Tales of the Eternal Core

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Greeting Traditions in the Ulverse ​

The Ulverse is a vast, culturally diverse network of universes, leading to the development of intricate and varied greeting traditions. Below are the most prominent and widely practiced forms, their meanings, and when and to whom they are used:

1. The Universal Bow ​

  • Description: A slight forward inclination of the torso with one hand placed over the heart and the other at the side.
  • Meaning: This greeting conveys respect and sincerity, used in formal situations.
  • When Used:
    • Meeting someone of higher status (e.g., department heads, royalty, or Aspharions).
    • During ceremonies or rituals.
  • How to Perform:
    1. Stand straight and place your dominant hand over your heart.
    2. Bend slightly forward at the waist, holding the position for 2–3 seconds.
    3. Rise back up and make eye contact if appropriate.
  • Cultural Notes: Among certain species like the Mechromorphs, the hand-over-heart gesture is accompanied by a brief internal hum of their cosmora crystal, audible only to other Mechromorphs.

2. The Salute of the Isles ​

  • Description: A raised hand with the palm facing outward, fingers together, and the thumb slightly bent inward, forming a "bridge."
  • Meaning: Symbolizing unity and passage, it is commonly used between equals or in military settings.
  • When Used:
    • Among members of the Watchers or other security forces.
    • Casual yet respectful greetings between colleagues.
  • How to Perform:
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Raise your right hand to shoulder height, palm outward.
    3. Hold for one second before lowering it.
  • Cultural Notes: Among the People of the Code, the "bridge" symbolizes the pathways between universes they protect.

3. The Gesture of Harmony ​

  • Description: Interlocking both hands and slightly bowing the head.
  • Meaning: Represents peace and cooperation, often used in diplomatic or multicultural exchanges.
  • When Used:
    • During negotiations.
    • When greeting someone from a vastly different universe or culture.
  • How to Perform:
    1. Bring your hands together, intertwining the fingers loosely.
    2. Bow your head slightly while maintaining eye contact (if culturally appropriate).
    3. Release the hands once the bow is acknowledged.
  • Cultural Notes: Aspharions often use this gesture to signify their role as guardians of balance, adding a soft glow of their aura while performing it.

4. The Veil Salute ​

  • Description: Raising both hands in front of the face, palms out, as though lifting an invisible veil.
  • Meaning: Acknowledging someone of great mystery, power, or renown, showing deference without submission.
  • When Used:
    • When greeting Aspharions, especially those embodying abstract or intimidating concepts.
    • During ceremonies involving beings of immense power, such as Umbra or Ozul Umbra.
  • How to Perform:
    1. Raise both hands in front of your face, palms facing outward.
    2. Slowly "lift" them upwards, mimicking the act of pulling back a veil.
    3. Lower your hands to your sides or clasp them in front of you.
  • Cultural Notes: This gesture is also seen during rituals to honor the void or mystery-related concepts.

5. The Circuit Acknowledgment (Mechromorph Tradition) ​

  • Description: A brief pulse of light emitted from a Mechromorph’s body, paired with a static-laden sound wave.
  • Meaning: Denotes mutual recognition and camaraderie among Mechromorphs and other technologically inclined beings.
  • When Used:
    • Between Mechromorphs.
    • When greeting the heads of technological or mechanical development, such as Voltt or Gadget.
  • How to Perform (Non-Mechromorph Version):
    1. Raise a hand, forming a circular motion with your index finger to mimic the circuit signal.
    2. Briefly tap your chest twice.
    3. Lower your hand back to your side.
  • Cultural Notes: Non-Mechromorphs adapt this by wearing small devices that emit a pulse of light.

6. The Crossed Grasp ​

  • Description: Both participants cross their arms and grasp the other person’s forearms.
  • Meaning: A gesture of mutual trust and shared effort, often used among close friends, allies, or teammates.
  • When Used:
    • Between Watcher squads before missions.
    • In professions requiring teamwork, like glitch hunters.
  • How to Perform:
    1. Extend your arms, crossing them in front of you.
    2. Grasp the forearms of the other person firmly but not aggressively.
    3. Hold for a moment and release simultaneously.
  • Cultural Notes: This gesture is often accompanied by a verbal phrase such as “Through effort, unity.”

7. The Light Spiral (Aspharion-Specific) ​

  • Description: Drawing a spiral in the air using light or energy, followed by a nod.
  • Meaning: Acknowledging an Aspharion’s domain and role in maintaining balance.
  • When Used:
    • When greeting Aspharions in their specific domains.
    • During rituals or celebrations honoring concepts like creation or destruction.
  • How to Perform:
    1. Use a light-emitting device or a small magical spark to trace a spiral in the air.
    2. Bow your head slightly as the spiral dissipates.
  • Cultural Notes: Aspharions often respond with a unique gesture related to their domain.

8. The Cloak Sweep ​

  • Description: A dramatic sweep of one’s cloak or coat while bowing slightly.
  • Meaning: A formal greeting or challenge, often seen among performers, duelists, or showmen like Kaylus.
  • When Used:
    • During theatrical or ceremonial encounters.
    • As a prelude to a formal duel or negotiation.
  • How to Perform:
    1. Grasp the edge of your cloak or coat.
    2. Sweep it outward in an arc as you step back and bow.
    3. Return to an upright posture smoothly.
  • Cultural Notes: This gesture is popular among entertainers, and some glitch hunters have adopted it for flair.

Would you like to develop rituals tied to these gestures, or explore variations among specific races or regions?+