Organs
In Omban thought, the internal organs each govern one or more key emotional qualities or features. This is not exactly a religious framework, in the the Corps does not take any special interest in it beyond what any ordinary person might, but it does cohere closely with the notion of the Corps as an understanding of the body. Individuals may speak of that organ being strong, or weak, or full, or empty, indicating the presence or absence of that quality or state of emotion. To varying degrees, people attach the same meanings to animal organs, which they might consume in order to obtain some of the desired quality, though this is often regarded as old-fashioned superstition. Omban medicine relies on these conceptual connections to a significant degree, although it is generally acknowledged that it is never as simple as treating a single affected area. The first ten organs below are each associated with a cluster of traits and virtues, while the brain (bela) is seen as a sort of overarching concept reflecting one's ability to flexibly adapt one's other emotions to the needs of the situation, and ultimately, is linked to the concept of Unfolding (beldunai) itself. While some of the specific associations have varied over time, the following set of conceptual linkages is currently widespread in the Omban successor states:
Organ | Name | Emotions |
---|---|---|
Kidney | sasal | Generosity, self-sacrifice, altruism |
Lungs | usar | Sociability, extroversion, volume |
Heart | tende | Honesty, trustworthiness, sincerity |
Larynx | difi | Compassion, warmth, kindness |
Gall Bladder | fesh | Arrogance, swagger, smugness |
Stomach | igu | Confidence, enthusiasm, optimism |
Intestine | mezmai | Organization, tidiness, consistency |
Pancreas | aino | Loyalty, persistence, integrity |
Spleen | ofaf | Curiosity, skepticism, nosiness |
Liver | sarura | Faith, introspection |
Brain | bela | Unfolding, openness, adaptability |