species native to Tîra, renowned as the most technologically advanced civilization in all of Lethurîa. Descended from the Kosmik Human template provided by the Mother and Father to the First-Flames, the Tîran serve as a measuring stick for human-derived life across the cosmos. Their society is defined by passion, stubbornness, emotional depth, and a legacy of both astonishing progress and catastrophic resets.
Overview[edit]
Tîran society has shaped—and been shaped by—the dramatic rise and fall of their civilizations. Though modeled after Earth humans, they have diverged into a people both celebrated and criticized for their passionate, emotional nature and technological ambition. Their homeworld, Tîra, is now entirely consumed by the ecumenopolis Neo Tîra, a testament to both their progress and the erasure of their natural origins.
Biology[edit]
Tîran are biologically average for Lethurîa: standing 6 to 7 feet tall, with an average lifespan of 300 Lethurîan-years (834 Tîran-years). Compared to other Lethurîan species such as the towering Valorîin or the imposing Hamtîrîin, Tîran are neither especially tall nor particularly long-lived.
Their digestive systems are sensitive: most alien foods are toxic, and the only safe form of alcohol is ethanol. Despite this, many Tîran are “foodies,” cultivating a love of spicy cuisine and nitrogen-infused “fizzing” drinks, with spicy food often enjoyed as a dare or test of tolerance.
A distinctive biological quirk is their involuntary, visible ear flutter when embarrassed or emotionally overwhelmed—a source of great public humiliation.
Culture and Society[edit]
Tîran culture is marked by powerful emotions, stubbornness, and a persistent tension between spirituality and secularism.
They are deeply isolationist and somewhat xenophobic, preferring to interact mainly with the Valorîin. This insularity is reinforced by a popular philosophy: “The only hand you can trust is your own.” Despite (or because of) this, Tîran history is rife with civil wars, schisms, and technological resets.
Philosophies and Belief Systems[edit]
- The Doctrine of Striving: “It is better to fail striving than to succeed in apathy.” Progress and ambition are core values.
- The Circle of Conflict: Conflict, even internal, is sacred and drives innovation and growth.
- Echoes of the First Voice: Spiritualists believe the guidance of the Mother and Father can still be heard, but only by those truly open of heart.
- Techno-Transcendence: Among secular Tîran, merging with technology is viewed as the next evolutionary step, often to the exclusion of spiritual concerns.
- Isolationist Pragmatism: Distrust of outsiders, favoring self-reliance and suspicion as virtues.
Rituals and Holidays[edit]
- Night of Renewal: Once a year, all Tîran disconnect from technology and observe a day of silence and reflection—a fading remnant of ancient spiritual practice.
- Dawnfall: A festival commemorating the rebirth of Neo Tîra; celebrated with glowing tattoos, fireworks, and public recitations of ancestral teachings.
- Lock of Hair Custom: Exchanging a lock of hair is an unbreakable sign of trust; failing to return one is a severe insult.
Art and Music[edit]
Tîran art is often provocative, sometimes clashing with the classical nudity of Valorîin works by being intentionally suggestive. Music is predominantly electronic, but a revival of acoustic and traditional music is gaining momentum with younger generations.
Cuisine[edit]
Due to their biological limitations, Tîran cuisine is considered bland by outsiders. Nevertheless, a subculture of “foodies” obsessively chases the heat of spicy food, building tolerance for toxins. Fizzy, nitrogen-infused drinks—borrowed from the Valorîin—are beloved across all ages.
Technology[edit]
Tîran are famed for technological prowess unrivaled in Lethurîa. Their exosuits, plasma blasters, and living metal armor are stronger than anything accessible by even Voyd-based technology. Other signature inventions include:
- Rift Gates – For travel across Yedistren, rivaling Voyd Gate transit.
- Hyper-Space Drive (Lethurîa) – Advanced FTL within a galaxy.
- Photonic Computer – Harnessing photons rather than electrons, for unprecedented speed and efficiency.
Despite their power, Tîran technology is vulnerable to catastrophic missteps—such as AI rebellions and planet-scale viral outbreaks.
History[edit]
The Tîran have reset their civilization and technology multiple times, often due to internal conflict or disasters:
- The “Walking Death” (Z1X Virus) escaped containment, infecting worlds until Valorîin scientists donated antibodies for a cure.
- The Shemîin acquired nuclear codes during Tîran early history, resulting in a near-extermination event.
- An AI rebellion erupted after widespread mistreatment of synthetic intelligences.
- Tîran are notorious for continued internal warfare, having participated in the ancient, multiversal One War and periodically fractured by radical defection to the Malisik.
Relations with Other Species[edit]
Though technologically superior, the Tîran’s emotional, stubborn, and passionate nature often strains relationships. They are typically seen as arrogant and isolationist, respected for their power but avoided socially. Only a handful of alliances—most notably with the Valorîin—have withstood the test of time.
Language[edit]
Most Tîran speak both their native language, Tîrik, and Valorik (the language of the Valorîin).
Notable Individuals[edit]
- Tiras Valkor: The “Iron Chancellor.” United the Tîran homeworlds post-AI Rebellion but triggered the First Tîran Civil War.
- Dr. Esla Novare: Pioneer of the Photonic Computer, partially responsible for the Z1X Virus incident.
- Serin Malketh: General and ally of the Valorîin, organized the response to the Walking Death.
- Ketha Yenn: Philosopher and leader of the “Luminous Purge” against technocrats; now a martyr.
- Jorran Kwelik: Infamous for defecting to the Malisik and returning, triggering the largest anti-Malisik purge.
- First Marshal Arik Renn: Explorer and founder, led first Rift Gate expeditions and founded Neo Tîra.
Fun Facts and Trivia[edit]
- Tîran ear flutter is a social embarrassment and meme fodder in Lethurîan pop culture.
- Tîran are “the canaries” of the Lethurîan diet: if a food is Tîran-safe, it’s probably safe for most other near-humans.
- “Night of Renewal” is observed with complete silence; breaking it is seen as a sign of spiritual crisis.
- Myths speak of the “Shatterchild,” a prophesied Tîran child destined to unite their divided people.
- Tîran cuisine is so bland that spice tolerance is seen as a badge of honor.