Vercite

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Vercite is the native language of the Vercite people.

Culture and cultural heritage

Under their ancient caste system, young adults chose membership in one of three groups: the Augmented, warriors and adventurers who modified their bodies with technology; the Pure Ones, who rejected all personal augmentation but dedicated themselves to food production, governance, and other domestic responsibilities; and the scarred God-Vessels, who served as living avatars of their deities, burning holy symbols called devotionals into their chests.
Though this caste system is now seen as archaic, with most Verthani augmenting themselves to one degree or another and paying only lip service (at best) to the old ways, many still credit their caste system with the head start that placed Verces at the cutting edge of implant technology.

Shared customary codes and values

There is one value that all Vercites hold sacred - the Rails. While on the rails, no hostility is accepted. No harsh words are to be said, resulting in a small custom of arguments stopping mid-sentence only to travel in silence for a few minutes and continue the moment their feet are out of the carriage. This is enforced both by a powerful social pressure but also by a small cadre of guards, who can summon as many nanotech golems as needed to neutralise those who would disturb the sanctity of the Rails.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Traditionally, the Augmented and God-Vessels were only allowed to marry the Pure Ones. This prevented any of the three groups becoming too powerful and dominating the others. Sex outside of marriage was an offence punishable by death, a penalty that was lifted at some point during the Gap.

Major organizations

The Augmented have grown into a faction beyond simply serving the Verthani, and now exist as a bastion of refuge for all cybernetically-enhanced beings.

The Outlaw Kingdoms

Mostly made up of the native Verthani who have been forced by thugs, coin or paperwork out of The Ring and into the less profitable lands. Here, they are often forced to turn to various crimes and even raiding, simply to survive.

Encompassed species