Enlightened

In the wide, beautiful, and uncaring cosmos, the only thing we can control is ourselves. The “enlightened” cultures who follow this path center a contemplative and intellectual lifestyle in balance with galactic events. For them, the main objective in life is selfcultivation. At their best, enclaves of this culture are truly spiritual and practice contemplation as a liberative practice and support their allies on their mutual quest for liberation. At worst, these enclaves believe that their way is “the true way”, leading them to be self-righteous, aloof, or even colonialist or tyrannical. The truth is frequently somewhere between.

The people of this culture generally have a mature disposition towards science. In their view, science is a worthy path of investigation, but technology is to be subordinated to the correct way of living. Craftsmanship among the enlightened is often highly artistic, accentuating or blending in with the features of nature. Ruins of enlightened cultures feature beautiful stonework and woodwork merged seamlessly with their high tech, practically whispering the story of certain enclaves who used their technology to transcend the mortal coil (or become extinct due to a perilous final mistake). Empires of this culture often do not shy away from using behavior control technology to enforce adherence to “the way.”

Characters raised in the enlightened culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Defensive Training. Self-cultivation also includes the practice of meditation and martial arts. Choose one of the following:

Student of the Body: Choose one 1st degree combat maneuver from any tradition. Once per short rest, you can use this combat maneuver without spending exertion.

Student of the Mind: You learn one psionic reflex. Your psionic ability for this trait is your choice of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.

Inner Path. Your people value cultivating the intellect and spirit, so you can always find your way in life. Choose two from History, Insight, Nature, Religion, Performance, or Science. You have proficiency in the chosen skills.

Artisan. You have proficiency in a musical instrument or artisanal tools.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and three other languages.