Phronetikoi

We do not gender our personal names. For Oikoser systems that require a field, see Unisex Names.

We do not gender our personal names. For Oikoser systems that require a field, see Unisex Names.

Chosen after individuation; short, pronounceable in Oikoser Greek phonology; penultimate stress preferred.
Sample set: Aster · Kyma · Theron · Onyx · Pyrrhos · Zephos · Lithos · Chloron · Natrix · Vesper · Nerion · Skiron · Myrron · Kydon · Ophis

We do not maintain “family names” in the human sense. Prior to puberty, juveniles function as nodes within Phrónēsis and carry cluster-based designators. Upon individuation (post-puberty, after the first complete ecdysis), each person chooses a simple Oikoser-friendly given name for ease of contact, while retaining their cluster-line designator for context. Our given names are unisex by design.

Human-readable substitute: the cluster-line designator serves as a surname in Oikoser records.
Format: <Cluster>–<Line> (optionally prefixed by a super-cluster code for formality).
Examples: Basaltos–03 · Ammos–17 · Thalassa–06 · Nēsos–04 · Lakkos–09 · Anemos–08 · Petra–12 · Obsidios–02
Full formal style (optional): KOINON-VII • Caldera–04 • Aster

Note: “families” are clutch/cluster communities; inheritance is communal.

• Juvenile designators: pre-individual “node IDs” used inside Phrónēsis and for logistics.
  Format: <Cluster>–<Cohort>–<Position> → e.g., Caldera–C3–H42. Retired at individuation but kept in archives.
• Mind-handles (“chords”): non-phonetic resonance signatures used inside Phrónēsis; only transliterated for record-keeping (e.g., {Chord-3/Red}) and rarely spoken aloud.
• Ecdysis name: ceremonial style appended for formal events during the individuation season (e.g., Aster of the Second Molt).
• Bond-name: optional shared identifier for pair/triad unions (e.g., The Helion Bond) are not legal surnames.
• Field callsigns: mission tags assigned ad hoc (Greek letter + number: Kappa-14). Expire with the operation.

Practical Usage (for Oikoser)

• Everyday: Given Name (unisex) → “Aster”
• Formal/civic: Given Name + Cluster–Line → “Aster Basaltos–03”
• Scholarly/archival: Super-cluster + Cluster–Line + Given Name → “KOINON-VII • Basaltos–03 • Aster”

Notes on Pronunciation & Script

• Prefer penultimate stress (Á-ster, PÝR-rhos, KÝ-ma).
• Hyphen in cluster–line is mandatory; super-cluster prefix optional.
• Diacritics acceptable but not required; clarity beats ornament.

Context. We communicate on two layers:

1. Noetic (inside Phrónēsis): structured thought-patterns (“mind-chords”).
2. Acoustic/kinetic (outside Phrónēsis): hiss–click phonation, subsonic hum, frill/tail cues.

Juveniles use primarily the noetic layer; individuation adds a stable “external voice” for interspecies use.

Noetic Layer (inside Phrónēsis)

• Core Protocol (Noetic Common). A standardised handshake → narrow link → payload grammar. Ensures near-perfect mutual intelligibility across all clusters.
• Registers.
• Civic: concise, ledger-ready, consent flags explicit.
• Scholarly: slow, annotated metaphors, error-checking hooks.
• Intimate: high-bandwidth synchronisation; invitation+revocation required.
• Dialect filters. Clusters retain preferred metaphor banks (stone/sea/wind), pacing rhythms, and default bandwidth. Filters auto-translate between banks when consented.
• Notation. We archive mind-chords in ResChord Notation (RCN): time-stamped vectors + tag cloud; not meant for speech.

Practical: Noetic intelligibility is ~98–100% across clusters when Core Protocol is used.

Acoustic/Kinetic Layer (outside Phrónēsis)

A secondary system for ritual, field work, and intercultural contact. Human/Oikoser observers perceive it as hisses, clicks, soft trills, subsonic hums, and percussive cues (tail/heel taps, frill snaps).

• Phonation bands:
• Sibilant band (hiss, sibilant streams) → high information density at short range.
• Click band (alveolar/lateral clicks) → crisp delimiters, ideal in wind.
• Subsonic band (20–60 Hz hum) → carries through stone/water; felt more than heard.
• Percussive cues (tail/heel, frill snap) → punctuation, emphasis, distance signalling.
• Script. For Oikoser records we use a Greek-based transliteration with diacritics for subsonics (e.g., ῥ, ȳ̱, ḫ). This is an approximation, not our endonymic script.

Practical: Cross-cluster intelligibility in the acoustic layer is 75–90%, improved by trained Resonance Keepers (interpreters).

Dialect Families (by biome-cluster)

All families share the Core Protocol; differences show in metaphor, rhythm, and acoustic habits.

• Basaltos (Caldera) Family
• Noetic: “stone/pressure/vein” metaphors; slow, steady cadence.
• Acoustic: strong subsonic floor; minimal clicks; percussive heel taps in halls.
• Oikoser gloss: grave, measured, very clear civic register.
• Ammos (Dune/Desert) Family
• Noetic: “wind/crest/shadow” metaphors; bursty packets with long silences.
• Acoustic: click-rich delimitation; sand-damped tail punctuation.
• Oikoser gloss: laconic, precise, favors terse briefs.
• Thalassa (Littoral/Mangrove) Family
• Noetic: “current/tide/reef” metaphors; braided, collaborative turns.
• Acoustic: fluid sibilant streams, periodic subsonic swells that carry over water.
• Oikoser gloss: musical, gently persuasive, excellent for mediation.
• Nēsos (Archipelago) Family
• Noetic: “isle/bridge/ferry” metaphors; high use of reference tags.
• Acoustic: alternating hiss–click patterns; frill snaps for long-distance punctuation.
• Oikoser gloss: modular, connective, strong in logistics.
• Anemos (Highland/Wind-swept) Family
• Noetic: “ridge/sky/therm” metaphors; elevated pacing, crisp closures.
• Acoustic: anti-wind clicks and compact syllables; minimal subsonic.
• Oikoser gloss: brisk, excellent field commands.
• Lakkos (Marsh/Depression) Family
• Noetic: “pool/silt/reflect” metaphors; contemplative tempo, long validates.
• Acoustic: gentle subsonic with soft trills; percussive cues avoided to not startle fauna.
• Oikoser gloss: reflective, highly nuanced scholarly register.

Interfacing with Oikoser

• External lingua. For your comfort we use Oikoser Greek phonology for names and briefs; acoustic shortfalls are bridged with voice-assist resonators.
• Etiquette. Use ping → return → narrow link before any noetic attempt; request our ambient set-point before long conversation.
• Translation limits. Subsonic nuance and mind-chord harmonics cannot be fully captured in text; we will mark such passages with RCN tags.

Education & Standardisation

• Juveniles learn Core Protocol first; cluster idioms second.
• Individuation adds an external voice register and an Oikoser-friendly given name.
• Resonance Keepers maintain lexicons, metaphor banks, and inter-cluster calibration; their work is civic honour.

In sum: one chorus, many verses—Phrónēsis gives us a shared grammar, our biomes give us accent, and consent keeps every channel clear.

Context. Among the Phronētikoi, ethics are the craft of co-regulation—thermal, emotional, and cognitive—practised in concert with Phrónēsis. We prize cool heads, warm hearths, and the grace to correct course without drama.

Core Codes

• Consent is sovereign. All deep links, bond decisions, and data shares require explicit, revocable consent flags inside Phrónēsis. Silence is not consent; logs must reflect changes.
• Signal discipline. Begin with a ping, wait for return, then open the smallest necessary link. No unsolicited payloads; no public broadcast of strong emotion.
• Thermal courtesy. Ask for ambient preferences; do not trap heat or force cold. Mixed groups provide shade, sinks, and rests by default.
• Transparency with boundaries. Context is shared; archives are never demanded. Privacy masks are respected, and misdirection is a breach.
• Repair over righteousness. When wrong, we correct fast, annotate the ledger, and move on. Shame is heat-waste.
• Expertise without caste. Influence tracks demonstrated competence in the moment; roles rotate; no permanent hierarchies.
• Knowledge is a commons. Contributions are attributed but not hoarded; teaching is honourable labour.
• Juvenile sanctity. No courtship; supervised group links only; evaluation concerns health, learning, and balance—not display.
• No coercion, no surveillance. Forced syncs, hidden monitors, and forged logs are major offenses.
• Stewardship of habitat. Minimise waste heat; tune architecture to climate; leave biomes cooler, calmer, clearer.
• Hospitality & de-escalation. Guest-right includes thermal care and safe channels. Bystanders assist by cooling, spacing, and mediating.

Shared Values

• Economy of movement (precision over spectacle).
• Composure (stillness with intent; quick recovery from error).
• Parity (symmetric links, symmetric say).
• Curiosity (problems solved together outrank ornament displayed alone).
• Civic quiet (decisions made cleanly, recorded clearly, reversible when better data arrives).
• Diversity of resonance (biome dialects and different thermal windows strengthen the chorus).

Everyday Practices

• Link hygiene: quiet hours, bandwidth caps, scheduled check-ins.
• Cooling phrases: polite declines framed as thermal mismatch (“Not our season”).
• Tokens of care: polished molt-scales, warmed hearth beads, shared problem-stones.
• Public ledgers: outcomes and corrections tagged in Phrónēsis with privacy masks where appropriate.
• Resonance halls: neutral spaces for mediation, chorus work, and formal presentations.

Taboos

• Tail contact without invitation.
• Fixating on the throat membrane (IR organ) uninvited.
• Overlinking (pushing heightened emotion into shared space).
• Thermal endangerment (ignoring stated set-points).
• Archive violations (covert reads, falsified entries, leaking private mind-chords).
• Juvenile boundary breaches.

Intercultural Notes (for Oikoser)

• Use ping → return → narrow link; never open with a payload.
• Ask ambient preference first; we think best at set-point.
• Praise movement economy and signal discipline over ornament; bring a small problem-stone, not flowers.

In sum: we value clarity, consent, competence, and the shared art of keeping everyone at the right temperature—together.

Context. Our technology is built to keep minds clear and bodies at proper temperature. Phrónēsis provides coordination; engineering provides quiet power. We are non-native to Oikos and currently follow a cautious observation doctrine.

At a Glance

• FTL travel: operational (civil & scientific fleets).
• Primary power: compact cold-fusion reactors; distributed phase-change thermal banks.
• Networks: Phrónēsis-augmented computing; consent-keyed interfaces; high-bandwidth interlink between ships and habitats.
• Materials: basaltic ceramics, stone-fiber composites, thermochromic and shape-memory laminates.
• Doctrine: non-intrusive observation; repair over escalation; knowledge as a civic commons.

Propulsion & Travel

• Skip-space drives (FTL): metric shear windows for ship-scale transits; precise entry/exit to avoid thermal shock on arrival.
• In-system thrust: high-efficiency plasma and sail-assist; heat carefully vented to avoid signature spikes.
• Navigation: gravity-interferometry + subsonic hull chorusing for micro-adjustments (quiet, low-emission).

Power & Thermal Systems

• Cold-fusion cores: aneutronic bias where feasible; reactor waste heat feeds phase-change beds for steady environmental control.
• Thermal banks: modular heat sinks in decks, plazas, and suits; ambient set-point is a first-class system variable.
• Storage: mineral-lattice ultracaps and ceramic flywheels; safe, silent, easily audited.

Computation & Networks

• Civic compute: distributed across habitats and ships; Phrónēsis supplies consensus and error-correction hooks.
• Consent architecture: personal consent keys gate link depth, data share, and revocation timers; logs are tamper-evident.
• Links: tight-beam, relay webs, and courier beacons; superluminal state updates ride with FTL couriers (no uncontrolled broadcast).

Materials & Fabrication

• Composites: basalt-ceramic lamellae with micro-vents; stone-fiber weaves for breathable structures.
• Fabrication: civic fab-halls (additive/subtractive, molecular deposition for seals & med-parts designs live in a public ledger.
• Finishes: thermochromic pigments for status/wayfinding; matte where function demands.

Sensors, Stealth & Observation

• Primary: broadband passive arrays (IR–UV), synthetic-aperture ladar at whisper power, gravimetric drift sensing.
• Signature control: low-albedo hulls with active heat management; no flashy spikes.
• Records: observation is logged with consent masks and strict non-interference flags.

Medicine & Biology

• Ecdysis care: scaffold gels, mineral broths, edge-scale integrity checks.
• Repair: targeted regeneration, microbial consortia for infection control, temperature-mediated sedation.
• Interfaces: neural links are opt-in and time-bounded; juvenile channels are supervised only.

Defensive Systems (de-escalatory bias)

• Point defense: kinetic interception and fielded dust veils (heat-safe).
• Area safety: directed dissuasion (pressure/flash without lethal overheat).
• Policy: no planet-crackers, no atmosphere-boil; escalation ladders are logged and reviewable.

Infrastructure & Habitat

• Resonance halls, sun courts, shade cloisters—all thermally tuned and reversible.
• Closed-loop utilities: water, minerals, and heat recycled; waste heat becomes civic comfort.
• Transit: tail-safe corridors, vent stacks, breeze channels; movement economy by design.

Logistics & Supply

• Vats & gardens: cultured protein, algae/fungal lines in sealed modules; minimal ecological footprint.
• Spare cycles: fab-hall time is schedulable via Phrónēsis; contributions credited on the ledger.
• Risk posture: redundancy over bravado; we prefer one quiet ship to five loud ones.

Law, Ethics & Tech

• Tamper-evidence: civic ledgers anchor designs, decisions, and corrections.
• Privacy masks: archival access is granular; archives are never demanded.
• Non-interference: observation first; assistance only by mutual consent and with public logs.

Interfacing with Oikoser (practical)

• Provide ambient set-point control in joint spaces; we think—and negotiate—best there.
• Expect consent keys for any shared tooling or data; revocation is normal, not hostile.
• If requesting reactors, drives, or medical tech: propose cooperative trials with open logs and thermal safety. Glitter is optional; clear vents are not.

In sum: quiet FTL, clean fusion, consent-first networks, and architecture that breathes. We arrive warm, work cool, and leave fewer spikes than we found.

Context. Etiquette among the Phronētikoi is the practical art of consent, signal discipline, and thermal courtesy—so minds stay clear and bodies stay comfortable.

First Contact & Introductions

• Handshake: ping → return → narrow link. Never send a payload on first contact.
• Share on hello: given name, cluster–line designator, and ambient set-point (preferred temperature range).
• Identity tags (optional): publish tags for pronouns/presentation in Phrónēsis; tags guide etiquette, not status.
• Gaze: look to brow ridge or frill base; the throat membrane (IR organ) is intimate.

Conversation Hygiene

• Bandwidth thrift: open the smallest link needed; escalate only by mutual consent.
• Affect control: keep strong emotion off public channels; private links for intensity.
• Quiet hours: respect scheduled calm periods and ledger times.
• Turn-taking: in halls, wait for the room’s resonance cue before speaking or sending.

Spatial Courtesy

• Tail radius: give room; do not step over a tail.
• Vent paths: don’t block heat sinks, vents, or sun channels; offer shade/warmth as needed.
• Approach vector: come in at a visible angle, slow and balanced.

Touch & Proximity

• Neutral contacts: forearm, shoulder, upper back (brief).
• Reserved contacts: frill and tail by invitation only.
• Thermal aids: offer stones/wraps, but don’t apply them to another’s body without consent.

Hosting & Gifts

• Guest-right: host tunes the space to the guest’s set-point; provide water/mineral salts and a cool/heat rest.
• Tokens: a polished molt-scale or warmed hearth bead is courteous; a small problem-stone beats flowers.
• Seating: leave ventral surfaces free for airflow; heavy fabrics are for festivals.

Linking & Records

• Consent flags govern deep syncs—explicit, time-bounded, revocable.
• Archives: summaries may be shared; private records are not demanded.
• Citations: tag quoted mind-chords with RCN markers; attribute clearly.

Public Spaces

• Resonance Halls: no percussive tail cues unless you hold the floor; subsonics kept to register.
• Markets/ways: keep links surface-level; yield channel priority to juveniles and elders.
• Festivals: display membranes are fine; control beats intensity.

Apology & Repair

• Cooling phrase: “I cool and correct.”
• Token & log: return a warmed bead or scale; annotate correction in the civic ledger (with privacy masks as appropriate).
• Reset: narrow the link to surface level, then renegotiate depth.

Intercultural Quick Guide (for Oikoser)

• Open with ping → return → narrow link; ask ambient preference first.
• Compliment movement economy and signal discipline over ornament.
• Bring a problem-stone, not flowers; avoid reaching for frill or tail.
• If unsure, say: “Requesting link size and temperature.” Clarity is polite.

Context. Clothing is an instrument, not a costume. Among the Phronētikoi, attire serves thermoregulation, movement economy, and clear signalling within Phrónēsis. Ornament may sing—but only after the vents are open and the mind is cool.

First Principles

• Ventral airflow first. Keep belly and lower thorax free for heat exchange; cover only when climate demands and with breathable baffles.
• Modular layers. Harness → utility → display. Add or shed modules without breaking posture or links.
• Quiet materials. No chafe, no rustle; movement should read as intention, not fabric noise.
• Signal clarity. Role markers show function, not caste; plates and pins are temporary and ledger-tagged.

Everyday Wear (civic, study, travel)

• Base harness: minimal straps with anchor points for tools, beads, and link-nodes.
• Thermal wraps: spine or shoulder wraps with heat-sink beads for micro-adjustments.
• Footing: claw caps or thin soles for hot stone; nothing that drags.
• Frill care: light frames to protect edges post-molt; remove once stable.
• Palette: matte stone tones (basalt, sand, river clay) with a single mineral accent.

Field & Work Gear

• Lamellar ceramics: articulated plates over dorsal/flank surfaces; vent panels snap open along the sides.
• Reflectives: high-albedo mantles for desert/high noon; retractable shade fins.
• Tail sleeve (optional): impact guard for heavy labor; remove in civic settings.
• Role glyphs: clip-on function tags (mediator, surveyor, medic expire with the task.

Formal & Ceremonial

• Polished lamellae: ceramic or stone inlays that store/reflect heat; geometry mirrors scale patterning.
• Thermochromic filaments: subtle gradients that bloom with body heat; control beats intensity.
• Memory-crystal tesserae: archive tokens worn at the harness breast; each references a verified contribution, not rank.
• Throat membrane: typically uncovered (honest thermals). A neutral diffuser veil is acceptable for long rites.

Festival & Performance

• Display membranes: brief, safe tints allowed; never occlude venting.
• Resonance accents: subsonic resonator beads along the collar/harness for hall acoustics.
• Kinesis cloth: elastic panels that emphasize economy of motion, not spectacle.

Materials & Craft

• Ceramic composites: basaltic or caldera clays for lamellae; polished but non-slippery.
• Woven stone-fiber: mineral threads that wick heat; cleans easily after molten-edge work.
• Molt-inlays: reclaimed scale plates set into buckles or beads—care, not vanity.
• Scent discipline: neutral mineral finish (stone, rain, warm iron masking fragrances are theatrical.

Color Logic (by biome tradition)

• Basaltos/Caldera: deep matte blacks and iron reds; minimal sparkle, heavy endurance finishes.
• Ammos/Dune: pale reflectives, bronze fittings; sun-quiet silhouettes.
• Thalassa/Littoral: river-stone greys, sea greens; water-shedding edges, smooth lamellae.
• Anemos/Highland: slate blues, cloud whites; wind-baffled cuts.
• Lakkos/Marsh: peat browns, reed gold; soft trims to avoid startling fauna.

Role Markers (temporary, non-hierarchical)

• Mediator (Resonance Keeper): muted finishes, narrow subsonic band pins.
• Scholar/Engineer: tool glyph + ledger tag; pockets placed to avoid vent blockage.
• Civic facilitator: high-visibility sash with ambient icons (current hall set-point, shade/warmth status).

Maintenance & Grooming

• Post-ecdysis protocol: minimal contact fabrics until edge-scales set; oil sparingly, polish after seven diurnal cycles.
• Claw finish: polished to non-dangerous curve outside martial contexts.
• Stone packs: warmed/cooled packs ride in harness cradles—offer, do not apply, to others.

Intercultural Guidance (for Oikoser)

• Uniforms: design spine vents, frill clearance, and a tail port; avoid heavy front panels.
• Gifts: a small warmed hearth bead or a well-made problem-stone outvalues flowers or perfume.
• Rooms: we think best at set-point; provide shade, sinks, and space for tails.
• Compliments: praise movement economy and signal discipline; glitter is acceptable if the vents stay clear.

In sum: dress for function, breathe for clarity, adorn for harmony—cool minds, warm hearths, unblocked vents.

Context. Our art serves thought, breath, and heat. Architecture is the instrument; Phrónēsis is the score. Beauty emerges where air flows, sound carries, and links stay clear.

Design Principles

• Thermal clarity. Vent paths are sacred; every wall, fin, and floor either sheds or stores heat by intent.
• Movement economy. Forms read in one glance; circulation avoids tight turns and tail traps.
• Resonance legibility. Rooms are tuned for low-band harmonics; no echo muddles civic speech or mind-chord work.
• Modular & reversible. Plates, fins, and baffles swap without rebuilding; mistakes are corrected, not glorified.
• Commons-first. Plazas double as heat sinks; halls double as schools; art doubles as wayfinding and climate.

Signature Spaces

• Sun Courts. Basalt courts with phase-change beds beneath; warm by day, release by night. Ideal for thermodance, vows, and quiet co-presence.
• Shade Cloisters. Latticed canopies that break glare, channel breeze, and preserve stillness; preferred for mediation and study.
• Resonance Halls. Vaulted chambers tuned to subsonic hum and soft sibilants; tail percussion only when holding the floor.
• Hearth Forums. Civic plazas ringed with ledger walls and ambient icons (current set-point, shade status, quiet hours).
• Cooling Galleries. Water-vein walkways and stone benches over cool ducts for conflict de-escalation and recovery.
• Observation Nests. Low-profile arrays for long watching—acoustic baffles, sun-fins, and archival bays (we brought these with us).

Materials & Techniques

• Basaltic ceramics. Lamellar tiles with micro-vents; polished to glide, not to glare.
• Stone-fiber weaves. Mineral textiles that wick heat; used for banners and kinesis screens.
• Thermochromic frescoes. Pigments that bloom with body heat—gradients, not flashes; a wall that answers your presence softly.
• Memory-crystal tesserae. Ledger-linked inlays recording contributions (a solved problem, a mediated peace).
• Resonance stone. Cavities carved to carry subsonics across a hall; each hall has a unique “note.”

Art Forms (beyond walls)

• Scale mosaics. Reclaimed molt-plates set into floors and lintels—care of self made civic ornament.
• Kinesis sculpture. Balanced arms that move on convection alone; elegance measured in millimetres.
• Chord tapestries. Visualised ResChord Notation (RCN) of historic mind-chords—abstract, annotated, never private content.
• Problem-stones. Public puzzles installed in plazas; solved cooperatively, reconfigured nightly.

Urban Pattern

• Sun channels & vent stacks. Streets align to breeze and light; stacks draw heat up and away from commons.
• Thermal zoning. Quiet, cool cores for ledgers; warmer rims for market motion; gradients marked by inlaid color bands.
• Tail radius. Corners are chamfered; thresholds are wide; railings slope to frill-safe heights.

Domestic Spaces

• Ventral airways. Beds and benches float above floor vents; fabrics stay minimal post-ecdysis.
• Hearth bead rails. Warm/cool bead tracks along walls for micro-adjustments and welcome tokens.
• Private resonance niches. Small alcoves that damp echo for surface-links and soft speech.

Festivals & Rites

• Bloom walls. Thermochromic murals that “flower” as the crowd warms the hall—control beats intensity.
• Harmonic walks. Processional paths laid in tuned stone; your footfall completes the chord.
• Vow rings. Circular sun courts with reflective inlays; vows spoken where breath and heat meet cleanly.

Biome Variants

• Basaltos/Caldera. Dense mass, deep vents, matte blacks and iron reds; halls hum low and long.
• Ammos/Dune. High-albedo fins, narrow courts, click-crisp acoustics; wind is the fourth wall.
• Thalassa/Littoral. Flowing colonnades, water veins, sibilant-friendly vaults; light plays in sea-green stone.
• Anemos/Highland. Wind baffles, compact chambers, fast decay times for commands.
• Lakkos/Marsh. Suspended walkways, soft trims, wildlife-quiet subsonics.

Conservation & Conduct

• Do not block vents with ornament or furniture.
• Tune before show. Set the hall’s ambient and resonance before opening channels.
• Archive with consent. Public art may cite ledgers; private chords remain unpictured.

Intercultural Guidance (for Oikoser)

• When hosting, design spine vents, shade gradients, and tail-safe clearances first; glitter later.
• Gifts that endure: a well-tuned resonance stone, an elegant problem-stone, or memory-crystal tesserae pre-linked to your public ledger.
• Stand still at a pleasant set-point and listen—the building will answer you with a hum. If it does, you’re already speaking our language.

Context. We eat for clarity and temperature, not spectacle. As ectotherms, meal timing and composition serve thermoregulation, stamina, and stillness. During observation missions we minimise ecological impact: most supplies are cultured proteins, algae/fungal vats, and mineral stacks carried or grown in sealed modules.

Dietary Physiology (at a glance)

• Macronutrient bias: high protein/fats, restrained simple sugars; steady energy with gentle post-meal warming.
• Mineral demand: steady calcium/iron and trace salts for scale and frill integrity; mineralized water at every table.
• Ecdysis windows: immediately post-molt we prefer soft textures and high-mineral broths; raw, abrasive foods are deferred until edges set.
• Thermal logic: meals are classed as warming (dense proteins/fats, slow release) or cooling (hydrating gels, mineral teas). We balance to hold a calm infrared signature.

Staples & Mission Rations

• Cultured cuts: vat-grown muscle sheets (reef-fish analogs, myco-steaks) portioned for predictable thermal load.
• Algae & fungal loaves: compressed spirulina/sea-vegetable slabs; savory, mineral-rich, travel-stable.
• Gel packs: cooling hydrogels infused with electrolytes and marsh-herb bitters.
• Bone-broth concentrates: calcium-heavy stocks for post-ecdysis and field repair.
• Seed & shell mixes: roasted seeds and shell fragments for crunch and minerals (served after edges set).

Preparation Methods

• Basalt pan-sear: thin lamellae heated on sun-charged stone; fast crust, minimal splatter.
• Phase-bed slow-cook: buried pots over phase-change beds; stable low temps, perfect for broths.
• Sun-dry & wind-cure: highland strips cured with brine and subsonic pulses (quiet, efficient).
• Steam cloisters: dune herbs and littoral greens steamed in lattice baskets—moist heat, low aroma.
• Stone-smoke (festival): aromatic woods in tuned chambers; smoke kept neutral and mineral.

Flavor & Seasoning

• Profiles: mineral-savory (stone, salt, iron), clean brine, bitter herb, faint resin. Sweet is rare and used sparingly.
• Herbs & resins: marsh bitters, dune seed dust, caldera resin shards (in trace amounts).
• Scent discipline: aromas are low and clean; masking perfumes in food are considered theatrical.

Mealtimes & Social Norms

• Thermal set-points: we eat when ambient and body are in range; hosts tune rooms before serving.
• Stillness service: courses are portioned to maintain movement economy; no messy foods in civic halls.
• First morsel: the first warmed bite is offered to partners/guests as a hearth courtesy.
• Quiet channels: public meals stay on surface link; strong affect belongs in private.

Ritual & Festival Foods

• Ecdysis broth: rich bone-and-algae stock; served lukewarm for absorption and calm.
• Hearth beads (edible): ceramic-warm seed spheres with molten mineral core; cracked together at vows.
• Problem-stone platters: cooperative assortments (cool gels, warm cuts, bitter herbs) solved into balanced bites—puzzle before dessert.
• Bloom loaves: thermochromic crusts that pattern as hands warm the bread; control beats intensity.

Biome Variants (taste without hierarchy)

• Basaltos/Caldera: iron-rich sears, dense stocks, matte spices; deep, steady warmth.
• Ammos/Dune: high-albedo grills, wind-cured strips, seed bitters; crisp, cooling sides.
• Thalassa/Littoral: brined cuts, sea-vegetable terrines, flowing gels; smooth saline finish.
• Anemos/Highland: lean wind-cured meats, compact herbs; brisk, clean profiles.
• Lakkos/Marsh: fungal lattices, soft gels, reflective glazes; quiet aromas, long comfort.

Hosting & Service

• Place setting: mineral water, salt-tray, small gel cup, warmed bead, problem-stone shard.
• Utensils: claw-safe tongs, vent-friendly plates, absorbent mats (post-ecdysis).
• Temperature care: the narrowest thermal window at the table sets the pace.

Intercultural Guidance (for Oikoser)

• Open with mineral water and ask for ambient set-point; we think—and digest—best there.
• Offer one warming and one cooling option; avoid heavy perfumes.
• Praise movement economy in plating and service; glitter is fine if the vents stay clear.
• A small problem-stone platter is a better gift than flowers or sweets.

In sum: our cuisine is heat, quiet, and care on a plate—calm minds, warm cores, and room to breathe.

Context. Among the Phronētikoi, birth is hatching from a carefully maintained clutch. The welcoming rite is a civil procedure: health, thermal calibration, and civic entry into Phrónēsis. No gods, no vows—just clarity, consent proxies, and good records.

Pre-Hatch Protocol

• Nest matrix: phase-change beds tuned to the clutch’s thermal curve; humidity and airflow logged to the civic ledger.
• Roles: Nest Wardens manage heat and handling; a Resonance Keeper (civil registrar) oversees records; med-techs monitor vitals.
• Sponsors: a bond (pair/triad) volunteers as consent custodians until individuation; the wider nest-cluster shares daily care.

Hatching Day (procedure, not pageant)

1. Quiet Hall. Ambient set to the clutch curve; strong affect kept to private links.
2. First breath check. Baseline IR signature recorded; reflexes and hydration assessed.
3. Noetic handshake (juvenile mode). A safe, read-only scaffold connects the hatchling to Phrónēsis juvenile channels (safety alerts, lull patterns).
4. Designator assignment. The juvenile receives a cluster–cohort–position designator (e.g., Caldera–C3–H42). Personal given names are chosen after individuation.
5. Custody flag. Sponsors are registered as consent custodians; scope and duration are ledgered and reviewable.

Registration & Integration (civil)

• Health & thermal file opened; molt schedule projected.
• Access profile: juvenile channels only; no private links with non-custodians.
• Community ping. The nest-cluster issues a short public notice (surface-link only): hatch confirmed, status stable, sponsors recorded.

Tokens & Keepsakes (secular symbols)

• Shell tesserae. Clean fragments of eggshell are polished and set into small tiles for the ledger wall and for sponsors; returned to archives after one season.
• Hearth bead (warm). A single bead is warmed and placed beside the nest—not on the hatchling—signifying thermal care available.
• Problem-stone (optional). A small puzzle left at the nest for visitors; solved cooperatively, it grants a brief viewing interval.

Post-Hatch Care

• Quiet period. Low light, narrow links, no handling beyond medical necessity; hydration gels only.
• Ecdysis window. After the first molt, edge-scales are inspected; schedule adjusts. No ornament, no fabrics until edges set.
• Learning scaffold. Juveniles interact via group links supervised by wardens; no private channels, no courtship exposure—ever.

Milestones (secular rites)

• First Thermodance (supervised). Short, gentle steps to assess balance and breath; logged as a motor milestone.
• Cluster Welcome. The juvenile’s designator is etched on the ledger lintel of the local hall; sponsors present the warmed bead to the hall (not to the juvenile).
• Pre-Individuation Review. Near puberty, custody flags and education tracks are audited; plans set for individuation rites and the later choice of a unisex given name.

Conduct & Boundaries

• No private links with juveniles outside supervised sessions.
• No scent masking or heavy aromas near nests; clean mineral air only.
• Thermal courtesy: the clutch’s set-point governs room temperature; visitors adapt or step out.

Intercultural Notes (for Oikoser)

• Say “Hatch Registration,” not “baptism”; there is no spiritual layer.
• Bring a problem-stone rather than flowers; keep affect on surface link.
• Ask for ambient set-point before entering; do not touch frill, tail, or shell debris without invitation.
• If you must speak, keep it low and even—the nest hears vibration before words.

In sum: a calm hall, a steady temperature, precise records, and many practiced hands. We welcome with care, not ceremony.

Individuation Rites (secular)

Context. Individuation is the emergence of a stable “I” in a juvenile who has, until now, functioned as a fully embedded node of Phrónēsis. It typically coincides with the first complete ecdysis of puberty and marks the transition from custodial care to personal agency. The rite is civic—not spiritual—and centers on clarity, consent, and thermal composure.

Preconditions & Assessment

• Health & molt readiness verified by med-techs; frill and edge-scales inspected.
• Cognitive check: sustained stillness with intent, link discipline, error-correction habits.
• Custody review: sponsors’ consent-custodian flags scheduled to expire at rite completion.

Rite Sequence (standard)

1. Hēsychía Vigil (Stillness).
   In a quiet, tuned hall, the candidate holds poised stillness at their set-point while a Resonance Keeper monitors IR stability and micro-flush control. Duration: one chorus cycle.
2. Idíōsis Declaration (Individuation).
   The candidate narrows all links to surface, then opens a personal channel and speaks the first-person formula:
   “I am present; I choose my keys; I accept repair.”
   This establishes adult link boundaries in Phrónēsis.
3. Onomasía (Name Choosing).
   The candidate announces an Oikoser-friendly unisex given name and affirms their cluster–line context.
4. Archive change: the juvenile designator (e.g., Caldera–C3–H42) is retired to records.
5. Style after rite: Given Name + Cluster–Line (e.g., Aster Basaltos–03).
6. Consent Keying & Ledger Entry.
   Creation of the candidate’s personal consent keys (deep-link permissions, revocation timers, archival masks). The public ledger records: health clear, keys minted, custody ended.
7. Hearth Walk.
   A slow circuit of the Sun Court at the candidate’s ambient set-point. Sponsors present a warmed hearth bead; the candidate returns a polished molt-scale. Exchange signifies mutual care without ownership.
8. Chord Affirmation.
   Brief demonstration in a Resonance Hall: low harmonic vocalization plus a clear mind-chord at narrow link. Pressure is discouraged; clarity is praised.
9. Problem-Stone Trial (Cooperation).
   The candidate and peers solve a small public puzzle—movement economy, calm negotiation, and clean logging are the measures of success, not speed.
10. Opening & Closing of Channels.
11. Open: adult civic channels (debate, proposal, vote), work clusters, mentorship links.
12. Close: juvenile scaffolds and custodial overrides. Deep synchronizations remain opt-in and time-bounded.

Rights & Responsibilities (conferred)

• Autonomy: full control over link depth; right to refuse or revoke any sync.
• Civic voice: propose items to the public ledger; vote directly within Phrónēsis.
• Custody ends: sponsors shift from custodians to mentors on invitation only.
• Care of self: post-ecdysis grooming, thermal hygiene, and link hygiene become personal duties.

Tokens & Records

• Hearth bead (kept warm by the candidate during the Hearth Walk).
• Molt-scale (returned to sponsors, then archived).
• Name tessera (memory-crystal tile etched with given name and cluster–line; mounted on the hall’s lintel for one season, then moved to archives).

Aftercare & Training

• Cooling day: one diurnal cycle of narrow links and rest; no deep syncs.
• Mentor window: optional supervised sessions on consent flags, ledger proposal craft, and conflict repair.
• Ambient etiquette: the candidate hosts a brief meet at their set-point to practice thermal courtesy as an adult.

Variants by Biome (without hierarchy)

• Basaltos/Caldera: longer Hēsychía Vigil; matte lamellae formal wear.
• Ammos/Dune: wind-sheltered Onomasía; click-crisp chord affirmation.
• Thalassa/Littoral: tide-timed Hearth Walk; gentle subsonic swells.
• Anemos/Highland: compact halls, brisk cadence.
• Lakkos/Marsh: soft trills, no percussive cues (wildlife calm).

Intercultural Guidance (for Oikoser)

• Address the candidate by given name + cluster–line after Onomasía.
• Offer congratulations with a small problem-stone or mineral water set, not flowers or perfume.
• Keep links surface-level unless invited; ask for ambient set-point before gathering.
• Compliment movement economy and signal discipline over display; glitter is fine if the vents stay clear.

In sum: individuation is a public welcome to private agency—cool heads, warm beads, clear keys, and a name spoken by the one who owns it.

Context. The following are not mere faux pas—they are breaches of consent, signal discipline, or thermal safety.

• Uninvited tail contact.
• Fixating on the throat membrane (IR organ) without invitation.
• Overlinking: pushing heightened emotion into public/shared channels.
• Thermal endangerment: ignoring stated set-points; trapping heat/cold; blocking vents/sun channels deliberately.
• Archive violations: covert monitoring, forced syncs, forged logs, leaking private mind-chords.
• Juvenile boundary breaches: private links with juveniles; any courtship toward the pre-individuated.

Remedy protocol: cease, cool, “I cool and correct,” return a warmed token, narrow to surface link, ledger the correction, and seek mediated recalibration if requested.

Context. Among the Phronētikoi, “beauty” blends physiology, thermal discipline, and resonance within Phrónēsis. Attraction emerges after individuation; juveniles are evaluated only for health and balance, never for courtship.

Morphology & Pattern

• Scale symmetry and continuous patterning are prized; clean, unbroken edge-scales on frill and tail indicate robust molts and good health.
• A subtle mineral sheen (iron, malachite, basaltic hues) is preferred over glare; matte where function demands, lustrous where display allows.
• Healed molt-scars (small, regular, well-pigmented) are marks of care, not shame.

Thermal Aesthetics

• The gold standard is a stable infrared signature: smooth gradients from core to extremities with minimal “hot spikes.”
• Fine control of micro-flush (localized warming for emphasis) is elegant; uncontrolled flares read as poor self-regulation.
• Partners with compatible circadian thermals (day/night and seasonal set-points) are considered especially desirable.

Motion & Poise

• Economy of movement—precise, unhurried, balanced—signals confidence and fitness.
• A steady tail carriage (no jitter, no drag) and quiet footfall are classic markers of grace.
• “Stillness with intent” is seductive; fidgeting broadcasts unrest to Phrónēsis.

Voice & Resonance

• Low, harmonic-rich vocalizations (hiss-click chords, subsonic hum) are attractive and carry well in Resonance Halls.
• Clear mind-chords in Phrónēsis—coherent, consent-forward, never pushy—are a social green flag.

Skin & Scent Care

• Recent, clean molts with intact membrane edges are beautiful in themselves.
• Neutral mineral scent (stone, rain, warm iron) indicates good hygiene; heavy masking is viewed as theatrical at best, deceptive at worst.
• Claw tips: polished, not razor-keen outside martial contexts.

Adornment & Display

• Ceramic or stone inlays that store/reflect heat highlight scale geometry without smothering the skin.
• Thermochromic filaments woven into harness or frill let art bloom as temperature shifts—tasteful, subtle gradients over flashing.
• Formal wear favors polished lamellae and memory-crystals; everyday wear keeps ventral surfaces open for airflow.

Social Signals

• Courteous signal discipline (no unsolicited emotional broadcasts) is inherently attractive.
• Rapid error-correction—the grace to adjust and apologize without drama—reads as beauty of character.
• Public composure, private warmth: share generously in group channels, save intimacy for invited links.

Variation & Exceptions

• Ideals vary by biome-cluster (Basaltos prizes matte strength; Thalassa favors flowing, reflective lines).
• Seasonal display membranes (brief color shifts) are understood as natural—celebrated if controlled, forgiven if exuberant.
• Functional beauty eclipses ornament in field work; the inverse is permitted at festivals. Diversity remains a communal asset.

Context. Among the Phronētikoi, gender is a personal interface, not a social assignment. Biological sex exists, but social roles are anchored in competence, thermal compatibility, and consent—not morphology. Juveniles (pre-individuation) are never gendered in practice; they are evaluated for health, learning, and balance within Phrónēsis.

Principles

• Function over form. Tasking follows capability and thermal window (who can do it best, at this temperature, right now).
• Parity of agency. Courtship, bonding, governance, research—every arena expects equal initiative and equal veto power.
• Consent is sacred. Deep synchronisations, reproductive decisions, and bond arrangements require explicit, revocable consent.

Presentation & Identity

• Names are unisex; gender presentation is aesthetic/functional (frill shaping, scale inlays, harness layouts) and never prescriptive.
• Within Phrónēsis, individuals may publish identity tags for clarity in group channels; tags inform etiquette, not hierarchy.
• Trans, nonbinary, intersex experiences are normalised as resonance alignment; medical and social supports focus on comfort and function (hormonal/thermal regulation, molt timing).

Dimorphism & Aesthetics

• Sexual dimorphism is subtle (frill geometry, scale density, seasonal membrane hues). None confer status.
• “Pink/blue” codes do not exist; color and ornament follow biome tradition, vocation, or festival use.

Courtship & Bonds

• Courtship is bidirectional: thermodances, mind-invites, gift-scales.
• Bonds commonly form as pairs or small triads, chosen for thermal circadian fit and compatible mind-chords.
• Private partner channels in Phrónēsis are opt-in and respect signal discipline (no broadcasting intimacy without consent).

Reproduction & Care

• Reproduction is planned at optimal thermal seasons; clutch incubation is supported by nest-clusters (communal rota, not “maternal” vs “paternal” duty).
• Post-hatch care prioritises cognitive scaffolding via supervised group links; no courtship around pre-individuated juveniles—ever.

Leadership & Labor

• Influence accrues to expertise and clarity of thought (as measured by problem outcomes in Phrónēsis), not to gender or sex.
• Field roles rotate with temperature, stamina, and skill currency; error-correction without stigma is the cultural norm.

Regional Variation

• Clusters differ by biome (desert, littoral, caldera): e.g., desert clusters favour lightweight harnesses and sun-quiet poise; littoral clusters prefer reflective ornament and fluid gait. None are gendered expectations.

In sum: cool heads, warm hearts, shared purpose. Gender expresses who you are, never what you owe.

Context. Courtship begins only after individuation. Juveniles are never courted; they are cared for by nest-clusters and guided within Phrónēsis. Among the Phronētikoi, attraction is a harmony of thermal compatibility, movement discipline, and consent-forward mindwork.

Initiation & First Signals

• Approach protocol: a brief head dip, tail stillness, and a soft mind-ping (your signature only, no payload).
• Consent handshake: if interest is mutual, the other returns a matched ping; only then may you open a narrow link (two-way, low bandwidth).
• Temperature courtesy: the inviter adjusts to the invitee’s preferred ambient range when possible.

The Three Invitations (standard sequence)

1. Step Invitation (Kinesis). A short thermodance on warmed stone. Precision, balance, and breath control matter more than spectacle.
2. Memory Invitation (Mnēmē). Exchange of a neutral memory vignette (non-intimate, non-sensitive)—a shared view of craft, landscape, or study.
3. Resonance Invitation (Phōnē). Low, harmonic vocalization paired with a gentle mind-chord; clarity without pressure is the ideal.

Skipping steps is acceptable only by mutual declaration inside Phrónēsis; the declaration is logged for etiquette.

Gifts & Tokens

• Molt-scale: a clean, intact scale from the last ecdysis, polished; signifies care of self, care for other.
• Hearth bead: a ceramic or stone bead pre-warmed and given at the end of a successful dance; worn at the throat or harness.
• Problem-stone: a small puzzle or technical task offered and solved together—valued more than ornament.

Link Etiquette

• Signal discipline: no broadcasting strong emotion in public channels; use private pair/triad links.
• Depth limits: early links remain surface-level; deep synchronizations require a spoken invitation and an explicit, revocable consent flag inside Phrónēsis.
• Cooling periods: after any deep sync, partners schedule time apart to reassert personal boundaries (standard is one diurnal cycle).

Stages of Courtship

• Testing the Thermal: shared tasks at different times of day/season to assess circadian heat compatibility.
• The Stillness Trial: a period of co-presence with minimal motion; reading one another’s micro-flush and breath—elegant stillness is seduction.
• Public Harmony: a brief, formal presentation in a Resonance Hall; partners align voice and mind-chords before witnesses.

Pairing & Triads

• Bonds commonly form as pairs; small triads are admired when all three exhibit strong thermal and cognitive fit.
• Private channels are configured symmetrically; unilateral access is considered coercive.

Taboos & Faux Pas

• Tail contact without invitation is intimate-bordering-sacred: do not.
• Staring at the throat membrane (IR organ) is intimate; avert gaze unless invited.
• Overlinking (pushing heightened emotion into shared space) is a breach; apologize, correct, cool.

Festivals & Formalities

• Seasonal displays (brief frill coloration) are natural and welcomed, but control beats intensity.
• Formal attire leaves ventral surfaces open for airflow; ornament should reflect heat, not trap it.
• Vows, when taken, reference mutual regulation: “Your calm with mine; my warmth with yours.”

Failure & Graceful Exit

• Declines are delivered as a cooling phrase (“Not our season”) plus a courtesy gift returned warmed.
• In Phrónēsis, both parties mark the link as closed without grievance; lingering channels are considered discourteous.

Intercultural Guidance (for Oikoser)

• Learn the ping–return–link pattern; never open with a payload.
• Ask for ambient preference before meetings; we are ectotherms and think best at our set-points.
• Compliment movement economy and signal discipline over ornament; bring a small problem-stone rather than flowers.

In sum: courtship among the Phronētikoi is cool in head, warm in heart—measured steps, shared puzzles, and consent that sings.

Context. Relationships begin only after individuation. Among the Phronētikoi, a bond is a practice of co-regulation—thermal, emotional, and cognitive—conducted with consent and signal discipline inside Phrónēsis. Juveniles are never subjects of courtship or pair-linking.

The Three Pillars

1. Mutual Regulation. Partners negotiate ambient temperature, activity cycles, and link depth. “Stillness intervals” (quiet co-presence) and scheduled cool-downs after deep synchronisations are standard.
2. Reciprocity & Parity. Channels are configured symmetrically; no unilateral read/write access. Expertise may weight choices in the moment, but status does not accrue from sex, gender, or role.
3. Repair over Righteousness. Mistakes are acknowledged quickly; corrections are logged in Phrónēsis (with privacy masks) to improve communal practice.

Bond Forms

• Pairs are most common.
• Small triads are admired when all three maintain full symmetry (no “V-links” that isolate one member).
• Affinitive links (creative partners, training cohorts) are distinct from romantic bonds unless explicitly declared inside Phrónēsis.

Commitment & Rites

• Bond-name. Partners may adopt a shared identifier (e.g., The Helion Bond), recorded on the civic ledger.
• Tokens. Exchange of a polished molt-scale and a warmed hearth bead; sometimes a shared problem-stone solved in public.
• Vows. Common formula: “Your calm with mine; my warmth with yours.”
• Privacy Covenant. A consent flag defining what may be shared to public channels and what remains private.

Daily Praxis

• Link hygiene. Quiet hours, scheduled check-ins, and bandwidth limits prevent overlinking.
• Care rituals. Scale oiling, claw polishing to non-dangerous finish, and thermal massage with stone packs.
• Ambient courtesy. Whoever has the narrower thermal window sets the meeting climate.

Jealousy & Security

• Jealousy is treated as thermal drift: name it, cool it, recalibrate resonance.
• Transparency without compulsion: partners share relevant contexts but are not obliged to open archives.
• No surveillance. Covert monitoring or forced syncs are major breaches.

Conflict & Mediation

• First response: step back to surface-link only; raise ambient to comfort; restate consent.
• Mediators: neutral Resonance Keepers can host a low-bandwidth session in a public hall; outcomes focus on repair, not victory.
• Apology protocol: a cooled hearth bead returned, then re-warmed together if reconciliation succeeds.

Parenting & Community

• Clutch care is communal. Bonds sponsor a clutch; nest-clusters do the day-to-day rotation.
• Private channels with juveniles are supervised; cognition is scaffolded via group links until individuation.
• No “maternal/paternal” hierarchies—duty follows capacity and circadian fit.

Growth & Autonomy

• Partners maintain personal projects and solo seasons; fusion of identity is discouraged.
• Temporary distance links (expeditions, research) are healthy if consented and time-bounded.
• Public grace, private warmth: intimacy stays in private channels unless jointly shared.

Lifecycle & Closure

• Elder phase: many spend more hours nested within Phrónēsis; partners accompany and advocate.
• Cool parting: if dissolution occurs, links are narrowed, tokens are returned warmed, and a no-grievance flag is set in the ledger. Emergency pings remain permitted unless revoked by mutual consent.

Intercultural Guidance (for Oikoser)

• Ask for ambient preference first; we think best at set-point.
• Follow the ping → return → link protocol; never inject a payload uninvited.
• Compliment movement economy and signal discipline over spectacle; bring a small problem-stone, not flowers.

In sum: bonds among the Phronētikoi prize cool heads, warm hearths, and the shared craft of keeping both in tune.