A Short Social Dictionary of the Great Pilgrimage,
Part I: Clades
Clade: The basic category of social group that the significant majority of Pilgrims belong to. Like the phyla of old (which likely inspired the name) a clade is voluntary social grouping, mostly tied to some form of either ideology or socio-cultural nature. The origins of the clade system are not clearly documented, but are believed to date to between 50 and 150 Migrant, as a successor to the original phyle and crews system used by pre-Pilgrimage sociality. Individuals are not formally restricted to one clade, however most individuals will generally identify with one clade of a given category (IE, Ideological, cultural, familial)
Clades are typically named for their founder; usually an individual of persuasive Philosophy, Socia-Cultural behaviour or reproductive fruitfulness, although this is not a hard and fast rule, with some preferring vessel names (particularly for early converts from the crew system, or the name of their Migrant Ship), or place names (most common since reaching Crossroad).
Examples (not necessarily the largest or most notable) include:
Clade Deona: originally a common clade used by individuals lacking membership in a specific clade, Clade Deona was more formally structured in 387 Migrant, as part of the Reformation. Today, Clade Deona members are specifically tied to the ideologies of Deona Kryv herself. A mild religious worldview, which holds that God created and maintains the universe as part of a grand plan, and that the universe should be explored both for its own sake, and to located clues and patterns into the working and mind of God, allowing for closer personally closeness to God
Clade Kryv: A familial Clade founded in 534 Migrant, composed of descendants of Deona Kryv. Primarily formed by outside veneration of Deona. Membership is limited to blood relations and marriage.
Clade Icarion: Strong Religious, which believes in the possibility of eventually transcending current mortal understanding and nature to become something far, far more. Named for the mysterious Icarus Rising message of 132 Migrant.
Clade Thenesia: Social clade, with an indifferent viewpoint of religion. Considers exploration and discovery to be largely its own reward, or as personal or artistic inspiration.
Clade Corazon: Militaristic social Clade, with a strong emphasis on the eventual return to the Local Bubble and Earth. Considers exploration and discovery important, primarily for the potential betterment of humanity, and for any potential discoveries that might aid in reclaiming Earth.
Clade Morena: Cultural clade, primarily focused on antique Earth culture. Commonly consider themselves (half seriously) as the preservers of ancient culture and lore, particularly for old science-fiction. Currently de facto dominant on Serenity.
Clade Sarah: Social clade, which believe than non-terran intelligence and life are of particularly important to understand, both from a scientific viewpoint, as well as a universal one. Dream of the day that intelligent alien life may be discovered and contacted. Currently closely tied with classified state-operations.
Clade Naphi: Religious, believing that every individual is marked by a specific destiny (referred to a their Philosophy for the 'quest' and Discovery for the final goal), and that the goal of each person is to first discover their personal Philosophy, then track down the clues to find their Discovery (which can vary significantly in nature and scope). Generally considered somewhat obsessive, but not not overly bad sorts along as their Philosophy doesn't lead them anywhere too dangerous. Typically not considered a good choice for positions of authority, reasons of safety.
Clade Terra: Radical faction, very similar to the Terran Federation. Currently, opinions tend to mirror Federation views to the point that commentators believe members may be parroting new casts from there. Number unknown, but estimated in the dozens (of individuals), but very noisy on the Datalinks. Very, very noisy.