SOPHON
The Sophons evolved independently; they are not, as far as they know, a branch of Endless genetics. A clever and precocious people, their science advanced rapidly driven by their insatiable desire to understand. The speed of their evolution was also relatively high, as their planet circles a powerful blue-white star that provided high levels of mutation.
Small and slender beings, they survived the rough-and-tumble of evolution in spite of their tiny stature and, even worse, their incessant curiosity; Sophons are as likely to suddenly want to determine the number and structure of the teeth on an approaching carnivore as they are to want to run away from it.
Ardent analysts and philosophers, Sophon science and Sophon society move forward rapidly due to a cheerful optimism about the future and a whole-hearted faith in progress. While long debates over details and conflicting interpretations of data are commonplace, in general these events do not impede the overall advancement of their faction.
