Hemospectrum

***Blood*** *redirects here. For the Aspect, see **Blood (Aspect)***

The hemospectrum refers to the range of twelve distinct blood colors possessed by trolls, forming the foundation of the caste system used by all trolls. Lusii, the creatures that care for trolls, also share these blood colors and typically have the same color as their charge.

Each troll's astrological sign is determined by their blood color, and there are extensive sets of symbols corresponding to each caste. The Extended Zodiac showcases 24 signs for every caste. Trolls display their signs on their clothing in their blood color, and many trolls opt for additional accessories in the same hue. Additionally, many trolls use their blood color when typing, a practice reminiscent of hemotyping, an ancient tradition where individuals typed using their own blood color.

Cherubs, on the other hand, possess two blood colors arranged in a binary system, unlike the spectrum seen in trolls.

### Biology

Troll blood gets its color from a melanin-like ingredient specific to their position on the hemospectrum. This pigment saturates various parts of their bodies, including their tears. Lusii, who share the same blood color, also exhibit these colors. The heat of a troll's touch can indicate their likely blood range, suggesting that the average body temperature decreases as one moves up the spectrum.

#### Lifespan & Population

Trolls with higher blood colors tend to have longer lifespans. Rust bloods typically live only a dozen or two sweeps (equivalent to 26 to 50 years), while lower blood castes have lifespans similar to humans. Green castes can live over a hundred years, and blue bloods outlive bronze bloods by centuries. Fuchsia bloods have an extraordinary lifespan, spanning hundreds of thousands or possibly millions of years.

Population distribution among castes is inversely proportional to their lifespan. Lower castes have larger populations, whereas fuchsia bloods are extremely rare. Jade bloods, described as having a minimal population, stand out as an exception.

Gender ratios vary across castes. Jade bloods are predominantly female, and only female fuchsia bloods are known. Blues, indigoes, and purples are generally male-dominated castes, although it's uncertain if this refers to the gender ratio or the distribution of power within these castes.

#### Psychic Powers

Lower blood trolls are more likely to possess psychic powers, such as telekinesis in rust and gold bloods, and animal communion in bronze bloods. These psychic trolls are resistant to mind control but vulnerable to Gl'bgolyb's Vast Glub, often being the first casualties when it strikes. Some higher castes, like Blue bloods, can control minds, while Purple bloods can amplify fears through dreams and create puppets using their psychic powers, known as chucklevoodos.

### Caste System

#### Mutants

Mutants are trolls with blood colors outside the usual spectrum. They are considered the lowest caste, even lower than lowbloods, and often face discrimination. Mutant blood colors can vary widely, but they are generally perceived as impure and are looked down upon by other trolls.

#### Lowbloods

Lowblood trolls have red, brown, and yellow blood. They are at the bottom of the hierarchy and are often oppressed by higher castes. Lowbloods are usually tasked with menial labor and are considered expendable by the higher castes. Some lowbloods have psychic abilities related to their blood color.

* Rust Bloods: Rust-blooded trolls are the most common lowbloods and occupy the lowest rung of the Hemospectrum. They are typically assigned menial tasks and labor, often involving agriculture or maintenance work. Due to their low status, they face discrimination and are frequently subjected to violence from higher castes. Rust-blooded trolls rarely have access to education or advanced technology, leading to a relatively primitive lifestyle.
* Bronze Bloods: Bronze-blooded trolls share a similar social standing with rust-blooded trolls. They are also relegated to low-status jobs and lack significant privileges. Bronze-blooded trolls may work in hazardous environments or perform tasks that are deemed undesirable by higher castes. They, too, face prejudice and are marginalized within troll society.
* Gold Bloods: Gold-blooded trolls have slightly more privileges than rust and bronze-blooded trolls. They might hold positions as clerks, assistants, or other support roles. While they have slightly better access to education and resources compared to rust and bronze-blooded trolls, they are still considered low in the social hierarchy. Gold-blooded trolls are often overlooked and dismissed by higher castes, leading to feelings of alienation and frustration.

#### Midbloods

Midblood trolls have green and teal blood. They occupy a middle position in the hierarchy, above lowbloods but below highbloods. Midblood trolls have more privileges than lowbloods but are still considered inferior by highbloods. Some midbloods possess unique abilities associated with their blood color.

* Olive Bloods: Olive-blooded trolls occupy the midblood caste and have a moderate social standing. They have unique abilities associated with their blood color, such as enhanced strength or agility. Olive-blooded trolls often work in areas of science, engineering, or research. They might have access to better resources and education than lowbloods, but their status is still far from that of highbloods. Olive-blooded trolls are respected for their skills and knowledge within their specialized fields.
* Jade Bloods: Jade-blooded trolls are known for their nurturing and healing abilities. They often serve as caretakers and medical practitioners, providing essential support to the troll community. Jade-blooded trolls are highly valued for their compassion and healing skills and play a crucial role in the well-being of the troll population.
* Teal Bloods: Teal-blooded trolls remain in this category, known for their advanced psychic abilities and roles related to technology, communication, and intelligence gathering. They are respected for their mental prowess and often serve as advisors or strategists in various endeavors.

#### Highbloods

Highblood trolls have blue blood. They are at the top of the Hemospectrum and hold positions of power and authority in troll society. Highbloods are often military leaders, aristocrats, or influential figures. They have psychic powers and are respected and feared by lower castes.

* Blue Bloods: Blue-blooded trolls continue to be at the top of the lowblood spectrum and hold significant power and influence in troll society. They are often military leaders, tacticians, or high-ranking officials. Blue-blooded trolls possess formidable psychic abilities, allowing them to manipulate the minds and emotions of others. They are respected and feared for their psychic prowess and are tasked with maintaining order and control among lower castes. Blue-blooded trolls are the enforcers of the social hierarchy, ensuring that the lower castes remain in their designated roles.
* Indigo Bloods: Indigo-blooded trolls are elite members of the military and intelligence agencies. They possess powerful psychic skills and play crucial roles in maintaining the stability of troll society. Indigo-blooded trolls are often strategists and key figures in espionage, contributing to the security and dominance of the highbloods within troll society.
* Purple Bloods: Purple-blooded trolls are high-ranking members of the troll hierarchy. They are known for their manipulative abilities and political acumen, often serving as cunning advisors and diplomats. Purple-blooded trolls play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of troll society and are highly influential in decision-making processes, utilizing their cunning and intelligence to navigate the complex world of troll politics.

#### Seadwellers

The highest caste in the Hemospectrum, Seadwellers consist of violet and fuchsia bloods. Violet-blooded trolls are higher than other highbloods but are still subordinate to the fuchsia-blooded trolls, who hold the ultimate authority among the Seadwellers. Seadwellers have the ability to survive underwater, and they enjoy a privileged position in troll society. They often live in underwater palaces and wield significant power.

* Violet Bloods: Violet-blooded trolls remain part of the Seadweller caste, known for their physical prowess and survival skills underwater. They often live in extravagant underwater palaces and have a significant influence over lower castes. Violet-blooded trolls are renowned for their combat abilities and often hold positions of authority in the military, guarding the interests of the Seadweller caste.
* Fuchsia Bloods: Fuchsia-blooded trolls retain their position as the ultimate authority among trolls. They possess immense psychic abilities, including mind control, and serve as the rulers and royalty of troll society, shaping the destiny of their civilization. Fuchsia-blooded trolls play an unparalleled role in the political and social dynamics of troll society, commanding the respect and loyalty of all other castes and holding the fate of the troll race in their hands.