Sarian
From SW1ki
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Sarians are the race native to the Caspian system. They originated on Mergansar, and traveled to other parts of the system via four primitive spacecraft. The surviving majority landed on Caspar, only to be discovered by Old Republic surveyors a century later. How Sarians first came about is completely baffling to xenologists and geneticists, because while Sarians have all the basic structural makeup of the archetype Human, they are have been genetically altered to the point that no ancestor can be distinguished.
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[edit] Biology and appearance
[edit] Biological Makeup
Humans and Sarians are internally similar. Sarians, though, exhibit several physical traits unique in all the galaxy. Firstly, a definitive set of markings called Sar Spots cover the scalp, temples, neck, flanks, and backs of all Sarians, and are most closely related to Human freckles. These are considerably larger, each about the size of a coin, and patterned very tightly. Geneticists theorize that these are the result of prolonged, or else drastic, exposure to solar radiation reacting with the high concentration of Pianetic (or, that which comes from Caspia) mineral deposits in Sarian cellular structures. Experiments in molecular biology have gotten close to recreating Sar Spots, but as yet have been unable to replicate the proper wavelength of radiation that causes their permanence. In a sense, Sar Spots have been inscribed, or burned, into the Sarian's biological makeup. Coloration of the Sar Spots vary from region to region, depending on the skin tone of the individual. Fair-skinned Sarians often sport dark, reddish spots, while dark-skinned Sarians will exhibit lighter, tan spots. They are difficult to obscure and impossible to remove.
Secondly, Sarians possess metallic-sheen eyes. Pianetic mineral deposits, again, in the ocular tissues results in eye color that has a "liquid metal" appearance, and does so in shades of silver, bronze, pale sapphire, and in the case of Eireasari, emerald.
[edit] Biological Traits
In addition, Sarians are often very sage and "liquid" in their demeanor. They are naturally very agile and light-of-foot, leading some to incorrectly speculate that they were perhaps descended or cross-bred from a predatory species that had, at one time, relied on camouflage and stealthiness. There is no substance to that arguement, though, because Sarians are completely Human in phenotype. Instead, it is more (but, not completely) credible to say that their personalities are products of their elemental culture rather than a genetic disposition.
[edit] Society and culture
[edit] A Common Expression
A characteristic demonstrated by nearly all Sarians is an affinity for body art, especially jewelry, tattoos, and brands. This art is rarely plain, but Sarians do have an eye for the subtle and simple. It is often common sight to see a Sarian with intricate patterns emblazoned up their arms, across the chest, and even up onto the face — rarely, though, does it intrude into the sacred Sar Spots' territory.
This emphasis placed on tattoos and body art has a relation to how Sarians interact with the environment, or elements, around them. They see themselves as intricately interwoven extensions of fire, water, wind, and earth. Body art and decoration are means of becoming more in tune with the elements.
[edit] The Matter of Culture and Clan
Sarians have categorized themselves not only after the four elements, but also in regards to cultural, psychological, and regional dispersement.
[edit] Casohavi
Casohavi are the most well-known, yet most culturally ambivilent of the Sarian categories. They are People of the Wind — prone to wander, loud and boisterous, and find ways to continue on or around whatever challenges them. Often regarded as the "voice of Solus", but certainly not its soul or reasoning, since Casohavi are scorned for impetuousness and fickleness at times. They reside in the northern hemisphere of Mergansar, and exhibit average skin, blonde or light brown hair, sapphire or silver eyes, and plain brown Sar Spots.
[edit] Meditersari
Equal to them in number, but certainly unlike them in personality, the Meditersari straddle the equator of Mergansar, amongst its seas, lakes, and rivers. These Beings of the Water have a passion for meticulous exploration, and are the motive force behind invention, development, and change. Most are quiet, measured folk, and have a smooth vivacity to them. Many Meditersari have either become part of Caspia's many fleets, or have permeated into Caspian government regarding commerce and sciences. Medits have slightly dark complexions, with either fair or olive skin, combined with deep brown or black hair and russet Sar Spots. Their eye color is usually a metallic gold, silver, or bronze.
[edit] Janhovi
By far the most numerous, but certainly the most stable and least contentious of the categories are the Janhovi. These People of the Ground live in the southern hemisphere and make up the essence of Mergansar's agrarian background. They are a proud people, forming the foundation of the Sarians' rich history. Exceptionally gifted at building, metalsmithing, and cooking, a substantial portion of the race's artistic expression comes from the Janhovi, and it is speculated that they were the first to incorporate body art. They have dark skin and dark hair, but in contrast, have light tan or cream-colored Sar Spots. Most have dark bronze or silver -sheened eyes, while a rare few have emerald or sapphire hues.
[edit] Eireasari
While being the rarest of the masses, the Eireasari represent the spiritual core and fire of the Sarian people. Indeed, their name of Beings of the Fire is aptly applied, as their physical presence seems to radiate whereever they travel. They do not travel often, but certainly do when they feel it is necessary. Most Eireasari are in positions of spiritual or cultural leadership, or have gravitated to highly emotive artistic expressions (singing, performance, etc.). They have extremely fair skin tones, but sport red or auburn hair. They are the only category that grey as they age, with elderly in advanced age becoming grey all over — hair and skin. When they're at their finest, though, their auburn or red hair seems to glow and their reddish Sar Spots gleam. Most have emerald green eyes, while a handful have the rarest eye color of all — metallic amber.
[edit] Taking Notice
Sarian women are regarded as exceptionally beautiful, but their allure is more mystical than just physical appearance. They tend to be more reserved and contemplative than the men. For this reason, a substantial number of Sarian women make better political, economic, or military operatives. It is still the men, though, that do most of the artisan and manufacturing efforts. It is important to point out that rarely are Sarian wares just boxes or bricks; they tend to be much more ornate and sculptural, having wind-shapen or fluidic lines to them with an underlying firm structure and a brooding power within. In fact, mastery of the arts or crafts for a Sarian is the ability to unify all four elements into a harmonius balance. Similarly, Sarians in the political or militaristic arenas strive to create a measured blend of all the elements before them.
Sarian society places little value on material possessions. Terms like "affluence", "wealth", and "greed" are considered to be off-world concepts and do not permeate Sarian culture. Passionate fighters when committed to a cause, such as defeating oppression or protecting a belief, Sarians commonly look with disdain upon wanton greed and irrational destruction. They are certainly not pacifists, but they are not warmongers either. Some Republic analysts speculate that they are a "galactic wildcard", keeping to themselves now, but if motivated one way or the other, whether it be by their own volition or by an outside source, they will influence drastic change on the balance of their galactic region.
[edit] Language
- Main article: Sarian (language)
Just like their elemental ways, the Sarian language is an elemental construct. The speaker assembles words and phrases based off of "builder words" that are no more than three to four letters long, representing various objects, ideas, or forces. It is very liquid, in that it flows and adapts well to being very descriptive. Builder words are usually very simple and straightforward in their translation (e.g. sar means star, which also signifies origin or primary). Sarian has become so interwoven into Caspian culture that, even though not everyone is required to speak it, an interesting pidgen or dialect has emerged that blends Galactic Basic with the arcane language.
