groups_3

A Collective is a group of individuals that acts as a unit but lacks formal governance or hierarchical structure. Collectives range from spontaneous mobs to herds of animals, and are unified by shared traits, contexts, or purpose. Unlike Institutions, Collectives don’t issue orders or carry authority, but they still shape the world through numbers, mood, and presence. Collectives are useful when the world needs crowds, masses, or forces that aren’t in charge, but can change outcomes.

A Collective is a loosely organized group defined by common identity or circumstance, not by structure or command. They interact with:

  • Characters and Creatures (who form their body)
  • Species (defining their biological foundation(s))
  • Constructs and Abilities (shaping what they do and believe)
  • Institutions (which may organize or employ them)
  • Phenomena (that bind or affect them)

They are distinct from:

  • Institutions (which govern, plan, and wield power)
  • Families (which define genetic or cultural lineage)

Collective discussions on GitHub

Formation

  • Composition: Internal structure or demographic makeup of the collective
  • Count (#): Number of members in the collective (approximate or exact)
  • Formation_date (#): Date the collective was formed, using world TIME units
  • Operator (single-link: Institution): Institution that manages or directs the collective
  • Equipment (multi-link: Object): Tools or gear in possession of and/or regularly used by the collective

Dynamics

  • Activity: Primary behaviors or actions the collective engages in
  • Disposition: Emotional control or volatility expressed by the collective
  • State: Current condition or operational status of the collective
  • Abilities (multi-link: Ability): Abilities commonly shared among members of the collective, or abilities of that collective as a whole
  • Symbolism (multi-link: Construct): Cultural expressions, rituals, or symbols that unify or distinguish the collective

World

  • Species (multi-link: Species): Species that compose or participate in the collective
  • Characters (multi-link: Character): Characters who are members of the collective
  • Creatures (multi-link: Creature): Creatures associated with or included in the collective
  • Phenomena (multi-link: Phenomenon): Phenomena that influence or characterize the collective