Mesede

Basic Information

Anatomy

Because of the many predators that roam their planet, about 10% of Mesede have gained the ability to shift from a regular form to a larger "soldier form", more fit for scaring off, and if necessary fighting, predators. When these Mesede, known as "shifters" or "soldiers", transform, they rapidly gain muscle mass, grow taller, and grow spikes out of their back and tail. Due to natural anesthetic released by the cells, the transformation is usually mostly painless after the first few attempts. Some theorize that all Mesede are actually capable of shifting, but most do not have the natural anesthetics, and thus, like how the brain yanks a hand away from a hot stove, their bodies are simply unable to do it because it would be too painful.

Ecology and Habitats

The Mesede have mostly evolved to live in the mountains and cliffs of their home planet. Traditional Mesede towns are built into the mountains and cliffs, with tunnels interconnecting different areas like an artificial cave system. In general, a home's placement on the mountain shows the social position of the Mesed who owns it. Poorer Mesede tend to live further down and further within the rock, whereas the wealthier live further up and sometimes have homes built right on the side of the cliff (or top of the mountain, as the case may be).

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Mesede culture is heavily based on a love of art and craftsmanship. It is a meritocracy where the most skilled craftsmen hold leadership. The government is a council made up of the heads of all the guilds, and each guild has its own, smaller council. Official rankings are decided based on biennial contests known as the Besial, which are judged by a combination of local guild leaders and elders. These contests determine official craftsmen rankings for the next two years, the records of which are meticulously kept and updated. These rankings can shift slightly depending on feats completed in the meantime, but the largest changes take place at the contest.

In Guilds, innovation isn’t frowned upon, exactly, but there’s a lot of red tape to make sure it’s actual innovation and not just cutting corners. Thus, most people keep any innovations they make to themselves. Helping this case is that Mesede culture tends to be very conservative and tradition-based.