The Shifting-Tide Folk

The nature of existence is conflict between fluid identity and imposed order.

Core Concept

This species explores fluidity, adaptation, and the conflict between an intrinsic biological cycle and an imposed, static order. They are a living embodiment of cyclical change.

Physiology & Biology

The Valen are a dimorphic species, but their dimorphism is seasonal, not sexual. Their biology is tied to the two seasons of their homeworld.

The Sun-Season (Builder Form): In the long, bright summer, the Valen are in their “Builder” form. They are physically robust, communal, and driven by a biological imperative to construct, gather, and store resources. Their Needs for Community and Productivity are high.

The Shade-Season (Dreamer Form): As the world cools, they undergo a metamorphosis into their “Dreamer” form. They become slighter, more solitary, and highly introspective. Their metabolism slows, and their Needs shift towards Contemplation, Silence, and Narrative Coherence. This is when they process the memories of the year, weave stories, and engage in ritual.

Psychology & Society (Faith / Fiction)

Core Faith: “The Cycle is All.” They believe that both states are not just necessary, but sacred. To be only a Builder is to be mindless; to be only a Dreamer is to be useless. Truth and purpose are found in the transition between the two.

Core Fiction: Their creation myth tells of a “First Shift,” a time when the primordial Valen learned to embrace the changing seasons instead of perishing in them. This story is the bedrock of their culture.

Gameplay Hooks & Tensions

Mechanical shift in attributes, skills, and needs based on the season: Playing as a Valen would require the player to adapt their strategy a great deal on a periodic basis, plan ahead, etc. Interesting, unique long-term gameplay loop.

Central external conflict: the arrival of a colonizing force (like the Hegemony) who sees their shifting nature as an “instability” to be “cured” with technology.

Central internal conflict: arises from the “Unseasonal.” A Valen born with a genetic quirk or due to external influence might be a “Dreamer” in the Sun-Season, or a “Builder” in the Shade-Season. These individuals would be outcasts, heretics, or perhaps even seen as prophets of a new way of being, providing a perfect backstory for a player character seeking to find their place.

Eidos Generated

• [fluidity]
• [adaptation]
• [resistance]
• [loss_of_self]
• [cyclical_time]

Design Notes

Overall Vibe Rating: 9.8/10

• I think, like the some of the others, there is a clear gender identity influence here; but its a bit more subtle. I think it leads to some really beautiful imagery as well.
• -0.2 : A little lacking in terms of length/depth here.

TODO: Fill this out a smidgeon