REsubject

Everyone born here in these labs, born here as a result of the research project is a Novus. Homo sapien novus to be exact, but since that's a quite mouthful, usually we go by just Novus. That's what the scientists named our kind. We are Homo sapiens, in the same way the Canis lupus familiaris are Canis lupus. Meaning just like the dogs are descended from wolves, we are descended from humans. Of course the dogs evolved from wolves naturally. We were created in labs, unnaturally modified until our human heritage became something else. And now we're as different from regular humans as dogs are from wolves. Similar, but not the same.
So the scientists decided to call us Homo Sapien Novus. The new version, so to speak, as novus means new.  We didn't appreciate the litle joke there, but that's their own fault. They didn't create us to have good manners or a sense of humor. But calling all of us simply Novus wasn't good either. If you compare two Novus, well they can be as different as night and day. Or, as different as a hunting dog from a guard dog, if we're still using the same analogy.
So, to make things easier for themselves, the researches had to differentiate between us. Couldn't refer to us as Novus when they were reffering to a spesific type of Novus now could they? So they had to come up with more specific names for us.
No, they didn't name each and every one of us. That would have taken too much effort, would have made us too human for them. After all, it's the things that hold importance which are usually named ? Things that are distinguished from others of their kind. All the scientists bothered to do with us was to distinguish us from the other types of Novus. Wouldn't do to ruin a test by mixing us their test subjects right?
In our lab they kept calling us research subjects, and one of the assistants took it upon himself to find a new name for us. Something more original, he said. First he started calling us REsubjects. He explained that research subjects was too long, and hey, simply saying REsubject was faster. It didn't take long for all of the scientists to start calling us that. Later the assistant started to call us REs, but thankfully that didn't catch on.
I still remember that assistant. His face, his voice. The tone he used when he said Resubject, and later REs. No matter how demeaning the name was to us, he didn't think about it like that. He just didn't think. Didn't care. For him there was no emotions involved. He was just being logical. The name was catchy, he felt. But it didn't really matter to him or to any of the scientists, what they called us. Hell, they didn't name each one of us. They just used a term to group us together and when that group was too large, divided it down by other terms.
We had no names and according to them, we didn't even need them. We weren't living beings for them, just something to use.
To just be called a research subject? Well that really didn't give us a whole lot of identity. But we built it for ourselves. Pieced it together piece by piece.

- Beacon, the First Commander of REsubs

REsubjects are the Novus created in the labs of Undercity. They were one of the first Novus to rebel against their captors and to gain their freedom.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Beacon likes to say that if you compare two Novus, well chances are that you'll find just as many, if not more differences than similarities between them. The same is true for us REsubjects. The scientist created many different kinds of REsubjects. Sometimes it's as hard for our kind to understand each other. Our perception of the world differs as much as our capabilities. But still we stick together, overcome our differences. We have an understanding, us Novus of the Undercity.
-Fenton, the Foci

Subgroups

REsubjects can be divided rougly into three main subgroups, the Sonus, the Cattas, and the Lumens. REsubjects are a diverse group, even within their subgroups and therefore exact categorization of individuals is difficult.The REsubjects themselves are fairly relaxed in categorizing themselves and generally don't care about sorting themselves neatly into subgroups. If a REsubject states they belong to a certain subgroup, the others accept it even if the REsubject doesn't fit their category at all.

Sonus

The REsubjects that were created to have echolocation capabilities are referred to as Sonus. Even though there were many Sonus created originally, when the scientists discovered that most of the created Sonus were not able to master their echolocation abilities they were destroyed or used as expendable test subjects in more dangerous, painful or lethal experiments. Later less Sonus were created as the original experiment was considered a failure.
Most surviving Sonus have difficulties with understanding what they were sensing, and thus their ability is of little use. Later, some newer Sonus were deliberately made to have inferior eyesight in the hopes that it would force the Sonus to use echolocation, but even then their abilities did not reach the levels the scientists wanted.
The Sonus tend to have larger ears than average, some even have thin points to their ears. While the scientists did not intentionally create the Sonus to have this charasteristic, most scientist believed that it was a result of the adding the ecolocation abilities into their genome. The ability required a better hearing and so, the ears and the hearing of Sonus became enchanced as well.

Cattus

The REsubjects that were created to have night vision, were referred to as Cattus. The sccientists were attempting to create a Novus with a better eyesight, night vision in particular. They were created to have eyes with tapetum lucidum, like cats, resulting in visible eyeshine effect. The REsubjects with tapetum lucidum have difficulty seeing the difference between red and green, and are more or less red-green colourblind. Their night vision is roughly ten times better than humans, and seven times better than other Novus.
It could be said that the experiment to create Cattus was a success, however the enchanced eyesight in itself wasn't good enough to the scientists, and they continued their experiments. The Cattus subgroup is the largest and most diverse one, because the scientists used the fairly simple process and the low risk of failure in creating them to make new and improved versions, hoping to modify them even further to make them more useful.

Lumens

When the scientists couldn't make the Sonus' echolocation abilities work in the way they wanted, they decided to attempt to make Resubjects with bioluminescence. The scientist thought that if these Novus that they called Lumens, could create their own light source, they could live in complete darkness and make the echolocation unnecessary. The scientists managed to make REsubjects with glowing patches but the glow didn't create enough light to see in the dark.
Lumens are the newest REsubjects, as well as the second rarest ones after the Sonus. While there were more Sonus created originally, most of them perished before the REsubjects won their freedom. When the scientists deemed the Lumens experiment a failure, they stopped creating more Lumens. They didn't have time to destroy many of the ones that already were created however, as soon after all the REsubjects rebelled.

Anatomy

All Novus have been created to be at the peak of the human physique. However, when compared to other Novus, the REsubjects tend to have slimmer builds, made more for stealth than strength. This is because the Undercity is located in the Curvewall Canyon where there is little competition from other humans and so, little need for superior soldiers to be used for attacks or defense. Instead, Undercity scientists preferred to make their subjects agile and fast. Because REsubjects were created to fit in the subterranean terrain, the scientist also preferred to make them shorter than the other Novus in different labs. The scientist thought that if they needed the REsubjects to travel the often narrow and cramped passageways of the older Undercity, they would need to be smaller.

Colour

Skin tones

Most REsubjects have less pigment when compared to humans, resulting in pale or greyish skin tones. The colour of their skin varies from light to dark, but the tone of it tends to be rather dull. There are few exceptions, for example, Beacon has a fairly unique, at least for a REsubject, bronze skin tone.

Eye colours

Their eye colour tends to be either hazel or brown, with only a few blue- or grey-eyed REsubjects ever born. Brown eye colour varies from amber to dark, nearly black, brown. Some REsubjects have green eyes, but that is almost as rare as blue eyes.

Hair colour

Their hair colour also tends to be in a muted shade, ranging from light brown to black. Blonde or red hair is extremely rare. Most tend to have medium brown hair colour, and there are fewer with lighter than darker hair.

Defects

REsubjects were created for a function. Weak, ill or otherwise faulty subjects were often discarded or even killed. Some were left to live, and they served as servants, doing manual tasks. They were often subjected to abuse. Faulty REsubjects are usually born with a genetic defect. For example, in some extreme cases, some REsubjects are born either completely blind or with abnormal eyes that don't work properly, even if the probability is low. Another problem seemed to be deafness, which has occurred slightly more often than blindness. There are REsubjects were born either completely or partly deaf.

Undesired traits

There are cases where the scientists failed to modify the right genes and as a result, some of the REsubjects were born with undesirable traits, such as fur, tail, claws or other noticeable features that the scientists didn't want. As the REsubjects were supposed to blend in with humans, noticeable differences were not desired. Many of these REsubjects were killed, but some were left alive for further testing as fodder for more experimental studies. There are not many still alive, but few managed to survive.

Genetics and Reproduction

Genetics

The scientists modified and mutated the genetics of REsubjects at their will. They tried to make sure the REsubjects were free of genetic disorders, and mostly they succeeded. There were a few failures, but those were often the result of the scientists introducing new genes to the genome, and worst failures were destroyed.

Reproduction

REsubjects reproduce like normal humans, with either other Novus or with humans. At first, when the scientists were creating REsubjects, they made sure to keep the REsubjects from breeding uncontrollably. Thus they made sure to give birth control shots to the females and to discourage female-male groupings in their labs. They created most new REsubjects from kidnapped humans, females and males.
When the scientists thought that they had enough REsubjects created to have strong genetic diversity, they started to use their existing REsubjects to breed a new generation. This insured that their modified genetics would be inherited and that the scientist didn't have to modify more embryos unless necessary.

Growth Rate & Stages

REsubjects have similar growth rates as other Novus, however, they tend to be a bit smaller than other Novus at each stage.
Like all Novus, they tend to live a bit longer than humans, if they reach old age. Many Novus die young as a result of violence. REsubjects that live in the Undercity tend to be less involved in fighting than other Novus, mostly this is due to the fact that Undercity is rather secluded and outsiders rarely visit. In Undercity, most are REsubjects, have REsubject heritage or family members that are REsubjects. This keeps the fights between humans and REsubjects uncommon.

Ecology and Habitats

REsubjects can inhabit any place that a human can. Since some of them also have better night vision, echolocation or bioluminescence, they can thrive in the underground, as well as in harsher environments in comparison to humans.
As they tend to be slender and dexterious, they are able to move fast in the dense forest of Curvewall Canyon. They hunt prey there, and scout the underground tunnels. They thrive living in their territory, and only a few ever want to leave.

Dietary Needs and Habits

REsubjects eat a lot of meat to gain enough protein, but they also eat a lot of plants and mushrooms. They hunt by stalking and then attacking prey, attempting to bring the animal down quickly. Most often their prey is deer, moose, rabbit or waterfowl.
They gather edible plants in the summer, their preferred food being ripe berries. There are a lot of blueberry patches in the forest, and many REsubjects compete on who can find the most during the summer.
In the autumn, REsubject scourage for mushrooms, with best places to pick them being highly guarded secret.

Biological Cycle

Because REsubjects spend so much time underground, where seasonal changes are minimal, they tend not to notice such things. Time passing only affects how they gather food. In the summer and autumn, they gather as much food as they can from the Curvewall Canyon forests, plants and mushrooms and in the winter they try to bring down large prey, such as mooses. In the spring they dig up whatever they can and fish from the river.

Additional Information

Social Structure

REsubjects tend to form tightly knit groups. Some create smaller family units, consisting of 2-9 members who are all considered close family members regardless of actual lineage, and some create larger clans, having from 10 to 30 members. Most of all these family units and clans do not have a strict hierarchy. Older members are respected and the members selected to teach the rest of the members have a high status among their pupils.
In Undercity, where most of the Resubjects live, their family units and clans are managed by Keepers. Keepers ensure the wellbeing of all REsubjects living in their territory, and all Keepers belong to an Undercity council called Arc, that keeps everything running smoothly. Sometimes Keepers are also referred to as councilmen or councilwomen, but it is not considered a high praise.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

REsubjects, like all Novus, were created by the scientist to be exploited. They were made to be used, in whatever capacity necessary. Some were used for cheap, manual labour, others for gathering or hunting food. The best of them were used in scavaging for materials, parts and expensive tradable items.

Facial characteristics

Most of the REsubjects resemble humans. Some, however, are easier to spot, having slitted pupils, pointed ears or fangs. Typically REsubjects tend to have long faces, with distinctive brow. Lumens of course, also have patches of skin that glow. These patches usually are either high on their cheeks or on their forehead. Most Lumens have tiny spots, like freckles, but some have larger areas of bioluminescent areas.

Average Intelligence

Most have at least similar levels of intelligence as humans, but many are far more intelligent in comparison.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Because the REsubjects were made to thrive in the dark underground, the scientist prized attributes that improved the night vision of REsubjects. However, some scientist thought that in order to live in the dark, night vision was not required. These scientists tried to create REsubjects that could work in areas with little to no light. They were instead intended to have either echolocation capabilities or keen hearing or sense of smell. However, not all of the REsubjects could manage to manifest these abilities nor master them, and the scientist considered them more or less, failures.
However, all the REsubjects tend to have better spatial awareness, as a result of living nearly all their lives underground. Their eyesight tends to be a bit worse, though the Cattus are an exception to this rule. They tend to have a very average hearing for a Novus, though compared to a human, all their senses are better.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The REsubjects have control of the Undercity after their rebellion, but they couldn't get rid of all the humans. Some were completely innocent, and some either had blood ties to the REsubjects or had a relationship with them. However, because all the REsubjects were treated cruelly by humans, this makes the relationship between the two factions a bit rocky at times. The REsubjects outnumber humans in Undercity, and are in charge of the city. Most humans have assisting roles in society.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

When REsubjects were in the labs, the scientist kept their hair short. As a result, now that they are free, they tend to fixate on hair. The longer the hair, more they admire it: they love to comb their fingers through hair or tangle their hands into tresses.
However, because most REsubjects tend to be very utilitarian, they prefer to keep their hair up and away from their faces, to keep it from interfering or distracting. When they have free time, they make beautifully intricate hairstyles for celebrations and events to wow others.

Courtship Ideals

While some Novus, the more aggressive types, tend to show their appreciation by fighting, the REsubjects prefer to showcase themselves as able providers.
When dating, REsubjects love to cook for their partner or give them gifts of food: berries, plants or quality cuts of meat. Some give out trinkets as well, but most appreciated gifts are those that have been personally gathered or cooked.
REsubjects do not tend to go out for dates, it's more common that they ask for a chance to cook for the other person. Usually the person who makes the offer will cook in their home for the other party. Given their interest level, they will bring a gift. It is somewhat expected that the person issuing the invitation will cook, but it's not uncommon for both partners to cook together either.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Commonly REsubjects let their hair down only in private. As they have long hair that's usually put up when they're in public, they relax and put their hair down when they get home. How close and trusted a REsubject considers others can be seen by if they are willing to leave their hai loose in their presence. If a REsubject trusts the person and is familiar enough with them, they will not put their hair up in their presence, should their hair already be down. If a REsubject considers them a stranger or not worthy of their trust, they will quickly tie their hair up, even in a simple bun if not something more intricate.

Common Taboos

All REsubjects honor giving or refusing consent. They also commonly make sure to check that the other person will consent before acting. For example touching other in any way, doing anything to them, either in medical or other sense would be a subject for a consent request.

History

Novus were originally bred from people kidnapped from aboveground (creating rumors of underground kidnappers and cannibals), but in time, when people traveled less and did so only in bigger groups, Undercity gave the order that the first child of any woman would be given to science. When women turned 20, they were ordered to be used in breeding the REsubs. They were fertilized with sperm and the embryo was then mutated to fit whatever the scientist was attempting to create. The women gave birth to the REsubs and were then given the right to live as they wanted. Later, when the population was growing too much, too fast, orders were changed so the women were allowed to keep two children, the first and any children after the two allowed children having to be given to research.
Later, when the scientists had enough REsubs, they used them in breeding new REsubs.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Novus

Scientific Name

Homo sapiens novus

Lifespan

roughly 95-100 years

Average Height

males 165-180 cm females 160-170 cm

Average Weight

60-80 kg

Average Physique

Slender, short, agile

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin tone is usually light or greyish in tone.

Related Ethnicities

• Undersubjects