An-sarra
The An-sar(ra) ruled an empire they called the An-ki from their homeworld of An-uras. They were a proud people as these An-sarra words indicate:
- An-sar(ra), their name for their own race meant "All of heaven, the whole sky."
- An-ki , their name for their own empire meant "The Universe."
- An-uras, their name for their own homeworld meant "heaven and earth."
- An-mul, Their home star
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
The An-sarra prized ostentation and extravagance above all things. They wore the wealth and trappings of power as a way to demonstrate their authority over their client states. Precious metals, gems, and enchanted or otherwise technologically enhanced items covered them.
A tall, lanky people by nature, the An-sarra worked valued strength and agility. The appearance of power required them to exhibit an elegant muscular physique capable of quick and decisive action without excess. Their form needed to look effortless in contrast to their clothing.
Metal work, exotic stone sculptures and lavish artwork covered in the interiors and exteriors of most every building. They represented great heroes, saints, and sages from myth and history, as well as lofty abstract pieces meant to embody important ideas.
Anything that appeared weak, feeble, or poor were described as ugly or shameful. With all the wealth flooding the empire, even the lowest officer kept up appearances.
Gender Ideals
The An-sarra had a very nuanced understanding of gender, and had five recognized genders.
- Mi-sal: Female
- Luh-sal: Male
- Nu-mina: Non-binary
- Akirri: Fluid
- Nu-se: Nonconforming
Courtship Ideals
With the An-sarra’s focus on power and prestige, they focused on family lineage and fidelity, though they understood that concept differently from most of the other people’s of the galaxy.
Casual intimate relations were not discouraged. Marriage was a formal adoption of another into the family, making them a dumu-urum (guarded child), which allowed them use the family name and prestige. This form of adoption or patronage was also used to take in new members who had no intimate relationships with the family at all.
Divorce was a banishment from the family, making the individual dumu-kahm. Their former family name would not be restored and they would take the name Nu-a-mu until adopted back into their birth family or another.
All of these services were officiated by Ara-din clerics.
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