Veilwalker
Like many other sentient species in the Beta-zone, the Aktangsi were affected by the presence and meddling of the Founders. Amongst the Aktangsi these are grouped together into one 'ethnicity' independent of wherever on the planet they actually come from, meaning these Veilwalkers often claim two or three ethnicities in censuses.
Incorporeal Abilities
An estimated 4.7% of the population have the ability to go invisible for up to an hour, and a further 3.2% are capable of short-distance transportation via shadows, leaving a total of approximately 7.9% of the population being designated Veilwalkers. Their own research has shown that while this invisibility doesn’t affect their own species’ heat-sensing abilities, these Aktangsi can shield themselves from it by allowing their temperature to match the surroundings, though in colder climates this can be dangerous for them to attempt for long. Those with what they call ‘shadowstep’ abilities seem to have a limit of around 200 Terran feet, and while it doesn’t have to be in visual range it is safer to be so. Those shadowstepping have some minor level of awareness of where they are stepping out into, and scientists have determined the exact level of darkness required for the ability to be used, though this is not shared outside their species and mostly unknown outside of practitioners. There has also never been a case of an Aktangsi having both, though it does seem to mostly follow family lines and those with each ability have produced offspring before. There also seems to be some kind of inherent growth-limiting factor, as the percentage of the population that are considered Veilwalkers has never risen far above 8% for as long as records go back.Societal Impact
Like many other Beta-Zone species, a proportion of their population having these odd abilities has affected their society and culture - but unlike other species, Aktangsi have quite relaxed and practical feelings surrounding it. There is little spiritual or political power assigned to being a Veilwalker. It is simply something that can occur, like having blue eyes or freckles in Terrans, and can be found in the humblest farmers and hunters to the echelons of the Aktangsi Circle. There are practical impacts, however, including their coming-of-age rituals, their community with each other, their part in society, and the consequences of these. It is generally understood that any Veilwalkers that survive to their majority will be likely to end up involved in some of the deadliest, grittiest conflicts in service of the BDA military as Shadows and if not that, then in military intelligence. As a consequence, the survivors that return home are often mentally ill, potentially dangerous to others around them, and fairly often considered ‘krrraktikat’ due to actions or behaviours during or after their military stints. The inevitable death, injury, or outcasting of Veilwalker children awaiting them in the future often leads to them being treated by their families and peers as something precious, but a little distant; doted on, but not very attached to. Familial relationships and mental health can be rather strained by this behaviour, which feeds into itself in a vicious cycle.Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Veilwalkers look out for each other. They have a way of interacting with the world and life experiences that other people simply don't. Their community is somewhat analogous to the queer community of 20th and 21st-century Terra - there is an overarching sense of belonging, more or less engagement depending on an individual, a general ability to be able to spot each other and signal to each other, and an overarching focus on acceptance and support.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
While not able to be recognised in the womb or at birth, Veilwalkers will usually be recognised as children. Even if medical tests are not done - recommended, but not a necessity - to pick up the unique enzymes that Veilwalkers have, they usually start to develop their abilities before the first majority. Any suspected Veilwalkers have to be tested at a Circle facility and be registered if positive so that they can receive the correct medical treatments if necessary.
Coming of Age Rites
Veilwalkers have slightly different coming-of-age rites than other Aktangsi, and are one of the few truly consistent things across all Aktangsi cultures. On top of whatever other coming-of-age rites they might observe or celebrate, all Veilwalkers pick a Sky Name after a week of deliberation as it is generally understood that they will be going off-planet sooner rather than later.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Veilwalkers are actually always buried regardless of their local culture's usual practices. Their powers, it is said, comes from the cradle of their homeworld, from the shadows between the layers of leaves of the huge jungle trees, and so their powers must return to the ground and the cycle began anew.
Major organizations
Aktangsi Circle
Shadows
Encompassed species
"They appeared as if all of our defences, all of the walls between us, meant nothing. Three of them in the room with us suddenly, at our backs, where we'd all been staring at the one entrance. We never stood a chance." - Excerpt from statement of smugglers found tied up with a signal beacon next to them
