Nothing's Like Before
Pandakin
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To codify a planetary based species, but also Pandas.
- Image Credit: Edits in Photoshop. Midjourney.
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Lharakyone
- Name: Aliopodans aka Pandakin
- Designation: Sentient
- Origins: Dyspeth
- Average Lifespan: The Pandakin have an average lifespan of 120–150 standard years, with some individuals living even longer under ideal conditions due to their strong communal bonds, natural diet, and connection to the forested environment of Dyspeth. However, their lifespan may be shortened by external stressors such as environmental disruptions or conflicts with external factions.
- Estimated Population: Planetary - Dyspeth
- Description: The Pandakin, native to the lush and forested planet of Dyspeth, are a bear-like species with striking black and white fur. Towering as tall and wide as Wookiees, their stocky builds and enhanced strength make them both an awe-inspiring and intimidating presence. Despite their formidable appearance, they are gentle vegetarians, deeply connected to the natural world around them. Living in tightly-knit, communal tribes, they excel in traditional arts, storytelling, and preservation of ancient philosophies. Known for their shy and sensitive nature, the Pandakin remain largely unknown to the galaxy, thriving in the protected forests and plateaus of Dyspeth under strict laws that shield their way of life from outside interference.
- Breathes: The Pandakin breathe Type I atmospheres, similar to most humanoid species in the galaxy. They are adapted to Dyspeth’s oxygen-rich and humid environment, which supports the dense forests they inhabit.
- Average Height of Adults: Pandakin adults stand at an average height of 2.3 to 2.8 meters, with some individuals reaching up to 3 meters depending on diet and genetics.
- Average Length of Adults: N/A
- Skin color: Though rarely visible under their thick fur, the Pandakin's skin is typically dark gray to black, providing natural protection against Dyspeth's dense foliage and the occasional exposure to sunlight.
- Hair color: Pandakin fur is predominantly black and white, with some individuals exhibiting brown markings as a regional adaptation to blend more effectively with Dyspeth's foliage. These brown variations are more common in tribes living near highland plateaus or dense bamboo forests.
- Mountainous Pandakin Markings:
- Very Common: Dark Chocolate Brown (#3B2F2F)
- Common: Warm Earth Brown (#6A4E42)
- Uncommon: Smoky Gray-Brown (#5C504F)
- Rare: Reddish Clay Brown (#8A6E5A)
- Lowland Pandakin Markings:
- Very Common: Jet Black (#2B2B2B)
- Common: Deep Forest Black (#232221)
- Uncommon: Charcoal Gray (#3A3A3C)
- Rare: Shadow Brown (#4A3E36)
- Nomadic Pandakin Markings:
- Very Common: Rich Black (#1C1C1C)
- Common: Weathered Bark Brown (#4E3B31)
- Uncommon: Tawny Sand Brown (#8B6A4B)
- Rare: Golden Auburn (#9C6E56)
- Mountainous Pandakin Markings:
- Distinctions: The Pandakin are defined by their massive, bear-like stature, with a stocky build that makes them as wide and tall as Wookiees. Their thick, dual-colored fur provides camouflage and insulation in Dyspeth's temperate forests, while their powerful limbs and sharp claws make them adept climbers, capable of navigating the planet's towering bamboo-like flora with ease.
Distinctive brown markings appear in certain regional groups, blending with the foliage of highland or riverine environments.
Mature Pandakin are characterized by slightly graying fur, particularly around the face and ears, a sign of wisdom and status in their communities. Male and female Pandakin exhibit minimal physical dimorphism, though males are often slightly larger, while females have broader hips, aiding in carrying and raising offspring.
Ageing Pandakin may experience a thinning of fur and a lessened climbing ability, but they are revered as elders, serving as keepers of their tribe's lore and history. Their sensitive and shy nature contrasts sharply with their formidable size and strength, earning them respect and protection among Dyspeth’s human and near-human populations. - Races: The Pandakin of Dyspeth have developed distinct cultural and physical variations based on their geographic locations and lifestyles. These differences are subtle but meaningful, shaped by the diverse environments of their homeworld and their unique adaptations to each.
- Mountain Pandakin
- Mountain Pandakin inhabit the rugged highlands and towering plateaus of Dyspeth. Their fur tends to have more brown markings, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the rocky and forested terrain. They are slightly larger and more robust than their lowland counterparts, with stronger limbs adapted for climbing steep cliffs and navigating uneven landscapes. Culturally, they are known for their stonework, crafting intricate structures and tools that reflect their connection to the mountains. Mountain Pandakin place a strong emphasis on endurance and resilience, both physically and spiritually, which is reflected in their martial arts techniques.
- Lowland Pandakin
- Lowland Pandakin reside in the dense forests and river valleys, where bamboo-like flora and lush vegetation dominate the landscape. Their fur is predominantly black and white, providing camouflage among the dense forest shadows. They are more agile and slightly leaner than Mountain Pandakin, excelling in climbing and weaving through the bamboo forests. Their culture is centered around woodworking and storytelling, with an emphasis on preserving the lore and histories of their tribes. Lowland Pandakin are considered more open to trade and interaction with Dyspeth’s human and near-human populations, often serving as cultural bridges between tribes.
- Nomadic Pandakin[
- Nomadic Pandakin are a less common but integral part of Pandakin society, traveling across Dyspeth’s vast rivers, forests, and plains. They are adaptable and resourceful, with fur patterns that vary widely, often showing a mix of brown and black-and-white markings. Nomadic tribes maintain a minimalist lifestyle, carrying only essential tools and artifacts. Their martial arts traditions emphasize mobility and improvisation, drawing inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes they traverse. Culturally, they are known for their music and oral traditions, often acting as the conveyors of news and stories between stationary tribes.
- Mountain Pandakin
- Force Sensitivity: Standard - Some Pandakin are Force-sensitive, though it is neither common nor particularly rare within their population. Those who are attuned to the Force interpret it through their deeply spiritual connection to Dyspeth's natural environment, often describing it as the "Breath of the Forest" or the "Flow of the Rivers."
Force-sensitive Pandakin are regarded as guides or mystics within their tribes, serving as healers, storytellers, or protectors of ancient wisdom. However, due to their isolation and limited interaction with the galaxy at large, very few Pandakin have been formally trained in Jedi or Sith traditions. Instead, their Force practices remain rooted in their tribal customs and their bond with the living world around them.
- Enhanced Strength and Agility: The Pandakin possess immense physical strength and remarkable climbing abilities, making them formidable in both combat and survival situations. Their stocky builds and sharp claws allow them to excel in their natural environment and in martial arts, such as their traditional Vaima'thro discipline.
- Spiritual Connection and Resilience: Their deep connection to the natural world and the Force gives them an unparalleled sense of balance and mindfulness. This spiritual grounding makes them resilient in the face of adversity, allowing them to maintain harmony within their tribes and endure external threats.
- Isolation and Limited Technology: The Pandakin’s preference for isolation and their hesitance to adopt advanced technology leave them at a disadvantage when dealing with highly industrialized or technologically advanced factions. Their reliance on traditional tools and techniques can hinder their ability to compete in a modernized galaxy.
- Shy and Sensitive Nature: The Pandakin's reclusive and non-confrontational demeanor can make them vulnerable to exploitation or manipulation. Their reluctance to engage with outsiders and their sensitivity to environmental disturbances limit their capacity to adapt to sudden or aggressive changes in their surroundings.
- Diet: Herbivore - The Pandakin are strict herbivores, primarily consuming the lush vegetation of Dyspeth. Their diet includes bamboo-like plants, various forest greens, fruits, and grains, as well as rice and noodles prepared using their own culinary traditions. They avoid fish and other animal products but will trade fish with nearby human and near-human populations. Certain off-world vegetation has been found to be mildly toxic to them, making them cautious about experimenting with alien foods.
- Communication: The Pandakin communicate primarily through a rich spoken language known as Thram'va, characterized by melodic tones and flowing cadences that reflect their culture’s emphasis on harmony and balance. They also use body language and nonverbal cues, such as shifts in posture and ear movements, to express emotion or emphasis. Among their own kind, these nonverbal signals are as important as words, and Force-sensitive individuals sometimes communicate through subtle Force imprints that resonate as feelings or impressions.
- Technology level: The Pandakin's technology is pre-industrial, comparable to the Galactic Standard during the early days of exploration, with influences resembling ancient Dyspethian techniques. They excel in creating tools, buildings, and artifacts that harmonize with their environment, using materials like wood, stone, and reinforced bamboo. Though some modern technology was introduced during the First Order's occupation of Dyspeth, the Pandakin have cautiously integrated only what is absolutely necessary, preferring to preserve their traditional ways. Their weapons and tools are often enhanced with local ingenuity rather than advanced engineering.
- Religion/Beliefs: The Pandakin hold a deeply spiritual belief system centered on the concept of Vaima ("Flow"), the unseen energy that connects all living things on Dyspeth. They view the Force as an extension of this flow, manifesting in the rivers, forests, and skies of their world. Rituals and meditations focus on attuning oneself to this flow, emphasizing balance, mindfulness, and respect for all life.
Their spiritual guides, known as Thram'seers, often serve as interpreters of Vaima and are held in high esteem. These beliefs form the foundation of their martial arts tradition, their approach to life, and their communal values, making spirituality a central aspect of their culture.
- General behavior: The Pandakin are highly communal and place great importance on family and tribe. Young are raised collectively, with the entire tribe contributing to their education and well-being. Storytelling, music, and martial arts are central to their upbringing, fostering a sense of shared history and cultural pride.
They are peaceful by nature, valuing harmony and coexistence over conflict. Their interactions with the galaxy at large are limited but friendly, as they prefer to maintain their isolation to preserve their way of life. Pandakin are natural builders and artisans, crafting homes and tools that blend seamlessly with their environment. Though they are primarily diurnal, some Pandakin become more active at night, especially during ceremonies or when tending to their spiritual practices.
When it comes to choosing mates, Pandakin form deep, lifelong bonds based on mutual respect and shared values. Ritual dances and storytelling events often serve as courting traditions, and these partnerships are celebrated by the entire tribe. Their focus on harmony extends to their relationships with outsiders, though they remain wary of those who might disrupt their balance.
- Tradition: The Pandakin have developed a unique martial arts tradition deeply intertwined with their perception of the Force and their connection to the natural world of Dyspeth. This art, often referred to as Vaima'thro ("Flowing Harmony"), combines graceful, flowing movements with sudden bursts of immense power. Practitioners draw from their surroundings, emulating the balance of rivers, the strength of ancient trees, and the adaptability of Dyspeth's wild creatures. Vaima'thro is not only a method of combat but also a spiritual practice, focusing on discipline, mindfulness, and harmony with the Living Force.
The Pandakin’s martial arts emphasize agility, strength, and precision, utilizing their natural physical power and climbing abilities. Force-sensitive practitioners incorporate the Force into their movements, enhancing their strikes or flowing seamlessly through defensive stances. Students of Vaima'thro are taught to respect all life, using their skills primarily for defense or to restore balance when threatened.
Vaima'thro practitioners also use traditional weapons crafted from Dyspeth’s abundant natural resources, such as staff-like poles and reinforced bamboo blades, although these weapons are rarely used outside of ceremonial demonstrations or dire necessity.
The Pandakin of Dyspeth are an ancient species, having evolved over millennia to thrive in the lush forests and plateaus of their homeworld. Their culture developed around the planet’s abundant natural resources, and they maintained a harmonious existence, deeply intertwined with the environment. For much of their history, the Pandakin remained isolated from the galaxy at large, protected by the natural barriers of Dyspeth and the reverence of the indigenous human and near-human populations.
First Contact with the First Order
The Pandakin's first encounter with the galaxy came during the era of the First Order. Initially, this meeting was fraught with misunderstanding. The First Order, focused on exploiting Dyspeth's natural resources, struggled to communicate with the shy and reclusive Pandakin. However, a group of good-natured stormtroopers stationed on the planet managed to establish a tenuous rapport, recognizing the Pandakin’s gentle nature and cultural significance. This intervention led to a relative "hands-off" approach toward the Pandakin themselves, though the First Order proceeded to heavily exploit Dyspeth’s forests, rivers, and other natural resources.
The Fall of the First Order and the Ssi-Ruuk Invasion
In 862 ABY, following the collapse of the First Order, bands of Ssi-Ruuk raiders descended upon Dyspeth, seeking to harvest its resources and enslave its population. Faced with a common enemy, the Pandakin and the remnants of the First Order garrison stationed on Dyspeth banded together to fight off the invaders.
Despite their technological disadvantage, the Pandakin contributed significantly to the conflict, relying on their immense strength, climbing abilities, and mastery of Vaima'thro, their martial arts tradition. The combined efforts of the Pandakin and the First Order remnants ultimately drove the Ssi-Ruuk off the planet. This cooperation fostered mutual respect and culminated in an accord struck at Lharakyone, establishing policies to preserve the Pandakin’s culture and protect their environment.
Integration into the Commonwealth
By the 880s ABY, Dyspeth came under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. Recognizing the importance of the Pandakin's unique culture and the damage caused during the First Order's exploitation, the Commonwealth worked diligently to restore Dyspeth's natural environment. They reinforced many of the policies established at Lharakyone, ensuring the Pandakin’s way of life remained undisturbed. These measures included strict protections for their forests and the establishment of buffer zones around their tribal lands.
Under the Commonwealth, the Pandakin have continued to thrive, maintaining their traditions while cautiously adapting to limited interactions with the wider galaxy. They remain largely unknown beyond Dyspeth, a deliberate effort to shield them from external exploitation and preserve the harmony they have cultivated for millennia.
This chapter of cooperation and mutual respect has become a cornerstone of the Pandakin's recent history, symbolizing their resilience and the value of unity in the face of adversity.
