Vi'dam
"You wish to know from whence we came? Where our journey across the cosmos originated, and where its destination lies? I will try to answer your question. "Imagine, if you will, a man, a woman - a living being - standing before you. Now, deconstruct them in your mind's eye. Take them apart into whatever pieces make them up. Then, when you are done, deconstruct those pieces even further. Open bones to reveal the marrow beneath. Find and name the valves of the heart. Eventually, pull apart the eyes; reveal the iris, the pupil, the optic nerve - and finally, the cornea. Without that final, vital component, the body is rendered blind. The eyes become nothing more than fleshy marbles, reflecting light. It is with that small part that we can see - not the eye itself. That is the Vi'dam. The galaxy is a living being, and we are its wandering gaze. "Nonsensical? I'm not surprised. It's difficult to communicate through text alone. In fact, I can't imagine how you'd put anything across at all."
Basic Information
Anatomy
Vi'dam Sigil by Rusalka
Biological Traits
One of the most fascinating traits of the Vi'dam people, is their exceptionally rapid evolutionary response. Noticeable evolutionary adaptations to their environment can be seen after as few as six generations, and morphological changes can be observed within two Vi'dam lifetimes. This fact is what has caused such a great variance in Vi'dam height, weight, skin colouration and marking.
Male Vi'dam tend to be taller and broader than their female counterparts, as well as possessing longer and thicker tails. They also have a longer life expectancy by about 7-10 years. Female Vi'dam can sometimes develop colourful markings around their temples and joints.
Male Vi'dam tend to be taller and broader than their female counterparts, as well as possessing longer and thicker tails. They also have a longer life expectancy by about 7-10 years. Female Vi'dam can sometimes develop colourful markings around their temples and joints.
Genetics and Reproduction
Unlike humans, female members of the Vid'am species do not have a menstrual cycle. Instead, the uterine lining is absorbed back into the system with no shedding, or any discomfort that plagues humans. Due to this, pregnancy can only be achieved for a period of five to seven days a month. This is known as the kannya, or 'the urge.' There are medications one can purchase over the counter to reduce or completely eliminate the effects of kannya, and if it remains an issue, there are prescription strength drugs that tackle the issue; for those who find its effects unbearable, or simply too much of a nuisance for a busy life.
A Vi'dam pregnancy lasts ten months; the last three weeks of gestation are spent in a specialised maternity unit. There, the mother is supplied with the necessary nutrients to cope with the last parts of her baby's growth, and prepared for the birth itself. Vi'dam technology has made great strides in the field of gynaecology; chances of twins can be predicted with fairly reliable results, and the risk of premature birth can be assessed regularly, providing steps to prevent it where possible. This great effort is made for one main reason: the additional month of gestation is when the Vila'ka develops fully, and a child born prematurely is very likely to suffer from vilakular insufficiency syndrome (VIC). This disorder means that the organ is heavily dysfunctional, or in the worst cases, doesn't work at all. In the Ponadea system, this is treated as a disability similar to blindness or deafness, even though there currently exists no cure or replacement that could perfectly replicate the whole organ.
A Vi'dam pregnancy lasts ten months; the last three weeks of gestation are spent in a specialised maternity unit. There, the mother is supplied with the necessary nutrients to cope with the last parts of her baby's growth, and prepared for the birth itself. Vi'dam technology has made great strides in the field of gynaecology; chances of twins can be predicted with fairly reliable results, and the risk of premature birth can be assessed regularly, providing steps to prevent it where possible. This great effort is made for one main reason: the additional month of gestation is when the Vila'ka develops fully, and a child born prematurely is very likely to suffer from vilakular insufficiency syndrome (VIC). This disorder means that the organ is heavily dysfunctional, or in the worst cases, doesn't work at all. In the Ponadea system, this is treated as a disability similar to blindness or deafness, even though there currently exists no cure or replacement that could perfectly replicate the whole organ.
Dear Ms Ilkari
This message is a follow up to your recent medical appointment. Due to some anomalies noted in your most recent ultrasound, we have decided to fast track your stay at the Kolaski Maternity Centre, making your total stay five weeks total instead of the four standard weeks. Your transport shall arrive at your recorded address within 24 hours of this message (27th of Brezaris, 4770, 11:25). You employer Mt. Donut inc and your emergency contact Ulankir Ilkari have been notified. Please ensure that you have your personal luggage ready, and avoid any unnecessary stressors.
Please note that this is not a cause for panic, and simply a precaution to ensure the optimal health of you and your baby.
Kind regards, The South Ihiri Maternity Care Team
Growth Rate & Stages
A Vi'dam is considered a child until the age of 14. Then, they enter the teenage years and their bodies will continue to grow until they reach the age of 40, at which point they are considered to be adults. The Vi'dam body is considered to be in its prime until the age of 300. After this, a Vi'dam is considered middle aged, and will reach the elderly status by their 450th year. For the vast majority of their lives, the Vi'dam will appear youthful and will be in great physical shape. One they reach the elderly age, their bodies will begin to age quite rapidly however, with noticeable deterioration from one year to the next until they pass away. It is worth noting however, that the mind of a Vi'dam appears to be sharp until death, and its deterioration is minimal when compared to other species.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Vi'dam are omnivores, and can subsist on a large variety of different foods. From cured meats and hams to experimental herby cheeses, the Vi'dam diet is known to be very rich and extremely varied, much like the people who make it. The greatest staple of Vi'dam cuisine however, is the art of nartya, or 'cooked feeling.'
This is the process of infusing a small amount of with a serum which stimulates different parts of the brain in order to elicit an emotional response.It is then prepared into a syrup-like substance mixed with water, and served as a juice. Outside of the Ponadea system and Serenity, this is a highly regulated substance. Often prescribed for mood disorders throughout the Synod systems, it's considered a restricted substance thanks to its addictive properties.
This is the process of infusing a small amount of with a serum which stimulates different parts of the brain in order to elicit an emotional response.It is then prepared into a syrup-like substance mixed with water, and served as a juice. Outside of the Ponadea system and Serenity, this is a highly regulated substance. Often prescribed for mood disorders throughout the Synod systems, it's considered a restricted substance thanks to its addictive properties.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Alongside the Vila'ka, some Ponadean's have been known to grow horns and antlers, ranging from small nubs to heavier, curved pieces. It is not uncommon for Vi'dam to also take on some characteristics of other species if their family have been living in another system for a significant amount of time.
Average Intelligence
Vi'dam Script by Rusalka
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Natives to the Ponadea system are widely known for their ability to perceive with the witch eye. Outside of this, the Vi'dam have been known to develop various sensory capabilities dependent on the region in which they live. For example, the underground dwelling Iskara have developed the ability to see in the dark, whilst the Zuravi living in the wetlands have grown to recognise subtle tremors in the ground.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Karsara; Once but a family name today it is the title of the ascended sisters of the Vi'dam people. There are currently 3 Karsara in the Ponadean system, one for each inhabited planet. They are purely spiritual figures, and hold little to no significance on the day to day running of Ponadea.
The Docha-ni: These are the caretakers and protectors of the Karsara. Usually scholars of varying fields, their main job is to ensure the Karsara's safety, but also to assist in deciphering their speech, which has been affected by their
The Vaila Glas : The government of Ponadea is ruled by a grand council, made up of smaller councils divided by matters of importance. Each planet will have an MP for education, the military, health, etc who will sit in these smaller councils. One of these is also elected as the Head of Government, although this gives no extra privileges, merely serving as a liaison between Ponadea and other systems.
Zol'szta: The diplomatic caste of Ponadea. Living on other systems these are technically members of Parliament, but focused entirely on foreign relations and Vi'dam rights outside of their home system. Ambassadors for each system outside of Ponadea will have people underneath them for each planet, and those will have people beneath them for major settlements etc.
The Docha-ni: These are the caretakers and protectors of the Karsara. Usually scholars of varying fields, their main job is to ensure the Karsara's safety, but also to assist in deciphering their speech, which has been affected by their
The Vaila Glas : The government of Ponadea is ruled by a grand council, made up of smaller councils divided by matters of importance. Each planet will have an MP for education, the military, health, etc who will sit in these smaller councils. One of these is also elected as the Head of Government, although this gives no extra privileges, merely serving as a liaison between Ponadea and other systems.
Zol'szta: The diplomatic caste of Ponadea. Living on other systems these are technically members of Parliament, but focused entirely on foreign relations and Vi'dam rights outside of their home system. Ambassadors for each system outside of Ponadea will have people underneath them for each planet, and those will have people beneath them for major settlements etc.
Beauty Ideals
The Vi'dam have a word; Surus. It translates roughly to "How one exists in an environment." The idea of Surus is split into two ideas of aesthetic. Compliment and Contrast. The Vi'dam believe that the things most beautiful are either existing in harmony with its surrounding, blending into it seamlessly, or standing out enough to draw the attention towards it. A mechanic working on a vehicle in a workshop, clothes covered in sut as sparks fly against the works is considered beautiful. The Mechanic compliments their surrounding, they slot into it perfectly. A diplomat on a mission into a war torn planet, blue velvet attire against the blood and dirt of the shelled buildings is beautiful also, as it creates a powerful and emotional contrast. This concept can be applied from scenes like the ones above, to more minute details such as jewellery to match or contrast skin tone or lighting. In general terms, the Vi'dam view beauty as moments in time and actions within environments, rather than a feature of appearance.
Gender Ideals
Gender as a social construct doesn’t quite exist in the same way humans would view it. The closest the Vi’dam reach in this sense of aesthetic and role within society is tied more to an individual’s energy and its corresponding school of arcana. It can influence one’s personal aesthetics and choices of leisure, but most Vi’dam would agree that expecting one to make important life choices based on this is confusing at best.
Average Technological Level
The Vi'dam enjoy the vast majority of technological marvels offered by modernity. Inter-planetary travel is common enough to be a source of many people's vacation ideas, and goods from other systems can be found on most shelves. Communication between planets is commonplace, and social media allows folks from all over the galaxy to chat, play games, and indulge in heated debate over their favourite entertainment franchise.
Medical technology in Vi'dam territory means that most fractures and broken limbs are an inconvenience for a couple of days at most. Miscarriages sit at a comfortable 0.8% and premature births at a slightly less comfortable 4.8%. Food, water and electricity are a given basic right on all Vi'dam owned planets.
Medical technology in Vi'dam territory means that most fractures and broken limbs are an inconvenience for a couple of days at most. Miscarriages sit at a comfortable 0.8% and premature births at a slightly less comfortable 4.8%. Food, water and electricity are a given basic right on all Vi'dam owned planets.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Vi'dami as a language was until very recently impossible for outsiders to read. This is because the Vi'dami script is written using infused ink, which stimulates the Vila'ka, creating actual images and emotions in the mind of the Vi'dam who read it. The words written down on a page are therefore simplistic, and do not convey the emotional value behind them, as it was never necessary. The Vi'dam don't read in the same way other species do. Their written language conjures a 'story' within their minds.
This made translating Vi'dam texts for interstellar communication purposes near on impossible for an outsider. The Zuravi have however made great strides in reinventing the script in 'unveiled' form. Written in vertical lines, and adding more descriptive words to match the 'feeling' of Vi'dam literature.
This made translating Vi'dam texts for interstellar communication purposes near on impossible for an outsider. The Zuravi have however made great strides in reinventing the script in 'unveiled' form. Written in vertical lines, and adding more descriptive words to match the 'feeling' of Vi'dam literature.
Ability Adjustment: +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, -2 Strength
Size: Medium
Type: Humanoid, Vi'dam
Hit Points: 4
Studious:The Vi'dam are known for their passion for learning. They receive a +2 bonus to two skills of their choice, and one of those skills becomes a class skill.
Mental Training: The Vi'dam are very mentally resilient, and are trained in repelling mental attacks. They receive a +2 bonus against mind effecting effects.
Limited Telepathy: Vi'dam can communicate telepathically with any creatures within 30 feet with whom they share a language. Conversing telepathically with multiple creatures simultaneously is just as difficult as listening to multiple people speak.
Magical Aptitude: Vi'dam gain the following spell-like abilities: At will: detect magic, psychokinetic hand 1/day: mind link. See Spell-like Abilities on page 262. The caster level for these effects is equal to the Vi'dam's level.
Size: Medium
Type: Humanoid, Vi'dam
Hit Points: 4
Studious:The Vi'dam are known for their passion for learning. They receive a +2 bonus to two skills of their choice, and one of those skills becomes a class skill.
Mental Training: The Vi'dam are very mentally resilient, and are trained in repelling mental attacks. They receive a +2 bonus against mind effecting effects.
Limited Telepathy: Vi'dam can communicate telepathically with any creatures within 30 feet with whom they share a language. Conversing telepathically with multiple creatures simultaneously is just as difficult as listening to multiple people speak.
Magical Aptitude: Vi'dam gain the following spell-like abilities: At will: detect magic, psychokinetic hand 1/day: mind link. See Spell-like Abilities on page 262. The caster level for these effects is equal to the Vi'dam's level.
Scientific Name
Homo Teroculos
Lifespan
500 years
Average Height
5'0"-6'4"
Average Weight
80-190 lbs
Average Physique
Aside from the signature witch eye and tail, the Vi'dam are an extremely varied people. Their physique can be more successful averaged out based on the individual planet they were born on.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Varies heavily by environment.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
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