Miscellaneous Loroi question-and-answer thread

[Cthulhu]

In the technological interregnum after the fall of the Soia empire, someone with unamplified lethal psychokinesis probably has enough power to lift herself, and so could attempt to fly very high. Since she would inevitably pass out, even if she regained consciousness in time to avoid hitting the ground, she probably wouldn't understand why she failed. Cultures living in mountainous regions might understand the connection between altitude and low air pressure, but lowland cultures would be perplexed by this mysterious force, and I can easily imagine superstitions growing up around this phenomenon. "If you fly too high, the Air Grue will get you!"

Wouldn't this give rise to a "divine punishment" scenario instead?

Loroi knowledge of their pre-fall ancestors is limited to their heroic mythology, in which technological references have mostly been lost (since they were passed through tens of thousands of years of retelling by cultures that had lost high technology). There is a Loroi saga that reads somewhat similar to the Icarus myth, of a flying hero (Testimel, "Comet") who went too high and too fast, and was consumed by flame. (Modern Loroi scholars propose that she achieved sub-orbital velocity, but then either unconscious or just exhausted, she burned up during reentry.

Especially this part could be interpreted that Comet was struck down due to her hybris, similarly to the Fall. Or were the Loroi never religious enough to see such occurrences in this light?

[Arioch]

In the technological interregnum after the fall of the Soia empire, someone with unamplified lethal psychokinesis probably has enough power to lift herself, and so could attempt to fly very high. Since she would inevitably pass out, even if she regained consciousness in time to avoid hitting the ground, she probably wouldn't understand why she failed. Cultures living in mountainous regions might understand the connection between altitude and low air pressure, but lowland cultures would be perplexed by this mysterious force, and I can easily imagine superstitions growing up around this phenomenon. "If you fly too high, the Air Grue will get you!"

Wouldn't this give rise to a "divine punishment" scenario instead?

Sounds like the same thing to me.

[Werra]

As you say, it's not possible without some kind of breathing apparatus. A Loroi PK in a pressure suit with power sufficient to lift herself could theoretically attain any kind of altitude, as she's holding herself up. Flying to the moons or some other destination would require achieving orbital velocity, which is theoretically possible but would be hazardous.

As I understand it if a TK user wants to move an object she does not aim her TK at the object directly. Rather she creates a force at the point of space the object occupies. Then the TK force appears without traveling there, while physical force requires an arm or something to move. Flying with TK strikes me therefore as terrible unsafe and likely to cause crippling wounds. Do these Loroi just aim for their skeleton and hope for the best?

[Arioch]

As you say, it's not possible without some kind of breathing apparatus. A Loroi PK in a pressure suit with power sufficient to lift herself could theoretically attain any kind of altitude, as she's holding herself up. Flying to the moons or some other destination would require achieving orbital velocity, which is theoretically possible but would be hazardous.

As I understand it if a TK user wants to move an object she does not aim her TK at the object directly. Rather she creates a force at the point of space the object occupies. Then the TK force appears without traveling there, while physical force requires an arm or something to move. Flying with TK strikes me therefore as terrible unsafe and likely to cause crippling wounds. Do these Loroi just aim for their skeleton and hope for the best?

Telekinesis (if successful) affects the object that the user intends, whether that's the whole object or a smaller part within the object. It's not limited to just a point in space.

[Bamax]

As you say, it's not possible without some kind of breathing apparatus. A Loroi PK in a pressure suit with power sufficient to lift herself could theoretically attain any kind of altitude, as she's holding herself up. Flying to the moons or some other destination would require achieving orbital velocity, which is theoretically possible but would be hazardous.

As I understand it if a TK user wants to move an object she does not aim her TK at the object directly. Rather she creates a force at the point of space the object occupies. Then the TK force appears without traveling there, while physical force requires an arm or something to move. Flying with TK strikes me therefore as terrible unsafe and likely to cause crippling wounds. Do these Loroi just aim for their skeleton and hope for the best?

Telekinesis (if successful) affects the object that the user intends, whether that's the whole object or a smaller part within the object. It's not limited to just a point in space.

You have just unlocked artficial gravity for Teidar!

All gravity is is a force puling all the blood and organs downward anyway.

That said... Mothwing could probably pull it off as a trick... Fireblade though.... the way she uses her powers she may have a bit more than 1g pull... maybe 2g or 3g so she would feel heavier... inclining her not use it for artificial gravity.

Obviously acceleration through flight also works, but interestingly just walking around on a floor in zero g would be all a Teidar needs to simulate gravity.

[Keklas Rekobah]

Gravity is the weakest of the known and proven forces. The only thing that keeps the Earth from collapsing into a singularity is the repulsive force between like-charged electrons.

In the broadest context, anything that moves an object away from a center of gravity, or that maintains an object’s position relative to the center of gravity, could be considered “anti-“ gravity. The floor under your feet could be considered “anti-gravitic” by this definition. So could the water under a floating boat.

(The people in the boat still feel the effects of gravity, by the way.)

I have not seen any description of the Soiaverse that nails down what the PK force is or where the energy behind it comes from; but it does not seem to involve gravity manipulation, only a direct manipulation of matter. Thus, a Loroi using PK to float above a planetary surface would continue to feel the effects of gravity. Plus, if she was rising with too much acceleration, she would likely black out, lose control of her PK and fall from a height of about 300 meters (or less). Instant Blue Street Pizza.

Teacher: “Typhoon’s mass is about 55kg. She stands on the surface of a world, experiencing its surface gravity of 9.8 m/s/s. She dons a high-tech pressure suit to maintain a breathable environment. Using her PK, she launches herself upward at a constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s. How much time passes (in seconds) before she reaches an altitude of 200 kilometers? What is her velocity at 200 kilometers? How many “Gees” does she experience at 200 kilometers?”

[Bamax]

Gravity is the weakest of the known and proven forces. The only thing that keeps the Earth from collapsing into a singularity is the repulsive force between like-charged electrons.

In the broadest context, anything that moves an object away from a center of gravity, or that maintains an object’s position relative to the center of gravity, could be considered “anti-“ gravity. The floor under your feet could be considered “anti-gravitic” by this definition. So could the water under a floating boat.

(The people in the boat still feel the effects of gravity, by the way.)

I have not seen any description of the Soiaverse that nails down what the PK force is or where the energy behind it comes from; but it does not seem to involve gravity manipulation, only a direct manipulation of matter. Thus, a Loroi using PK to float above a planetary surface would continue to feel the effects of gravity. Plus, if she was rising with too much acceleration, she would likely black out, lose control of her PK and fall from a height of about 300 meters (or less). Instant Blue Street Pizza.

Teacher: “Typhoon’s mass is about 55kg. She stands on the surface of a world, experiencing its surface gravity of 9.8 m/s/s. She dons a high-tech pressure suit to maintain a breathable environment. Using her PK, she launches herself upward at a constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s. How much time passes (in seconds) before she reaches an altitude of 200 kilometers? What is her velocity at 200 kilometers? How many “Gees” does she experience at 200 kilometers?”

I never assumed PK was gravity related, all I am saying is based Arioch's words, Teidar SHOULD be able to mimic gravity at least for themselves as individuals.

It's no harder than using PK to pull all inside blood and guts and bown downward a bit.

And if that is too hard, just pull down everything nearby including the self, that way all the power is not concentrated effecting the Teidar adversely for her lack of psychokonetic finesse.

[gaerzi]

I say nearly because realistically they would pass out along the way from lack of oxygen and either fall to their death or wake up to fly straight instead of splattering all over the ground.

While the Loroi have a lower body temperature, I think they'd still be hindered by the freezing cold before they start starving for oxygen. I suppose they could attempt bundling themselves up in warm clothes but that's not necessarily practical and since the temperature just keeps on dropping eventually they'd feel cold anyway. Especially if they keep their face exposed to see around them and then their nose falls off.

[Keklas Rekobah]

@ARIOCH: Was Vancouver, British Columbia . . .



Your inspiration for Toridas Sunset?



Many similarities, but not exactly the same.

[Arioch]

@ARIOCH: Was Vancouver, British Columbia . . . Your inspiration for Toridas Sunset?

Nope.

I looked at a number of different references, but that wasn't one of them. The most significant influence was probably Monaco.

[Bamax]

If I understand and conclude correctly about the Loroi, unlike western human religious culture, having sex is not connsidered taboo but rather something like a driver's license.... an achievement and a privilege to carry responsibly.... am I right?

In a way I think and hope such a view hopefully leads to an overall healthier view of sex for Loroi when compared to humans.

What I mean is hopefully less extremes exist (sex/porn addicts, pedophiles, rapists etc).

I mean I reckon they still exist given how human Loroi can act, but I would like to think that the sheer massive amount of CSA cases in human society would have a smaller quanity in Loroi societies.

[Arioch]

If I understand and conclude correctly about the Loroi, unlike western human religious culture, having sex is not connsidered taboo but rather something like a driver's license.... an achievement and a privilege to carry responsibly.... am I right?

In a way I think and hope such a view hopefully leads to an overall healthier view of sex for Loroi when compared to humans.

What I mean is hopefully less extremes exist (sex/porn addicts, pedophiles, rapists etc).

I mean I reckon they still exist given how human Loroi can act, but I would like to think that the sheer massive amount of CSA cases in human society would have a smaller quanity in Loroi societies.

From what I understand about the social characteristics of sex, among Earth species that don't pair bond, sex is still a very strong drive and (I presume) a very pleasurable and fulfilling activity. Among many if not most "higher" animals (mammals and birds), however, there are "rules" for sex, whether it's pair bonding, harems (one or two males and many females), or alpha breeding (a social group with only one pair that's allowed to breed), or the like. In these species there is also usually an individual incentive to "cheat" the system (mainly males mating with females other than their normal partner(s), but also behaviors like social insect workers sneaking their eggs in among the queen's), so the "social" taboos on sex go very deeply, I think. So I think human culture has some rules about sex that go deeper than Western culture or religion specifically. Unwed mothers present difficulties even for our technological society, so I can imagine the kind of problems they would present to a primitive hunter-gatherer society.

I think sex is very important for the Loroi, but in different ways to humans. It's not something that's used to reinforce social bonds, so it's not important to the Loroi that it be a frequent act. Exclusivity is also not an important feature for either gender, since neither Loroi males nor females maintain harems. However, unrestricted mating among Loroi inevitably leads to overpopulation, so societies that don't self-destruct must develop some kind of rules about mating. That these rules aren't deeper-seated in Loroi ancestry is perhaps another argument that the current Loroi reproductive biology was not naturally evolved.

How Loroi females will behave when presented with a human male... well, I think that's what we're seeing in the comic.

Pornography is, in my opinion, an outcome of the human need for regular sexual stimulation. This won't be a Loroi problem.
I think it's difficult (if perhaps not impossible) for a Loroi female to rape a male, so I don't think this is a major concern among the Loroi. "Unauthorized sex" is probably more of an issue, but the males are usually only too happy to consent. But even were it to occur, a female "rapist" can't hide the resulting pregnancy... so this would be very difficult to get away with.
Pedophilia is one of those things that seems to have no beneficial biological upside (unlike infidelity, for example), so I think it's a case of just having one's biological wires crossed. I'm not sure whether Loroi biology would inevitably result in similar aberrations. Even if it did, Loroi males are guarded like precious metals directly from birth, so it would take a serious effort to nab one. (And adult Loroi males look a bit like children to our eyes, so... let's not dig too much deeper here. )

[Bamax]

I threw the shovel away right after your last sentence.

Oh dear... Loroi would cause a political firestorm on Earth if they spent any amount of time around middle school and teen boys.

I mean I know some mature weathered ones would not be so inclined, but many newbies like the Beryls, Talons, and Spirals could very well get into trouble.

I can see the news headlines now.

Loroi CSA case!

Tempo or another Mizol would sort out the mess as best is they can.

[Arioch]

Oh dear... Loroi would cause a political firestorm on Earth if they spent any amount of time around middle school and teen boys.

Would it really?

Since human males can't impregnate Loroi females, would sexual acts between them really amount to anything more objectionable than masturbation?

[Bamax]

Oh dear... Loroi would cause a political firestorm on Earth if they spent any amount of time around middle school and teen boys.

Would it really?

Since human males can't impregnate Loroi females, would sexual acts between them really amount to anything more objectionable than masturbation?

That is true. I presume Loroi vaginas would just dispose of the human stuff like it's waste since it cannot use it.

Still... human culture being what it is, especially the religious side may still take issue with it. There are religions that forbid masturbation and porn after all... difficult as that may be for individuals full stop.


Of course this is future humanity in Outsider, so for all I know mainstream values may be a wee bit more relaxed than today with regard to how much religion holds sway.


Another potential positive for human males at least is that Loroi have all the strength of a man their size while still looking utterly female rather than roided out like the unattractive she-hulk human female bodybuilders.

They could compete and keep up with human males in every way human females could not... physically at least.


Human females would be utterly jealous to be sure.. and that is a potential issue that does not even care about religion.

There are plenty of humqns in non-attached relationships that would take a more liberal view, but the human tendency is to pair bond... which is why we continue as a species.

[TerrifyingKitten]

Human females would be utterly jealous to be sure.. and that is a potential issue that does not even care about religion.

I wonder if sales of blue makeup would go up?

The cultural exchanges would be really interesting. some things would be understood and copied or reviled for what they are and others would be copied or reviled for what they were thought to be but were not.

Even non-racist folks might turn out to have a specist streak (particularly when the threat of actual extinction level warfare for not joining is a possibility). Comments like "Get out of here blue lover!" and the flip side of the groupie.

I wonder who would be the first to use "Smurfette" as an insult?

[Snoofman]

Oh dear... Loroi would cause a political firestorm on Earth if they spent any amount of time around middle school and teen boys.

Would it really?

Since human males can't impregnate Loroi females, would sexual acts between them really amount to anything more objectionable than masturbation?

Not for the loroi, no. And perhaps not among older teenagers. But the younger kids are, the more objectionable it would be.

Since sex among human teenagers is not uncommon (indeed one is considered weird if one doesn't in some cultures/subcultures), the worst a teen gets for engaging in unapproved sex is a scorning if one comes from a conservative household (regardless of societal or religious views). Provided it was consensual.

And if a loroi 'teen' (by loroi or human standards) starts gettin' it on with another consenting human teen, it probably would not be such a big deal.

I think the real concern would be once the 'older' loroi get their lustful eyes on some human boys that look more like loroi males. Said human boys would probably be around the ages of 10 to 13. Since human males typically seem more enthusiastic about sex even from a young age, it might not be objectionable to them personally. But to said boy's family? Community? On a societal or political level...... it might create a shitshow of catastrophic proportions.



NEWS FLASH FROM INTERSTELLAR NETWORK NEWS... INN:

News Anchor: Good evening! Terran police are calling for the arrest of Torrai Torret Deepwell after Mizol operatives escorted her back to her ship orbiting Earth. The commanding officer, who partook with Union envoys in the peace talks with TCA delegates, was reported by social media users and investigators to have become... intimate with a twelve-year old. Authorities have not disclosed the alleged victim's identity for reasons of privacy. Terran investigators are now inquiring about whether Torrai Torret Deepwell will face trial for suspicion of engaging in... emissarial misconduct... but Mizol operatives have refused to comment on the matter, except to say that loroi XO's are exempt from the Terran judicial system.

In lighter news... get ready to party fellow Earthlings, because humans and aliens will mingle during the upcoming Terran Festival in-

... uh... This just in! Police are calling for witnesses to the where about of Alexander Samual Muncher. The twelve-year old boy was last seen near Virginia's Office of Alien Affairs. Alexander's mother, Amanda Hugginkiss Muncher... ... an employee of OoAA working close with TCA authorities during the ensuing negotiations with Union envoys, is offering a substantial reward to anyone that ensures his safe return.

(Camera cuts for commercial.)

News Anchor: WHO THE HELL ASSIGNS THESE %#€@ING STORIES?

[Keklas Rekobah]

↑ The foregoing assumes that (1) Loroi females are at least as randy as human males of the same age; (2) human males are considered physically attractive to randy Loroi females; and (3) the bodily fluids of one species are not irritating and/or toxic to the other.

It is my understanding that while pleasant, physical intimacy (by and of itself) is not a major issue with Loroi females -- even though the lack of same tends to induce emotional/mental/physical problems in Loroi males -- because for the copulative act to be completely fulfilling, a sanzai link must also be involved.  A Loroi female would likely not experience sex with a human male as anything more than a (slightly) pleasant diversion.

Even then, knowing that other Loroi might be "eavesdropping" on the couple might put a damper on the human male's libido, unless he is into that sort of thing.

[Bamax]

Given the fact that Beryl bumping Alex caused him to bleed (I presume forehead to forehead), and tha fact that Loroi are as strong as human males but retain a totally feminine look I will make an educated guess about them

Are at least some of their muscles more dense than humanit's?

I say this because that is the only way IRL they could pull off a feminine look while being strong as males.


If density is not a reason, then likely it's just a chemical efficiency thing... Loroi are better at extracting energy from food znd using it than us... so long it"s Soia food.


EDIT: If my chemical theory is correct, and I suppose it is due to their lower body temperature, then I suspect any Loroi living on Earth for years and only eating Earth food would lose their innate strength.

In other words, after living on Earth for years only eating earth food, Beryl would be no stronger than any human female.

On the other hand if she supplemented her Earth diet with Soia food, then she could retain her strong-as-a-guy Loroi strength.

At any rate, average Loroi living on Earth would appreciate human males more once they stop eating Soia foodstuffs and become only as strong as human ladies.

Being a designer species, it's no surprise their bodies and food are also specialized.

[Snoofman]

Given the fact that Beryl bumping Alex caused him to bleed (I presume forehead to forehead), and tha fact that Loroi are as strong as human males but retain a totally feminine look I will make an educated guess about them

Are at least some of their muscles more dense than humanit's?

I say this because that is the only way IRL they could pull off a feminine look while being strong as males.


If density is not a reason, then likely it's just a chemical efficiency thing... Loroi are better at extracting energy from food znd using it than us... so long it"s Soia food.


EDIT: If my chemical theory is correct, and I suppose it is due to their lower body temperature, then I suspect any Loroi living on Earth for years and only eating Earth food would lose their innate strength.

In other words, after living on Earth for years only eating earth food, Beryl would be no stronger than any human female.

On the other hand if she supplemented her Earth diet with Soia food, then she could retain her strong-as-a-guy Loroi strength.

At any rate, average Loroi living on Earth would appreciate human males more once they stop eating Soia foodstuffs and become only as strong as human ladies.

Being a designer species, it's no surprise their bodies and food are also specialized.

Now that you mention it it does seem intriguing. I wonder... what if Soia produce, livestock and crops are in fact some sort of super food? It was created to be an efficient food for an efficient, engineered species.

Do you suppose that could be why loroi food makes Alex sick? Humans can eat it, but the human digestive system was not built to handle such compact food.