Ceilefians

Ceilefians have the ability to undergo an evolutionary process at an advanced rate when their environmental conditions and surroundings are altered around them. This generally happens quite quickly over a 90-day cycle. This is why there is an appearance difference between the two factions. It is quite clear which Ceilefians are of which belief.

The Ceilefs (land dwellers) have remained with the original “feline” like form based on their preference of environment, whereas the Ceilenuuk (temple dwellers) form has altered to become more upright with an elongation of their front appendages (paws). Their body mass reduces approximately 75% and their ribcages also contract. This mass reduction is what allows them to maintain their upright posture. A reduction in the amount of fur is also visible due to a more sheltered environment that provides a safe haven from threats.

There are two belief-based factions amongst the Ceilefians. Over time, this divide has been the cause of conflict. The direction that Ceilefians should progress was always brought into question by the arrival of the Discovery Lander on Ceiba.

Through the early stages -- 102 HD to 171 HD -- there were regular engagements in battle between the two factions. This slowed the development of the species until an encounter with a leviathan brought the species together.

It is from this point on that an existing sub-faction was introduced to help ease the tensions of the divide, and so it still stands to this day. This third faction plays the dual roles of judge and peacemaker when requested, yet holding no other authority. (See below.)

Ceiba is governed by two factions inclusive of a sub-faction.

These two factions each have three leaders who serve as representatives. Collectively, these leaders form Ceiba’s Council and rule over their planet and star system.

There is, however, one small group, a sub faction that is of a One Collective mindset. The Leader of this sub faction (the Rezeev) holds a role with this Council, but only for two purposes:

1) If the Council is unable make a decision, then they may agree to turn the matter over to the Rezeev. Once a decision is made by a representative of the Rezeev, that decision is final. If the Rezeev feel that the solutions presented are not in the best interest of the One Collective, however, then the Rezeev can decline the consideration and require a new proposal.

2) To share Council decisions with the Merge, while holding no authority on Ceiban politics.

Currently Ceilefians have pacts with individual star systems, whereby other species can visit but cannot live on Ceiba yet. There are only working agreements for gathering resources and other economic endeavors under “visa” type arrangements. This was the compromise arrived at after significant debate amongst the two factions.

Although both factions utilize the Lander’s transpod systems, the Ceilefs (land dwellers) are of the belief that they must maintain their connection with the land so as not to fall fate to a similar path as the Anuuk. The Ceilenuuk (temple dwellers) believe that they are predestined to take the path of complete acceptance of the Creator Tech and all that it encompasses for the advancement of the Ceilefian species. Today this subject of debate is largely avoided as it is very contentious between the two factions.

The two factions operate in a different manner to each other, although still abiding by a common law. The Ceilefs prefer to live off the land, while the Ceilenuuk choose to live a more tech-advanced life that requires a structured farming system.

With the use of tech, the Ceilenuuk have been able to build structures that extend out into and below the water’s edge in order to “farm” from the ocean to sustain their ecosystem of not having to “hunt” for their food.

The Lander itself forms the focal point of where the two factions visibly differ in terms of how they live. One side looks more untouched with dense jungle and natural landscapes, while the other shows technological advancement extending across the continent in sections.

There are transport networks in place for both air and land. Ocean and sea travel is avoided due to the number of creatures that are prevalent within those waters.

Shaun Tagatoa