Ikaros: Difference between revisions

===[[Ikarian]]===

The Ikarians, scientifically known as Homosapien Aureus, are a distinctive branch of humanity native to the planet Ikaros.

===[[Ikarosi]]===

The Ikarosi are a tall, humanoid species with a resemblance to graceful hoofed prey animals such as gazelles, deer, and springboks. Their physiology is optimized for speed and efficiency in all aspects of their lives.

==Geography and Climate==

 

A main landmass surrounded by a multitude of varying-sized islands. The central land has a towering mountain, fertile plains, and dense jungle.

 

Seasons marked by mild rains and warm, dry periods, promoting growth of fruit-bearing trees and vineyards.

 

 

Varied terrains such as high-altitude regions and underwater domains where Ikarians refine their skills and endurance.

 

==Ecosystem==

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unique Ecosystem Interactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

==History and Evolution==

==Society and Culture==

 

 

Seconds, Minutes, and Hours:

Years, or Orbits, are the length of time for Ikaros to orbit its pulsar. Each Orbit consists of 10 Arcs. Ikaros only has a warm season and a rainy season, with Solars being longer during the warm season, and shorter during the rainy season.

 

 

Poleis:

Diopolis

 

 

Each Polis has a central Agora surrounded by essential buildings,markets, and recreational areas. This central point acts as the heart of each Polis.

 

Buildings are designed to seamlessly blend with the environment. Terraced constructions that follow the natural curve of the islands' topography.

 

 

Pillars and Pediments:

These are a central feature in every Polis. Designed for acoustics, they host not just performances but also significant duels or events.

 

 

Dynamic Walls:

Buildings are equipped with advanced tech for sustainable living – from rainwater harvesting to energy conversion systems that harness the pulsar's energy.

 

 

Race Tracks:

Given the reverence for the Lyceum and learning, temples dedicated to various disciplines of knowledge would dot the landscape. These would not be religious structures but places for contemplation, study, and debate.

 

The heart of Ikarian politics is competition. This emphasis on athleticism as a form of governance and dispute resolution reinforces their unique cultural identity and sets them apart from other cultures.

 

 

The Council of Champions:

This is the overarching governing body of Ikaros, comprising representatives from each of the 12 Poleis. Each Polis is represented by their most athletically competent and gifted citizen.

 

The first colony ship to land on Ikaros, and as a result, the most influential. Occupying the largest landmass, they have a greater say in the council but still maintain a sense of fairness.

 

Each having a significant influence and territory, their representatives hold considerable power in the Council of Champions.

 

While smaller, they still hold voting power and can form alliances to shift decisions in the council.

 

Each Polis has its own Agoric Council, a group of esteemed citizens chosen through competition. This council handles local governance over their Polis. Each Agoric Council is led by their Champion, the representative to the Council of Champions.

 

 

A set of guidelines and laws inspired by the ideals of competition, sportsmanship, and fairness. The code emphasizes integrity, grace, and excellence.

 

True sportsmanship is a reflection of one's character. An Ikarian must celebrate victory with humility and acknowledge defeat with grace. Gloating, mockery, or demeaning an opponent diminishes one's honor. Conversely, those who face loss should do so with dignity, respecting their victor and using the experience as an opportunity for growth and reflection. In all things, an Ikarian should remember that it is not the outcome, but the spirit of the competition and the lessons learned that hold true value.

 

Every Ikarian must strive for personal and societal excellence in all endeavors, be it physical, intellectual, or artistic. Complacency is viewed as a slow descent into oblivion.

 

Competitions and races are sacred. They are not just tests of skill and endurance but are also a celebration of Ikarian culture. Participants must compete with fairness, respecting both the rules and their opponents.

 

Every Ikarian owes a duty to their Polis. This involves participating in its governance, defending its honor, and working towards its prosperity.

 

While each Polis has its unique traits, all Ikarians share a common heritage. Inter-Polis rivalries are encouraged in sport and competition, but when faced with external threats, unity is paramount.

 

Ikaros offers its bounty, but in return, Ikarians must act as its stewards. This involves sustainable practices, conserving its beauty, and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving planet.

 

Knowledge is treasured, but wisdom is revered. Ikarians are encouraged to learn from both the past and the present, to question, debate, and philosophize, and to share their insights for the betterment of all.

 

Ikarians honor their guests and show generosity to strangers. This ancient tradition stems from the belief that any stranger could be a god in disguise, a mythological concept.

 

Ikarians value courage in the face of adversity. They are taught from a young age that sometimes sacrifice, both big and small, is necessary for the greater good.

 

Life on Ikaros, despite its challenges, is to be celebrated. Festivals, music, dance, and wine play a significant role in ensuring that while the pursuit of excellence is vital, so is the joy of living.

 

Dueling is a commonly used method of conflict and dispute resolution. Duels can take on many shapes and over the decades the Council of Champions have outlined the details of official duels.

 

A duel may be invoked for matters of personal honor, disputes that cannot be settled in a normal diplomatic manner, or to challenge decisions made by a superior.

 

The challenged party has the right to accept or refuse the duel. Refusing a duel without a valid reason might result in a loss of honor or status and is extremely taboo.

 

The challenged party selects the discipline for the duel, be it a physical contest (e.g., a race, wrestling, or a test of strength) or a more intellectual one (e.g., a game of strategy or riddles).

 

Traditional disciplines include triathlons, footraces, aquatic races, and marksmanship. However, the list is not exhaustive and may include other skills or sports.

 

 

Duels must have witnesses. A neutral third-party, known as the "Pulse Keeper", will oversee the proceedings to ensure fairness. Their role is to time the duel and make sure all rules are followed.

 

Duelists are prohibited from using any drugs, or external devices that could give them an unfair advantage during the duel.

 

 

A person cannot challenge the same individual to a duel for the same reason.

 

After the duel, both parties engage in a symbolic act of reconciliation, this typically takes the form of sharing a drink of wine (of the losers choice) to show that there are no lingering hard feelings and to promote unity among Ikarians.

 

Violating any part of the dueling code will result in severe consequences, including banishment from Ikaros, being scrubbed from ancestry, or in extreme violations, execution. Violations are so rare that only the Council of Champions will determine appropriate consequences.

 

 

Ambassadors of Excellence: