List of sophonts: Difference between revisions
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One of the oldest sophont species in the Settled Systems, the Qeyeq are native to the planet [[Sky-And-Sea]]. They are one of the only species that entered the interstellar scene before the Icnosis and see themselves as interstellar caretakers. | One of the oldest sophont species in the Settled Systems, the Qeyeq are native to the planet [[Sky-And-Sea]]. They are one of the only species that entered the interstellar scene before the Icnosis and see themselves as interstellar caretakers. | ||
==Saltarplectane== | ===Saltarplectane=== | ||
{{main|Saltarplectane}} | {{main|Saltarplectane}} | ||
Latest revision as of 09:27, 7 February 2026
The Settled Systems are inhabited by a variety of species known as sophonts. The definition of the term "sophont" varies, but is generally used to refer to biological (i.e. non-artificial) beings possessing complex cognitive abilities. Sophonts are any species granted personhood by law in any jurisdiction.
Definitions
Before humanity's first contact with other intelligent life, the term "sapience" was used to refer to beings that displayed advanced cognizance, which was therefore exclusive to humans. As first contacts were initiated in the years following the Icnosis, there began to be a gradual distinction between sapience and sophonce. Initially, "sophonce" was defined in unambiguously anthropocentric terms, so as to place humans above other species. Still in the modern day, definitions of sophonce and sapience are used in some jurisdictions to restrict personhood to specific species.
The modern, scientifically-approved definition of sapience is "the ability to think and solve problems". The base requirements of sapience include basic pattern recognition, a notion of self, rudimentary tool use and sometimes complex social dynamics. Non-sophont sapients are generally still regarded as "animals", with notable examples including some geofauna such as chimpanzees and other human relatives. Sophonce, on the other hand, refers to the ability to form complex thought, often characterized by the presence of philosophy, engineering, spirituality, art and identity. Sophonts are generally considered "people". However, some scholars argue even those criteria to be imperfect, as not all sophonts have notions of religion, art or identity. A notable example of the latter is hive-minded species as well as various mechanical beings.
Sophological scales
Various scales and measurement systems have been created for measuring a species' level of sentience, each based on different factors. One of the more commonly used systems, and one of the simpler ones, is the Serkēw scale, which classifies all species as Type 0 (artificial, non-Turing), Type 1 (sentient), Type 2 (sapient) and Type 3 (sophont).
List
Human
Having arrived to Incognita aboard the ships of the Icnosis 3,000 years ago, the original homeworld of Humanity is not known. Many believe that humanity originates from a different galaxy entirely, although this belief is not universal. What is certain however is that the Human homeworld likely lies outside of the Settled Systems, as no pre-Icnosian genetic or archeological link to Humanity has been found. Today, humans are one of the most widespread sophont species in the Settled Systems, with hundreds of billions of individuals across the Settled Systems.
Bzhao
The Bzhao are the native sophonts of Rwoth, located in the Pchaa system. They are a humanoid species and the second most populous species in the Coalition of Allied Star Systems after Humans.
Cobaati
Ee'koi
The Ee'koi are sophonts native to Qrichie in the Tbeew Prime Cluster. They are unique among sophonts in that they are colonial beings made up of many zooids, rather than a single mind. Their society is based on a system of collectivist clans bound by genetic and social bonds. Having entered the interstellar scene relatively late, they have established themselves throughout the entire Tbeew Prime Cluster.
Gregandupila
The Gregandupilae are a non-humanoid sophont species native to Beautiful Eye. They are notable for their symbiotic herder relationship with X.
Janquarian
Kamchrul
The Kamchrul are another one of the sophont species of the CASS, native to the planet Taench.
Qeyeq
One of the oldest sophont species in the Settled Systems, the Qeyeq are native to the planet Sky-And-Sea. They are one of the only species that entered the interstellar scene before the Icnosis and see themselves as interstellar caretakers.
Saltarplectane
Originating from Gafua in the Hurueefia system, the Saltarplectanes are the tallest and longest known sophonts on average, measuring well over 9 meters in height and 6 meters in length.
Sorioyan
Tetropsid
Tetropsids are the native sophonts of the planet Heéqʼb. Their homeworld is unique, being the only tidally-locked planet known to harbor native life.
Weyiwi
Debated sophonts
Species whose sophonce is debated include non-AI mechanical species, animal uplifts and other artificial life.