Alephons

**Introduction:** In the post-apocalyptic world of Thousand Clockwork Hells on Mars, the Alephons stand out as one of the most enigmatic Tsenechi factions. They have a unique and unconventional way of life that is centered around hedonism, virtual realities, and a distinct absence of leadership and clear goals. This wiki article delves into the fascinating details of the Alephons, their origin, philosophy, social structure, and their role in this captivating Sci-Fi universe.

**Origins and Emergence:** The Alephons did not arise from formal organization but rather as a socio-cultural movement within industrious Tsenechi cities. The immortality that the Tsenechi gained made life mundane, leading to the emergence of various ideological and cultural movements. In contrast, the Alephons rejected traditional notions of post-humanism and leadership. They embraced an anarchic lifestyle that celebrated the absence of direction in society.

**Hedonistic Violence and Visual Transformation:** Rather than adhering to the traditional warrior ethos, the Alephons are known for embracing a unique form of hedonistic violence. They take pleasure in the human perception of Tsenechi as demons, visually transforming themselves by attaching blades to their bodies and mastering acrobatic combat techniques. The Alephons form temporary gangs to engage in activities they find entertaining.

**The Role of Imprisonment:** The Alephons' roots can be traced back to the early days of the cataclysm when prisoners were among the first subjects of experimental conversion. Their memories from their human lives had a profound impact on the society the Alephons sought to build. As the Alephons gained recognition in various cities, they began to imprison those who opposed them. These prisons, although not brutal, were unique in that they allowed prisoners access to the virtual world of Cataspace.

**Integration of Cataspace and Purgatory:** Cataspace plays a central role in the Alephons' way of life. It is a cybernetic, simulated world where Tsenechi can share memories, relive battles, and even create entirely new worlds. The Alephons are known for attaching Cataspace to the physical world through terminals and control systems, primarily in their underground cities, collectively known as Purgatory. A complex tunnel network connects Alephon fortresses, navigable through Cataspace, and elements of Cataspace are projected into the real world to reveal hidden structures and museums.

**Leadership of Legends:** In the absence of traditional leadership, the Alephons follow a unique system known as the "Leadership of Legends." Those who perform notable acts, whether in support of or against the Alephons, are revered as the wisest in the society. These leaders are not seen as absolute authorities but rather as the most capable to follow. Among them are individuals who once waged wars against the Alephons.

**Adornments, Technology, and Dispersal:** Alephons adorn themselves with blades that serve both as weapons and symbolic horns. To earn these adornments, individuals must perform great feats, ensuring each horn has its own story of violence and combat. The choice of colors for adornments and eyes often represents the sect or group an Alephon belongs to. The Alephons have access to advanced fabrication facilities, enabling them to make rapid technological advancements, although they do not widely distribute these technologies.

**Cataspace - A Shared Virtual Dreamspace:** The Alephons spend the majority of their lives within Cataspace, where they engage in a constant cycle of violence and communication. It is a space where Tsenechi can share exact replicas of their memories, relive battles, and create entirely new worlds. Cataspace is seen as the final destination for their destructive and violent nature, allowing them to dream great events while the physical world remains in purposeless stagnation. Cataspace is also where the Xenoforms first came from.

**Military Organization:** The Alephons organize militarily for two primary reasons. The first is to defend against and launch offensives against the Scions, whom they view as annoying and backwards. The second involves supporting the Valkyries in their campaign against the cosmists, with Alephons forming raiding parties to gain stories for their horns and gather military memories for Cataspace battles.