Children of Karyos

The Children of Karyos (or "Karyans," as some races insist on referring to them) are a race of space-faring, neo-tribal meritocrats who descended from re-engineered Humans that were transplanted by The Grey eons in the past. Their origin, and the seat of a majority of their population, is a planet they have called Kary'thon. Often mistakenly characterized as aggressive and primitive, the Children have a rich culture and a robust and agile economy, and are renowned for producing exceptionally skilled, independent, and proud people. Their ideals of personal worth and being unapologetically outspoken often cause them to bump elbows with their galactic neighbors, but their patron Elder Race has managed to prevent any escalated conflicts from either overrunning other younger races or causing themselves to be overrun.

The stereotypical Karyan is gender-divided, athletic, strong-willed, proud of their accomplishments and ability to a fault, ambitious, and very spiritual. The men are usually extremely bulky and strong, judgmental, and are more often the warriors and manual laborers of their society, whereas the women are smaller, lither, more agile, protective, and tend to gravitate toward more cerebral and sedentary roles. Neither sees the other gender as any greater or lesser than their own.

TL;DR: The Children of Karyos are a little like Saiyans from Dragonball Z mixed with Klingons from Star Trek, with a devout religion and gender division thrown in.

Physiology

Karyans were originally deviated from Humanity to emphasize a more primal connection to the world around them. Ancient sections of heterochromatin were unraveled and very selectively ubiquitinated, giving the new race a unique physiology.

Perhaps the most noticeable trait of a Child of Karyos is their prehensile, usually furry tail, which is similar in nature to that of certain primitive Earth primates. The tail is as useful to them as an extra limb can be. Tails are often critical to a Child's balance, as they are often of significant muscle mass and counterbalance the race's general proclivity for slouching forward slightly as they walk and stand. The tail is usually somewhere between the leg and the arm in terms of raw strength, as it is occasionally used to help support or suspend their bodies in dynamically awkward situations.

Their feet, while still functioning largely as feet might for any other bipedal being, are also prehensile (if to a significantly lesser degree than their hands), and can be used to grab objects when the other limbs are otherwise occupied. Their toes are not particularly dextrous, however, so they cannot generally perform fine manipulations as their hands can, nor can most individuals grab an anchor with sufficient force to suspend themselves by it (though certain talented physiological specimens who can have been known to pop up from time to time). Due to this added capacity, Children of Karyos spurn traditional, firm-bottomed shoes in favor of thickened socks or other garments that permit them the flexibility of their feet.

Karyans have large foreheads that tend to bulge forward slightly, which gives some other races the illusion that they are always angry or stern. Men with very prominent foreheads may also have subtle bony ridges down the sides or center, but this is not a prevalent trait overall. Women almost never have them. The ridges are seen in some circles as an outward representation of a warrior's ferociousness, so some youths seek to surgically alter themselves to gain artificial ridges.

The Children have a greater overall capacity for muscular bulk and bone thickness, but the men are genetically biased in this category, to the point where many men tend to stand two or three times taller than women. The largest, bulkiest men are often capable of incredible feats of strength, even amongst their own race, and without being considered as a Potential. Women are still more naturally muscular than a Human woman might be, but their muscle densities tend to favor burst contraction and fine control, making them excellent sprinters and gymnasts.

Karyos's Children do not particularly lack or have any excess of intelligence, despite their notoriety for stupidity. Rather, their minds are strongly practical. They tend to experience trouble being creative or artful, as are they challenged by invention, or learning abstract things. Given a specialization they are primed for, they grasp it like an iron vice and can remember a great deal of fine details, especially when it is a subject that is important or interesting to them. Women in particular are outstanding at calculation and visualization, and can exercise great control over their emotions, where men have remarkable intuition, determination, and the ability to overcome biological inhibitions such as pain, weariness, disorientation, etc. when they are pressed.

Social Structure

Uth-ra

The neo-tribal structure that the Children of Karyos have developed is a planetary pseudo-hierarchy, which is technically crested by their religious deity, Karyos. As is detailed later, the Children of Karyos believe Karyos to be a living being that has transcended flesh, and actively guides his children through their spirits. Thus, all Children of Karyos ultimately answer to Karyos above all. His position is called "Uth-ra," or "God Father."

Sich-ra and Sich-nei

Below Karyos, one finds the first two actual Children; they are traditionally always one male and one female, respectively called "Sich-ra" and "Sich-nei," or "World Father" and "World Mother." They are leaders of their race, but not authoritarian ones. Instead, they are simply considered the most influential members of the High Council, the next step down. They are peers who are generally seen as extremely talented, brilliant, and well-connected individuals who are known for putting the good of the Children above the good of their Houses or themselves (even if that may not actually always be the case). They act as the mouthpieces of their government. Though their titles are mother and father, there is no requirement for the two of them to be romantically or sexually involved, or joined (married). This, of course, does not stop the people from being interested in seeing if such relations do develop. If they do, it is often a matter of great fascination to the greater Children nation, as they are usually from separate Houses, and their union can sometimes bring two Houses together into a single, extremely powerful one. It is important to note that Sich-ras and Sich-neis do not have to be heads of their respective Houses, or even in any particular position of power. Inversely, being a Sich-ra or Sich-nei does not necessitate that they be granted positions of power in their Houses. In most situations, however, they are former High Fathers or Mothers, or a close lieutenant thereof. Sich-ras and Sich-neis retain their office either until they die, they abdicate, or they are removed by supermajority (75%+) vote. Interestingly, a Sich-ra or Sich-nei can commit all manners of crimes against the Houses or the nation, even being imprisoned for life, and retain their title and authority.

The current Sich-ra is:

The current Sich-nei is:

The High Council of Houses

The High Council, then, is populated with the heads -- the High Fathers or Mothers -- of all the major Houses of Kary'thon. Houses are granted and revoked seats on the Council as the Sich-ra and Sich-nei nominate and the Council confirms with a vote. They are the people with most of the power in the Children of Karyos's society. They not only get to help influence and legislate world-wide laws, but generally have ultimate, unquestioned authority in their own Houses, depending on the structure of the individual House. Though this authority is, in fact, limited to their own House, High Fathers and Mothers in particular carry a great deal of respect and influence across houses, even from members of rival Houses. The Karyan words for these roles are Chiit-ra and Chiit-nei.

The current sitting High Council members are:

• High Father ? of ?
• High Mother ? of ?
• (Have about 15)

Houses

All Kary'thon-born Children are born into one House or another, even if they are isolated from society. The House becomes akin to the individual's last name; when they introduce themselves, most Karyans will give their name, and append "of House (name)." In the event disambiguation is needed, an individual can also include citation of their father or mother (matching the gender of the individual), in a manner not unlike a middle name, but added last. Thus, a full typical name might be "Groja of House Renthon, daughter of Jalii." A House is typically a community based around one or more central or core families/bloodlines, and can also include any number of other families, bloodlines or individuals who owe allegiance to the core of the House. Houses can be of almost any size, though they tend to fracture when they stay very large for too long. Some Houses carry a purpose, such that most of the members of that House are either involved or support a particular industry or pursuit, to facilitate solidarity and cooperation. Others rally around collecting the most talented members of their kind of any profession, cherry-picking members based on their merits and failings, and how they would reflect on their House.

Unlike the High Council that oversees them, Houses can have wildly varying internal structures. Some operate democratically with the representatives of several bloodlines within the House convening as equals with term limitations, while others are ruled over by a monarchy from the core family. Many Houses -- especially those who specialize in martial or mercenary work -- structure their positions of power similar to a military. Each House finds a configuration that best suits its own needs.

Regardless of structure, all Houses have an official designation as either being a Major House or a Minor House. There are generally only about 25-50 Major Houses in existence at any particular time. These houses are always quite large, and are considered to be a crucial element of the greater Nation of Karyos. Most such Houses must have been in existence for considerable time before they are given such an accolade. Only Major Houses are candidates for receiving seats on the High Council. By elimination, all other Houses are considered Minor. To be clear, no Child of Karyos is under any illusion that the Minor Houses are unimportant. 60 to 75% of Children belong to Minor Houses. Without them, the economy of the world would collapse overnight. To ensure that these many citizens do not feel completely disenfranchised by the favoritism of the system, most significant Minor Houses ally themselves formally with one or more Major Houses, providing services, goods, and favors in exchange for a broad promise to extend the Major House's protections and influence on their behalf.

Though rare, non-Children can settle on Kary'thon and integrate themselves with the society, despite lacking any Children of Karythos bloodline. Such individuals must often fight an uphill battle to be accepted into a House, as they must not only prove their own worth, but they must prove their understanding of their culture and the integrity of their honor; such qualities are generally accepted or already known about most Children. It is possible, however unheard of, for an outsider to form their own House. Were such a House to exist and populate with additional outsiders, one might speculate that that House would be looked upon with great suspicion and mistrust by the other Houses, and it would likely be extraordinarily difficult for such an establishment to survive against the adversity those Houses would likely present.

The Kineth and the Danyesh'o

Two classifications of individuals remain; the Kineth, who are rogue minor Houses or individuals that deliberately sever themselves from the greater nation of Karyos and operate independently or outright against the nation, and the Danyesh'o, who are those individuals who were not born on Kary'thon, regardless of whether they are Children of Karyos by race. The former, while not always hunted outright, are considered traitors and insurgents, regardless of their own claims, as the nation of Karyos believes it has claim to the entirety of Kary'thon, despite only actually inhabiting and patrolling a fraction of its surface. The latter are simply considered to not belong to a House until a House accepts them. Should a member of a House give birth off-world, the offspring is generally accepted by the House soon afterward by merit of parentage, so long as they are notified promptly and the parents are both of good standing in the House. Deviations from these conditions may cause the House to give pause to accepting the child until it has proven its own worth, independently.

The Gender Divide

Male and female physiologies and roles in the society of the Children are sufficiently different that they nearly consider one another different species, though that is not the case. Karyans, much like Humans, went through their own protracted period of history where one gender suppressed the other due to their differences. Unlike Humans, however, each gender had such radical advantages over the other that the battle over equal rights became a literal one; gender wars have actually been fought in the name of superiority and equality. Though women are very largely physically weaker than men, their highly refined minds and ability to escape tight situations allowed them to actually take them on, once they realized the collective plight and unity of their gender. In fact, for a period of Kary'thon history, the women dominated the men.

Today, such feelings are largely lost to history, though occasionally backwater Children of both genders retain sentiments of their own gender's superiority over the other. Instead, most Children of Karyos see the two genders as differing but interlocking puzzle pieces. Neither is better than the other, but neither can survive without the other, either. They have come to understand the greatness their society can reach when both halves work in cooperation. To be clear, they have never adopted the ideal that men and women are so equal that anything one can do, so can the other, like other races have. There are clear gender roles in the society that each is meant to fulfill. Instead, rather than taking being confined to particular roles as being suppressed, each accepts their limitations and embraces their strengths, and uses them to complement the other gender.

That said, there are always outliers -- muscular, dim-witted women and calculating, weak-muscled men -- but such specimens go against the grain of their society, and rather than trying to accept them, they are often shamed and forced into roles which they may not be best suited for, or which they may not enjoy or cope with well. These types often end up leaving their homeworld for more accepting, sex-equivalent societies. On the other hand, there are small, specialist organizations for those of each gender who might simply enjoy work in a field not traditionally aligned with their gender, though they have a fairly typical physique and mind. For instance, there is a mercenary company comprised mostly of women, who excel in carefully planned and quickly adapting hit-and-run strikes, and women are noted as being excellent space fighter pilots. Inversely, some men make themselves out to be good mechanics, tacticians, and negotiators (as men often possess a charisma that the women lack).

These differences sometimes make other races view them as sexist; they do not understand the taboo of suggesting that if a woman needs to lift something heavy, to find a man to do it for her, or if a man has an issue with a hard to resolve situation, to consult a woman. To them, it is less a matter of oppression and more about the facts of their life, much as though using a wrench to drive a nail into something would be wrong, as would trying to turn a bolt with a hammer.

Religion: The Worship of Karyos

The Children of Karyos, above all things, are pious in their worship of their deity entity, Karyos. In their holy scripts, collectively known as the Vas Paq, Karyos's ordeals and experiences are detailed, as well as those of people and entities who were his friends or enemies. Many of these narrations are allegorical, containing fairly obvious lessons for the devoted Child of Karyos, either from something Karyos learned by experience or something he advocated to those around him. Such examples are frequently used by the modern Karyan to support, justify, and encourage their particular modes of behavior. Worship of Karyos largely supports the following ideals:

1. The Children of Karyos can only be limited by themselves.
2. Through courage, determination, and strength of character, anything is possible.
3. Karyos became a god through sheer force of will; All Children have the potential to the same legacy.
4. A Child of Karyos is defined by what they allow themselves to achieve.
5. Possessions are meaningless and mortal; Deeds are eminent and immortal.

Unlike a traditional religion, the worship of Karyos does not involve a network of shrines, temples, or churches, nor is there a particular caste of Children of Karyos who execute the faith as a clergy might. Instead, the religion is so enmeshed into the society that it becomes a normal part of a Child's upbringing. It is a subject studied in their education system from the earliest to the most advanced levels, to the point where almost all professional Children of Karyos can list off no less than a hundred separate quotes out of the Vas Paq, and have a favorite chapter or two memorized by heart. Community leaders are expected to have a thorough understanding of the text, such that they can teach it to those they watch over. There are few who know Karyos's tales better than the High Fathers and Mothers. A common custom in Karyan households during special occasions and gatherings is to gather in a central area before sleep and have the head male of the household recite a tale from the Vas Paq to their family, and then to ensure the story and lesson were both understood by all, not unlike a bible study.

Karyos's role in their religion is not one of a protector, or an enabler, or of some all-powerful being that grants boons on the faithful. Rather, he is seen as an exemplar of their people; he is the greatest of their kind that has ever been known to exist. According to the Vas Paq, he has accomplished deeds that most would consider simply impossible and incredible for a mortal man. The Children of Karyos believe in their occurrence unquestioningly, however -- doubt is drilled out of them at young ages -- and take his example as an inspiring template to what they can become, if they have the determination and faith to do so. When faced when a seemingly impossible task, many Children of Karyos cite one of Karyos's deeds, and compare their obstacle as minute. Similarly, a discouraged Child might be rallied by another hypothesizing to them what Karyos might have done in a similar situation.

Origin Story

The Vas Paq details that in the beginning, the Kary'thon was born as the sundered flesh of a god battling another across the heavens. As their weapons collided and sparks showered all about, Kary'thon was given all manner of life, which began its own struggle across the lands. The battle was sustained for eons, until a god named Entyon visited the world and saw the warring beasts. They decided to shape the most powerful of the beasts together into creatures of ruthless cunnning and great power, whom they would design to become so powerful as to sway the astral conflict in their favor. They were the Children of Karyos.

As a test, Entyon sent his creations into the wild, and the ensuing wholesale slaughter was so bloody that it filled the oceans (Kary'thon's oceans are red-tinted). The god was pleased with his creations, and began sending waves of them at his rival gods, where most were slain mercilessly. One amongst them was Karyos, and after somehow surviving both the battle of the beasts and repeated clashes with gods, he decided to put an end to Entyon's sacrifice of his people. When he defied Entyon, however, he was struck down, and then sent out to fight a god again. Battered and bruised, he was nearly slain in the attack.

On his return to Kary'thon, he realized that power does not simply come to those who desire it. He snuck out of the prisons where his people were kept and executed a series of 14 heroic deeds known collectively as the K'ro Ftal. These ranged from defeating the greatest beast that still lived in the wilderness, which was described as being so large that it could throw a shadow over a mountain, to forcefully punching closed an active volcano. Each trial made Karyos vastly stronger than he had been, until he was strong enough to finally kill Entyon in an epic conflict that allegedly split the world's continents from one another. Karyos then liberated his people into the first city (which he built entirely on his own), whom he christened his Children, and taught them the power of their heritage.

After a time of prosperity where the Children grew to be independent under Karyos's guidance, one of Entyon's former rivals, Ush Ralem, appeared and threatened to destroy Kary'thon. Anything living that touched this being died instantly. Even Karyos could not weather the baneful touch of this god. So, just before Ush Ralem could destroy the world, Karyos's rage manifested, and caused him to ascend to godhood. Now immune to the other's poisonous touch, Karyos lifted up his weapon and slew the other god in a single fell strike. The two moons of Kary'thon were said to be the two halves of the deceased and bisected Ush Ralem.

Having transcended flesh, Karyos proclaimed that he would protect Kary'thon from the careless wars of the other gods, and eventually slay them all so nothing could remain that could threaten the Children of Karyos. He made a point to include that this was temporary, until one of his Children walked their own journey to godhood to take his place, as this was the birthright of all Children of Karyos.

Nuvpu Bom

Perhaps the most miraculous aspect of Karyan theology is the active practice and utilization of Nuvpu Bom, or the "Chant of Unity." In its exercise, groups (the larger, the better) chant or sing repetitive, particular verses from the Vas Paq, while they and others around them focus their thoughts and prayers on a monumental task. Through their efforts, the entirety of the group become minor Summoner Potentials, and pool their powers into an extraordinary force that is sufficiently reliable and powerful to take ordinary, planetary structures, and make them into spaceworthy, combat-capable vessels. The more people engaging Nuvpu Bom, the greater the feat of faith.

Several decades ago, the entire planet united in Nuvpu Bom to guard against what had been referred to as a fist of a vengeful god; a very large meteor had threatened the planet, and through the united chant, the hurling rock, which was several hundred miles across, was simply stopped, redirected and pushed away.

Potentials

Children of Karyos are no strangers to Potentials. Indeed, their homegrown specimens believe religiously that every one of their people is capable of not only being a Potential, but being as great of one as Karyos himself purportedly was, and perhaps better. The actual incidence of Potentials in their society has slowly increased over time and history. The first ones were considered to be the spiritual heirs of Karyos, and often became agents of great change in their society. At those times, centuries would pass between the discovery of a new Potential. More recently, the first period in history was identified where two Children were Potentials at the same time. This was thought to be a sure sign that the race would see another god ascend from their kin, though it never happened quite that way. This was only a few decades ago; there are now dozens of Potentials, if not hundreds, and the rate only continues to rise.

Because of the association of great power with Karyos, and because of the meritocratic nature of their society, Potentials are largely embraced and celebrated by Karyans. These individuals often find themselves catapulted through political ranks far more quickly than they might have been able to achieve normally. In such a modern world where many Potentials exist, the positions of Sich-ra and Sich-nei have great pressure to be Potentials. Lacking that quality, those candidates must have profound charismatic and diplomatic capacity in addition to their own skills in order to be considered above a high-level Potential. Conversely, the Children of Karyos do not abide idleness or abandonment of the pursuit of greater ability by their Potentials, as doing so goes directly against their faith.

Now that more Potentials are appearing in their society, the Children have become aflutter with excitement over what this means for them as a race. Many believe Karyos's legacy is catching up with them, and that, in a generation or two's time, all Children will be Potentials, and some will be gods. Egged on by the stories and lessons of the Vas Paq, a sort of feverish pursuit of ways to force Potentiality in a Child has spread. Their scientists cross lines that might have been considered immoral before, and many physically strong Karyans kill or seriously injure themselves by overexerting themselves during training. Some independent bands of Children have even formed pirate companies, seeking to take the secrets of becoming a Potential from other races, which often leads them to their doom when their paths inevitably lead them to Elder Races.

Types

Though the Children of Karyos do not disdain technology, they do frown upon relying upon technology for something they can achieve themselves. For that reason, Potentials are rarely Technics. If they are Technics, the status is rarely discovered, as their work never manifests in a single person. Instead, such people greatly enhance society from the sidelines, vastly improving its quality of life. Karyans are far more likely to be Perfecters, and to a lesser degree, Summoners.

Children of Karyos who are Perfecters are the greatest warriors of their kind, and for this reason, they chafe against intergalactic laws forbidding the use of Potentials in military conflict. They see the move as one made by inferiors, out of fear of the supposed overwhelming strength of their people, should Potentials be allowed to fight for them. So, they seek every way to get around such laws. For instance, many form paramilitary and mercenary organizations, which intercede when Kary'thon is in danger. In the meantime, some groups cause havoc, acting as pirates and raiders on other races and infuriating the Greys.

Those who become Summoners are almost all zealots of the religion of Karyos, and believe so strongly in its writing that they believe they can actually channel and call upon Karyos himself to influence real events. They are master leaders of Nuvpu Bom, and typically develop other group incantations that benefit groups of their people while bringing curses and fear upon foes.

Culture

Through all strata of Karyan society, physical well-being and fitness are paramount. They believe that the body is the temple of one's own achievements, and that a poorly built and kept temple can hardly support great deeds, even when those deeds are mental or spiritual rather than physical. For this reason, very few Children are obese, and those that suffer from retardation or other physical disabilities suffer enormous stigma, if they are not terminated at birth. Those that lose limbs seek out cybernetic replacements, or commit suicide when suitable ones cannot be attained. Suicide is just as stigmatic, as it is forfeiture of a given opportunity for greatness, but it is easy to be overwhelmed by the pain of being cut off from former possibilities.

When it comes to competition and combat, honor plays a heavy role. Trickery, unfair advantages, cheating, and shortcuts are all tools of someone who has already failed to achieve what they set out to do, in the mind of a Child of Karyos. They prefer to confront their opponents head-on, in full view, and without any more aid than is required to overcome the challenge. Those who do not carry disgrace, which often carries on to tarnish the image of their family and House. Conversely, those who go out of their way to ensure that their deeds are truly worthy challenges are more likely to be spoken of honorably, and therefore with greater respect. There is also respect for those who fail gracefully; even in mortal combat, when a fighter has been downed and is about to die, the winner thinks favorably of the loser and spreads their tales as an extension of their own achievements, where feasible.

Due to the meritocratic nature of their society, many young adult Children find great difficulty making names for themselves. Their homeworld is full of immense competition, and it is very easy to be discouraged, outdone, or overshadowed. Without a foothold, such youths are relegated to the worst jobs, with little opportunity for self-betterment. So, increasingly, young men and women of Kary'thon are venturing out into their colonies and other races' societies, where it is easier to find opportunities for great achievements.

Political Relations

The relationships that Kary'thon fosters can be rough and subject to fraying and tearing. The High Mothers and Fathers often have differing, polarized views on the other races of the galaxy, and rather than seeing them as fellow civilizations, they're more often seen as tools and stepping stones toward the ultimate empowerment of the Children of Karyos. With some races, this filter is more stable than with others, when they are more easily generalized and encapsulated to fit an ideal. With others, the perception of a race can change from one moment to another as political events unfold.

Humanity

When the Karyans first encountered humankind, they thought them a weak race. They had slated them to be enslaved and used as meaningless labor, so that the remainder of their people could seek more meaningful goals. Since then, the Greys have stepped in and kept them from overrunning Humanity until they were able to construct their own celestial military. Several decades of terse relations and border skirmishes later, the Children of Karyos have come to have a muted respect for them, between bouts of alternating deeper respect and outright revulsion. Humans confound Karyans, as they defy generalization. They are highly adaptive, and have come to achieve much despite their humble physical forms, but at the same time, they have shown that even their highest and most respected elders are not above backstabbing, betrayal, and all the other forms of dishonor.

Humanity's growing influence in their quadrant of the galaxy has become a divisive matter for the Head Fathers and Mothers. Some would embrace them as allies and use their friendship to expand Kary'thon's own power, where others see them as an inferior and diseased society, not yet purified enough in their own forging fires to share the sky with Karyos.

Ellorians

Kary'thon has a long-standing trade agreement with Elloria and her colonies, which has helped fuel its export economy. These naturalist people are viewed as being stable and respectful, though they have vastly differing cultures. Rarely, though, do members of one race interact with members of the other for more than a brief period. Both have cultivated impressive vocabularies of popular, racist jokes about the other, which neither race takes seriously.

Cyl

The Cyl are largely unknown to Kary'thon. As they lack natural, organic bodies, the Children of Karyos are likely to find them to be aberrations, and may insist that they are being controlled by a Human, somewhere. Were they to develop a greater understanding of these cyborgs, however, they would be in even greater abhorrence, as they represent the legacy of a race that deviated from the way of Karyos and relied too deeply upon technology. Karyans do not, and likely will not in the future, consider Cyl to be people, nor will they respect their right to exist as fellow living beings. Cyl vessels that erroneously enter Kary'thon space are assailed to destruction as soon as they are thought to be empty of life.

The Grey

Though other Younger Race scientists have theorized that the Children of Karyos are another subspecies of Humanity planted by the Greys, the Children will not hear any part of it. Their religious text -- as mentioned earlier -- insists that they were created by a single god entity, which was eventually killed. As the Greys do not particularly encourage the discovery of their role in their Younger Races' origins, Karyans instead treat the Greys as just another race, who have managed to secure great power for themselves, and attempt to horde this power over others they view as beneath them. Put another way, the Children of Karyos believe the Grey are their next challenge in their ascension to godhood, and view them with equal parts respect and hostility.