Vitae Project

## Introduction

In the early years golden age of humanity (2546-2734), humans began a project to do something no other species had done before: creating life from scratch. Scientists traveled all across the LoS controlled area and collected samples of DNA (Or DNA equivalent) and studied every sample. After about two years of study, the creation began. All of the creatures and plant life created were dropped onto a barren world terraformed in 2547, called Novus. The entire planet would be considered a natural reservoir, with only a small territory on the north pole for anyone visiting the planet. Only scientists and wealthy citizens were able to visit due to the high restriction for anyone wishing to visit, but there is a massive collection of images available for everyone else to see. Some of the plants, like the Gravet Tree are grown on other worlds for consumption purposes, but most species are endemic to Novus. The planetary system Novus is in, the Lhangfa System, has 6 very similar rocky planets.

### Fieran

By far the most intelligent creature ever created by humanity, it is also among the weirdest as well. With two long arms in the front and two stubby legs in the back, this species survives by intellect and wit alone. Fieran skin is coated in thick reddish brown fur, and the fieran head resembles a sloth and praying mantis. Their eyes are small, beady and can be considered awkward to certain people. By early human standards, an average Fieran could even pass as sentient. The most intelligent Fieran have been known to understand basic calculus and are able to hold a conversation with humans. Most of the Fieran live around Novus in small, peaceful tribes. The largest of these tribes has around 1,000 citizens residing in it. These tribes are tolerant of each other, but hold different beliefs. Most of the Fieran worship humans as living gods who visit frequently to help the Fieran live life easily. Towards the end of the golden age for Humanity, humans uplifted the Fieran and boosted them up into their equivalent of the Industrial Revolution. They were carefully warned, however, to not destroy their ecosystems and only do what is necessary. Today, the Fieran are the only species created from nothing to be intelligent enough to do calculus, and in the future will be allowed to join the galactic community.

### Lantern Iguana

The lantern iguana was the first ever custom organism. When the scientists who originally seeked for research on DNA returned, they began creating what would be the Lantern Iguana. DNA was assembled in small parts and put together with some of the most advanced technology ever seen by humanity. When the first set of chromosomes were complete, scientists began constructing the embryo of the cell, and after 5 months, it was complete. The cell was modelled after those found on Earth, but also included other features including the Luminescence Module, an organelle which produces light when desired by the organism, and an organelle never seen before, created to detect foreign DNA from viruses and destroy the DNA. Finally, it was zapped, and sprung to life. Within the first few weeks, the cell grew from being only seen through a microscope, to being visible to the naked eye. By the third month, the creature was done with its embryonic stage, and ready to be “born” (taken out of i’s embryonic chamber). It had 4 long legs, a scaled body, and a long tail with a spike at the end. The lizard was named the Lantern Iguana for its luminescence.

### Gravet Tree

Starting at the exact same time as the Lantern Iguana, scientists began creating new plantlife, including grasses, trees, and algae. The most important creations were some of the life which would be used for food, including the Gravet Tree. The Gravet Tree was first organised at the same time as the Lantern Iguana, but took about 3 years before it started growing the fruit. The Gravet fruit resembled a pinecone, but rather than being hard and brittle, the leaves of the fruit could be peeled off and the thicker part of the leaves could be eaten similar to an artichoke. The remainder of the leaves could then be dropped and would eventually grow into another Gravet Tree. The Gravet Tree is one of few species that can be found in multiple planets throughout the galaxy.

### Bransons Eagle

This bird of prey, created in 2567, is one of the largest birds of prey ever seen and the largest created by man. With a wingspan of over 10 feet, these birds have been known to pick up very large animals weighing over 100 pounds. Their feathers are mostly brown, and on the crest of the bird, they are tipped grey. The name was chosen due to the scientist who started the project and created much of the traits for it.

### Cyna Bush

The cyna bush is a small bush found throughout Novus, which produces sweet tasting berries. When too many berries are eaten by one organism, the consumer can become deathly ill, usually leading to death. A genetically modified version of the Cyna Bush was created without poisonous berries, which are commonly eaten and found in foods throughout the galaxy. The poisonous variant, however, are endemic to Novus.