Ascondi
A Non-Human Minor Race with a semi-humanoid appearance. They are technologically sophisticated sophonts.
The Ascondi are found on worlds proximate to, and within, the Great Rift.
Description[edit]
The Ascondi are vaguely humanoid, with a scaly skin that suggests reptilian ancestry. They are a little smaller than typical Humaniti but tough and resilient.
Caste[edit]
Ascondi have two genders and three castes within their society -- there is apparently no gender bias towards any given caste. Ascondi prefer to spend social time with their own caste but usually form life-partnerships with a member of another caste. By the time they enter society as adults, which for an Ascondi is around 20 years old, individuals are firmly caste-bonded.
- Hunter caste: Consists of warriors and workers. They are reliable and tend to be less educated than those of other castes.
- Finder caste: Technicians and scientists. Finders are the caste most likely to venture beyond Ascondi heartlands. They are highly intuitive and curious.
- Hearthkeeper caste: Individuals who function as the equivalents of priests, teachers, bards and mediators. They serve as living repositories of knowledge.
All three castes are essential and valued, though hunters tend to be seen as comparatively expendable and hearthkeepers comparatively valuable.
Linguistics[edit]
Given that most of their language isn't pronounceable by Humans, most Ascondi refer to the worlds they inhabit by a Human or Aslan name, adding a quizzical gesture that has been interpreted as 'yeah, right, whatever' every time a non-Ascondi name is used.
Ascondi prefer to keep certain things unnamed because naming them allegedly gives them great power. Unnamed things that could alter the very fabric of Ascondi society are purposefully left bereft of this power.
An approximation of a sample Ascondi name, rendered for Anglic speakers, is Rinolazi Obocolo Gia Ortuza.
Locations and Distribution[edit]
The Ascondi have enclaves on several worlds both within the Great Rift and along its shores, commonly found in Afawahisa Sector and Touchstone Sector. They have a mature TL-5 society on most worlds and are generally happy to co-exist with other species. Some enclaves have access to higher technology obtained through trade, including space vessels in a few cases. The original Ascondi homeworld is uncertain.
Worlds with Ascondi populations include the following:
- Ar'Chrinhdah (Touchstone 0608), a world known to Aslan as Ilryoa.
- Khuiseatasyeh (Afawahisa 0821)
- Phobetor (Touchstone 2333)
World Listing: 1105[edit]
Significant communities of this race are known to dwell on the following systems and worlds:
References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]
- Martin Dougherty. The Great Rift (Mongoose Publishing, 2018), 1.
- Mongoose 2nd: The Great Rift, updated edition, 2025