Oh alright. It was a pun so incredibly magnificent as to be entitled to a seat in the upper echelons of pun-dom; holding dominion over its lesser brethren and encouraging them to aspire to ever greater heights of comedic value. Aha! I've got it! Right off the bat, I'd like to correct my earlier comment on them being "capable of space travel 1,000 years ago." In reality, they had the knowledge for it, but they wouldn't necessarily have had the resources to have built it all right then. They'd just come to their new home after all. Now, if you figure that, in the meantime, they were setting up their society and focusing on the Síolta in the coastal waters (Attacks could still come after all), then they'd have immediate survival prioritized over anything that would need excess resources. Call it about three centuries so that there would have been enough time to fully assimilate the other groups and have the knowledge become firmly set throughout the race by way of education (By this I mean that the knowledge is distributed throughout all individuals. Not that everyone knows everything the Puzzle contained.). Now we've got time for jumping into R&D projects. Let's give it about 100 ears before their earliest shuttles would be capable of launching due to having to adapt the Wayfarers' knowledge to their ships (The Wayfarers would have had ships more like ours; wholly inorganic and launched from land. The Síolta though, need to have biotronic ships, as that complements their species to a much higher degree and they need ways to launch from the water since they wouldn't have gone onto land yet.). That leaves 600 years until present day for them to study their astronomy, adequately grow their population, and continue technological advancement so as to accommodate the colonization of other planets. Not only that, but stating that they are "new" to the galactic community could mean a few things. It could mean that they're still on their home planet, only just now making contact with other races, but it could also mean that they simply haven't encountered the others before now, despite having colonization programs for a number of years. If we say that they finally felt prepared enough to begin colonization starting 50 years ago, then it would make sense that they wouldn't have bumped into anyone else because they would have stayed on the ocean floor of their new planet. Getting everything set for self-reliance before more fully exploring their surroundings. They'd only have a few planets, which would be easy to miss with the galaxy being so large, and those colonies wouldn't be very large, decreasing the likelihood of being found even further. Well thank you. The jellyfish concept just seemed to fit really well. The thought line was something like this: "What would work well as an aquatic-robot hybrid?" "A fish probably isn't the best plan. They've already got brains, and I don't want to make a fish-themed race." "Hm. True. What about a jellyfish though? It doesn't have a brain, but it goes on living anyway. Perhaps if I augmented it with a robotic one..." "Oh! I like that! I'm going with that. Need to do a bit of research first though. It'll make it easier to justify everything." "Indeed." Aye, I'm hoping that will be the case. Preferences abound though, and some would like one or the other as opposed to a combination. I don't begrudge them for it though. After all, I rather clearly have a preference of my own.
I wondered in what manner you were using the look of disapproval. And while I would generally agree with you, your pun was unintentional, so it has less terrible in it. That and it was a pun on higher diction, which boosts it a little more. Either way, I enjoyed it.
Updates: Minor thematic tweaks Multiple revisions (Most notably in Technology) to provide better consistency Five sections have been added under the Culture spoiler (More may follow) The main post is now "functionally complete." For more on what that means, see the bottom of the main post.
Should the Síolta ever be invaded by Darkbound, imagine the slaughter that they could unleash upon them with all of that light of theirs.
Oh indeed. And given the Darkbounds' agenda, the Síolta would have one heck of a kick for battle fervor due to their reverence for light. "What's that you say? Our enemies are deathly allergic to light?" *dons brightly-glowing armor and a manic grin* "Muwahahaha! Let the jellyfish-hugs commence!"
They also need light weapons. Give them something akin to light sabers, but do so under a different name. And the light saber equivalent could also double as a light gun if used under a certain setting. It may be a little ridiculous, but it would be awesome.
I quite like the idea of light weapons, both in terms of primarily being a laser and/or literally just giving off light, but there is an inherent issue with having anything of similarity to a light saber. Seeing as how it's effectively a laser that is somehow held in check with a certain length and shape, it would constantly turn all of the water around it into vapor. I know this is a Soft Sci-Fi game, but that doesn't really seem like something that the Síolta would have developed.
Thank you Jedesis. I do what I can (Which apparently includes writing a good deal ). Now I'm just working on thinking up and composing other things I might add in.
Like I said, it would be a slightly ridiculous concept. The light saber idea probably would not work, as you have stated, but, perhaps, you could have weapons that simply glow, as opposed to being able to produce laser or heat-related beams. It would be adding insult to injury, for lack of a less terrible cliché. Also, it greatly intrigues me that you would have a race that is so strongly tied to science, within a realm that exists under the rules of soft science fiction. In fact, it would be interesting to play with that a bit. Have the Síolta comment on the other races' apparent lack of knowledge of basic physics. Furthermore, if you do introduce the Darkbound into your race's history, you should definitely utilize the dichotomy between light and dark to its full potential. This would open up for interesting story points, and it would give several opportunities to incorporate subtle philosophical subtext about whether or not darkness is inherently evil. (The same applies to the relationship between light and goodness.)
I like this idea a lot, though I had a totally different image in my head. Sadly, the six races seem to have been picked. :/
Oh yes, weapons with glowing bits and pieces are certainly a must for a race with this cultural background. As for having a Hard Sci-Fi race providing commentary on their Soft Sci-Fi surroundings, that would be rather hilarious. Applying trans-fourth wall knowledge to their universe. Oh the potential for jokes... Exploring that dichotomy could be very cool. And given my propensity to want to warp the stereotypical views on such things, I'd be likely to have the Síolta attach more of a blue-orange logic/morality to it. Instead of viewing darkness as evil, seeing it more as a challenge to be overcome. Something of a tool to drive the ingenuity behind their work in lighting. And looking upon light with affectionate appreciation instead of strictly as "good." In which case, the Síolta could potentially develop something akin to an understanding of the Darkbounds' motives. "Darkness is to the Darkbound, as light is to us." Whether or not they approve of their actions though, is a different story. Haha, yeah, I'm somewhat fond of defying expectations at every turn. I'm curious, what was the image you had? I ask because I enjoy entertaining different incarnations of the same concept. As far as the six races already being picked out, I don't particularly mind. I imagine that the developers might add in more over time, in which case, I'd still have a shot at being able to play as a Síol. More importantly though, I've greatly enjoyed formulating this concept and letting it grow. I honestly can't say that nothing has come of this thread or ever will come of it, because something already has. I've been having fun every step of the way, and that's what holds the greatest significance to me. I'm going to continue adding to this, just for those reasons. I've no reasonable complaints to give. Also, the new aquatic race (Or what appears to be an aquatic race. I don't wish to be too hasty.) looks awesome. Even with just the headshot.
Actually, I had pictured a small 'core' computer with a few wires running out of it at the centre of a blob of jelly. It would have tendrils, like an actual jellyfish and perhaps robotic arms covered in the protective slime. Leg-free. However, I realized as I looked at your post that the races all have to have the same basic sprite base in order to work properly, so your concept is infinitely better and more practical. I loved the way the robot brain almost had the beginnings of a spine. Also, if they do ever consider adding more races, I with definitely put my voice out there for this one!
Ah, we think alike then. That was more or less where I started out with the concept, and then the adaptions to make it more humanoid came through to pull it to its current manifestation. Even so, that would be a really cool mob. (Oh! Biotronic cuttlefish! *logs idea away for later*) I am deeply satisfied with the way the spine managed to turn out. I was actually of two minds with that when I was designing it. I was going back and forth between one that only went about halfway down the back, and one that went the entire distance. As the canonized images suggest, the latter won out. It isn't readily evident on the drawings because of their resolution but there are a number of marks where I did some erasing to facilitate the longer spine. Thanks for the support Alerio. I greatly appreciate it.
Well, well, well. I have to say, I read that giant text wall of yours. And when I saw those images of the race, I was not very impressed. But you know, as soon as I started reading about them, I can see why they look like they do, and how you are in fact a great storyteller. This is Lore that is deep and intrinsic, intertwined very believably with canon elements, as well as a history that is extremely fun to read. I find that despite the fact you have added quite alot of elements that didnt need to be added, they were in the whole not unecessary at all, and ended up adding to the story quite intriguingly. That said, as a amateur storywriter, I really envy your style. I have autism of a sort, and it really bothers me when I cant manage to write this well because I dont understand the relationship between people/alien races. Or when it takes me hours to make something as interesting as what you made on your first post. I really do. The best I ever got with history was the Lunarians in Secyllies... and that was only explaining the usage of Golemic and programming uses the robots had...
I, too, am a writer. I'm working on a novel, by the way. Anyway, I also greatly enjoy Tetrys' writing. He does have the occasional grammatical or punctuational error, but, when he does, it doesn't affect readability. And how could it, knowing how amazingly detailed the narrative is? Now, as I have a soft spot for fellow writers, I will give you some advice. If you truly wish to write, don't worry too much about how it compares to the work of others. As long as you write what is in your heart, and it is meaningful, you should thrive. I see great potential in you, as your grammar and punctuation are almost spot-on. Don't don't yourself. You have the signs of a great story teller. Similar to Tetrys' occasional lapses in grammar, however, you have a few minor spelling errors. Don't worry, though. That can be easily corrected. Furthermore, don't let your difficulties get in the way. If you're truly dedicated, keep it up. And, if you feel like you can't do it all at once, stretch it over a couple of days. Nobody should be prevented from doing something that they love, no matter what problems they face. I know that you can succeed, if you allow yourself. If you ever need advice, I'll be here. I'm not always on, but I have been frequenting this thread. So, at the very least, you could probably find me here for the next few weeks. After that, I will continue to use these forums from time to time.
I have always found the canvas on which I am most adept at expressing myself to be the geography of my imagination. And I have always found a great deal of difficulty in transferring the works within that mental landscape to a physical one. So far as I can recall, this is the greatest amount of success I have ever experienced in any attempt to do so, and still I feel that I could do better. To be referred to then, not just as a storyteller, but as a great storyteller, is an honor so deeply gratifying, that I am having difficulty finding words that properly resound of the thanks I feel for the title that you have deemed me worthy to bear. Were I to speak truthfully, and I shall, I would inform you that many of the items you cited as examples of my ability, the twining with canon, the relationships with other peoples, and, while not specifically cited, a number of the connections laid out in the history, were complete accidents. I wrote the lore regarding the Puzzle after the section on interspecies relations. It didn't occur to me until later that the Puzzle being a gift from the Wayfarers gave the comment to the Avians about who might have aided them, a much firmer foundation. Sometimes things just work together well like that. The rest stems from an underlying understanding of reasoning that simply states, "Reason is based upon values." For example, those of the Apex's MiniKnog clearly hold power as their greatest value. To them, it is reasonable to have the governmental structure that they do because it allows them to exercise and maintain that value. The Síolta, however, most value life, freedom, and knowledge/experience (Recall their viewing the two as one.). As such, they have have built a system that fosters stability (Keep stability in mind. It's important here in a moment.) for life and freedom, which includes using knowledge for guidance. Note that, because of their value for these three things, they would consequently find stability to be another important value because it helps to bolster the others. As such, they would find the MiniKnog to be an inefficient form of rule because it's unstable and exhibits disrespect for the lives and freedoms of its citizens. The easiest way I've found to make these kinds of connections is to start out by asking why a person or society boasts certain attributes. Why do the Síolta value light so much? Because they were born to darkness. Why do the Síolta have such profound respect for knowledge? Because it is the basis for wise counsel, something that allows one to lead a better life. Why do so many races find the Darkbound to be evil? Because their infection is an usurpation of an individual's freedom, a complete desecration of one of their core values. Why do the Apex still wish to interact with the Síolta, despite their comments on the MiniKnog? Because Síolta technology could bring them even greater power, their primary value. It takes some practice to become adept at pinpointing these things, but once you're there, it unleashes a great deal of potential. I'm not quite sure what style it is that you see, as, to me, it simply appears as though I wrote with the intent of making my writing sound precisely how it would were I to speak it to you aloud. That's likely where SpaceWolf's comments on my grammar and punctuation flubs comes in. At this point, I've discarded or forgotten many of the rules on grammar that deal with punctuation, in favor of an approach that uses it to mold the literary landscape and lend it my personal voice. Don't fret too much about the amount of time it takes you to work things out. Yes, this is my first "real" thread (The first was the dictionary thread I made months ago. That was more of a joke/test though.), but I've made three major updates to it so far, and numerous small ones. The work that went into the initial posting easily took me 15 hours, conservatively. The second, at least five to eight, and the third, another eight or so. All told, that's well over a day's work for something that constitutes a "short, short story" at most, and that was with constant revision taking place. My mind works something like a fission reaction. You start with a thought and it splits into a few ideas, which then split themselves, and carry on splitting until I'm more of a bystander who picks out the good parts, and throws them back as better ones arise. As a result, I'm an avid proponent of the "Revise on the fly" methodology. Someone once informed me that I am a great storyteller. As such, the greatest piece of advice I can give to you is this: Write not with the pleasures of others in mind, but with your own, for it is within your own passions that you will find yourself truly coming alive. That is how truly great stories are born. Anything less, instead of showing who you are, shows who you are for others. (It occurs to me that that statement would still be true were I to substitute "Live" for "Write."). May new horizons ever abound within the cosmos of your mind. ~ Tetrys
