Highrider

Highrider is a term coined by the surface nations of Earth, used to describe the space-based, high tech colonists of Low Earth Orbit. In return, the tasteful denomination given to surface dwelling humans is Groundsider.

Since 2022, Highriders have belonged to the Low Earth Orbit inhabiting, independently governed Highrider Confederation.

Background
Highriders are humans that were either born in space, or spend most of their working lives in space. Those born in space tend to exhibit a number of common traits, most also sharing genetic adaptations tailored towards improving tolerances to zero G, low air pressure and radiation. This being said, with many living in zero G, Highriders tend to be slightly weaker than surface dwelling humans, though tend to possess tremendous stamina and determination. The orbital gene pool consists mainly of African DNA, due in large part to the ESA's hiring of an orbital workforce.

Highriders tend to be highly intelligent and well educated as well as fast-reacting and level-headed, and though generally slow to anger, can be thoroughly terrifying when upset. The majority of Highriders are multilingual, their grasp of the structure and features of many languages leading over time to the development of a Highrider dialect. Known as "The Word", this dialect is an orbital version of Streetspeak, made up mostly of African dialects, though also containing components of French, German and Japanese. Like other dialects in the Cyberpunk universe, the Highriders make common use of slang.

Culture
Highrider culture is pervasively tribal, incorporating rituals and rites, as well as their own legends and mythology developed from original African folklore to include the influences of the adopted cultures of Asia and Europe. They are keen storytellers with an extensive catalogue of tales based on life in space, itself often referred to as "The Dark". The breadth of these tales and their associated cultural identity spans all the way from the working class to a few parts of the upper echelons of their society, including classes they call "technician" and "managerial".

Highrider tribes, known by them as workgroups, are tight-knit units. Much like nomadic tribes, they are staunchly protective of other members of their workgroup, tension with a Highrider can often lead to an entire workgroup bearing down upon you. Life onboard space stations and vessels is often crowded. The lack of available space leads to a few things that are principally dealt with by social convention, for example the taboo of nudity often observed in surface societies do not exist. Highriders expect a degree of dignity be afforded to those in states of undress, and as might be expected, it is rude to stare. Given the inherent lack of space, they are also often lightly burdened. Trinkets and personal items close to heart are often items that bear significance in use, such as rad detectors, flasks and respirators.

The "O'Neill Wars", pinnacled by the Seven Hour War, left behind them an atmosphere of anger and distrust that is omnipresent in Highrider society. Often highly suspicious of strangers, Highriders give little to no quarter around stations, especially with unidentified craft.

Many Highriders are keen martial artists, employing cunning and stamina over strength as they are conditioned, as well as bearing great skill with knives. Most Highriders view guns as risky, especially in zero G, preferring knives as a more lethal alternative.

Recreation
Though cigarettes, drugs and alcohol remain common vices in surface societies, Highriders shun all 3. Drugs and alcohol often dull reflexes and cigarette smoke causes damage to electrical components and ventilation systems (let alone humans), pretty much all of which lead to a much greater risk of death than otherwise observed on Earth. This is not to say their society is free from addiction - Highriders choose instead highs that are short lived and high impact, such as rapidly dispersing aerosols. More recently, stimulants have assumed the role that depressants fulfil on Earth, used to encourage social interaction in group contexts. Highriders are most widely addicted to braindances, with an active culture for building gaming simulations and competition between groups.

History
Seven Hour War