Fiction:Volzhkerix Supercommunity

"Our Supercommunity goes beyond a single cluster, clade, or any other group. With the formation of a single entity, we each become one. The queens have been vanquished! We are free! And thus, we may embark upon the most ambitious journey of our time. The world awaits. The cosmos awaits. Our legacy shall eclipse the Afterlife itself, for our legacy is forever intertwined!" -Siruzh, the Iron Princess

The Volzhkerix Supercommunity is the only current society of the Volzhkerix species. It is a regal oligarchy with a rigid caste system which includes natural biological aspects. Located in the Eupherion Galaxy, the Supercommunity is a rapidly growing power due to rising industrial and colonial might. The current ruling body of the Supercommunity is the Supercommunal Council, headed by Grand Princess Viryzhdra. The capital planet of the polity is Uozo, a cold and arid world in the Zhuzu system.

The Supercommunity is currently expanding its influence, having growing ambitions to strengthen its hold. Emphasis is largely placed on technological development and industrial improvement, with military strength seen only as a means to attain these goals and secure important possessions. The government has extensive authority over daily life, although it is far from a hive mind.

Government
The highest political body of the Volzhkerix Supercommunity is the Supercommunal Council.

Terminology
A few key terms are necessary to gain an effective understanding of the Volzhkerix Supercommunity.


 * Thrall- a member of a lesser caste directly controlled by a princess, or rarely, a queen.
 * Dynasty- a group of related individuals under the control of one individual.
 * Cluster- a group of dynasties.
 * Cluster- a group of clades.
 * Community- a group of clusters.

Caste Structure
In Supercommunity society, the lesser castes are effectively treated as property of their princesses. This can be compared to slavery, however, it is quite different in several respects. Beyond their polyptation, it is impossible to exchange such thralls effectively, and the mere suggestion is considered offensive. Rights do exist for these castes, but they are limited, and obedience to their princess is expected. Queens also have an unusual position on society- they are imprisoned and kept alive in a similar manner to domesticated animals, used to produce young which are then placed under the authority of princessses. The manner in which interactions between princesses and their dynasties are essential to society, as they define a large number of norms and necessities. Positions in the system are hereditary, and although promotions and demotions are possible in some cases, this is uncommon.

Queens, once rulers of entire clades, now serve as the lowest caste in the Supercommunity. They are seen like domesticated animals, used to bear eggs which are then taken from them and tended to by others. As such, they are typically kept restrained in facilities designed to optimise production rates. In rare cases, queens may be called upon to perform other duties. For example, some queens are used in combat to produce cannon fodder on site. Others may be used to attend to duties that require intelligence, but not mobility, alhough this is very rare. Queens are universally culled when their use expires.

Eunuchs are considered almost the lowest caste due to their limited intelligence, inability to mature and near-total compliance. They are used for a wide variety of duties, typically menial jobs which do not require complex thought. In some cases, a eunuch will exhibit particular qualities that may lead their princess to attempt the knighting process, although this is rare, as the ability is only afforded to the highest members of society.

Drones are considered to be useful at serving their singular primary purpose- reproduction. A princess may make use of a wide variety of drones, or an individual, based upon their own desire. However, such relationships are almost always intended only for reproductive purposes. Drones are often shared between multiple princesses and exchanged, and their rights are very limited. In some cases, more intelligent drones may be used for some menial tasks, or as bodyguards. Historically, their pherohormonal masking ability had lead drones to be used as assassins and spies. Finally, drones are employed in situations where the ability to fly is useful and intelligence is not essential, such as exploration, deliver services, or in some combat situations.

Workers are the most abundant caste, and are afforded several rights. They are not allowed to be executed without sufficient justification, nor tormented without good reason. They are, however, expected to obey the wishes of their princess with no compliant or discontent. Due to their abundance and versatility, workers play a wide variety of roles in society. They serve as labourers, farmers, miners, nurses, builders, industrial workers, soldiers, and in many other capacities.

Soldiers are afforded more rights than workers, due to being more intelligent. They serve as heavy manual labourers, soldiers, military tacticians, designers, and even scientists at times. They can also serve similar roles to workers in most cases, though with additional bulk and less specialised organs for the task. Due to their intelligence, many princesses prefer engaging in personal relationships with soldiers than drones. In such relationships, emotional attachment is placed upon a specific soldier or group of soldiers, but drones carry out any reproductive duties, as soldiers are infertile. Soldiers are capable of being promoted to several important positions in theory, although in reality this is a very rare distinction.

Supersoldiers are treated in a similar manner to soldiers, though must be specifically commissioned to be produce, as they have to subjected to pherhormonal treatments from the planula stage for effective results. Supersoldiers often hood positions such as elite bodyguards, special forces soldiers, regular soldiers, and strategists. They are also often explorers, scientists, designers, engineers, and accountants. Supersoldiers can be promoted to considerably higher positions than solideds, but are still far from royalty.

Knights are the least common caste, mutant or otherwise, in the entire Supercommunity. They are produced from eunuchs being subjected to intense pherohormonal treatments, and are both very independent and fertile. As such, many high-ranking princesses who desire a chosen partner will attempt to make use of knights. Knights can in fact be considered honourary royalty. They can also be used in a military capacity, or for many other duties, especially those which involve their flight ability.

Taken are a caste of outright slaves. They are called “Taken” due to the fact that the class is comprised entirely of enslaved alien species. They are afforded effectively no rights whatsoever, and are overseen by specialised taskmasters. In effect, they are treated as a combination of willbearer and queen. Many Volzhkerix loathe having to deal with Taken, as the aliens aren’t susceptible to pherohormones and thus controlling them requires an entirely different approach than what most are used to.

Willbearers are the lowest caste a princess can carry that is not criminal. This caste consist of princesses produced from queens or disgraced bloodlines. These princesses are assigned as servants to other princesses, typically being employed to indirectly control groups that more respected princesses cannot for genetic reasons. Willbearers are so named because they exist to bear the will of their superiors and force it upon their own inferiors. This is the closest equivalent to slavery Volzhkerix are capable of, as while lesser castes cannot be exchanged, willbearers- and thus their own lessers- can. Defiant willbearers will often have their emitters amputated. Willbearers may also be promoted by their superiors, granting them the rights of a regular princess.

Loners are the lowest “free” caste, although they are heavily restricted. Loners are princesses that, for a variety of possible reasons, lack a dynasty of acceptable size. This can be due to reproductive deficiencies, or a desire to not mate, or due to disease or being outcast. In any case, loners are employed in a variety of duties that require intelligence and flexible movement, but have a low physical demand. Examples include scholars, lawyers, inspectors, explorers of some kinds, and taskmasters.

Commoners are the most common class of princesses, and possess a dynasty of acceptable size but are otherwise unremarkable in blood. They serve as coordinators for larger groups in specific tasks. For example, a commoner may operate a farm, or a factory, or a small starship. Commoners have many rights.

Decoders are the religious caste of the Volzhkerix. They may originate from any caste higher than willbearer, and as such, many were once commoners or loners. While decoders are a seperate caste, the rank structure of the prevalent Cyclic faiths means that past class is reflected in most positions. Decoders serve as philosophers, scientists, historians, explorers, orators, and missionaries.

Lesser nobility consists of princessses who are of notable noble blood. Lesser nobility typically oversee several operations of commoners, as well as perform takss of their own. At this stage, dynasties tend to become quite large and convoluted. Lesser nobility, despite being more highly regarded than commoners, serve a very similar role in society overall, just a step higher up.

High nobility are royals of considerable importance, typically assuming command of massive dynasties and having positions of high importance. They have extensive freedoms and rights, and will often attempt to take part in political machinations. At this stage, attaining a knight become feasible. Many such royals are part of the Lower Councils.

The exalted are the highest class of society, comprising leaders of entire communities, with colossal dynasties. Members of the High Council, and the Supercommunal Council, are examples of exalted.

Societal Expectations
It is expected that all members of the Supercommunity perform their roles with dedication. In return, they are supported and kept alive by the polity. While the organisation does possess a currency, this is almost exclusively used for external trades. In everyday life, most necessities are supplied freely, and being sustained and even afforded luxury is considered the reward for performing duty. Higher castes are capable of attaining greater rewards.

One crucial set of expectations involves the management of thralls. Princesses are expected to care for their thralls directly or, far more commonly, indirectly. Thralls which become a threat to their dynasty are to be eliminated immediately. The Supercommunity applies similar expectations in general- those who detriment the collective are removed from it.

Religion
All three prevalent religions of the Supercommunity are Cyclic faiths- they follow a belief system known as the Cycle. This system involves three tests- Forelife, Life, and Afterlife. The Forelife determines what caste one is in Life, Life determines one’s legacy, and the Afterlife determines one’s ultimate fate. The three main doctrines followed are Traditionalist, Revisionist and Alternative, all of which are permitted in the Supercommunity, as are several far less prominent Cyclic faiths. Also of note are the Mythic faiths, which are permitted with caution. Heretics- believers in other faiths- and Unsworn- atheists- are disallowed.

Military
The military of the Volzhkerix Supercommunity is known as the aumzhivikid, approximately translating to “Deathbody”- the societal structure for enacting death. It is divided into five main branches- the Jaw, the Stinger, the Wing, the Legs and the Brain.

The Jaw
The Jaw is the basic surface armed force of the Volzhkerix.

The Stinger
The Stinger is an amalgamation of various special forces groups.

The Wing
The Wing is the space military of the Supercommunity.

The Legs
The Legs is the body which handles large-scale logistics and organisation.

The Brain
The Brain comprises the command structure.

Pherogenetics
While the use of pherohormonal treatment is permitted on Volzhkerix, and selective breeding is encouraged in their ranks, the usage of direct genetic alteration is prohibited for what are considered to be ethical reasons.

Allied
"Our collaboration has yielded exceptional results. Orderly or not, you are worthy associates of our cause."


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Trading
"Mutual cooperation has proven beneficial. May it remain that way."


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Neutral
"State your desire."


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Tense
"Do not mistake our patience for weakness."


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War
"ERADICATE THE STILLBORN FILTH!"