Overview
The term 'Rapidly Evolved Variant Species' has evolved meanings over the past three centuries. It originally described species of animals specifically engineered to survive the rapidly deteriorating conditions of Earth during the second half of the 21st century. Projects producing these species saw limited success but the term itself was revived for related projects, each wave of which was nominally aimed at preserving some measure of Earths diverse species. The second wave of Revs were an attempt to engineer animals capable of surviving the perils of radiation and gravity that humanity had largely conquered during the exodus. This effort succeeded in creating a variety of subspecies adapted to non-earth environments, some for functional ecological purposes, others as companions or simply for preservation. The third wave of Rev projects, funded by Innovation Technologies, was the most controversial and focused on modifying various animal species to enhance their intelligence to near-human levels, a term sometimes contentiously referred to as 'Uplifting'. Where earlier efforts utilized conventional genetic technologies, Revs are now products of genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and molecular engineering. The term Rev is now understood to mean animals that approach or rival human intelligence while retaining most if not all of their natural evolutionary advantages. Revs proved to be a commercial success for Innovation Tech and product lines have found use in everything from entertainment to hard labour to security and combat. Other groups soon followed suit developing their own Rev lines but Innovation Technologies remains the owner of most patents in the area. Revs are usually engineered and conditioned to be docile and obedient to the will of their owners, but this is not a universal truth, nor universally successful. Opinions on Revs vary between cultures and factions but they continue to be treated as property rather than independent entities in much of the verse and it is not uncommon for their ownership and breeding to be strictly controlled. The most common Revs originate from species such as Dogs, Cats, Monkeys, Foxes, Octopuses and Red Pandas. Rev communication is typically facilitated by either an implant or worn device called a VoxBox that can both approximate human language and translate non-human vocalizations or written or sign language for species with dextrous enough limbs. The most common secondary alteration for Revs is either modified polydactylism or cybernetic implants to allow them to grasp and use small tools and devices, though many lack these features and instead rely on vocal interfaces instead. 'Revs' is the most common term but other terms include Smart Pets, Uplifts, or specific species are sometimes prefixed as 'M-Species' for 'Modified' e.g. M-Dog is a Canine Rev.
Major Types
Primate
The first 'Uplift' Revs were Primates derived from the Cebidae and Atilidae families, with Spider Monkeys and Capuchin Revs in particular acting as the proof of concept for many of the technologies that would go on to be used in every Rev species. Success with these primates led to expanded efforts and new variants derived from Langur and Lemur species saw substantial commercial success as junior deckhands on space ships and stations. This popularity was driven in part by a period of suspicion and paranoia regarding Artificial Intelligence systems and a desire to reduce reliance on robots as a result. Attempts to uplift larger primates have been consistently stymied by behavioural and psychological issues leading to highly unstable and dangerous specimens. The only successful large Rev species have originated from Gorilla and Orangutan species and while these types of Rev have proven incredibly capable and suitable for numerous roles the expense of their creation makes them a rare choice for most. A common secondary modifications to Primate Revs can grant full bipedalism but many eschew this as an unnecessarily anthropomorphic alteration.
Feline
Feline Revs have been created out of nearly every genus of the Felidae family and have proven to be one of the most successful types of Rev. This has been attributed to their above average responsiveness to Revs modifications and ability to adapt to low gravity environments as well as their versatility. Small to medium species from House cats, Servals, Clouded Leopards, Lynxs, Cheetahs, and Snow Leopards are all popular as companion and service animals while larger genera such as Jaguars, and Tigers have found use in both security and military roles.
Canine
Canine Revs are nearly as popular as Felines and for similar reasons but they lag behind Felines in broad use due to their poor ability to adapt to low gravity environments and the complex genetic legacies of many Canine 'breeds' as a result of inbreeding. Some Canine Revs bear some resemblance to their antecedent 'breeds' but the majority of working Revs are designed for function and not aesthetics. Small species resembling Terriers, Spaniels, and Corgis are popular companion animals, while larger species resembling Retrievers, Shepherds, Hounds, and Wolves are frequently used for security and pest control on frontier worlds.
Ursine
Ursine Revs are a newer and uncommon type of Rev primarily sold in batches to military groups seeking to supplement or replace drone soldiers, or frontier settlement projects for use as security. Ursine Revs all derive from the Ursus genus (Black Bear, Brown Bear, Polar Bear) and most are hybrid specimens, deriving traits from multiple parent species. Ursine Revs are rare and expensive enough that most are produced in small batches with custom modifications intended to ensure they fit their intended use case and environment. This can range from gravity conditioning modifications, enhancements to the digestive system to support abnormal diets, and cybernetic implants to improve regulation of body temperature, to invasive weaponized cybernetics and implanted armor systems. Like Primates, Ursines are one of the few Revs which can be consistently altered for full bipedalism.
Vulpine
Vulpines represent a niche or 'boutique' Rev species that seen a specific type of success that has led Innovation Technologies to make them generally available. Unlike many other Rev species the Vulpine lines of Rev have had a strong focus on aesthetics as well as intelligence and are popular among the wealthy and celebrities and leading to the species general designation as a 'Fashion Species'. It's common for Vulpine Revs to be significantly larger or smaller than their ancestor species and to possess unusual colors or patterns in both their coat and eyes. The unusual plasticity and stability of Vulpine stock has led to recent reports of even rarer modifications by wealthy eccentrics; furless amphibious Vulpine with modified respiratory systems, Vulpine modified post gestation to graft biomechanical wings, and evel repto-vulpine hybrids have all been reported.
Mustelid
Mustelid Revs are among the most versatile and adaptable of all Rev species. While early experiments focused on Otters due to their social nature and manual dexterity, the success of these programs led to broader development across the family. River Otter Revs have proven particularly valuable in aquatic engineering and salvage operations, while Sea Otter Revs excel in underwater construction and maintenance roles. The more aggressive Wolverine Revs, though expensive and challenging to produce, are highly sought after for frontier security and exploration teams due to their incredible stamina and ability to operate in extreme environments. All Mustelid Revs share a remarkable adaptability to different gravity conditions and demonstrate exceptional problem-solving capabilities, though their strong personalities and independent nature can make them challenging to work with.
Procyonid
Initially developed as an experiment in creating maintenance and engineering Revs, Procyonid lines have carved out a unique niche in technical and engineering roles. Their natural manual dexterity, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities have been enhanced to create incredibly capable technical specialists. Raccoon Revs in particular have become invaluable in maintenance and repair roles aboard space stations and ships, their enhanced intelligence complementing their natural talents for manipulation and problem-solving. Kinkajou Revs, though less common, are prized for their ability to work in confined spaces and zero gravity environments. Many spacers now consider the presence of a Procyonid Rev in the engineering crew a sign of good fortune. Procyonid Revs often have secondary alterations that both increase their size and improve their ability to move bipedally.
Cephalopod
Cephalopod Revs represent one of the most ambitious and controversial Rev programs ever attempted. The challenge of enhancing an intelligence so fundamentally different from mammals led to numerous early failures, but the successes have been remarkable. Derived primarily from from Mimic or Pacific Giant Octopus stock, Octopus Revs demonstrate problem-solving capabilities that regularly exceed human expectations, often with entirely novel ideas. Their adapatation to zero-gravity environments, combined with their remarkable dexterity, has made them invaluable for specific roles in space construction and maintenance. Broader adoption of has primarily been limited by their fundamentally alien psychology, the necessity of complex life support systems, and their limited lifespans. These limitations are beginning to fade as significant progress has been made in extending their lifespans from 3-5 years up to 15-20 and both Tengushiba and Ikoma Labs now produce lines of Cephalopod specific hardsuits to allow for more uninhibited mobility and interaction.
Pangolin
Pangolin Revs emerged from a preservation project aimed at saving these critically endangered species, but their success in early uplift experiments led to broader development. Their natural armor and climbing abilities, combined with enhanced intelligence, has made them surprisingly effective in various security and exploration roles. Tree Pangolin Revs are particularly valued for their ability to navigate complex three-dimensional environments in variable gravity conditions, while Ground Pangolin Revs have proven remarkably capable at operating automated mining and construction equipment. Their methodical nature and natural armor make them well-suited for hazardous environment operations, though their relatively slow reproduction rate has kept their numbers limited. Like Procyonid Revs, Pangolin Revs almost always have secondary alterations which increase their size and enhance their ability to move bipedally.
Viverrid
Viverrid Revs represent a more recent addition to the Rev family, developed initially as an attempt to create more specialized alternatives to Feline Revs. Binturong Revs have proven particularly successful in arboreal and zero-gravity environments, while Genet and Civet Revs have found niches in security and surveillance roles. Their enhanced intelligence combined with their natural agility and adaptability has made them popular in roles requiring both physical capability and sophisticated decision-making. However, their strong scent marking instincts, even when modified, has limited their adoption in enclosed environments like space stations. Viverrid Rev genetics have proven particularly pliable allowing for a broader array of secondary alterations than most other Revs which has further increased their popularity.
Ailuridae
Red Panda Revs were initially created as a preservation effort but quickly became one of the most sought-after companion Rev species. Their enhanced intelligence, combined with their natural dexterity and charming appearance, has made them particularly popular among space station residents and colonial administrators. While often dismissed as "luxury Revs," Red Panda Revs have demonstrated remarkable problem-solving abilities and adaptability to space environments. Their success has led to various specialized lines, though their complex dietary requirements and specific environmental needs make them expensive to maintain. Despite these challenges, they've proven surprisingly capable in roles requiring fine manipulation and careful decision-making, particularly in low-gravity environments. The popularity of the Ailuridae line has led to efforts to further enhance the species via secondary alterations such as increased size, enhancements to bipedalism, improved digestive systems, and other anthropomorphic modifications.
Other Types
The list above represents only the most stable and well known types of Rev. and is not comprehensive. A variety of other Rev species have been created. Some have been shelved due to commercial failure, others were created in small batches for private patrons, and some simply to difficult to recreate more than a handful of times.
Redzone Traits and Unsuitable Species
While Rev projects have cut across hundreds of different species, not all species have proven ideal candidates and some branches of the Terran evolutionary tree seem particularly inclined to display 'Redzone Traits'. These are seemingly intractable medical or psychological conditions that limit the feasibility or desirability of enhancing such species. The best example of this are can be found in attempts to uplift both Chimpanzees and Baboons; both species make poor candidates due to the near universal occurrence of Violent Psychopathy in mature subjects. Other 'Redzone Traits', traits which are considered reasons not to uplift a species include: Predatory Dominance, Instinctual Cannibalism, Rage-Fueled Frenzy, Pack Psychosis, and Self-Harm instincts. These traits are seen as particularly dangerous because most do not become obvious until the Rev is fully grown, making remediation difficult if not impossible. While some groups and individuals are willing to raise Revs with these traits if they can be exploited for particular gain, most major factions ban the uplift of any Rev species in which one or more of these traits occurs regularly.
Integration
Rev prominence and integration varies enormously between factions and settlements and ranges from political equality and total independence in the LSC to regulated discrimination in the CDU and SR to prohibition and extermination in the CSA. Integration can also vary by type, with older more accepted and non-threatening species (canids, felids) gaining preferential treatment while newer, stranger, and more dangerous species (primates, ursids, cephalopods) viewed with skepticism or hostility. Despite all of this, prominent revs contribute entirely unique viewpoints and insights in science, industry and even diplomacy with Asap species.
Legal Status and Subcultures
Laws in the Solaris Republic, Centuari Democratic Union, and various Corporate colonies require Revs to owned by humans and their population is kept small enough and new enough that there hasn't been any real chance for a common Rev culture to develop. Small species-specific subcultures have begun to develop primarily online via private group messeging applications. There are only two prominent examples of common, cross-species Rev cultures:
- Moreaus: Revs who flee ownership or control by humans are referred to as Moreaus regardless of species. In the core worlds groups of Moreaus often establish troops or gangs to survive while avoiding recapture. Moreau are often suspicious and hostile towards outsiders, with good reason, having escaped enslavement and often abuse and neglect. Most Moreau originate from common lines and their design and conditioning limit their desire or ability to retaliate or pursue anything more than survival and posing no threat to others, however some experimental and military Revs do go rogue and can become hostile and predatory towards Humans and even other Revs. These rare but dangerous 'maneater' Moreau are held up as justification for the Rev-hunter units maintained by many core world police forces, despite most of their work being focused on the capture or elimination of harmless Moreau.
- Tesseri: The Lyran Stellar Confederation charter declares rights for all species, including Revs. Revs born in the LSC or Moreau lucky enough to escape to an LSC station or colony are therefore independent citizens and treated as such. This has led to the formation of a loose cross-species Rev culture in the LSC dubbed the Tesseri by its leaders. Tesseri housing, social networks, businesses, and even temples have sprung up in various LSC locales, with the most successful example of Tesseri cooperation coming in the form of Tengushiba, a Rev owned and operated corporation that develops and manufactures a variety of Rev specific equipment and supplies (See Corporations > Tengushiba for more info). Tesseri culture is still very young and fractious but most Revs welcome newcomers regardless of origin and there is an increasing desire by many Tesseri to establish a sovereign Rev colony. Unfortunately, while the LSC charter is a noble first step and LSC colonies tend to follow the terms of the charter, not all colonies welcome Tesseri openly and some provide little to no protection against Rev hunters sent from the core worlds to 'reclaim lost property'.
Anthrorevs
Even with advanced genetic and molecular engineering tech the idea of 'hybridizing' humans and animals remains a scientific fantasy. Though popular in media depictions (usually overshadowing that of actual Revs), attempts to genetically engineer truly anthropomorphic animals (or to add animal traits to humans) rarely succeed without enormous drawbacks due to the complexity of such transgenic endeavours. Despite this, a subculture of 'Anthrorevs' has arisen across the SR, CDU, and LSC. Anthrorevs come in two types:
- Furries or Kemonomimi are individuals who display a number of animal features and claim alignment or membership with Revs but are actually Humans with highly specialized cosmetic modifications and costuming (ears, tails, contacts, fur, etc). Human opinions on this type of Anthrorevs vary from general acceptance in some parts of the CDU and LSC to outright persecution by the CSA due to their 'deviant lifestyles'. Rev opinions on Anthrorevs are equally varied, from warm acceptance to hostility depending on the behaviour of the Anthrorev in question.
- Morphs or the more derogatory 'Mascot' refer to Revs who undergo extensive cybernetic modification to allow them to be bipedal, have opposable digits, or otherwise enhance their 'anthropomorphic' traits. The cost, risk, and invasiveness of such procedures can be substantial so they are relatively rare. Views on Morphs vary even more widely than Furries. Some humans see it as flattering, others unnerving, and while many Revs see the practical benefits there is considerable debate about the ethical implications of undergoing invasive procedures for the purposes assimilation.
The Tengushiba marketplace on Junction Station hummed with activity. A Fox Rev in a custom fit jumpsuit haggled with a Mustelid engineer over ship parts, her brush held high with excitement. Nearby, a group of Feline Revs lounged near the catwalk while Canine security guards patrolled the perimeter. A strange harmony of translated animal sounds and synthesized human speech filled the space.
Overhead, an Octopus Rev glided through a water-filled transit tube,tentacles guiding its movements. Below, a Snow Leopard Rev named Tengri lay draped across a high observation beam, her long tail swaying as she tracked the movement below. Her VoxBox collar nestled in the fur of her throat, its subtle lights indicating active translation mode.
Tengri's gaze turned to the Octopus Rev above her, a mechanic named Pulse, as he paused his movement and began working on one of the tube's junction rings. Multiple tentacles simultaneously adjusted conduits and replaced filters with practiced precision. Pulse's Vox implant glowed subtly in his mantle as he spoke.
"Holding up that beam, Tengri?" Pulse's synthetic voice bubbled through the service channel.
"Someone has to," Tengri responded, her chuff transformed into clear speech. "Two Red Pandas just entered from the lower market. New to the station, by their scent. They look lost."
The Canine security team's leader, a scarred Malinois named Thorn, adjusted his course to intersect with the newcomers. Tengri watched as he circled around, letting them catch his scent first. She understood the tactic. No need to frighten them with a direct approach.
This is what humans don't see, Tengri thought. Not the artificial speech or tool use that so impresses them, but the instinct and intelligence, the way each species' natural behaviors had evolved into complex social signals and protocols.
The click of claws on the metal below announced Thorn's return. "New colonists," he reported, tail held neutral. "Papers are good. I've directed them to the housing office." He didn't need to add that he'd already memorized their scents, or that every Rev in the market now knew there were newcomers to integrate into their community.
Tengri stretched, her powerful muscles rippling, and prepared to change observation posts. The market's sophisticated security systems worked just fine, but there's no substitute for real eyes watching from above.