A: Transformation, evolution, and transcending the constraints of flesh are all symbolized by TransSentience. It represents the idea of accepting change and diversity as an essential aspect of life, rather than solely as a necessity. Embracing change means growing, adapting, and experiencing the different points of view that various species, cultures, and lifestyles have to offer.
Fundamentally, our setting explores the beauty of overcoming obstacles, whether they be societal, technological, or physical, the flexibility of identity, and the strength that comes from adaptability. It questions what it means to be “human” or “alive” and pushes the idea that growth requires accepting oneself and understanding others, even when they act or appear quite differently to the point it feels discomforting to oneself.
In other words, TranSentience encourages the idea of overcoming one’s own and the world’s constraints, accepting change, and finding acceptance in our differences as well as those of others as well as when such differences are out of our control. We attempt to fully express this idea with our setting, as well as reflect common and real-world societal challenges and ways to deal with them. We should never forget our true roots, which are the same thing that unites us all.
In addition to its philosophical implications, the word has connection to our lore. In the Ember galaxy, TAU (a significant figure in the setting itself) founded and runs the fictional firm TranSentience. Derived from the words “transcend,” “transform,” and “sentience,” the term “transentience” describes the complete or partial transformation of a feeble mind and weak organic body into a (mostly) robotic body. The process is a long one, and you can read more about it in TAU’s codex.