mortalitii

Mortalitii is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to denote a class of beings whose existence is bounded by a finite lifespan. The concept is used to examine how mortality shapes culture, governance, and personal identity.

Etymology and scope: The name blends mortal with a Latin-style plural suffix, reflecting conventions of mythic and sci-fi naming. It is not a real biological category; instead, mortalitii are a narrative device across multiple settings.

Biology and life cycle: Mortalitii may be humanoid or semi-humanoid. Lifespans are defined by the original world’s rules, ranging from a few decades to a century or more. Some depictions treat aging as a discrete process linked to social milestones; others use technological or magical mechanisms that cure or curtail aging.

Societal and thematic role: Because mortality is central, mortalitii cultures emphasize rites of passage, memory, and legacy. Institutions such as calendrical rites, death lotteries, or lifeline records appear in stories to regulate birth, aging, and death.

Variants and usage: Authors may introduce natural mortalitii, engineered mortalitii with synthetic lifespans, or voluntary mortalitii who accept shortened lifespans for social reasons. The concept is often used to explore themes of fate, responsibility, and the ethics of life extension.