Chapter Text
Omegaverse rules
Biology/evolution:
People assigned female at birth usually have two X chromosomes (XX), and male at birth usually have an X and a Y chromosome (XY). Sex at birth depends on what chromosome the sperm fertilising the egg carries. In heterosexual fertilisation, the egg is always an X (female phenotype XX), and the sperm could be X or Y (male phenotype XY).
In this world, during early evolution of Homo sapiens (~Pleistocene epoch), a large-scale extinction of the male sex occurred. Intense natural selection caused the subgender gene, which was previously about to die off, to become the only remaining phenotype. Female alphas who accidentally inseminated their omega partners were responsible for continuing humanity. Because people of the female sex can still have the Y chromosome through phenomena like Swyer syndrome (XY in place of XX but female organs), the XY phenotype eventually reemerged with a twist. The genes for developing subgenders were initially only found in people with XX chromosomes and they were persecuted for this, but these genes got passed down to their male descendants because such a small proportion of people had now become dominant in the society.
Assigned gender at birth remains intact. Subgender genetics are completely separate from primary gender genetics, but both have heavily shaped society.
- Omega presentation makes vaginas more capable of physically grasping onto an enlarged, protruded clitoris to improve the conception rates for female alphas.
- Omegas with penises experience a "second puberty" which stimulates ovarian and vaginal development. This second puberty is highly painful and can even be fatal.
- Alphas with vaginas develop a hormone that changes the nature of their release, and are thus reliant on external insemination methods to produce offspring.
- People with vaginas still experience periods. Presentation hormones allow these to synchronise with ruts or heats.
- Betas are infertile. Female betas may or may not have a period.
- Ovotesticular syndrome (having both sets of genitals at birth) is prevalent, but has little impact on subgender presentation.
- Scent glands are of two kinds: exocrine and endocrine. Exocrine glands secrete through ducts, whereas endocrine glands secrete into the bloodstream.
- Scent glands located in the hollow of the throat and wrists are exocrine. They secrete scent hormones through a network of ducts into the skin for efficient scent release.
- Scent glands located on the nape of the neck are endocrine. They are malleable to "scenting", that is, using wrist glands to apply scent onto a person or thing. When scented, receptors in the endocrine gland trigger a release of hormones in the blood, which tamp down the individual's own scent emitted by the exocrine glands to allow the external scent to stand out more. Scenting will not successfully occur when the individual is undergoing mental distress and projecting their own scent in fear or worry.
Hierarchy:
- Alphas (male): The de facto ruling class.
- Betas (male): Considered a "waste of a fine boy", but powerful in the bureaucracy and more respected than female alphas. Female alphas are given ruling precedence due to being fertile
- Alphas (female): Allowed to rule, but due to the extra steps required to produce offspring and their primary gender, are looked down upon. Inherit only if no other alpha sibling exists. The rare exception is in Han, where subgender comes over primary gender.
- Omegas (all): Almost venerated as the mothers of all life, but subjected to extremely misogynist and demeaning treatment.
- Betas (female): The lowest class of society. As infertile women, they are often forced to work in brothels.
Characters
Han, the Dragon Lords of the North
Sixteenth Phoenix Emperor, personal name Xu Minghao
Eighth alpha Prince of Han that spent his life in the military. Sent to Han's southern rival, Tang, to wed their only prince and take the throne as a plot for Han to conquer Tang territory. Age 25 when the story begins, turns 26 during his journey to Tang in Chapter 3. Born Lin Minghao, third son of Lin Shanyuan.
Twenty-second Dragon Emperor, personal name Wang Yongnian
Current ruler of Han. A capable politician and revered warrior who has had his eye set on Tang for many years now. Age 59 when the story begins, 60 when he appears in later chapters. First name: eternal years.
Lord of Splendid Countenance, Lin Shanyuan
Fourth concubine to the Han Emperor and his favourite spouse. Birthing father of Xu Minghao. Age 54 when the story begins, 55 when he appears in later chapters. First name: mountain spring.
The Six Shining Stars of Han:
The six eldest alpha children of the Han Emperor, together their skills cover all of Han's requirements from its ruling family.
- The Crown Prince, Cai Xiangling
A female alpha and the Prime Minister of Han. As a man, Second Prince Xianliang would have been preferred as the Emperor's heir, but Xiangling proved herself superior by miles to her younger half-sibling of just a few months. After Emperor Xu Minghao and Third Prince Yang Meihua, she is the third best warrior from Han. She is clever and ruthless... but her intentions may not be wholly in line with Wang Yongnian's. Age 36 when she appears in-story. - The Second Prince, Lin Xianliang
A male alpha and a General of Han. Xianliang is Minghao's eldest full sibling and his only older full sibling. He has six wives, but has failed to have children with any of them. Xianliang is considered the most mediocre of the Six Stars, just good enough at everything to be better than the rest but not holding a candle to the other eldest children of the Han emperor. Age 36 when he appears in-story. - The Third Prince, Yang Meihua
A female alpha and the most powerful warrior currently serving in the Han military forces. General Yang is known as the Tiger Lily for her prowess in battle and her ingenuity in inventing weapons of war. Age 33 when she appears in-story. - The Fourth Prince, Sui Haoran
Along with his twin, Sui Haoyu, he is a male alpha and the cleverest battle strategist in Han. Age 29 when he appears in-story. - The Fifth Prince, Sui Haoyu
Along with his twin, Sui Haoran, he is a male alpha and the cleverest battle strategist in Han. Age 29 when he appears in-story. - The Sixth Prince, Wei Yixia
A female alpha and Han's spymaster. Age 28 when she appears in-story.
Tuoba people
A tribe from Northern Han that Emperor Xu Minghao spent a length of time with as a teenager. Real-life counterparts are the Tuoba dynasty of the Xianbei people that ruled during the Han period.
Tang, the Phoenix Lords of the South
Tang Empress, personal name Wen Junhui
Only living Prince of Tang and omega to boot. An adept politician that has controlled the Tang court for the past five years under his late mother's guidance, Junhui desires nothing more than to rule by himself. When he's forced into wedding Minghao, he intends to manipulate his new husband and protect Tang from Han takeover by pulling the strings of the court. Age 27 when the story begins. Turns 28 between Chapters 33 and 34.
Yan An
Child of a minor noble and Empress Wen Junhui's closest, most loyal confidante. Quiet and observant by nature, he has proven to be a talented spy and works tirelessly to deliver Junhui important information, as well as burst the bubble of his ego when need be. Age 26 when the story begins, but quickly turns 27 (late October birthday). First name: peaceful.
Fifteenth Phoenix Emperor, personal name Wen Changying
The late alpha Emperor of Tang. Junhui was the only child she had until she passed on, her death brought by the grief of losing her cherished Empress. Age 88 at death. Died two months before the story begins. First name: flourishing and lustrous.
The erstwhile harem:
Ranked in order of precedence, each consort's title is taken from the real Tang dynasty (618-907 CE).
- The late Empress, Li Xifeng
Junhui's birth mother. Passed away 3 months before the story begins. Age 61 at death. First name: flourishing phoenix. - Noble Consort, "Second Mother" Lei Meili
An expert information-gatherer who runs the Tang network of spies. Personally trained and taught Yan An. Age 45. First name: beautiful and graceful. - Pure Consort, "Third Mother" Ding Wenyan
A prince from a northeastern territory, he married into the Tang Empire and was given a high position as Second Consort to the Emperor. After rejecting the goodwill of the harem, he continually competes for the Emperor's attention and favour no matter who it is. Age 37. First name: genial speaker. - Virtuous Consort, "Fourth Mother" Hu Liling
A skilled herbalist who distills Junhui's perfumes and prepares natural remedies for poisons and illnesses. By extension, she is also one of the most talented brewers of poison on the continent. Age 42. First name: white jasmine. - Worthy Consort, "Fifth Mother" Song Qiaolian
The closest to Junhui out of all the harem, and for good reason. An astute politician with a knack for peacetime measures, law and trade and right hand to the former Empress. Age 39. First name: clever always. - The next three ranks go unfilled due to the low birth of Yuan Liu.
- Lady of Cultivated Deportment, "Sixth Mother" Yuan Liu
Tactful, graceful and kind, she is excellent at making people think things were their own idea. A skilled speaker who is good at soothing a room. Born a servant in the palace, her simple beauty attracted the Emperor's attention and she was made a lower-ranked concubine. Age 32. First name: the willow.
Jia Yongrui
Junhui's deceased fiance and one of his closest friends. Yongrui, who loved another alpha, was willing to be Junhui's puppet to allow his friend to achieve his dreams. Killed by Han in a successful attempt to place one of their own on the throne. Age 31 at death. First name: forever lucky.
Kong Huiliang
Yongrui's longtime lover, another alpha and a loyal friend of Junhui's. The backup option as puppet Emperor in case Yongrui was killed. Assassinated by Han as a 'just-in-case' measure. Age 29 at death. First name: kind and good.
Zhang Enlai
Omega son of Personnel Minister Zhang Yuanjun. With a passion for taking care of (often dangerous) animals and a jaded outlook towards his father for the man's rejection of his own children, he is a member of Junhui's inner circle and controls all the mail that enters and exits the palace. Age 24.
Zhang Yanyu
Omega daughter of Personnel Minister Zhang Yuanjun and Enlai's twin sister. A capable potioneer studying the art of poisons under Hu Liling. A fringe member of Junhui's inner circle. Age 24.