Faction:Shaper - Revision history

Nikai: /* On the Shapers */ sp

2010-07-31T12:37:02Z

‎On the Shapers: sp

peter: /* On the Shapers */ typo: and->an

2007-02-25T18:40:35Z

‎On the Shapers: typo: and->an

peter: /* On the Shapers */ fix broken sentence

2007-02-24T04:03:37Z

‎On the Shapers: fix broken sentence

Ctv: Updated Shaper summary - needs editing

2006-10-03T03:55:20Z

Updated Shaper summary - needs editing

Show changes

Zeog at 11:01, 3 January 2006

2006-01-03T11:01:06Z

Pirx: category

2005-10-03T21:30:02Z

Ctv at 05:59, 19 August 2005

2005-08-19T05:59:28Z

kbi at 05:18, 14 August 2005

2005-08-14T05:18:27Z

New page

{{parent_link|parent=[[Factions]]}}
----
__NOTOC__
==Shaper==
{{Faction Datasheet|
|name=Shaper
|species=[[Species:Humanity#Homo Sapiens Superioris|Shaper]]
|homeworld=Earth
|capital=''fixme''
}}
''Need a desc for their faction and controlled space'' {{Fixme}}

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 The outside observer rarely tends to have their eyes drawn to the Shaper underachievers, both because of the higher standards of living (relative to Purist worlds, for instance), even on the low end, that the Shaper economy has (made possible, in large part, by limiting the population density on Shaper worlds), and the astounding beauty that the high end of the Shaper culture produces. There is a Shaper saying that, “It is no accident that the path to perfection travels through beauty.” The functional and aesthetic are merged whenever tenable in Shaper society, and there is a significant place reserved for the aesthetic, even absent, though rarely in lieu of, the functional. To create more perfectly is the pervasive goal, and beauty is often aligned with the perfect for anything that must be seen. It should be noted that Shaper artists have produced works considered masterpieces in a plethora of genres, as is not unexpected given a population wherein even the dullest of healthy individuals would have been considered quite mentally gifted in millennia past – however, within Shaper society itself, only the construction of life-art is held in meaningful esteem. Other venues for expression are welcomed, but reserved for hobbyists and amateurs, not professionals. To construct epic compositions in and of the human form is the highest art in Shaper society. As full of science and practical consideration as their genepool is, it is also their most holy of pieces of art, and those who have risen to operate upon it their idols.
-There are three common Shaper forms. In decreasing order of population, these are females, males, neuters. A fourth form, the ‘hulk’, is only debatably a “Shaper form” and even more divergent from the human strain than the Shapers themselves – however as they are non-reproducing, few in number, have limited interaction with the rest of Shaper society, and are distinct in construction based upon their version and intended purpose, it is easier to consider them apart from the Shaper populace and group them with other designer human life forms, despite being of Shaper origin and mentality. The first females, males, and neuters are of the same height, and all beautiful by most standards, providing the lack of hair is not a deterrent to such a judgment being rendered, nor the lack of nipples on Shaper males and neuters found distrubing. Shapers are not muscle-bound, but neither are they in any way waifish, with toned and sleek muscles making their presence subtly known underneath taut skin – their physique sometimes evokes images of acrobats, swimmers, and dancers, depending upon which portions thereof were being used for the metaphor. All Shapers are in prime physical condition both for strength and endurance, although there exist plenty of custom bio-mods who are stronger or have higher endurance. Shapers remain in prime condition without need for exercise. Neuters carry both male and female genetic code, but do not express either set of reproductive organs or secondary sexual characteristics, earning them nicknames associated with old plastic dolls. Instead of physical features to distinguish Shapers from one another, with their near-singular skin and eye color and lack of hair to style, Shapers tend to use clothing and other symbiotic adornments when wishing to express their individuality. Even then, a non-Shaper would find it extremely difficult to identify which Shaper is which. Although much diverted genetically from most humans, they are still capable of producing fertile offspring with other human subspecies. Though a misnomer, as many of the genes require either a Shaper female’s womb or a Shaper-compatible gestation tank to activate, “half-Shapers” arising from Shaper males fertilizing non-Shaper females are not uncommon among most human factions, as restrictions on Shaper procreation privileges do not extend to the production of non-Shaper children (“half-Shapers” are not eligible to become Shaper citizens and are subject to the same stringent residency requirements as any other non-Shaper wishing to settle on a Shaper planet). Far more rare are “incomplete-Shapers” – those born to a Shaper mother by a non-Shaper father, or otherwise gestated in a Shaper compatible tank. As the Shaper genes, when activated, tend to be dominant, “incomplete-Shapers” tend to much more strongly express their Shaper heritage, although they are still not legally considered Shapers. Those with Shaper ancestors are commonly recognizable for their generally gray to blue-black skin, often violet irises set in gray eyes, and sparse body hair, although it is difficult, if not sometimes nearly impossible, to distinguish between those with Shaper ancestors and those who are the product or progeny of the custom bio-modified.
+There are three common Shaper forms. In decreasing order of population, these are females, males, neuters. A fourth form, the ‘hulk’, is only debatably a “Shaper form” and even more divergent from the human strain than the Shapers themselves – however as they are non-reproducing, few in number, have limited interaction with the rest of Shaper society, and are distinct in construction based upon their version and intended purpose, it is easier to consider them apart from the Shaper populace and group them with other designer human life forms, despite being of Shaper origin and mentality. The first females, males, and neuters are of the same height, and all beautiful by most standards, providing the lack of hair is not a deterrent to such a judgment being rendered, nor the lack of nipples on Shaper males and neuters found disturbing. Shapers are not muscle-bound, but neither are they in any way waifish, with toned and sleek muscles making their presence subtly known underneath taut skin – their physique sometimes evokes images of acrobats, swimmers, and dancers, depending upon which portions thereof were being used for the metaphor. All Shapers are in prime physical condition both for strength and endurance, although there exist plenty of custom bio-mods who are stronger or have higher endurance. Shapers remain in prime condition without need for exercise. Neuters carry both male and female genetic code, but do not express either set of reproductive organs or secondary sexual characteristics, earning them nicknames associated with old plastic dolls. Instead of physical features to distinguish Shapers from one another, with their near-singular skin and eye color and lack of hair to style, Shapers tend to use clothing and other symbiotic adornments when wishing to express their individuality. Even then, a non-Shaper would find it extremely difficult to identify which Shaper is which. Although much diverted genetically from most humans, they are still capable of producing fertile offspring with other human subspecies. Though a misnomer, as many of the genes require either a Shaper female’s womb or a Shaper-compatible gestation tank to activate, “half-Shapers” arising from Shaper males fertilizing non-Shaper females are not uncommon among most human factions, as restrictions on Shaper procreation privileges do not extend to the production of non-Shaper children (“half-Shapers” are not eligible to become Shaper citizens and are subject to the same stringent residency requirements as any other non-Shaper wishing to settle on a Shaper planet). Far more rare are “incomplete-Shapers” – those born to a Shaper mother by a non-Shaper father, or otherwise gestated in a Shaper compatible tank. As the Shaper genes, when activated, tend to be dominant, “incomplete-Shapers” tend to much more strongly express their Shaper heritage, although they are still not legally considered Shapers. Those with Shaper ancestors are commonly recognizable for their generally gray to blue-black skin, often violet irises set in gray eyes, and sparse body hair, although it is difficult, if not sometimes nearly impossible, to distinguish between those with Shaper ancestors and those who are the product or progeny of the custom bio-modified.
 Shaper clothing tends to fall into one of two very distinct categories. Shapers have exceptionally minimal body modesty, and any wearing of clothing whose primary purpose is to keep portions of the body hidden from sight is done so on account of the modesty of non-Shapers with whom they must interact – after all, the Shaper body is a work of art and science they are proud to display. Shaper work/functional clothes, therefore, act primarily to protect more sensitive surfaces, to keep softer tissues in place during motion/exertion, and to provide convenient places to store objects being used. Such clothes are considered artful to the degree that they do not interfere with the natural Shaper form and movement thereof. On the other hand, as Shaper mastery both of their own body and their environment is very advanced, with clothing for them somewhat superfluous save for statement anyway in most climes and many conditions, Shaper art-wear is something else entirely. High-end Shaper art-wear often takes the form a living, generally translucent expanse of vegetation designed at the protein and genome level by the wearer – anything from a thin film, to a sheet-like wrap, to a crawling expanse of vines, flowering if watered. Those less talented, but financially equipped, will pay top credits to be similarly designed for and decorated. Those in neither situation may opt to obtain a license to perform minor customizations on existing designs, or, for the even lower social rungs, to simply wear something mass marketed – the Shaper equivalent of a cheap suit. Less common, but far from rare, are non-vegetable incarnations of the above. Also common in Shaper fashion are full-body markings and bioluminescent symbiotes worn in lieu of jewelery. Full-body markings are normally applied by developing pore patterns in body-sized engineered leaves that will leave temporary colorations when wrapped around the body. Shaper art-wear, though itself only exported as a luxury item, has become very influential to Highborn fashion. Luxury items such as art-wear and living rugs account for a noteworthy portion of Shaper exports, in keeping with the unmatched tangible beauty of Shaper art.  This tangible and enduring nature, and it’s profitable export, stands in stark contrast to the only other major society with a comparable number of artists, the Andolians, whose art the link-blind cannot even sense, and whose works come and vanish on whim.

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 Human slavery, as a viable economic pillar, died with the industrial revolution. Human slavery, for personal pride, amusement, or perversion, was reborn with mastery over the genome. No longer was it necessary to steal away random human flotsam and unprotected child assets, instilling fear and bringing hatred upon the slave trader – instead, human flesh could be molded into whatever form the customer desired, and raised from birth into servitude, birthed from a machine without commentary on the subject. It became difficult in some places to distinguish between slavery and child abuse. Such undertakings remained quiet sorts of enterprises until after humanity had finally ridden nano-technology and genetics to a post-sufficiency economy. In the introverted, contented meme-group world of that past, the only objection to someone outside one’s meme-group raising slaves was one of purely moral basis – it was simply unlikely to affect those outside the participating meme-group. As SuSims, human-derived PAIs, and other genetically engineered servant species became more increasingly prevalent, it was increasingly difficult to gain a motivating consensus on the issue when, despite many believing that human slavery was over some line, agreement on where in the gray murk such a line existed was not forthcoming.
-It was not until the formation of the Confederation that such things truly changed. All were free to not do business with polities allowing behavior deemed “objectionable”, but with the Confederation, a sufficiently forceful hand could be put upon the hilt of a very sharp dagger that could be aimed, if in unwieldy and cacophonous fashion, at those sufficiently outside the mainstream of the relevant political bodies. Human slavery was outlawed. Certain forms of indentured servitude, especially as concerned AIs, were not outlawed, given certain contract conditions, much to the dismay of the Andolians and the relief of other parties unwilling to emancipate their few AIs that survived the nano-plague. Vagaries in defining both “consenting” and “adult” as they were framed in the stipulations concerning indentured servitude – the Shapers being appeased by such, as they believed it the right of any adult to enter into any contract that did not permanently disenfranchise them, if the contract was entered into in and informed and free fashion – have continued to allow fringe operators to continue practices against the spirit if not the letter of the laws. However, those who are foolish enough to flagrantly flaunt their slim loophole existence generally find themselves ruthlessly and utterly squashed by Andolian and Shaper forces comprising the military wing of the Confederation taskforce on human slavery – which often delights in opportunities to expand the operations slightly to associated enterprises, which often are subsidiaries of otherwise difficult to legally attack organized criminal undertakings (especially those with good standing with CMT). Even those guileful and careful enough to stay within the loophole lines are sometimes paid visits by the Simons. Strangely, there aren’t as many complaints as one might expect – some things just become a cost of doing business. Indeed, in polities where the Simons can move freely, human merchandise tends not to move much at all – but then again, in places where the Simons can move freely, human merchandise tends to not be much desired.
+It was not until the formation of the Confederation that such things truly changed. All were free to not do business with polities allowing behavior deemed “objectionable”, but with the Confederation, a sufficiently forceful hand could be put upon the hilt of a very sharp dagger that could be aimed, if in unwieldy and cacophonous fashion, at those sufficiently outside the mainstream of the relevant political bodies. Human slavery was outlawed. Certain forms of indentured servitude, especially as concerned AIs, were not outlawed, given certain contract conditions, much to the dismay of the Andolians and the relief of other parties unwilling to emancipate their few AIs that survived the nano-plague. Vagaries in defining both “consenting” and “adult” as they were framed in the stipulations concerning indentured servitude – the Shapers being appeased by such, as they believed it the right of any adult to enter into any contract that did not permanently disenfranchise them, if the contract was entered into in an informed and free fashion – have continued to allow fringe operators to continue practices against the spirit if not the letter of the laws. However, those who are foolish enough to flagrantly flaunt their slim loophole existence generally find themselves ruthlessly and utterly squashed by Andolian and Shaper forces comprising the military wing of the Confederation taskforce on human slavery – which often delights in opportunities to expand the operations slightly to associated enterprises, which often are subsidiaries of otherwise difficult to legally attack organized criminal undertakings (especially those with good standing with CMT). Even those guileful and careful enough to stay within the loophole lines are sometimes paid visits by the Simons. Strangely, there aren’t as many complaints as one might expect – some things just become a cost of doing business. Indeed, in polities where the Simons can move freely, human merchandise tends not to move much at all – but then again, in places where the Simons can move freely, human merchandise tends to not be much desired.
 ==A note on the Dgn within Shaper society==

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 The outside observer rarely tends to have their eyes drawn to the Shaper underachievers, both because of the higher standards of living (relative to Purist worlds, for instance), even on the low end, that the Shaper economy has (made possible, in large part, by limiting the population density on Shaper worlds), and the astounding beauty that the high end of the Shaper culture produces. There is a Shaper saying that, “It is no accident that the path to perfection travels through beauty.” The functional and aesthetic are merged whenever tenable in Shaper society, and there is a significant place reserved for the aesthetic, even absent, though rarely in lieu of, the functional. To create more perfectly is the pervasive goal, and beauty is often aligned with the perfect for anything that must be seen. It should be noted that Shaper artists have produced works considered masterpieces in a plethora of genres, as is not unexpected given a population wherein even the dullest of healthy individuals would have been considered quite mentally gifted in millennia past – however, within Shaper society itself, only the construction of life-art is held in meaningful esteem. Other venues for expression are welcomed, but reserved for hobbyists and amateurs, not professionals. To construct epic compositions in and of the human form is the highest art in Shaper society. As full of science and practical consideration as their genepool is, it is also their most holy of pieces of art, and those who have risen to operate upon it their idols.
-There are three common Shaper forms. In decreasing order of population, these are females, males, neuters. A fourth form, the ‘hulk’, is only debatably a “Shaper form” and even more divergent from the human strain than the Shapers themselves – however as they are non-reproducing, few in number, have limited interaction with the rest of Shaper society, and are distinct in construction based upon their version and intended purpose, it is easier to consider them apart from the Shaper populace and group them with other designer human life forms, despite being of Shaper origin and mentality. The first females, males, and neuters are of the same height, and all beautiful by most standards, providing the lack of hair is not a deterrent to such a judgment being rendered, nor the lack of nipples on Shaper males and neuters found distrubing. Shapers are not muscle-bound, but neither are they in any way waifish, with toned and sleek muscles making their presence subtly known underneath taut and  – their physique sometimes evokes images of acrobats, swimmers, and dancers, depending upon which portions thereof were being used for the metaphor. All Shapers are in prime physical condition both for strength and endurance, although there exist plenty of custom bio-mods who are stronger or have higher endurance. Shapers remain in prime condition without need for exercise. Neuters carry both male and female genetic code, but do not express either set of reproductive organs or secondary sexual characteristics, earning them nicknames associated with old plastic dolls. Instead of physical features to distinguish Shapers from one another, with their near-singular skin and eye color and lack of hair to style, Shapers tend to use clothing and other symbiotic adornments when wishing to express their individuality. Even then, a non-Shaper would find it extremely difficult to identify which Shaper is which. Although much diverted genetically from most humans, they are still capable of producing fertile offspring with other human subspecies. Though a misnomer, as many of the genes require either a Shaper female’s womb or a Shaper-compatible gestation tank to activate, “half-Shapers” arising from Shaper males fertilizing non-Shaper females are not uncommon among most human factions, as restrictions on Shaper procreation privileges do not extend to the production of non-Shaper children (“half-Shapers” are not eligible to become Shaper citizens and are subject to the same stringent residency requirements as any other non-Shaper wishing to settle on a Shaper planet). Far more rare are “incomplete-Shapers” – those born to a Shaper mother by a non-Shaper father, or otherwise gestated in a Shaper compatible tank. As the Shaper genes, when activated, tend to be dominant, “incomplete-Shapers” tend to much more strongly express their Shaper heritage, although they are still not legally considered Shapers. Those with Shaper ancestors are commonly recognizable for their generally gray to blue-black skin, often violet irises set in gray eyes, and sparse body hair, although it is difficult, if not sometimes nearly impossible, to distinguish between those with Shaper ancestors and those who are the product or progeny of the custom bio-modified.
+There are three common Shaper forms. In decreasing order of population, these are females, males, neuters. A fourth form, the ‘hulk’, is only debatably a “Shaper form” and even more divergent from the human strain than the Shapers themselves – however as they are non-reproducing, few in number, have limited interaction with the rest of Shaper society, and are distinct in construction based upon their version and intended purpose, it is easier to consider them apart from the Shaper populace and group them with other designer human life forms, despite being of Shaper origin and mentality. The first females, males, and neuters are of the same height, and all beautiful by most standards, providing the lack of hair is not a deterrent to such a judgment being rendered, nor the lack of nipples on Shaper males and neuters found distrubing. Shapers are not muscle-bound, but neither are they in any way waifish, with toned and sleek muscles making their presence subtly known underneath taut skin – their physique sometimes evokes images of acrobats, swimmers, and dancers, depending upon which portions thereof were being used for the metaphor. All Shapers are in prime physical condition both for strength and endurance, although there exist plenty of custom bio-mods who are stronger or have higher endurance. Shapers remain in prime condition without need for exercise. Neuters carry both male and female genetic code, but do not express either set of reproductive organs or secondary sexual characteristics, earning them nicknames associated with old plastic dolls. Instead of physical features to distinguish Shapers from one another, with their near-singular skin and eye color and lack of hair to style, Shapers tend to use clothing and other symbiotic adornments when wishing to express their individuality. Even then, a non-Shaper would find it extremely difficult to identify which Shaper is which. Although much diverted genetically from most humans, they are still capable of producing fertile offspring with other human subspecies. Though a misnomer, as many of the genes require either a Shaper female’s womb or a Shaper-compatible gestation tank to activate, “half-Shapers” arising from Shaper males fertilizing non-Shaper females are not uncommon among most human factions, as restrictions on Shaper procreation privileges do not extend to the production of non-Shaper children (“half-Shapers” are not eligible to become Shaper citizens and are subject to the same stringent residency requirements as any other non-Shaper wishing to settle on a Shaper planet). Far more rare are “incomplete-Shapers” – those born to a Shaper mother by a non-Shaper father, or otherwise gestated in a Shaper compatible tank. As the Shaper genes, when activated, tend to be dominant, “incomplete-Shapers” tend to much more strongly express their Shaper heritage, although they are still not legally considered Shapers. Those with Shaper ancestors are commonly recognizable for their generally gray to blue-black skin, often violet irises set in gray eyes, and sparse body hair, although it is difficult, if not sometimes nearly impossible, to distinguish between those with Shaper ancestors and those who are the product or progeny of the custom bio-modified.
 Shaper clothing tends to fall into one of two very distinct categories. Shapers have exceptionally minimal body modesty, and any wearing of clothing whose primary purpose is to keep portions of the body hidden from sight is done so on account of the modesty of non-Shapers with whom they must interact – after all, the Shaper body is a work of art and science they are proud to display. Shaper work/functional clothes, therefore, act primarily to protect more sensitive surfaces, to keep softer tissues in place during motion/exertion, and to provide convenient places to store objects being used. Such clothes are considered artful to the degree that they do not interfere with the natural Shaper form and movement thereof. On the other hand, as Shaper mastery both of their own body and their environment is very advanced, with clothing for them somewhat superfluous save for statement anyway in most climes and many conditions, Shaper art-wear is something else entirely. High-end Shaper art-wear often takes the form a living, generally translucent expanse of vegetation designed at the protein and genome level by the wearer – anything from a thin film, to a sheet-like wrap, to a crawling expanse of vines, flowering if watered. Those less talented, but financially equipped, will pay top credits to be similarly designed for and decorated. Those in neither situation may opt to obtain a license to perform minor customizations on existing designs, or, for the even lower social rungs, to simply wear something mass marketed – the Shaper equivalent of a cheap suit. Less common, but far from rare, are non-vegetable incarnations of the above. Also common in Shaper fashion are full-body markings and bioluminescent symbiotes worn in lieu of jewelery. Full-body markings are normally applied by developing pore patterns in body-sized engineered leaves that will leave temporary colorations when wrapped around the body. Shaper art-wear, though itself only exported as a luxury item, has become very influential to Highborn fashion. Luxury items such as art-wear and living rugs account for a noteworthy portion of Shaper exports, in keeping with the unmatched tangible beauty of Shaper art.  This tangible and enduring nature, and it’s profitable export, stands in stark contrast to the only other major society with a comparable number of artists, the Andolians, whose art the link-blind cannot even sense, and whose works come and vanish on whim.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:01, 3 January 2006
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−	[[Category:~~Factions~~\|Shaper]]	+	[[Category:Faction\|Shaper]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 3 October 2005
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 {{Faction Datasheet|
 |name=Shaper
-|species=[[Species:Humanity#Homo Sapiens Superioris|Shaper]]
+|species=[[Species:Humanity|Human]]
 |homeworld=Earth
 |capital=''fixme''
 }}