Taxonomy

The Valwyrian Taxonomers Guild (or VTG) is largely responsible for the naming and/or collection of names of all Things within the world of Avo, assembling them into a loose hierarchical structure known as the Taxonomy. The Taxonomy includes everything that can be seen or identified as a creature, plant, metal, or mineral. Abstract ideas, concepts, or facts are not considered part of the Taxonomy.

The Taxonomy is a very divisive topic, for reasons that should become clear as you continue reading; see "Controversies" below as well.

The Taxonomy

In general, the Taxonomy separates all things into four categories: Gods/Entities (Immortal), Beings (Mortal Creatures), Plants, Metals, and Elements.

Gods/Entities

This refers to immortal or nigh-immortal, powerful beings who generally reside outside the realm of mortal beings. This includes Primordials, demigods, and even titans. The taxonomy hierarchy is as follows:

1. Gods
2. Primordials
3. Demigods
4. Titans
5. Entities

There is some debate as to the positioning of Gods vs Primordials, as it is known through the conversation with Covoran the Builder that the Primordials were the first to exist. Many Valwyan scholars and theologians believe that positioning the Gods first is apt due to their direct influence on the world of Avo.

Beings

Beings include all living, mortal creatures found in the world of Avo, as well as those who may reside outside the world. This list is, naturally, very long and convoluted, and its hierarchical structure is constantly being revised and edited due to intense scrutiny.

In general, however, beings are separated into two primary groups: beings with spirits, known as Creatures, and beings without spirits, known as Monsters. This is the most controversial opinion of the VTG, and has been debated heavily for centuries, with various Creatures becoming Monsters, and vice versa. Humans, for example, clearly have spirits and are intelligent Creatures, whereas oozes are unintelligent and thus are Monsters. Most beasts are Monsters. A dog is a Monster, which angers many beings when they hear it.

Orcs

The classification of Orcs has been the most prominent controversy within the VTG in the past 200 years. Orcs were classified as Monsters for many millennia and only recently were moved into the Creature status after numerous outcries of support.

Plants

Plants are plants. They are broken up into four groups:

1. Food
2. Healing
3. Utility
4. Harm

Metals

Metals are metals.

Elements

Air, Earth, Fire, Water. No hierarchy.