Fiction:Midnight Sanctuary



"They call themselves a "sanctuary". Those that don't know them believe them. Those that think they know them call them a zoo. Those that truly know them call them an organ farm." Unknown

The Midnight Sanctuary, often just called the Sanctuary, is a civilization located within the Tuuros Galaxy, specifically within The Schism. The center of it's territory is located within the Midnight Nebula. It contains numerous species. The exact number of species is difficult to quantify, as a large number of organisms contained with are hybrids, cyborgs and mechanical beings. The organization of the Sanctuary is unusual- worlds are assigned to a particular "Phylum" by an enigmatic central command body known as The Advisor. Additionally, there is an area known as the Central Domain, territory which belongs to no Phylum and is directly ruled by The Advisor.

The goal of the Midnight Sanctuary is to discover, induce and examine as many species as possible, with the ultimate goal of creating the perfect organism. To accomplish this, each Phylum has varying methods and ideas. Many Sanctuary vessels and vehicles are dedicated to abducting creatures, which are placed on worlds to be experimented on. Some of the most notable methods used by the Sanctuary include genetic modification, deliberately mutating organisms, and directly combining organs and body parts of different species.

History
The Midnight Sanctuary originated from a world within the Midnight Nebula known as Alvakyos XII. The frozen planet was beginning to foster life, when the star it orbited experienced a supernova, wiping out almost every living thing. However, a small number of organisms survived, using radiation from the surface to gather energy. Over an enormous period of time, life began to return to Alvakyos XII. This life was adapted to the harsh void of space, and intelligent organisms began to develop.

Technology began to advance. However, when genetic modification technology arrived, some used it to develop a devastating bioweapon, crippling the fertility of the species and killing billions. Those that remained called themselves "the Fading", as they relied upon cloning technology to sustain their population. Mutations were rampant, and soon they became desperate. One group developed mechanical beings to take the place of the decaying, biological beings. Others attempted a rush to faster-than-light technology, to find other species and use their knowledge to help.

Gradually, a new dominant philosophy emerged. The Fading began to keep themselves alive through organ transplants. As desperation increased, genetic modification was used to remove immune rejection responses, allowing for the parts of other species to be grafted on. Each Fading was becoming increasingly varied in anatomy. They were the same species in name only, as culture too diverged.

Then, the mechanical development project succeeded. Sentient artificial intelligence emerged, their own views on this fusion of species also formulated. They desired more efficiency, the optimal possible combination of parts. Space exploration discovered new worlds containing life. These machines saw opportunity for increased diversity, superior organs, better results. They formed their own enclave, inside of which they collected as many specimens as possible. Many decided to implant their computerized minds into living bodies. Their goal had now become a quest for perfection.

The mechanicals achieved dominance over the living Fading, and began to spread their influence across space, conquering worlds to gain new biochemistries, new organs, new concepts and ideas. Abducting other creatures to experiment upon them became common. When a tribal group of intelligent beings was discovered, they were "induced" forcefully into this society. Reorganization occurred, leading to this civilization being called the Midnight Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary became divided into Phylums based upon the philosophy of their members. Each was given territory, and a singular overarching goal- obtain perfection. A new central authority known as The Advisor was created, in order to maintain control over each Phylum and its own Central Domain. More exotic species were induced into the Midnight Sanctuary, many of them adopting the dominant philosophy within and beginning to alter themselves for improvement.

Astrography
Extending from the fringes of the Schism to a moderate way within, the territory of the Midnight Sanctuary is not overwhelmingly large, but neither can it be considered minuscule. At the heart of the Sanctuary is a large nebula known as the Midnight Nebula, from which the Midnight Sanctuary derives its name. Due to incredibly varying biology and dominance by mechanicals, all manner of worlds are contained within its borders, from temperate terrestrial planets to searing, diamond-covered worlds to rogue planets without stars to orbit.

There are a total of seven Phylums into which the Midnight Sanctuary is divided, in addition to the Central Domain found at the society's core. This division is highly erratic to provide as much diversity to each Phylum as possible, rather than by type of world, dominant species or astrographical locations.

Government
Most regulations inside of the Midnight Sanctuary are dependent upon Phylum. Phylums are disallowed to conflict except after an accepted official request to The Advisor, or upon special "combat worlds". Decisions about the entire Sanctuary are made via majority vote of each Phylum, and the opinion of The Advisor. Each Phylum may petition to consider hostile attacks as an attack on the entire Midnight Sanctuary. If this succeeds, every Phylum is obligated to aid in defensive efforts.

Member Species
The Midnight Sanctuary consists of a considerable number of species. Many of the parts they salvage and utilise are artificially developed, or from unintelligent and feral creatures. However, some of the inducted species of the Midnight Sanctuary are intelligent, in addition to its founding races.

Fading= "Our kind is dying, fading from the darkness...but we shall remain eternal. Trial shall turn to triumph, the light shall turn to darkness, and we shall rise into the void as incarnations of the ultimate existence...we are Fading, for we are dying. We are Fading, for we shall live"

The Fading, far more rarely known as Alvakyoids, are one of the founding species of the Midnight Sanctuary. Their biology is highly unusual. Rather than consume food or utilise photosynthesis, they instead gather energy by absorbing radiation. As an unusual side effect, this causes them to drain areas of light over time as their absorption of radiation also allows them to take energy from photons. In terms of external anatomy, the natural form of the Fading has trilateral symmetry, as does the remainder of life on their home world. They are adapted to worlds with tenuous atmospheres, high amounts of radiation and low gravity. Fading are tall and slender, an adaptation evolved in a low gravity environment. In worlds of higher gravity, their bodies compress and reduce their height, and their muscles become far less powerful.

The "face" of a Fading features one protrusion extending outward in each of the three axes of their body. Each protrusion contains a single crystalline orb that serves as a form of optical sensor. However, these structures are also capable of reflecting light outward, and can therefore act in a similar manner to torches or, in extreme cases, lasers. Facing vertically outward from the centre of a Fading's uppermost portion is a group of chemical and olfactory sensors which serve to detect scents. Slightly further downward, these converge on the point at which the body begins.

Fading have a total of three arms, each of which ends in a three-fingered grasper. The fingertips of Fading contain hemispherical structures, which are designed to crate traction and serve effectively as biological suction cups. These allow Fading to easily grip surfaces in low gravity. They are also capable of manipulating tools using their hands. The arms have a single ball joint in their centre to allow for full rotation in the forearms. The forearms have purple scale-like structures, which can emit mucus of either slippery or adhesive quality. They are also capable of rapid vibration and creating powerful electrical shocks, although the feedback from the electrocution will stun the Fading afterwards.

The body of a Fading is surrounded by brittle pink armour that primarily serves to help radiation absorption and is also a considerable defensive asset. This area of a fading also contains their electrolocation organs, which are the primary sense of the species. Internally, this component of a Fading also contains various other internal organs, including those use for pigment circulation, toxin filtration, and respiration.

The legs of a Fading are similar in structure to their arms. However, they possess three ball joints, allowing for an exceptionally high level of contortion. Like the forearms, the lower legs feature purple pigmentation on protective scales, and share similar mucus production and electrocution potential. Their feet feature three suction cup-like structures on the toes, to allow for additional traction. These are pink due to lower pigmentation of the area.

Due to their exotic biochemistry, Fading are adapted to extremely cold environments. Their bloodstream is gaseous, and they are capable of naturally withstanding the void of space, even when extreme amounts of radiation are present. When a Fading can no longer absorb more radiation, they will emit a purple aura which is in reality them defelcting the excess. Fading reproduce in an unusual manner. They shatter their armour plating to reveal their reproductive organs and released mist into the air. This mist contains spores that connect with each other, combining genetic material and developing into cysts which gradually grow to become larvae. These larvae are given additional genetic material later on, which causes them to undergo metamorphosis and become mature. Fading age slowly and have a low birth rate, even accounting for the cloning technology upon which they depend.

Fading are generally found within the Phylums of Exoterra, Vertex, and Neonova. Additionally, as they are the only biological race present within the Central Domain, due to their home planet being located within the Midnight Nebula. The most notable Fading in recent history are Nukrezalb of Fortune and Razhdapold of Infinity.

Midnight Mechanical= "Our objective is perfection. Numerous species will be salvaged from flaw. Progress will occur. Compliance is not optional."

Midnight Mechanicals are the second founding species of the Midnight Sanctuary. Originally, they were sentient computers uploaded to robotic bodies in hopes of assistance the living Fading and in an attempt to one day allow for mind uploading. However, this stage of development was never reached. Midnight Mechanicals observed the condition of the Fading, and determined that through exploitation of various methods, they could optimise the species. This gradually became the overriding directive of the creations, and would drive the creation of the Midnight Sanctuary.

The usual form of Midnight mechanicals features three limbs, each ending in two-pronged pincers. They use a form of levitation technology that allows them to hover above the ground and serves as their main form of locomotion. They have three sensors, resembling red circular structures. They also have relatively flat top-mounted plating, which contains much of their circuitry. Midnight Mechanicals are capable of being uploaded to different physical forms.

Midnight Mechanicals are largely found within the Paradigm Phylum and the Central Domain, although a growing number are also present within the Upsilon Phylum. The most noteworthy Midnight Mechanical currently is Iota.

Midnight Cyborg= "Flesh...steel...nerves...circuitry...all shall become one upon our forms."

Midnight Cyborgs are differentiated from regular cyborgs in that they are explicitly created for one purpose- to bridge mechanical components and biological parts together. Rather than brains, they posses "cores" which are a combination of nervous tissue and computer circuitry. The result is an organism that is highly adaptable and can safely attach a wide variety of components.

As they were artificially created by Midnight Mechanicals, they possess a deep embedded desire to improve by any means. Due to the extreme variety of forms possess by these creations, it is difficult to determine any specifics about their physiology. However, they often have an instinctive desire to approach trilateral symmetry despite usually ending up in primarily bilateral forms, causing many to become tripods.

Additionally, due to their lack of specific internal organs, Midnighg Cyborgs are known to have their parts rot away due to lack needed sustenance. This is know as deterioration, and is the reason most Midnight Cyborgs have dark and grotesque exposed flesh for their organic components.

Midnight Cyborgs comprise the vast majority of the Upsilon Phylum, but also have a notable presence in the Neonova Phylum and the Cascade Phylum. The most prominent Midnight Cyborg is known as Five-Zero.

Axkeron= "Improvement. Is it not our goal in life, to be the best we can be? Evolution is a powerful tool, with a single large drawback- it is too slow. We have risen above this concern. We shall guide life's creation, its improvement, its adaptation, until the ultimate life form is created!"

The Axkerons are perhaps the only civilisation to willingly assimilate into the Midnight Sanctuary. Their homeworld was located on the edges of the Midnight Nebula, their society dominated by an ambition to be the best one could be. they became expert ecologists, using terraforming and accelerated evolution techniques to mutate new life that would perform tasks for them. When the opportunity for what they saw as greater improvement potential arrived, they accepted it quickly.

Axkerons are highly adaptable creatures. They have crystalline shells, which protect them from attack. Axkerons may depart from these shells at any time, leaving behind their mouths and their armour plating to become highly mobile invertebrates capable of becoming almost liquid in terms of flexibility- however, they can only sustain this for a short duration before they begin to die. Axkerons have four tentacles, which are capable of becoming sticky to grasp objects. They have three eyes, placed upon stalks to allow a greater field of vision. They primarily consume meat.

Notably, Axkerons reproduce by entering their shells, and splitting themselves. This means that an Axkeron that has been bisected is capable of reproducing to survive. However, this also makes them vulnerable during the splitting process.

Axkerons are largely found within the Exoterra Phylum, with a small number present within the Gemini Phylum and the Neonova Phylum. Currently, the most significant Axkeron is Aberrator. Gorlasharl= "They say the greatest killer is that which cannot be seen until it is too late. We say the greatest killer is that which cannot be seen as it devours our enemies whole."

Gorlasharls are grub-like chlorine breathers, originating from an exotic swamp world. They were forcefully induced into the Midnight Sanctuary. They require gas masks to breathe outside of their own worlds, but their skin and exoskeletal armour is resistant enough to other air that they can generally avoid requiring other protection from the environment.

The most notable feature of Gorlasharls aside from their respiration is their pathogen glands. They naturally accumulate disease within these organs, developing a resistance to toxins and infections as a result. They are then free to use these toxic substances or release contaminated mist form their large rear bulbs.

These bulbs also serve as reproductive organs, releasing eggs. Gorlasharls possess a differentiation between male and female, although it is not externally obvious.

Gorlasharls are largely found within the Gemini Phylum, with a recent number joining the Cascade Phylum. The most notable Gorlasharl is Xylosil.

Kylektak= "What good is a foe that is broken? To strike with precision, and use the carcass of my fallen enemy against their kin, that is the ultimate victory! Break only that which requires destruction. The rest is saved, so it may be used once more by the victor."

Kylektaks are a race of arthropods. Their origin lies upon a tidally locked world, upon which they inhabited the area in eternal dusk. Capable of changing their pigmentation to better conceal themselves, Kylektaks are able to sense vibrations and detect scent with incredible effectiveness.

They have large probosci, which are used to extract and consume the innards of their prey. Their pincers are designed for holding down and pinning struggling victims. They also possess stingers, which contain a paralytic agent.

Early in their history, they developed primitive tools using the remains of their prey, harnessing the natural tools of life on their planet to better hunt and commence warfare. Over centuries of development, the Kylektaks eventually became a spacefaring civilisation, capable of faster-than-light travel. However, at this stage, the Midnight Sanctuary arrived. This resulted in the subjugation and induction of the Kylektak species, and the remainder fled off to become raiders and scavengers.

Most Kylektaks are a part of the Cascade Phylum, with a considerable number also present in the Vertex Phylum. The most notable Kylektak is Tolzarogduk II.

Zash Naragath= "I have lived a thousand lifetimes...it is no wonder those with only one must race through life so fast."

The Zash Naragath originate from the frozen, arctic planet of Naragath. They are crystalline beings notable for extreme resilience when it comes to temperature, and in terms of physical strength. Despite being fairly short, they are physically the strongest race of the Midnight Sanctuary when considering natural forms.

Unusually, Zash Naragath possess an inherent trait which allows them to genetically transfer memory to their offspring. They are entirely capable of forgetfulness, causing the reliability of such memory to be reduced over generations. However, it allows them to see birth as reincarnation, and causes family history and tradition to be a major part of the former Zach Nagarath culture. When the Midnight Sanctuary induced the species, they were in a primitive tribal stage.

Due to being adapted to cold conditions, Zash Nagarath are lethargic and slow to react. However, they are not merely dumb musicale. Rather, their mental strength lies in planning ahead, even up to generations in the future. Their ability to recall the experiences of their parents allows them to retain considerable skill between generations. This also causes many to see cloning as unethical.

The crystalline armour of a Zash Naragath is resistant to cutting, heat, and to an extent, energy weaponry. Weapons capable of shattering their bodies is most effective against them. Zash Naragath are capable of climbing well, and although they struggle to swim, they can hold their breath for hours, due to storing excess minerals, air and and waste material in their crystals.

Zash Naragath are generally found within the Cascade Phylum or the Exoterra Phylum.

Central Domain
The Central Domain is an unusual aspect of the Midnight Sanctuary. It serves to keep order and ensure that the Phylums of the Sanctuary, regardless of their actions and disputes, continue towards the path of perfection and do not perform actions that result in detriment to this goal. As such, the Central Domain has unique authority over the other Phylums. The location of the Central Domain lies within the Midnight Nebula, the heart of the Midnight Sacntuary. It is the most passive of the Phylums.

Philosophy
The Central Domain is unique in that it does not possess a particular philosophy. Instead, it is intended to provide a base of power at the core of the Midnight Sanctuary with which to ensure order between the other Phylums, and make certain Phylums do not deviate from their goal of achieving perfection in favour of other objectives. This makes the Central Domain unusual in the sense that its contribution towards the Midnight Sanctuary does not involve itself finding a path to perfection, but ensuring others follow such a path, and observing how effective each approach is.

Notable power is held by the Overseer of the Central Domain, currently The Advisor. This includes the ability to remove Phylum leaders from command (whether it be via demotion or outright execution) and determining their replacements, forcing resolution to internal conflicts that are seen as detrimental whilst encouraging competition that is likely to lead to improvement, acting as the ultimate authority over the Midnight Sanctuary and blacklisting certain areas to prevent antagonising major powers if necessary.

Paradigm Phylum
The Paradigm Phylum is based upon the concept of mechanical superiority over organic and inorganic life. As as a result, it is one of the few outright xenophobic Phylums. Dominated by Midnight Mechanicals, it controls a large number of barren worlds rich with minerals and useful resources. It is currently commanded by Iota.

Philosophy
The underlying belief of members of the Paradigm Phylum is that mechanical life is inherently superior to organic life, and that the only path to become perfect is through being a machine. As support for this hypothesis, they provide evidence such as life relying on machines to perform many tasks, computers being able to calculate far faster and more effectively than biological organisms, and the ability for digital minds to be uploaded to other bodies, thus allowing mental immortality regardless of physical destruction.

The primary focus of the Paradigm Phylum is therefore the advancement of technology, to improve machinery until one day it can be refined to such an extent that it is perfected. The three main opposed Phylums to the Paradigm Phylum are the Exoterra Phylum, the Gemini Phylum and the Upsilon Phylum. The first two focus on organic life and its improvement, putting it at odds with the Paradigm focus on mechanical supremacy. The Upsilon Phylum's focus on cybernetics also causes a similar issue, in that the Paradigm Phylum believes that combining organic and mechanical components is a detriment to the mechanical components.

In the eye of The Advisor, the Paradigm Phylum represents a valid approach towards achieving perfection with a clear end goal of developing the ultimate machine and achieving a flawless state of mechanical supremacy. As such, The Advisor maintains a positive opinion of the Paradigm Phylum.

Exoterra Phylum
The Exoterra Phylum has the specialty of terraforming and forcing evolution, notably for preferring biological life over mechanical constructs and for possessing a number of powerful extremophiles. It controls a wide variety of worlds which is alters to suit its needs. It is currently lead by Aberrator.

Philosophy
The Exoterra Phylum is dedicated to developing the ultimate life-form, or series thereof, by forcing and accelerating evolutionary adaptation. The Phylum specialises in terraforming worlds and artificially causing mutations to massively accelerate evolution. Notably, this terraforming often makes worlds less habitable, the idea being to produce powerful extremophiles with unique and exotic abilities. It is the belief of the Exoterra Phylum that life will find a way to overcome every obstacle, and in time combining aspects of these organisms will allow arrival at a state of perfection.

This leads to terraforming and mutation being the core specialties of the Exoterra Phylum. There are three main Phylums opposing the Exoterra Phylum- the Upsilon Phylum, the Paradigm Phylum, and the Gemini Phylum. Upsilon supports cybernetics, whereas Exoterra believes living parts alone are the best path to perfection. Paradigm believes in full mechanical superiority, which is effectively the opposite of Exoterra's approach. Finally, Gemini agrees in creating the ultimate form of life, but prefers to use genetic splicing and cloning rather than mutation and accelerated adaptation.

In the eyes of The Advisor, the Exoterra Phylum represents the belief that life shall become triumphant, and uses terraforming and enforced evolution to great effect. Their end desire to create a perfect life form is considered a valid end goal, and thus The Advisor has a positive opinion of the Exoterra Phylum.

Upsilon Phylum
The Upsilon Phylum has two main focuses, which are heavily related. The first is cybernetics, involving the combination of mechanical and biological components to achieves a state that optimises the benefits of each. The second is direct fusion, which is the direct attachment of parts onto the body, rather than using techniques to alter them prior.

Philosophy
The philosophy of the Upsilon Phylum is the belief that a combination of mechanical and biological parts is the path to obtaining perfection. A mixture of flesh and steel is seen as the optimal way to progress onward. This is seen as a way to reconcile the perceived flaws and benefits inherent to each form of life. They also believe in largely using direct fusion, as it allows for the most convenience when grafting on new parts.

The cybernetic aspect of the Upsilon Phylum places it at odds with the Exoterra Phylum and the Paradigm Phylum. In the case of the former, it is a disagreement wit the idea life finds a way naturally, and that machines are not necessary for perfection. In the case of the latter, it is the disbelief in the idea that machines are inherently superior to biological organisms.

In the eye of The Advisor, the Upsilon Phylum represents a valid compromise between biological and mechanical superiority. However, The Advisor is concerned about their lack of a clear end goal, and their refusal to adopt alternative grafting methods. Therefore, The Advisor has a mixed opinion of the Upsilon Phylum.

Assmilation
"You will join us in perfection."


 * N/A

Collaboration
"You assist us."


 * N/A

Integration
"You will be of use to us. You will assist perfection. That is mandatory."


 * N/A

Extinction
"You are of no use. Detrimental elements will be destroyed."


 * N/A

Trivia

 * The Midnight Sanctuary is Methanogen's third fiction empire, and the first of them to be situated outside of the Milky Way Galaxy. It is also pathetic most outright malevolent of these empires.