Prosian Taxonomic System
Prosian Taxonomic System
A canonical biological classification framework used throughout the SS Scavenger Universe.
The **Prosian Taxonomic System** is a culturally rooted method for categorizing all life on the planet Prose. Unlike Earth’s taxonomy, which relies on Latin binomials and rigid evolutionary hierarchies, the Prosian system reflects harmony, ecological cycles, and the spiritual worldview of the Prosian people.
This taxonomy divides living beings into broad Realms of Life (Narakorā), followed by natural Growth Forms (Soralin) and optional Habitat Groups (Lenarak). Some rare species may receive a ceremonial classification acknowledging their ecological significance.
This system became vitally important during the events of The Golden Age, when the rediscovery of Driftblooms restored several extinct species and reshaped modern ecological understanding.
Narakorā — Realms of Life
The highest level of classification, describing the fundamental nature of living beings.
| Realm | Meaning | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Arzakara | Sun-formed life | Flora, all photosynthetic plants |
| Nefkara | Breath-formed life | Animals and motile organisms |
| Vaskara | Stone-formed life | Fungi, lichens, mineral-symbiotic lifeforms |
| Salkara | Deep-formed life | Aquatic micro-organisms; river-origin life |
Most plant species revived in the events of The Golden Age belong to Arzakara.
Soralin — Growth Forms (Life Shapes)
These categories describe the shape, structure, and growth pattern of Arzakara species.
- Thélen — trees
- Varel — shrubs
- Soren — grasses
- Felun — flowering plants
- Gresen — vines
- Dareli — ferns
- Kelun — seedpods or cone-like plants
- Mirel — aquatic plants
- Yeran — mosses and ground-soft plants
These are often used as the second component of a classification.
Lenarak — Habitat Groups
Optional geographic or ecological modifiers added to a species’ classification.
- Larosen — river-region
- Denekor — floodplain
- Kazentan — highlands
- Mokurelen — island/coastal
- Saralen — forest
- Larokosin — harvest-season regions
- Prosialen — near populated settlements
For example: Arzakara–Soren–Larosen → a rivergrass species.
Ceremonial Classification
Some species may be given an elevated title due to ecological, spiritual, or historical significance.
Larokorēn — “Life-Restorers”
A unique designation for organisms that restore ecosystems, heal soil, or revive extinct flora.
The first and currently only known member of this category is the Driftbloom, whose regenerative spores revived multiple lost species during the events of The Golden Age.
Structure of a Prosian Classification
A complete Prosian taxonomic name may include:
- Realm of Life (Narakorā)
- Growth Form (Soralin)
- Habitat Group (Lenarak, optional)
Example Template
Arzakara – Thélen – Kazentan
“A sun-formed highland tree.”
Example Species
- Lariven Grass → Arzakara – Soren – Larosen
- Tarenil Tree → Arzakara – Thélen – Larokosin
- Grenasi Fern → Arzakara – Dareli – Saralen
- Kelarin Pods → Arzakara – Kelun – Saralen
- Drisaya Tree → Arzakara – Thélen – Kazentan
Cultural Notes
The Prosian taxonomy reflects a worldview centered on balance:
- Sun and breath
- Stone and water
- Motion and stillness
- Life cycles governed by moons and seasons
Many ancient poems and teachings reference the Realms of Life, making the taxonomic system deeply embedded in Prosian cultural identity.