The Succession

Perhaps, the most distinct feature of an alien species that call themselves "the Transient" is the ability to exchange bodies.

This has led to many a social adaptation in various areas, ranging from warfare to everyday life, most important of which is the de facto immortality of the ruling class. Whenever an aristocrat reaches old age, he is granted a young body to exchange into, from the ranks of delinquent, offenders, or otherwise marginal elements. The victim is therefore left to live whatever little time the previous owner's aging body has after the exchange.

The Emperor, however, won't accept just about any criminal's vessel. His successor is carefully selected among the most healthy and fit, and is given the highest honors before and after the exchange - hardly a consolation
Here we can see the exchange ceremony in progress: at a traditional succession site that has been used for millennia - a cliff overlooking the empire capital. For the first time, humans are allowed to watch