ADVISEMENTS
In both Karhide and Orgoreyn, offering advice to those in power is never direct. Shifgrethor requires all communication to be indirect so as not to cause whoever in power to feel challenged. This means governmental decisions and diplomatic negotiations are often based on subtle hints and implications, making diplomacy slow and confusing for outsiders who expect clear, straightforward answers.
CULTURE
Want to learn the intense culture of Gethen? Intense cold weather of the planet Winter (Gethen), makes agriculture hard and food scarce, leaving only limited ingredients. The people of Gethen being ambisexual, only having a fixed gender during Kemmer, this duality shapes their social structure and history. The complexity of the weather and society of Gethen creates a unique culture.
Physiology and The Phases of Kemmer
Physiology of Gethens
The Phases of Kemmer
For the most part, they are
characterized
as androgynous
Somer :
- Typically the “sleeping” phase of kemmering. In other words this stage is when Gethenians are sexually inactive for around 22 days. Around the 18th day of being sexually inactive, hormonal changes are being initiated.
Secher :
- On the 22nd-23rd day, they begin to physically transition to secher. Their 1st phase they typically remain androgynous and begins to develop sexual desires. When they find their partner, their hormonal secretion is stimulated by touch or scent. Without a partner during their cycle will be no advancements.
Thorharmen:
- This stage is where Gethienans start forming their sexual organs in response to their partners pheromones. If one partner is in full kemmer, the phase of the newer partner is liable. But if both are entering kemmer it’s likely to take longer and will not know if they’ll be a female or male.
Thokemmer:
Final stage where the everything sets in and the Gethenian has become fully their sexual being. This lasts around 2-5 days where their sexual drive and capacity is maxed out. If the female partner hasn’t conceived they will return to their androgynous stage, otherwise if they will conceive, their female hormones will remain as long as they carry the child.