Races

The residents of the New Aeon Aggregate are all descendants of humanity but the many do not consider them human. Through a combination of technological enhancements and genetic alteration several "post-sapiens" races have evolved. "Ona" (from the nickname "Aeoner") is a term for any of these races that originated in New Aeon. But the terms "human", "humanity", etc, is still used as a general term for any type of people. "Ringer" is a general term for anyone who lives in a space habitat.

General groups:

* Nocturnals
* Astrals / Mosseni
* Steelbloods / Shtal Ona
* Kesslers
* Velona
* Bone Ringers / Bone Vel
* Chitinous / Aranaya
* Scur
* Stoneskins / Thenaki

## Kesslers

Kesslers are the most "human" inhabitants of New Aeon. Many who live in space habitats long term, have been modified for space life in order to better adapt to low gravity environments and better interface with space suits. A "Kessler" refers to a person who has undergone the default minimal modification necessary for long term space life. Some of these changes are to the DNA thus making them biologically distinct from traditional humans. And the rest of the changes are surgical. These modifications are routinely performed at birth for most.

Originally, "kessler" was a disparaging nickname given to space dwellers by Earthers. The Kessler Syndrome being the name for the possible scenario of a domino effect wherein objects in earth's orbit impact other objects which throw out more debris and preventing the use of that area of space. The implication being that the space dwellers were simply dangerous space junk that clutter up orbit.

## Nocturnals

### Astrals / Mosseni

#### Yoru

Spotted patterns

Forearm tendrils,

#### Kuragki

Glowing freckles, or linear patterns

Shoulder/back tentacles,

Generally darker skin

#### Mothran

Large patches, Glowing hair more common

Fishy fin-like features

no tendrils

## Other

Pelagic

Ansuk / Fringekin

Vost / Vostona

(Scenders)

## Ancestral

### Ringers

A ringer is a generic term for any person who lives or was raised in a space station as opposed to earth. New Aeon was founded by ringers that felt that space life was superior to living on earth and wanted to sever their ties to earth governments. The term originated early in space colonization history and referred to people who lived in rotate space habitats which were often called "rings".

### Blind Ringers

The ancestors of the Kesslers, and an influential group in the original Chiliad movement during the formation of New Aeon. Originally made up of typical ringers who were experimenting with new genetic enhancements to eye sight. The enhancements proved particularly effective and the feature became popular in the region. Unfortunately, the science was still new and there were unforeseen consequences that didn't manifest until the 3rd or 4th generation when a large percentage of those born with the gene were born blind and required artificial eyes. at that point in history, electronic eyesight technology was being refined so integrating artificial eyes was simpler than undoing the genetic defect so this became the norm and became a defining characteristic of the new race.

### Stalnaya Krov

One of the original founding movements of New Aeon and early ancestors of what is now known as Shtal. They wanted to transcend the limits of humanity by embracing and advancing the science of cyborganic enhancements. They called themselves the Stal'naya Krov which translates to "Steelblood". Over time, people referred to them as "Stalnaya" which evolved into "Shtal".

### Nocturnals

One of the original founding movements of New Aeon and early ancestors Mosseni and the Aranaya. The original movement centered around the desire to create a libertarian government which allowed for genetic engineering. The nickname was given after a majority of the group enhanced their eyesight so that they could see in almost total darkness. Combined with their desire for energy efficiency (due to previous catastrophes ) many started to keep their space habitats very dimly lit in perpetual night.

### Solars / Valers

One of the original founding movements of New Aeon and early ancestors the Vela. They were one of the earlier movements and designed their bodies to be optimized for early space based life. The movement wanted to create a better government that rejected the failures of democracy in favor of an authoritarian government that was free of corruption.