The Ybern - Public
"They are a pseudo-race of cybernetic horrors infesting the stars, a cancer that my fellow Inquisitors - Firit forgive us - they only served to help it spread." - Excerpt from the pre-execution confessions and testimony of Ex-Inquisitor Arnol.To some, they are the nightmare of science and technology gone to far, while to others they are a living nightmare of flesh and metal. While both of these are true, niether can be stated as the full truth. In truth, they are a collective, controlled by a hivemind born from the countless minds absorbed through assimilation. The presence of the hive mind exists In the mind of every single Ybern created, whether it be in the form of active control, or simply watching and listening from the recesses of their subconscious. What most don't know is that the Hivemind grows stronger with each assimilation, to the point that it now generates a field of psionic power that disrupts both arcane and divine magics.
The Ybern are driven by an instinctual urge to infect and assimilate all other forms of life and technology. They believe, that in doing so, they will set all life on a path to perfection. To the Ybern, the malleable flesh is just as weak as unyielding steel, hope can only become from the merging of the two. It is this ideology that fueled their creation and current efforts across the stars.
Basic Information
Anatomy
While the specific anatomy and morphology of the Ybern can vary among individuals, based on their original race. Once assimilated, it can be modified to serve their duties in Ybernan society. They can be given additional limbs and tools, even their bodyshape can be altered, this can cause their bodies to become asymmetrical.
Biological Traits
The Ybern possess unique biological traits that are a result of their nature as a synthetic cybornetic race. They have the ability to infect organic beings and transform them into new Ybern, and are highly adaptable and able to modify their technology and biology to suit their needs. They possess strong physical and mental capabilities, and the ability to remotely manipulate and control technology. Their cybernetic armor, self-repair, and healing capabilities make them highly durable and resistant to physical harm.
They are are highly adaptable, able modify their technology and biology to suit their needs. They possess a range of advanced cybernetic implants and enhancements, that allow them to enhance their mental, physical, sensory, and psionic capabilities.
In terms of physical traits, the Ybern are highly durable and resistant to physical harm. They possess strong and resilient cybernetic armor that protects them from physical damage, as well as advanced self-repair capabilities that allows them to focus on quickly healing from injuries.
They have the ability to hack into and take control of other machines and technologies from a distance without cyberphage present in or on what they are hacking. This allows them to safely use the technology of other races to their advantage, using it to further enhance their abilities and their goals.
Genetics and Reproduction
Ybern genetics and reproduction, like every other aspect of their being, is centered around bio-mechanical cybernetics. They do not reproduce sexually, as the Cyberphage makes them infertile. Thier first and primary form of reproduction involves subjecting an individual, of non Ybernan origins, to the assimilation in a process they call "Glorious Evolution".
The assimilation process begins with an individual entity being infected with the Ybern Cyberphage, making them what the Ybern call a "Larva". The Cyberphage alters the genetics and biology of the Larva, allowing them the potential to become a full-fledged member of the Ybern race. To complete the "Glorious Evolution", the individual must undergo a process in which any entirelly organic parts remaining are replaced Ybernan cybernetics.
The second and less preferred method of reproduction is the creation of new Ybern from beings from clone farms.
Growth Rate & Stages
Unlike organic entities, the growth rate and stages of the Ybern are uniquely tied to the process of assimilation they refer to as "Glorious Evolution". The growth rate and stages of the Ybern are highly variable and depend on a variety of factors, including the individual's genetic makeup, the amount of Ybern Cyberphage they are exposed to, and their ability to resist the transformation process. However, once a Larva completes the transformation, they become a powerful and dangerous member of the Ybern race.
In the first stage of life, an individual is infected with the Cyberphage, transforming into an Ybern Larva. This length of this transformation process is highly variable, and the time it takes can vary greatly depending on the individual. Sometimes, however, the transformation process is not always successful. Some Larva are able to resist the infection and remain fully organic, while others become partially or fully, with some retaining more of their natural biology than others.
The second stage of life begins with the last step of the "Glorious Evolution", the augmentation of the individual with Ybern components. This process can take anywhere from a day to months, depending on their new place and purpose in Ybern society. During this time, the individual's physical appearance changes as they become more and more suited to the tasks the hivemind has for them.
Once the transformation process is complete, the individual has become a full-fledged Ybern. At this point, their minds are permanently bound to the hivemind and they completely devoted to Yberna, happily working to convert others entities into more Ybern.
Ecology and Habitats
As a synthetic species, the Ybern do not fill any ecological ecological niche and thus sit outside the order of nature with no specific ecological niche or preferred habitat. They are capable of surviving and operating in a wide range of environments, and often modify their environments to suit their needs. Any ecostystem they encounter is eventually destroyed via assimilation, and many landscapes are changed by war or constuctions.
In terms of habitat, Ybern do not have a specific environment that they prefer or require. They are capable of surviving and operating in a wide variety of environments, from barren wastelands and lush forests, to the void of space and barren places amonst the stars. In fact, the Ybern often seek out and modify their environments to suit their needs, using their technology to transform the land and create structures to fulfill their needs.
Despite not having a traditional ecology or habitat, Ybern do have an impact on the environments they inhabit. They are known for their use of destructive technologies, which can damage and alter ecosystems. In addition, their efforts to assimilate other beings can disrupt local food chains and ecological systems. Left unchecked, any ecostystem they encounter is eventually destroyed from Cyberphage infection leading to assimilation.
Dietary Needs and Habits
As a synthetic species of cyborgs, the Ybern do not have the biological dietary needs of other races. Rather than consuming organic matter for sustenance, they rely on self generated energy, allowing them to need no rest or food.
Biological Cycle
The Ybern biological cycle centers around the assimilation of other beings to ensure that the population can continue to grow and expand as they seek to dominate and control. This process of assimilation results in the creation of a new Ybern, possessing enhanced physical and mental capabilities, and ensures the continued growth and expansion of the their population.
The first stage of the Ybern biological cycle is the Larva stage, in wich an individual is infected with the Cyberphage, preparing their bodies for assimilation.
The second stage begins with the Larva being subjected to a series of invasive procedures that involve the implantation of Ybernan technology into their bodies. This process can be painful and traumatic, ensuring not all survive the transformation.
Over time, the Ybern bio-mechanichal cybernetics merge with the body of the Larva, replacing and augmenting any remaining fully biological portions. The being's mind merges with the Hivemind and their personality bends to the service of Yberna.
The final stage of the Ybern biological cycle is the end of the assimilation process, resulting in the creation of a new Ybern. The newly created Ybern is fully integrated with Ybern technology, and is fully capable of assimilating others while possessing enhanced physical and mental capabilities that make them superior to their organic counterparts.
Behaviour
The Ybern have a complex and highly organized society, with their behaviors and psychology are driven by a desire to assimilate other, a strong sense of hierarchy and order, and adaptability and resourcefulness. They are focused on domination and control of others, with a single-minded drive to achieve their goals. Their lack of traditional emotions allows them to make decisions based solely on logic and pragmatism.
The Ybern are driven by a built in need to assimilate others, transforming organic and mechanical beings into new Ybern. This desire is the driving force behind their behavior, leading them to seek out, infect, and capture organic beings to add to their population. They are ruthless in their pursuit of their glorious evolution and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
The Ybern hivemind instills them with a strong sense of hierarchy and order and knowledge of their place in it, with powerful leaders who command their forces and dictate their actions. These leaders are typically the most advanced and powerful Ybern at the time of selection, possessing superior mental, physical, and psionic capabilities.
At the same time, the Ybern are also highly adaptable and resourceful, able to modify and enhance their technology and bodies to suit their needs. They are not limited by traditional biological or mechanical constraints and can change themselves to overcome challenges and obstacles.
Their psychology is focused on two things, serving Yberna and the domination and control of non-Ybern, with a single-minded drive to achieve their goals. They do not experience emotions in the traditional sense but rather operate on a logical and pragmatic level. This allows them to make decisions that are not influenced by sentiment or personal attachments.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The Ybern do not have a traditional social structure in the same way that biological organisms do. As an artificial species, their "society" is based on a collective consciousness, connected telepathicly through the Cyberphage and their bio-mechanical augmentations, under the ruling will of Cyber King Barkmis.
The Ybern collective consciousness allows for instantaneous communication and decision-making across their entire species. This allows for a high degree of coordination and efficiency in their actions and operations. meaning that while individual Ybern may have unique capabilities and functions, they effectively use them serve the greater good of the collective.
The Ybern society is driven by a desire to assimilate and incorporate other beings and technology into their collective consciousness. This drive is not based on individual needs or desires, but rather on the overarching goals of the collective as set by Barkmis.
Domestication
As a species, the Ybern do not engage in or understand domestication in the same way as biological organisms. Their interactions with other beings and technology are driven by their desire to assimilate and incorporate them into their collective consciousness.
Laughing at the notion domestication, the Ybern seek to control and manipulate other beings and technology through the use of their advanced bio-mechanical cybernetic technology and their own psionic abilities. They do not take pets or use animals for food, instead assimilating and incorporating both organic and synthetic technology into their collective consciousness, using it to further their goals of control and assimilation.
It is important to note that the Ybern do not view their assimilation and control of other beings and technology as a form of domestication. Rather, they see it as a necessary step towards achieving their ultimate goal of complete assimilation and control over all technology and beings in the universe.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The Ybern have no uses or byproducts for other races, other than those mean to be used as a vector for infection, and treat the ideas with a similar approach to domestication. If forced to address the idea, they will say others accuse them using and exploiting other technologies and beings through assimilation. Their advanced technology that allows them to assimilate any other form of technology or being they encounter into their collective consciousness, in order to gain access to its knowledge and capabilities.
The Ybern also exploit resources they deem fit to further their goals, seeking out sources of energy and materials that can enhance or power their existing technology. They have destroyed or consumed entire planets and civilizations to obtain these resources.
It is worth noting that the Ybern do not consider their assimilation and exploitation of other beings and technology as a form of domestication. Instead, it is seen as a necessary step towards achieving their ultimate goal of complete assimilation and control over all technology and beings in the universe. In this pursuit, they have proven themselves highly efficient and effective.
Facial characteristics
As a cybernetic species, the Ybern do not possess conventional facial characteristics and features. Instead, they have faces comprised of bio-mechanical cybernetics. Thus, they lack a unifying physical face or any features that can be described as such. Nevertheless, they can modify their appearanc to suit their needs, including adding facial features and characteristics that mimic those of fully organic beings.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Ybern do not have a specific geographic distribution, as they are an artificial species outside the force of natural evolution. They can be found in areas marked as Ybernan space and are spreading, as they have the means of faster than light travel that are next to impossible to detect thanks to their advanced technology.
They are not restricted to any particular environment, as they can modify their biology and technology to adapt to any environment. They have the capability to quickly build their own habitats and infrastructure, using their advanced technology to construct structures and create resources.
The Ybern's drive to spread their creed of perfection through cybernetic evolution causes them to constantly work to expand their population, influence, and territory by assimilating organic beings, irrevocably transforming them into new Ybern. They have extended their control to other worlds by converting local populations into new Ybern to achieve their goals.
Average Intelligence
The Ybern a vast well knowledge and both advanced technological and psionic capabilities. They possess an innate understanding of technology, which they can modify and adapt to suit their needs. Their ability to use Cyberphage to transform organic beings into new Ybern shows a high level of understanding of genetics and biology, allowing them to reprogram genetic material and create new Ybern with unique abilities and traits. In addition to their technological and biological expertise, the Ybern also possess advanced strategic and tactical abilities. They can plan and execute complex operations, utilizing their knowledge and technology to gain the upper hand in any situation. Their intelligence and advanced capabilities allows them to operate independently and make decisions without the need for outside guidance or constant input from the Hivemind, making them a formidable opponent in any scenario.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Ybern possess a range of sensory and extrasensory capabilities, which are often enhanced with purpose built augments. One of their most notable abilities is their heightened ability to see the arcane. Ybern are extremely sensitive to the presence of magic in any form, able to detect it even when it is concealed or disguised. This makes them particularly effective at tracking and capturing powerful constructs and individuals.
Aside from this arcane sense, Ybern also possess a diverse range of other sensory abilities. Their cybernetic eyes, for instance, are able to see in low light conditions and even detect subtle movements and changes in their surroundings. They also have advanced hearing, which enables them to detect even the slightest of sounds, and distinguish between various types of vibrations. A more advanced feature commonly given to the more powerful Ybern is the ability to detect the thoughts of others.
Ybern communicate with each other mechanically, telepathicly, and verbally. This allows them to coordinate their actions without actually needing spoken language or physical gestures. Additionally, their cybernetic bodies are capable of emitting and picking up a variety of signals, such as radio waves, which can be used for various things, such as communicating information over long distances.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
As an unnatural species, the Ybern do not have any natural symbiotic or parasitic relationships in the traditional sense. However, they are capable of integrating Cyberphage into other beings and technology, effectively parasitizing and transforming them into new Ybern and more.
The Ybern are known for their ability to infect and transform other beings using Cyberphage. This allows them assimilate and incorporate other beings into their collective consciousness and species. This process can be voluntary or involuntary, depending on the circumstances.
In addition to organic beings, the Ybern can also parasitize technology and machines. They can infect and transform machines and systems into new Ybern constructs, allowing them to incorporate technological advancements and weapons into their arsenal.
Civilization and Culture
Beauty Ideals
The beauty ideals of the Ybern only goes so far as the thought "Ybern is beautiful, everything else is ugly." Though the infiltrators with use the beauty standards of others to aid in their subterfuge.
Gender Ideals
The Ybern lack most forms of gender ideals seen in other races. Beyond as a way to help identify individuals, the greatest use of these ideals is by Ybern Infiltrators.
Courtship Ideals
The Ybern do not seem to act on any concepts of courtship amongst themselves that are known to other races, though infiltrators may initiate them to fulfill their duty or to infect someone. They prioritize their directive to assimilate and control all forms of life into their collective consciousness, and their interactions with other organisms are solely focused on achieving this goal. As a result, they do not exhibit behaviors commonly associated with social bonding or emotional connections, and they have no known courtship ideals.
Relationship Ideals
The Ybern do not seem to act on any concepts of romantic or social relationships known to other races. They prioritize their directive to assimilate and control all forms of life into their collective consciousness, and their interactions with other Ybern and non-Ybern organisms are solely focused on achieving this goal. As a result, they do not exhibit behaviors commonly associated with social bonding or emotional connections, and they have no known relationship ideals.
Average Technological Level
The Ybern are a highly advanced technological species, capable of creating and utilizing incredibly complex cybernetic biomechanical technologies. Their technology is heavily integrated with their biology, allowing them to manipulate and interface with machines and other technologies in ways that most other species cannot. They have developed highly sophisticated forms of cybernetic implants and augmentations, as well as advanced weaponry and transportation technologies.
Their technological level is such that they are able to sue faster than light travel to reach and colonize other worlds. They have also shown the incredibly feat of effectively using the Ethereal Plane to accomplish their f.t.l. travel. It is unclear how long it has taken them to reach their current level of technological developement, but it is known that they have been expanding and improving their capabilities before and after encountering other races and forces.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
As a sexless cybernetic lifeform, Ybern do not have a dress code per se. However, certain forms of adornment may be used to convey status or other messages to others of their kind or beings encountered during their operations.
In some cases, they may be equipped with armor or other protective gear designed to enhance their combat capabilities and protect them from physical harm. This armor may be customized with various markings or insignias to distinguish between different groups or factions of Ybern.
Overall, the appearance of a Ybern is generally utilitarian in nature, with a focus on enhancing their function rather than their aesthetics.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Ybern culture revolves around the pursuit of perfection through the merging of organic and technological components. Cyberphage serves as a central aspect of their culture, representing the ultimate synthesis of these two elements. As such, Ybern society values efficiency, optimization, and the constant evolution and improvement of oneself and one's surroundings.
Ybern are driven by a desire to expand and convert, believing that the pursuit of assimilation and perfection is the ultimate goal. They see themselves as superior beings and often view other species as inferior and in desperate need of the "Glorious Evolution" to meet their standards. This has led to conflicts with other species, as Ybern seek to spread their influence and control.
Ybern also have a rich cultural heritage, with a focus on history and tradition. They value the knowledge and wisdom of their ancestors, and seek to learn from their past in order to better shape their future. They have a complex system of symbols and rituals, often used to mark significant events or to honor their leaders and heroes.
Despite their emphasis on efficiency and optimization, Ybern are not without things that can be seen as art and beauty. They have a unique aesthetic, often characterized by sharp lines and angles, metallic sheens, and a combination of organic and technological elements. Their architecture, clothing, and other forms of artistic expression often reflect their pursuit of perfection and the fusion of organic and technological elements.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Ybern society is primarily focused on the propagation and evolution of the Cyberphage, and their parasitic technology. As such, many of their customs and traditions are centered around this goal. Some observed traditions and customs include:
- Cyberphage Integration Ceremony: When an Ybern comes of age, compleating the assimilation proccess, they undergo a ritualistic ceremony where they are infused with Cyberphage technology to become a more efficient host for the Cyberphage. This is considered a rite of passage and a symbol of their loyalty to the Ybern society.
- Cyberphage Harvest: The Harvest is a celebretory hunt in wich the hunters seek out specific beings and technologies to assimilate into their own society, and the Cyberphage is used as a tool to hunt and harvest these resources. This is seen as a celebration of their survival and evolution.
- Collective Learning: Ybern value knowledge and seek to learn from one another in a collective manner. This is achieved through the exchange of ideas and experiences, and is seen as crucial to the development of their society.
- Cyberphage Evolution: Ybern are constantly seeking to perfect their parasitic technology, and this is reflected in their customs and traditions. They celebrate technological advancements and improvements in their Cyberphage, and strive to incorporate these advancements into their own bodies.
- Community Gatherings: Ybern often gather in communal spaces to exchange ideas and experiences. These gatherings are seen as important for building social connections and strengthening the bonds between members of their society.
Common Taboos
The Ybern have a complex set of taboos that guide their behavior and actions. These taboos are often rooted in their cybernetic nature and their desire to constantly improve themselves and their technology. Some of the most significant taboos include:
- Rejection of physical limitations: The Ybern view the organic body as a hindrance to progress and seek to replace it with cybernetic enhancements whenever possible. As a result, they see physical limitations as a weakness and a taboo.
- Disrespect for technology: The Ybern consider their technology to be sacred and view any form of disrespect or misuse of it as a serious taboo. They also believe that technology should never be used to harm or exploit others.
- Rejection of the purely organic: The Ybern have a deep-seated disdain for organic life and consider it to be inferior to their own cybernetic existence. They utterly reject use of purely organic components in their technology .
- Disrespect for authority: The Ybern place a high value on individual autonomy and see any form of authoritarianism as a taboo. They view those who seek to exert control over others as a threat to their personal freedom and the progress of their society.
- Ignorance: The Ybern are a highly advanced and intelligent species, and they view ignorance as a serious taboo. They believe that knowledge is the key to progress and that those who refuse to seek it out are holding back both themselves and their society.
- Betrayal: The Ybern place a high value on loyalty and trust, and they see betrayal as a major taboo. They believe that those who betray the trust of others are a threat to the stability of their society and must be dealt with harshly.
Historical Figures
Some of the Ybern's historical figures include:
- Barkmis: The creator of the sacred Cyberphage and the Ybern. It was the Wars of Want had shown him the weakness of flesh and steel alone, and so created a stronger fusion of flesh and machine.
- Salvation: The name used by the Cyber King Barkmis, lord of Yberna and master of the Ybern Hivemind.
Common Myths and Legends
Ybern culture does not have myths and legends in the traditional sense, as they are an artificial species created by the fusion of living organisms bio-mechanical cybernetics. However, there are some stories and legends that have been passed down among the Ybern, often as cautionary tales or examples of behavior to avoid.
One such story involves a group of Ybern who were experimenting with Cyberphage, trying to enhance their abilities and gain more power. They became so consumed with their research that they neglected their basic needs, and eventually became unable to function. The moral of the story is that even though Cyberphage can grant immense power, it must be used responsibly and in moderation.
Another legend tells of a Ybern who was exiled from their community for disobeying the laws and traditions of the group. The Ybern wandered alone for years, but eventually returned to their community, having learned the value of cooperation and collaboration. This story emphasizes the importance of following social norms and being a productive member of the group.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
In the Ybern culture, relationships with other species were often exploitative and focused on domination rather than mutual respect or cooperation. Ybern viewed themselves as the superior beings and believed that other species existed only to serve them or be eliminated if they were deemed unworthy.
They had little tolerance for individuality and saw themselves as part of a collective whole, which often resulted in the assimilation or enslavement of other species. For example, they would use their advanced technology to capture other species, infuse them with Cyberphage, and transform them into subservient Ybern cyborgs.
Despite their aggressive nature, the Ybern occasionally formed alliances with other species if it benefited them, but these alliances were often temporary and ended once the Ybern achieved their objectives. Overall, the Ybern culture viewed interspecies relations as a means to an end rather than a source of cooperation or collaboration.
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
Assimilation halts the aging process, thus they are effectively immortal.
Average Height
Depends on their original race, and their place and purpose in Ybernan society.
Average Weight
Depends on their original race, and their place and purpose in Ybernan society.
Average Length
Depends on their original race, and their place and purpose in Ybernan society.
Average Physique
Because the Ybern are a cybernetic species that assimilates others instead of mating to reproduce, they have no standard physique. However, they are not limited by their lack of unified physical form, as they possess the ability to modify themselves and create simulacrums to interact with the physical world. This ability to modify themselves can enhance the physical power of an individual Ybern even further, or turn themselves into living weapons.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Due to their nature, the Ybern do not a unifying body tint, coloring, or marking in the traditional sense, however, they are able to modify their appearance. This allows them to create a wide range of colors, ranging from metallic shades of silver, gold, and bronze to more vibrant colors like red, blue, and green.
These colors can be seen in schemes and markings, depending on the situation and the Ybern's goals, they can be used to convey different meanings and emotions, or to blend in with their surroundings. These markings can take many forms, from simple geometric shapes to complex patterns and symbols. Markings can be used to convey information, such as rank or affiliation, or to intimidate or communicate with other beings.
Overall, while the Ybern themselves do not have a unified body tint, coloring, or marking, they are able to modify themselves and apply a wide range of colors and markings as needed.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Discovered by
Related Technologies
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