Mortals

The most common class of species in Mirror Domain are mortals. Mortals are, well, exactly that. Fragile beings with finite lifespans. Beings with souls that will eventually leave their body and return to the Afterlife. Mortals more or less rule over Mirror Domain. Their impact on society and culture vastly outweighs that of The Gods or Demons.

Mortals classify themselves based on gene purity. Every mortal creature can interbreed, so there aren’t as many recognized “species” as there are on earth. Because of this, individuals are judged based on the physical traits they have. “Pure” beings are considered to be those who most closely resemble humans. The less human you are, the less pure your genes.

## Society

Discrimination between species is a common issue in Mirror Domain. The higher your purity, the higher your social status. It’s common for Humans to look down on “impure” beings. A creature's purity more or less predetermines what they can accomplish in their lifetime. Even if they’re equal in every way, an impure being would almost never be able to rise to political power or gain celebrity status; criminals being exempt from this.

   That being said, the people of Mirror Domain seem to hold cats in a very high regard. While cats and species that resemble them are still considered “impure”, most mortals will treat them with respect and dignity. Pet cats are highly popular in many areas, especially in Vertgate. People speculate this is a leftover ideal brought on from the ancient people of Vertgate, considering it’s ruler cherished cats greatly. This has yet to be proven, but the idea still stands. It’s not uncommon to see a stray/feral cat adorned with beads or other jewelry, and cat adornments are a common commodity in many shops.

   Relationships in mortal culture are based less on personality and more on gene purity. “Marriage” in the traditional sense simply doesn’t exist. Romantic relationships don’t exist in the same way either. They do exist, technically speaking, but a romantic relationship is simply considered close friendship in many cases. You don’t usually procreate with your romantic partner/friend. You only have children with someone within 20% of your own purity. If the two happen to interlap then that’s great, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Children don’t consider someone a “parent” based on biology, only by relationship. It isn’t uncommon for a child to never meet one or both biological parents.

   Breeding outside of the 20% purity cap is considered one of, if not the most, heinous taboo a person can commit. It’s considered a highly selfish action, and parents and children alike will be shunned heavily. Some will be chased away from their homes and, in some cases, they’ll be culled for such an act. Most countries have laws in place to prevent this, although some are more lenient than others. It all depends on the local government. Still, 20% is the maximum across all of Mirror Domain.

   But why is this such a taboo? It mostly has to do with how genetics work. Yes, every creature “can” breed, but this doesn’t mean they should. Breeding with similar genetic purity increases the chance “good” genes will be passed on to the offspring. Dominant and recessive genes can be more easily identified with those of similar purity. If the parents are too different, there’s really no way to tell what traits a child will inherit. Bear minimum, they look a little odd. In a worst case scenario the child may be unable to survive. Most children born outside of this rule will either die young, or live their life with horrible deformities.