Board Thread:Off-topic/@comment-259915-20160116182253/@comment-259915-20160131073529

To start, Something about this campaign’s headcanon about Homeworld:

The Gem Empire is not a cartoonish, evil-for-the-sake-of-evil dystopia, it is something much more subtle and insidious: the government. in the form of the Great Diamond Authority and its executors, the High Command, is totalitarian but provides a modicum of freedom to keep the population happy and complacent while manipulating it with subtle but ever-present propaganda and Authority-approved filters on culture(it basically works like a Superpower, like a demented mishmash of the PRC and the USA).

Gems are divided in a caste system, each modified to fill a particular niche, there is however a degree of meritocracy and within the caste capable individuals can become caste directors(the ones that lead other members and intercede with higher castes), and the truly exceptional can gain even greater prestige by joining a Diamond's Court, serving a Diamond's will directly, and among these few the truly exceptional can become members of the High Command, the parliament that directs all sectors of Homeworld and of the gem empire in general(of course, all of the High Command's decisions must be Diamond-approved).



The gravest punishment was once shattering, but nowadays the Diamonds decided that it was too wasteful, so now they use ‘Formatting’: the victim’s current self is ‘killed’, so that the gemstone regenerates a new, completely unrelated gem(some suppose such a gem could, in theory, still access the memories of its previous 'incarnation').



Here's our personal (headcanon) complete list of the Homeworld Gem Caste System, the main inspirations were the Hindu and Egyptian ones:

''' * Diamonds: Leaders '''

<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The Diamonds are the mysterious, pharaonic ruling caste of Homeworld, their power is absolute and they are worshipped to a nearly cultish level(however as a whole, not as singular), together they are the Great Diamond Authority, that together with the High Command forms the government of Homeworld and of the gem empire.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Each Diamond rules over a 'Court' of high-level gems, carefully selected among the most exceptional individuals of all castes, that act as her heralds and mediators(nowadays, the Diamonds barely show themselves in public and most gems don't even know their appearance), and rule a section of the gem empire.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">It wouldn't be that weird to call them 'gem demigods' because their physical, spiritual and magical power is way beyond any other gem caste, their massive size(at least 15 feet tall) is the least impressive thing about them, although what their powers precisely are is one of their most well-guarded secrets.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">As a whole, Diamonds are aloof, ruthless, and brutally pragmatic, they are genre savvy enough to not act evil for the sake of evil, they are also macchiavellian in their way of government; Diamonds feel emotions but they are very good at hiding and, especially, simulating them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Diamond fashion is highly refined and luxurious, typically reflecting their approach and mentality.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">As a design note, Diamonds not only have diamond-shaped pupils, but also black sclerae coupled with very clear irises, giving them a piercing, nightmarish gaze that most gems find outright painful to meet directly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">There are only three known Diamonds in existence: Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, and White Diamond.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Those that say there was a fourth one, or even a fifth one, are ignored or ridiculed if they have no proof, and formatted if they do.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> '''
 * Beryls: Savants

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Beryls are the lorekeepers(comparable to the Brahmins of India), they are lead researchers and luminaries for any field of gem culture, whatever the Sciences, the Humanities or the Arts, they are made to be highly intelligent and passionate, so that they can excel in their fields, and with a degree of empathy to be better leaders for teams of lower gem researchers, making sure they work together efficiently, this also makes Beryls more compassionate toward lower castes. Beryls tend to be outspoken and emotional, and are the caste with the largest artistic production, their fashion style is usually refined and kind of flamboyant(read: JoJo levels of FABULOUS!), interestingly they have hexagon-shaped pupils, and hexagons appear a lot in their works.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Beryls and Zircons work together in the industry of Mass Entertainment°, and operate the Diamonds's propaganda machine, gems favor more 'passive' media such as Cinema and Music, more 'engaging' ones like Literature and Videogames are rare.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Gem propaganda is not based on blatant lies, rather on half-truths, cherry picking and small distortions, the Diamonds know that lies with a grain of truth are much more convincing and difficult to debunk.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">
 * Zircons: Dealers '''<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Zircons are the 'Scribes', they are administrators, businesswomen, and merchants of Homeworld, their field is the economy. Because of this, Zircons are very intelligent, patient and calculating, valuing the income and the efficiency or the activities they direct, they are also greedy and even more callous than Quartzes(at best they are Drebin, at worst they are Montgomery Burns), aside from the economy they are also smugglers, arms dealers, law enforcers and politicians(works where being a rules-obsessed quasi-sociopath helps). Their style is typically sober but with some fashionable touch, usually includes business suits, sunglasses and short but elaborate hairstyles. Zircons have black sclerae like Diamonds, this because apparently the gem that was the template for the caste, Cubic Zirconia, was an attempt to create a new Diamond(although the experiment failed, she was still considered a success, and this fills Zircons with pride).

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Despite working with them, Zircons usually HATE Beryls, as they are the only caste higher than them, plus they see them as 'weak' and unfit to have leading roles because of their empathy and strong emotions, however they value their businesses's efficiency more than personal hatreds, so they keep it under control.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> '''
 * Quartzes: Warriors

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The Warrior caste, Quartzes are loyal supersoldiers bred to kill, stronger and hardier than other gem castes, although not as smart as Beryls and Zircons they have an innate tactical cunning, outside of war they are also into sports, heavy labor and low-level business. Quartzes are made to be callous and violent, since you don't want your supersoldiers to feel empathy for your enemies(see: Rose Quartz), but train to behave and be professional, favoring efficiency over wanton brutality(see: Jasper), left unrestrained they become unruly, rude and outright sadistic(see: Amethyst). Quartz style is typically very spartan and sober, but some younger ones favor a more savage, aggressive fashion.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Quartzes are more varied than other castes, depending on their 'batch' they can be different in physique, for example Chalcedony-type Quartzes are less hulking, with slimmer arms and longer legs(using kicks over punches), and they favor range over melee.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">* Vitreous: Wetwork '''<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Vitreous gems are a mysterious(and feared) caste, they are the Diamonds's secret police and operatives, and act as guardians, law enforcers, infiltrators and, most typically, assassins(basically the Judges from Judge Dredd). the Vitreous are reserved(not talking much unless very in touch with the gem they're speaking to), cold and efficient, very precise and meticulous both in battle and outside of it, some have neat freak/OCD tendencies, this and their perceptive nature makes them awesome trackers and detectives. Vitreous fashion is intentionally unassuming, typically designed to avoid drawing unwanted attention, favoring clothes that allow mobility and easy weapon hiding.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Vitreous are feared by lower castes, and not really liked by Beryls, they work along Zircons in the Intelligence but not enthusiastically(as Zircons shun lower castes), but have quite good relationships with Quartzes, as the two .usually fight side-by-side in battle.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">* Spinels: Directors '''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">A weird case, Spinels are not specialized in a precise niche, rather they fill a very wide variety of roles in gem society, acting as mediators between higher and lower castes. Because of this they live among other castes, they are highly empathic and typically have psionic powers that they use to harmonize those around them, together with Beryls they ensure the well-being of groups, because of this they are serious and solemn and widely respected.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">* Olivines: Technicians '''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Olivines are technicians and low-level engineers, they build, maintain and operate the technology and magicks of Homeworld. Olivines are so specialized for this that they themselves are machine-like, striving to be as methodic and logical as they can, some of them are so good at it that they show a Mentat-like ability to analyze and elaborate information, either from mechanisms, situations, environments or people(see: Peridot) and adapt. Olivines don't really have a fashion of their own, but they tend to adopt the style of their superiors and vaguely personalize it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">* Topazes: Workers '''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Despite the name this caste includes Topazes and Corundum gems such as Rubies and Sapphires, they are low-level workers and take their jobs very seriously. Although the lowest 'true' gems, exceptional individuals can still hope to enter Courts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">* Pearls: Slaves° '''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Considered barely even gems, Pearls are made-to-order accessories, their main function is standing around looking pretty to show the status of their mistresses, and sometimes perform simple jobs like chores and cleaning. Pearls are created to be barely intelligent and heavily conditioned, but the Diamonds also secretly have batches of independent, fully intelligent(although still weak-willed and programmed to be loyal) Pearls produced(see: Pearl), these Pearls blend among their less fortunate kin, hiding their true nature, and act as bodyguards, spies, infiltrators and the most unsuspecting of assassins...Pearls do not have any style of their own, they adopt the style of their masters. Also, calling someone a Pearl is a grave insult.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The gemetic template for Pearls, Nacre, is a high-ranking Gem and the current director of the High Command, as the Diamonds's most trusty servant.'''

'''
 * The Outcastes

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">There are gems that don't fit any particular caste, either because of a development gone awry, injector malfunctions, experimental creation or even because they are older than the caste system(the actual number of these is very limited nowadays). However, the Diamonds do not forget about these gems, and have special Placing Offices that evaluate the attitudes and abilities of outcastes, assigning them to the caste they fit best as 'honorary' members of it. Such outcastes are not typically seen well within the caste, but the Authority forbids discrimination, the only thing that matters to them is efficiency.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;">''' <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">* The High Command '''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The only truly meritocratic institution of Homeworld, the High Command is a parliament of gems, coming from all castes, selected from the Diamond courts for their exceptional abilities, they administer all of Homeworld's aspects and act as the advisors of the Diamonds(no decision of the High Command goes unless approved by the Authority). High Command is divided in the following branches: Military, R&D, Support, Intelligence, and Sanitary. '''<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;color:#365F91;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> '''