I created these guys to offer a counterbalance to the Zhodani in the Marches. Some of the major influences which contributed to their design has been the Paratwa saga of Christopher Hinz, and my own fascination with the fringes of classical Greek culture.
While Pythagorean society hasn't been encountered directly IMTU, their agents and manipulations have added a ton of spice and mystery to my current campaign beyond the Solomani Rim.
Let me know what you think...
Pythagoreans – Transhuman Hivers
A philosophical sect of theoretical mathematicians who modeled themselves after the ancient greek followers of Pythagoras, Pythagoreans follow strict dietary and behavioral guidelines, driven by the belief that the universe can be explained through empirical theory. While not fanatic believers in the superiority of the Solomani strain of humanity, they practiced strict eugenics – breeding for talent and intuitive understanding of mathematical and physical structure – and were solid transhumanists. Older Pythagoreans, nearing the end of their natural lifetimes were willing subjects in experimental and destructive uploading procedures. Those crippled by accident or disease were equally willing to undergo cybernetic and prosthetic augmentation operations. This black research, conducted quietly, was uncovered by the press in -1755. Shocked, authorities arrested those conducting the research, and charged them with murder. Further investigation of the Pythagoreans uncovered their rather bizarre lifestyle and belief system, making them targets of ridicule, scorn and fear. Shunned by other mainstream scientists as being radically fringe in both philosophy and practice, their work was disparaged and their advances marginalized. However, at least one of their insights gave them the last laugh. Using advanced mathematical game theory, they predicted the collapse of the Rule of Man, liquidated their holdings, and left Solomani space in the year -1776.
A fleet of 100 vessels departed for the rimward frontier…and the Pythagoreans were never heard from again.
Society
“There are three kinds of people who attend the Olympic games. The lowest class is made up of those who come to buy and sell, the next above them are those who compete. Best of all, however, are those who come simply to look on. The greatest purification of all is, therefore, disinterested science, and it is the man who devotes himself to that, the true philosopher, who has most effectually released himself from the 'wheel of birth.'"
-Pythagoras
Pythagoreans are divided into Rings and Houses. Each House possesses several varying Rings, which mark the progress of its members.
On the outer ring are the Akousmatiks. These are the baseline humans who comprise the majority of the population. Akousmatiks are common tradesmen, soldiers, laborers, elementary teachers, merchants and craftsmen. They may own property, and are not required to be vegetarians. Upon reaching a level of mastery in their chosen occupation or trade, an Akousmatik may petition for entry into the inner Ring or House of Pythagorean society.
The zenith of Pythagorean society consists of the Mathematikoi – progressively modified human beings who live a cloistered life of contemplation and manipulation.
There are different levels and elevations of Mathematekoi, ranging from the near-baseline
Novitiates, to the no-longer-recognizable Maestros. While appearances may vary, all Mathematikoi surrender to the process of cybernetic and genetic enhancement and modification.
The Mathematikoi are not allowed to own property, going so far as to deny themselves control of their own bodies. Their subsequent implants and modifications are the result of decisions made by their predecessors and superiors according to the needs of Pythagorean society.
There are four significant or Major Houses in Pythagorean society. Each House has a host of affiliated Minor Houses which perform subsidiary work and contribute to the well-being of Pythagorean culture and civilization as a whole.
The House of Cathari
In the instances where Pythagoreans need to travel among the stars, the House of Cathari will provide an agent. The Cathari House is responsible for all off-world military and merchant traffic for the culture. Its specialists are well-trained and experienced in the ways of the greater universe, and those who actually perform field work are known as the Monadi and Dyadi.
The Monadi
The Monadi undergo rigorous physical and mental training to prepare them for a life away from home. Many choose to receive very subtle genetic and cybernetic modifications which boost both their physical and mental capabilities. These specialists are the elite of the diplomatic and merchant classes of Pythagorean society.
The Dyadi
Perhaps the deadliest human beings the universe has ever known, the Cathari Dyadi begin their lives as genetically engineered identical twins. Under the ceaseless supervision and manipulation of the Cathari Mathematekoi the pair is trained to think and operate as a single individual when it comes to tactical maneuvering. Utilizing the latest advances in extreme quantum computing wetware, the twins are able to effectively communicate using the technological equivalent of psionic telepathy.
The House of Maiestas
Biological science is the heart and soul of the House of Maiestas. Initially tasked with keeping the life-support equipment intact and operating on the ancient exodus caravan, the disciples of Maiestas became the prominent exobiologists and planetologists of Pythagorean civilization. Their mastery over genetic engineering and medicine allows the upper-level Akousmatics of this House to practice medicine at an uncanny level. The Mathematekoi work constantly to create the most perfect strain of humaniti for life in a starfaring universe.
The House of Skheria
Shipbuilding is the passion of the Skherians. Their sentient and semi-sentient ships are the pinnacle of technological achievement. The Akousmatics of this House are the engineers and craftsmen responsible for assembling the physical components of each individual ship. It is rumored that the Mathematekoi are actually the ships themselves.
The House of Endymion
The House of Endymion preserves the culture and history of the Pythagorean people in a very dramatic and functional way. Endymion Akousmatics are responsible for recording the memories and accomplishments of all Pythagorean society. In a layered and progressive manner, they record written and electronic histories, perform a census of the population, and prepare the dead for burial.
The Endymion Mathematekoi are those responsible for the processes which allow the memories and essence of any human being to be stored indefinitely. It is believed that the patricians of the House of Endymion can review the entire history of their people by accessing the very memories of the individuals involved.
The Consolamentarum
When any Pythagorean must leave society for a life among the stars, the ritual of the Consolamentarum is performed. The agent is taken before the Endymion Mathematikoi, who systematically record every detail of that individual, even to the extent of mapping the memories and DNA of the Pythagorean who will be leaving the culture.
Culture
Pythagorean culture is driven by five basic concepts:
1. At its deepest level, reality is natural.
2. Scientific Philosophy is the only valid method of improving the human condition.
3. Man can transcend from his physical form.
4. Certain symbols have a profound and universal human significance.
5. No secrets of the Inner House must be made known to the universe-at-large.
Pythagorean art, oratory, literature and science are all related. Realism is valued above all else, with poetry, prose and music all dedicated to experiencing the joy of living in the “now”.
Active Technosemiotics
It is rumored that artists who gain entrance to the Mathematikoi are able to manipulate thoughts and emotions with their work on a conscious level. A small figurine, for example, created by a grand master, delivered to an enemy might arouse such powerful despair and anxiety that the target takes his own life.
In addition, the study of semiotics is undertaken by all Pythagoreans. In a sense, this focus on artificial representations of various thoughts, emotions and concepts is what keeps Pythagoreans from warping into the madness of technological solipsistic dystopia.
At heart, Pythagoreans are a warm and gentle people who focus primarily on exploring and understanding the vastness of the universe which surrounds them. Their anger, however, when aroused has been possessed of a terrible and horrifying majesty. While not indestructable or undefeatable due to their relatively small population, the Pythagoreans stand to significantly alter the balance of power in the regions to rimward of the Solomani.
While Pythagorean society hasn't been encountered directly IMTU, their agents and manipulations have added a ton of spice and mystery to my current campaign beyond the Solomani Rim.
Let me know what you think...
Pythagoreans – Transhuman Hivers
A philosophical sect of theoretical mathematicians who modeled themselves after the ancient greek followers of Pythagoras, Pythagoreans follow strict dietary and behavioral guidelines, driven by the belief that the universe can be explained through empirical theory. While not fanatic believers in the superiority of the Solomani strain of humanity, they practiced strict eugenics – breeding for talent and intuitive understanding of mathematical and physical structure – and were solid transhumanists. Older Pythagoreans, nearing the end of their natural lifetimes were willing subjects in experimental and destructive uploading procedures. Those crippled by accident or disease were equally willing to undergo cybernetic and prosthetic augmentation operations. This black research, conducted quietly, was uncovered by the press in -1755. Shocked, authorities arrested those conducting the research, and charged them with murder. Further investigation of the Pythagoreans uncovered their rather bizarre lifestyle and belief system, making them targets of ridicule, scorn and fear. Shunned by other mainstream scientists as being radically fringe in both philosophy and practice, their work was disparaged and their advances marginalized. However, at least one of their insights gave them the last laugh. Using advanced mathematical game theory, they predicted the collapse of the Rule of Man, liquidated their holdings, and left Solomani space in the year -1776.
A fleet of 100 vessels departed for the rimward frontier…and the Pythagoreans were never heard from again.
Society
“There are three kinds of people who attend the Olympic games. The lowest class is made up of those who come to buy and sell, the next above them are those who compete. Best of all, however, are those who come simply to look on. The greatest purification of all is, therefore, disinterested science, and it is the man who devotes himself to that, the true philosopher, who has most effectually released himself from the 'wheel of birth.'"
-Pythagoras
Pythagoreans are divided into Rings and Houses. Each House possesses several varying Rings, which mark the progress of its members.
On the outer ring are the Akousmatiks. These are the baseline humans who comprise the majority of the population. Akousmatiks are common tradesmen, soldiers, laborers, elementary teachers, merchants and craftsmen. They may own property, and are not required to be vegetarians. Upon reaching a level of mastery in their chosen occupation or trade, an Akousmatik may petition for entry into the inner Ring or House of Pythagorean society.
The zenith of Pythagorean society consists of the Mathematikoi – progressively modified human beings who live a cloistered life of contemplation and manipulation.
There are different levels and elevations of Mathematekoi, ranging from the near-baseline
Novitiates, to the no-longer-recognizable Maestros. While appearances may vary, all Mathematikoi surrender to the process of cybernetic and genetic enhancement and modification.
The Mathematikoi are not allowed to own property, going so far as to deny themselves control of their own bodies. Their subsequent implants and modifications are the result of decisions made by their predecessors and superiors according to the needs of Pythagorean society.
There are four significant or Major Houses in Pythagorean society. Each House has a host of affiliated Minor Houses which perform subsidiary work and contribute to the well-being of Pythagorean culture and civilization as a whole.
The House of Cathari
In the instances where Pythagoreans need to travel among the stars, the House of Cathari will provide an agent. The Cathari House is responsible for all off-world military and merchant traffic for the culture. Its specialists are well-trained and experienced in the ways of the greater universe, and those who actually perform field work are known as the Monadi and Dyadi.
The Monadi
The Monadi undergo rigorous physical and mental training to prepare them for a life away from home. Many choose to receive very subtle genetic and cybernetic modifications which boost both their physical and mental capabilities. These specialists are the elite of the diplomatic and merchant classes of Pythagorean society.
The Dyadi
Perhaps the deadliest human beings the universe has ever known, the Cathari Dyadi begin their lives as genetically engineered identical twins. Under the ceaseless supervision and manipulation of the Cathari Mathematekoi the pair is trained to think and operate as a single individual when it comes to tactical maneuvering. Utilizing the latest advances in extreme quantum computing wetware, the twins are able to effectively communicate using the technological equivalent of psionic telepathy.
The House of Maiestas
Biological science is the heart and soul of the House of Maiestas. Initially tasked with keeping the life-support equipment intact and operating on the ancient exodus caravan, the disciples of Maiestas became the prominent exobiologists and planetologists of Pythagorean civilization. Their mastery over genetic engineering and medicine allows the upper-level Akousmatics of this House to practice medicine at an uncanny level. The Mathematekoi work constantly to create the most perfect strain of humaniti for life in a starfaring universe.
The House of Skheria
Shipbuilding is the passion of the Skherians. Their sentient and semi-sentient ships are the pinnacle of technological achievement. The Akousmatics of this House are the engineers and craftsmen responsible for assembling the physical components of each individual ship. It is rumored that the Mathematekoi are actually the ships themselves.
The House of Endymion
The House of Endymion preserves the culture and history of the Pythagorean people in a very dramatic and functional way. Endymion Akousmatics are responsible for recording the memories and accomplishments of all Pythagorean society. In a layered and progressive manner, they record written and electronic histories, perform a census of the population, and prepare the dead for burial.
The Endymion Mathematekoi are those responsible for the processes which allow the memories and essence of any human being to be stored indefinitely. It is believed that the patricians of the House of Endymion can review the entire history of their people by accessing the very memories of the individuals involved.
The Consolamentarum
When any Pythagorean must leave society for a life among the stars, the ritual of the Consolamentarum is performed. The agent is taken before the Endymion Mathematikoi, who systematically record every detail of that individual, even to the extent of mapping the memories and DNA of the Pythagorean who will be leaving the culture.
Culture
Pythagorean culture is driven by five basic concepts:
1. At its deepest level, reality is natural.
2. Scientific Philosophy is the only valid method of improving the human condition.
3. Man can transcend from his physical form.
4. Certain symbols have a profound and universal human significance.
5. No secrets of the Inner House must be made known to the universe-at-large.
Pythagorean art, oratory, literature and science are all related. Realism is valued above all else, with poetry, prose and music all dedicated to experiencing the joy of living in the “now”.
Active Technosemiotics
It is rumored that artists who gain entrance to the Mathematikoi are able to manipulate thoughts and emotions with their work on a conscious level. A small figurine, for example, created by a grand master, delivered to an enemy might arouse such powerful despair and anxiety that the target takes his own life.
In addition, the study of semiotics is undertaken by all Pythagoreans. In a sense, this focus on artificial representations of various thoughts, emotions and concepts is what keeps Pythagoreans from warping into the madness of technological solipsistic dystopia.
At heart, Pythagoreans are a warm and gentle people who focus primarily on exploring and understanding the vastness of the universe which surrounds them. Their anger, however, when aroused has been possessed of a terrible and horrifying majesty. While not indestructable or undefeatable due to their relatively small population, the Pythagoreans stand to significantly alter the balance of power in the regions to rimward of the Solomani.
