Arc Punk - Metagenesis

Metagenesis

A central aspect of biology in Arcpunk, present in all organisms, whether microscopic or towering, is Metagenesis. But what exactly is Metagenesis?

In short, Metagenesis is a form of reproduction in which the offspring of an organism differ drastically, both physically and behaviorally, from the previous generation (parents). Arcpunk’s Metagenesis follows a three-generation cycle, meaning that within a species, there are three clearly distinct generations. Only with the fourth generation does the cycle restart, as it once again resembles the first.

This concept is not just a minor detail adding variety to lifeforms but is a fundamental principle of Arcpunk’s biology, essential to the nature of its cosmos. Even if organisms appear to fit neatly into familiar categories like plants, fungi, or animals, they may actually belong to the same species. In fact, nearly every species in Arcpunk has both a plant-like and an animal-like generation. This means that the conventional distinction between "flora" and "fauna" doesn’t truly exist in Arcpunk, at least not in the way we know it.

To better understand this, let’s take a closer look at the three generations.
It’s important to note that Metagenesis is not Metamorphosis. Each generation exists independently—an individual does not transform but dies as the creature it was "born" as. Only its offspring take on a completely different form. The three generations are:

Labette (Mindless)
Luminen (Motionless)
Letoho (Sentient)

Labette:

Labette forms typically serve as the means of species propagation. In most cases, they are small creatures often perceived as "primitive" lifeforms, similar to amphibians or even insects. Unlike these, however, Labette are asexual and reproduce without partners. A special case within this category is the Walankch, a unique type of Labette that acts as the microbial foundation of all life in Arcpunk, replacing fungi, algae, and bacteria. Without billions of Walankch, life in the Arcpunk cosmos would simply not be possible.

Lumina:

Luminen are mostly sessile, immobile organisms—what we might describe as plants or fungi. Like plants, they exist in an immense variety of forms and colors. They are also asexual, like Labette, but their primary role is not just reproduction; they convert nutrients into a form that other organisms can consume. This is especially vital in regions with low biodiversity, where entire ecosystems may consist of just one or two species—something crucial for the tiny, self-contained "worlds" of the Arcpunk cosmos.

Letoho

Finally, there is the third generation: Letoho. These are the closest to what we would consider "higher lifeforms"—usually mobile organisms with complex sensory organs, limbs, and a vast range of behaviors. They are the only generation that reproduces sexually, ensuring essential genetic diversity. One of the most important aspects of Metagenesis is that all sentient beings in Arcpunk belong to the third generation. This means that even intelligent species undergo Metagenesis, but only in their Letoho form do they develop higher cognition and culture. This fact deeply shapes society—since in Arcpunk, every newborn is not a cute baby but a ravenous, instinct-driven creature that can be difficult, if not dangerous, to handle.

In short:

In Arcpunk, Metagenesis is the fundamental reproductive cycle of all organisms, in which each species develops through three distinct generations before the cycle repeats. These generations differ so drastically in form, behavior, and function that traditional categories like "flora" and "fauna" are no longer applicable. Every species undergoes a Labette phase (small, primitive dispersal forms), a Luminen phase (stationary, plant-like organisms), and a Letoho phase (active, sentient beings). Even intelligent species follow this cycle, meaning that every child is first born as an instinct-driven creature—an undeniable fact that shapes the very fabric of society and culture.