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..:: Actaeanis ::..
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Designation: Sentient
Classification:
- Plant
- Near-Human
Races:
- Quinata
- Laurelis
- Artemisia
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..:: Physical Characteristics ::..
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Average Height:
- Adult Male: 1.9812 Meters (6'5")
- Adult Female: 1.8288 Meters (6'0")
Skin Color:
- Alabaster
- Golden
- Brown
Hair Color:
- White
- Golden
- Auburn
- Red
- Green
- Brunette
Eye Color:
- Green
- Hazel
- Golden Yellow
- Red
Breathes:
- Type I Atmosphere
- Type III Atmosphere (Limited)
Strengths:
- Self Oxygenation - Through a unique biological adaptation, due in part to their physiological make up and build, the Actaeanis species is capable of self oxygenation in limited Type III Atmospheres. This capability permits the Actaeanis to remain in an otherwise hostile atmosphere for longer than those of similar Near-Human species. However this self oxygenation is limited to those worlds whose atmospheres have the proper chemicals that are also present in Type I atmospheres. Thus there are those worlds in which the Actaeanis must utilize a breath mask for a supply of oxygen.
- Regeneration - Due to their plant based biology, the Actaeanis share a capability that is seen in many Saurian based species, as well as seen in the Hutt species. The Actaeanis are capable of the regeneration of lost limbs, and of a much more rapid recovery time when it comes to more devastating wounds. For example, if it would take a human roughly 5-6 months to recover from the physical trauma of a broken leg with proper care and rest; it would take an Actaeanis roughly a half of that time at about 2-3 months. While this regeneration ability may be able to seal minor cuts and scrapes in a matter of minutes, larger trauma and wounds generally take longer with proper care and rest. Unlike some species however, specifically the Gen'dai, the Actaeanis are not capable of full bodily regeneration even if a portion of their forms remain.
- Longevity / Biological Immortality - While not Immortal in the deified sense, the species is capable of living for prolonged periods of time, at the cost of mental stability. While they are capable of surviving from otherwise grievous wounds, they are still susceptible to mortal wounds that would kill similar Near-Human or Plant like species. This Longevity / Biological Immortality also means that their immune systems are much more capable of preventing viruses and other diseases from afflicting the species. However this does not provide immunity as much as a more active and powerful response.
- Sexual Dimorphism - The Actaeanis species has evolved a sexual dimorphism between the two genders of the species. That is to say that the Males are generally more powerfully built; while females tend to be more beautiful and nimble.
Weaknesses:
- Bacta Allergy - Due to their unique physiological make up, the entire species suffers from a Bacta Allergy, in which the mere contact of the substance upon their skin often causes it to break out in hives, with larger quantities or prolonged exposure resulting in boils, blisters and burns of varying degrees. Likewise, there is a rare few whom are even allergic to the more rare Kolto, meaning that many Actaeanis seek out the aid of a Quinata Healer; which means that for many Actaeanis that medical aid is often light-years away.
- Reproductive Imbalance - Much like the Cerean species, the Actaeanis have a reproductive imbalance, in that the number of males to females are often 3:7. While the species have implemented a cultural shift to permit for polygamous marriage as an attempt to correct this imbalance, many Actaeanis females often find partners in Human or Near-Human species.
- Sexual Dimorphism - The Actaeanis species developed sexual dimorphism is likewise a weakness, just as much as a strength. While as noted the males tend to be more muscular and healthy, they are likewise often brash and unobservant; while females lack the male's more rugged builds and are frailer.
- Mental Instability - Longevity, even with the body being healthy, often causes a break down in mental stability. While there are many Actaeanis whom live long into their natural life span without mental health issues arising, there are those many whom are not as lucky. Usually beginning in their more venerable years, the Actaeanis can suffer from what is called "Rosenia Fracture". This malady often causes those whom suffer from it to break in multiple personalities that are all vying for control of the body. Many sufferers are often driven mad to the point of suicide, while others seem to manage to cope with the malady until the end.
Physical Distinctions:
- Chlorophyllic Blood
- Vegetal Species
- Seasonal Pigmentation - Often the defining factor of the pigmentation of an Actaeanis' skin, hair, and eye color is due in part to the season of their birth. This means that those that are born in Spring usually have a more golden color to their skin, green hair and green or hazel eyes. While those born in the Summer months are prone to having golden hair and skin with hazel or golden eyes. Those of an autumnal birth often have brown skin, with darker color hair, and golden or red eye coloring. Lastly, those born in the winter months are marked with alabaster skin, white hair, and either golden or red eyes. While many Actaeanis keep their natural colors that they were born with, some have no qualms with using hair dye or contact lens to personalize their appearance.
- Sexual Dimorphism - The differences between Males and Females of the Actaeanis species are fairly easy to spot. Males are often more rugged with a powerful, muscular physique. Females on the other hand are more frail and lithe, with a sensually graceful, slender physique.
Average Lifespan:
- Young: 215 years by the Galactic Standard Calendar
- Middle Age: 662 years by the Galactic Standard Calendar
- Old: 983 years by the Galactic Standard Calendar
- Venerable: 1,215 years by the Galactic Standard Calendar
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..:: Sociocultural Characteristics ::..
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Homeworld: Mellaniphe
Estimated Population: 3 Billion Individuals
Diet:
Being a plant based species in physiological terms, the Actaeanis species can be compared to that of a Venus Flytrap of the Droseraceae family, in that they are a biologically carnivorous species. While they are capable of consuming some plant matter, the bulk of their diet is meat based, with their rapid metabolisms often requiring a large amount of water either at a specific meal time, or a predetermined point in the month. This dietary need is the direct reason for the Actaeanis humane and religiously strict adherence to cruelty free processing of their domesticated livestock.
Language: Theapalsari
Communication:
- Written - The Actaeanis species says that strangely enough, their written form of Theapalsari was invented first, with the spoken version following after. This is in stark contrast to other species in the Galaxy in which their verbal language was developed before a written language. This difference however is the reason as to why the history of the species has been much more detailed and intact.
- Signed - It is theorized that the sign language still used today by those Actaeanis whom are incapable of speech, due to birth or trauma, had likewise arisen before the spoken language. It is likely that the signed language was the bridge between the two and the logical progression from written to spoken. Much of the signed language is still very closely resembling of the original written Theapalsari, with many words that are no longer used in the spoken form.
- Verbal - The spoken Theapalsari language developed over countless centuries after the development of the signed language. This may be in part to the Actaeanis species having evolved cognitive capabilities and higher brain function before the evolution of their vocal cords from their ancestors. The spoke Theapalsari language in many ways, as said by historical linguist, is reminiscent of much older languages such as Old Coruscanti and Ancient Huttesse. However unlike Shyriiwook, it is easily learned and can be spoken by many species across the Galaxy. Many non-speakers and non-native speakers have said that the spoken Theapalsari almost sounds like a soft breeze running through tree limbs due to its often elongated and softly spoken words.
Technology Level:
- Space
- Hyperspace Capable
General Behavior:
The Actaeanis species has been seen as generally level headed and clear minded. While many males are often more brash in their interactions and behavior, many of the species are cool and collected. They are angered like many species can be, however their anger does not seem to be either overly proportionate or underly proportionate; with their response often being carefully considered first before action is taken. This has thrust many individuals into the roles of diplomats and ambassadors due to their calm nature and generally pleasant behavior.
While traveling, those few Actaeanis whom are seen away from their homeworld, are seen as being on the best behavior. Strangely enough, those few Actaeanis whom were banished or otherwise exiled for a set period of time due to a crime or offense committed on Mellaniphe are often well behaved. This may be in part due to them desiring that their actions and behavior not be reflective or seen as the status quo for their entire species. This may also be likewise done in an attempt to curry favor for a pardon or permission to return home.
Likewise, while they are a deeply religious species, they never seem to force or believe in pushing their religion upon others. While they keep much of their religious practices private, they are willing to share information with those whom are curious. Thus many of those whom have converted to their Religion have done so of their own volition without violence or any such threat thereof.
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..:: Cultural Aspects ::..
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Religious Beliefs:
The Actaeanis are a deeply religious species, and while they have an extended and vast pantheon and history richly ingrained with their religious beliefs, they still worship a core pantheon of deities. This core pantheon, at least in the eyes of the Actaeanis, are believed to be the mirrors and the aspects of the species as a whole and are often invoked during times of need or for personal comfort.
There are those whom also believe that their deities choose to return to a mortal form, with some children born on specific days or during specific events being considered a reincarnation of a deity. While many would see this as either superstition of the highest order or nothing more than coincidence; the Acataeanis believe that those specific children will push on to shape Galactic Events and the very historical course of their world.
The Core Deities of the Core Pantheon that the Actaeanis worship are as follows.
- Daisis - Goddess of Light
- Sylvestris - Goddess of Fertility
- Harlequinis - Goddess of Trickery, Secrets, and Deceit
- Ambrosia - Goddess of Art
- Trilliaris - The Nature Deity; Neither male nor female
- Axillaris - God of War
- Sycamonia - God of Death
Music / Art:
The Actaeanis put a high emphasis on Art and Music, so much so that even during the cataclysmic war that raged upon their world for eons, they still held Musicians and Artist in high regard. Much of the history of that destructive event was recorded not only in written records, it also was recorded in art and music. Across Mellaniphe stand massive museums and art galleries that hold murals that tell the story of great deeds and massive battles. Musical pieces composed eons ago are still dusted off from time to time and played in massive musical halls and opera houses across the planet.
While the art and music come from a dark time and record a lengthy period of death and destruction, the works created during that time have galvanized generation upon generation to prevent such another catastrophic event from befalling their world.
Since then, the Actaeanis have placed an even higher emphasis upon their art and music. Many of the leading artist and musicians from Mellaniphe are Actaeanis.
Matrimony:
For the Actaeanis marriage is a joyous occasion, even for those whom are entering into their second or third such union. For the Actaeanis it is the joining of two beings into one or for multiple beings into a greater whole. Of course such a marriage is done in the highest regards not only to the couple; as even those whom have previously married an individual are taken into account as well, with their feelings on the newest to join being taken into consideration. Often a couple will spend time with a prospective individual if they are about to enter into a polygamist marriage.
Even those whom are to marry for their first time spend a great deal of time in courting their prospective mate. For the Actaeanis whose lives are so long, it can take decades before a couple decides to finally marry. Once a marriage is solidified, the Actaeanis will remain faithful to their companion. Even should one die, the surviving member of the couple will not remarry out of respect for the lost love and the family of their companion.
Sexuality:
A species that is open, the Actaeanis see no harm in one exploring their own sexuality. Even those whom are married are encouraged to take lovers, with all involved agreeing or they themselves likewise being involved. For the Actaeanis there is no more harm in enjoying the company of another just as there is no harm in enjoying a pleasant meal.
This view even extends towards the sexual identity of an individual, as the Actaeanis believe that the only beings whom have a need to known ones sexual identity or preference is the individual themselves and their partners or partners. While this openness may seem strange to other cultures, it is normal to the Actaeanis, as for them the ultimate symbol of unity for their species is that of a deeply connected love between individuals.
Funerary Rights:
For a species even as long lived as they, eventually death comes to greet them. The Actaeanis believe that Sycamonia is not a being to feared, rather he is a being that is to be welcomed as an old friend. Those whom are deceased are treated with the up most respect not only for their memory, as much as it is for their surviving relatives, friends and lovers.
When an Actaeanis passes, their body is shrouded in dark clothing, and immediately prepared for a funerary pyre. Their surviving relations each take a small piece to remember the deceased by, usually a clipping of hair or a decorative trinket worn by the individual. After which their body is burned, and the ashes are spread among the flora of the forests to return the Actaeanis to nature, so that they may be one with Trilliaris.
For those that survive, they often choose to respect the deceased in various ways. Some will wear the trinket taken, while others, specifically a surviving mate, will often result to wearing black or darker clothing for a mourning period that can last for a hundred years or more.
Artemisian Rangers:
Of the distinctive races of the Actaeanis species, the Artemisia race are renowned for their skill with specially made plasma bows (much like those used by the Dathomiri Nightsisters). An entire sect was founded with an entire martial style centered around the Artemisia's capabilities. These rangers are often trained from a young age, with some families capable of showing dedication to the Rangers since the founding of sect.
The Artemisian Rangers focus upon an individuals capabilities as they are, using what they already have and strengthening it, while using what they lack as a unique learning experience. Thus the Artemisian Rangers are trained to not work as an individual, as much as they are trained to work as a coordinate whole. This creates units that are capable of working together for a singular goal in which all achieve a specific outcome or victory.
Quinata Healers:
Due to the Actaeanis species' natural Bacta Allergy, the Quinata race learned how to use the natural flora of their homeworld to develop unique salves and medicines that are keyed specifically to aid those with a Bacta or Kolto Allergy. Of the multiple races that are of the Actaeanis species, the Quinata are the newest, having formed after the world of Mellaphine was brought in contact with the wider galaxy.
Their specialty in understanding their own species' physiological and biological needs means that many Actaeanis whom are offworld will often forgo medical treatment in a bid to return home. This has lead to more than a few Actaeanis passing on the return journey, or otherwise passing due to a lack of medical attention because of a sever lack of the Quinata Healers' specially made medicines.
Laurelis Crafters:
A relatively new race among the Actaeanis when compared to the Artemisia or Quinata races of the species. The Laurelis race came into existence not long after the Yuuzhan Vong war; roughly a few thousand years after the Quinata Race. The Laurelis sought to learn more about the Yuuzhan Vong and their capability of organic vessels and technology. The Laurelis sought a means to further ensure the preservation of the Mellaniphe ecosystem and climate by seeking an organic technology rather than the current robotic and machine based technology seen across the galaxy.
The Laurelis Crafters have sought to work closer with the Yuuzhan Vong shapers in a hopes to better understand and in time to be able to create similar organic technology. For the time being, their own initiative has resulted in minor xenobiological advances, though nothing on the scale of the Vong Shapers.
Force Users:
The Force is seen as a constant for the Actaeanis, believing that it is a manifestation of their deity Trilliaris. They hold that all things are connect, that every living being is one and that there is never truly a Light Side nor a Dark Side of the Force, just as the deity Trilliaris is depicted as being neither a male nor a female. The Actaeanis thus believe that the Force is what the individual utilizing the Force uses their powers for, be it good or evil.
While there is no exceedingly sizable number of Actaeanis whom are Force Users, they are neither rare. Much like many other species, specifically Humans and similar Near-Human species, the Actaeanis have a reasonable rate of individuals whom are Force Sensitive. For those whom are, they are not sent to the Jedi Order nor the Sith, the Actaeanis had founded their own order based upon their beliefs that in order to understand the force, one must study all of its aspects.
The Order of Trilliaris:
The Order of Trilliaris is the monastical order of the Actaeanis whom are devoted to the understanding of the Unifying Force, not just the aspects of the Light Side or the Dark Side. For the Actaeanis, as stated, they believe that the Force is the manifestation of their Nature Deity Trilliaris and that the Force is neither just the Light Side nor the Dark Side. The Order thus instructs its students in the understanding of all aspects of the Force and maintains that balance is the key.
They teach that Trilliaris acts in multiple ways, and that in order to understand the force so to do their students. Surprisingly, the Order encourages their students to use their emotions and to focus upon them; ensuring that they not focus upon one singular emotion or feeling as they are many. They even believe that to achieve a higher level of power one must be able to open themselves to both love and loss.
Much like the Jedi Knights of old were considered to be the beacons of Hope and the Avatars of Law and Justice in the Old Republic; the Actaeanis view the Order of Trilliaris in a similar light.
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..:: Historical Record ::..
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It is difficult to say how the Actaeanis gained sentience, as the species maintains a plant based physiology. Thus it can easily be speculated at them being somehow related to the Neti species or the sentient Bafforr trees of Ithor. Sometime before the rise of the Rakatan Empire, the ancestors of the species now known as the Actaeanis evolved on Mellaphine alongside two other species. This trio of species managed to live together in harmony for many thousands of years; with their largest threat being that of the predatory beasts that had once roamed their homeworld.
Sometime after the fall of the Rakatan Empire and before the founding of the Galactic Republic, these three species worked together to eradicate the predatory beasts from Mellaniphe. This succeeded through hard won efforts of domesticating the beasts, while those whom were unable to be domesticated were forcibly hunted to extinction. In that moment the species had reached their greatest height in terms of cooperation and harmony. With the three species going so far as to intermingle and culturally trade among each other.
However sometime during the Great Manifestation Period, as the Galactic Republic sought to expand into the Slice; the three species fell into a cataclysmic war over resources and land. For thousands of years as the Outside Galaxy fought their own wars and conflicts across the Galaxy, the species of Mellaniphe fought one that was poised to destroy all life on the world. This great conflict would rage for thousands of years until three individuals from the three warring races meet in a temple dedicated to the Goddess Daisis. There they managed to put aside their own feelings and prejudice and resolved to unite their people to protect their world and end the war.
These individuals joined together their forces and swept across the planet in a campaign that forced the unification of their people. Though thousands of years of hatred and prejudice would not be wiped away in a single night. It took many hundreds of years after this war for the people to finally come together as a single whole, and the catalyst being the protection and restoration of their world.
During the following years after the end of the war, the Actaeanis began to grow and the species found those skills that they excelled at, utilizing them to better not only themselves; they sought to aid those that shared their homeworld with them. The Actaeanis were soon split into three distinctive races. Those whom had been known since the time of the war, the Artemisian Rangers, welcomed the Quinata Healers whom began to utilize their worlds natural plants and herbs as a means to aid in caring for their species due to their allergy to the medical solution called Bacta.
Sometime after the completion of the Yuuzhan Vong wars, the species split once more as the race that would become known as the Laurelis rose from their own people. This race believed in utilizing the Vong's technology of organically grown vessels and technology as a means to ensure the safety and preservation of Mellaniphe. Their ultimate goal being for not only the Actaeanis, but for all whom call Mellaniphe home to no longer need to be reliant upon mechanical technology.
The Actaeanis have come far since their humble begins and they look towards the Galaxy with baited breath, wanting to see what is waiting for them beyond.
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..:: Additional Information ::..
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Notable Player Characters:
- Empress Pandorea
Intent:
Much as it was stated in the Mellaniphe submission, the Actaeanis species is intended to aid in fleshing out the world of Mellaniphe, as well as aiding in the direct expansion of the often left empty and overlooked Wild Space region of the map. The Actaeanis are further intended to provide the site with a unique sentient species that should prove to be a pleasant reprieve from the mundane elements. While their classification as a Plant species may bring some ire or otherwise may put off others from interacting or even writing the species, I believe that this submission coupled with others to expand upon the lore of Mellaniphe, the Actaeanis and Wild Space will bring others to create stories centered upon the world and its myriad of species.
Some may ask or out right state 'what is the reason we need another species?' or point out the other plant based species. Thus the Actaeanis are just as much intended to provide a humanoid plant based species, as many of those available plant based species lack a humanoid form and figure. I believe that with their deep and rich culture and lore, as well as the focus that I intend to place upon the species and their homeworld; as well as the surrounding system, they can prove to be a galvanizing submission to inspire others.
