Zuravi

"Division of labour shall be determined dependent on each party's employment status at any given time over the course of this contract, but it has been agreed by both parties that this division shall never exceed a ratio of 75-25, counted in Ihiri hour units.
"Intercourse shall occur no more than four (4) and no less than one (1) times per Ihiri calendar week, with special consideration taken regarding the thorough satisfaction of both parties. Said mutual satisfaction is to be determined in-person, on a case-by-case basis. On a mutual agreement - ideally ratified with video or written evidence - the two parties may exceed the upper limit of four (4) instances per week, and/or pass below the lower limit of one (1) instance per week.
"This agreement shall be revisited in two Ihiri calendar years, after which, both parties must meet in-person to renew the contract term. Failure to do this by the listed end date will result in immediate termination of the contract and all terms therein."

— An excerpt from a Zuravi marriage contract

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Zuravi Art by Rusalka

Independence is a word very important to the Zuravi. Like all Vi’dam, they are curious and strive for progress, but the Zuravi imagine themselves the pioneers leading such efforts, with their names forever etched into the stars. It was the Zuravi who invented the accreditation system used in Ponadea. Scholars are accredited not alphabetically, but in descending order of contribution, and only until the 10% mark. Anyone contributing less than that gets a “and the team” for their efforts. Not all wish to sit at the very top of the food chain, that is an unrealistic expectation. But the Zuravi wish to be impactful and irreplaceable in their field. In their eyes, the best delivery man of his company is still on top of something, and that is what matters. They wish to know that without them, the world will at least function less optimally, and their absence would be noted. This creates a purveying aura of professionalism wherever one goes. A Zuravi take out shop will run with the rigour and discipline some other systems do not get to see in their own government buildings. It is hard to maintain a standard so high, but it is one these people take great pride in.

Art & Architecture

Zuravi cities can be seen from miles away. Their planet, Ihiri, is largely used for its agricultural potential, and the tall, white towers of Zuravi architecture tend to stand out quite heavily against green and golden fields. Cities planned out on grids with carefully integrated flora to optimise the soothing effect of nature without its more… sticky parts are the staple of Zuravi design.
In art, the Zuravi focus on the things in front of them. Gorgeous landscapes and intricate portraits are particularly popular on Ihiri, especially in the form of paintings. They are seen as a fantastic way to relax, whilst working on one’s attention to detail, and getting an appreciation for the world around them. Whilst the Iskara may argue that simply “copying” what is in front of you barely constitutes art at all, the Zuravi believe that several folk could paint the same thing, and they would all capture it in a different way, focusing on different parts of it. The most abstract Zuravi gets, is in the form of intricate floral patterns, which are often made as a therapeutic measure.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

• It is customary for parents to create a bank account for their child and put savings into this account monthly. On the child’s 40th birthday, they are given access to this account and the parents discuss with their child what the money should go on. Whether it should fund further education, go into an investment, start a business or any other venture.

• The Zuravi work week is dependent on the time of the year. In the warm months, when sweltering heat encompases the planet, work begins in early morning but finishes by mid-day. The rest of the day is spent lounging about, enjoying shaded areas and time for more artistic pursuits. This is made up for in the winter months where the work day goes into the late evening.

• The Zuravi get to choose their own name upon reaching maturity. The one they have been given by their parents is considered a remnant of their childhood and used only by those who raised them. The name they choose for themselves becomes their legal name for all intents and purposes.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The Zuravi have no special traditions related to childbirth. To them, the matter is purely medical, and it is stressful enough without the addition of any religious ceremony. The closest thing the Zuravi have to it, is the official reassigning of duties during the last month of pregnancy. In the 10th month, most if not all of the mothers work duties shall be reassigned to her spouse, assistants and colleagues until she returns to work.

Coming of Age Rites

Vi'dam reach physical maturity at the age of 40. This occasion is celebrated with a large family meal and a gifting of presents. These gifts are not meant to be particularly flashy or expensive, but they are meant to be useful. Things that an adult may need to get a good start in life, or that they may not get for themselves. Subscriptions to cooking programmes, vehicles, a new bit of tech, armour or even weaponry etc are all acceptable gifts.

Funerary and Memorial customs

On Ihiri, all citizens are signed up for the Agricultural donation programme. This means that when a citizen dies, their body is used as fertiliser for crops. After the funeral ceremony (normally a few close members of the family coming to say their goodbyes in a morgue before continuing on with their day), a body is ground up and then distributed to government owned plantations, gardens, farms and other agricultural projects. If one wishes for other arrangements, they must opt out of this programme and set up alternative arrangements themselves.

Common Taboos

• Taking credit for someone else’s work is considered an extreme social faux pas. To the Zuravi however, this means more than just outright taking someone’s work and putting your name on it. Saying you worked on a project when in reality you only did the proof reading or assisted someone else in editing is viewed in similar fashion.

• To break ones word is to invite the wrath of a Vi’dam. This is particularly true of the Zuravi, who believe effective communication is at the head of any successful interaction. It is also likely that if you have broken your word to a Zuravi, you have also breached terms of a contract, and it may turn out to be an expensive mistake. This is very much by design.

• Bringing food into business is considered in poor taste amongst the Zuravi. Eating is considered something one does on a break, and not whilst in the middle of working. Even if the work goes into the late night. Bringing food into the office or workshop is seen as a way of muddying the waters between private and professional life.

Historical figures

Dalnanni Karsara: The Patron of the Zuravi, sometimes also called the Lady in Green. Rests in a crater created by her on the northeast side of Ihiri.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Zuravi art by Rusalka

The Zuravi have an entire profession dedicated to finding suitable partners for others. They collect data ranging from the individual's biochemistry, family health history and genetic predisposition, to a highly detailed psychological profile. This is then used by these matchmakers to sift through their systems in order to find the perfect match. The assigned pair will meet, discuss the parameters of their relationship and the benefits that will come from their union. If both are in agreement, marriage commences within the year.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships amongst the Zuravi are formed usually for one of the following reasons; siring offspring, supporting an academic or business endeavour and creating familial support networks. To an outsider, Zuravi relationships may appear cold and transactional. Each marriage is written more like a business contract with an expiration date, at the end of which it must be renewed or the couple simply cease to be married. A marriage does not mean that a pairing is emotionally, or even intimately involved, unless their negotiated contract specifies this ahead of time, and breaching the marriage contract is grounds for immediate termination. To natives however, this is considered the most optimal way to ensure that all parties are satisfied and expectations are clear and will be met. These relationships are not devoid of affection or companionship, it is simply that these things are defined differently by the Zuravi. Whilst others may want a companion who will be with them forever and bring them warm drinks in winter, the Zuravi like a partner that will support their intellectual and business pursuits. Someone who will go over the speech for the board meeting next week and help iron it out until perfection.
It is not uncommon for Zuravi to have had several marriages over the course of their lives, all having been dear, but all having served a different purpose. After all, the person who you’d co-parent with best is not necessarily who you wish to build your research with.

Major organizations

The Central Ponadean Bank: The number one bank used on the system and the fifth largest bank in Ciraculum, a spot it shares with the Brezian Imperial Bank. It provides loans for large businesses, small businesses, accounts for students and researchers, and even advice for anyone wishing to make it in the financial sector.
Zintar Engineering: An agricultural corporation famous for its production of sustainable farming and terraforming equipment. It has most famously provided its services to the Serenity station, and is responsible for its lush greenery.
Comet: Currently holding the status of the largest distribution service in Ciraculum. With a subscription to their premium service, Comet+, one can receive any item from within the Synod Systems with express next day delivery. Anything from an upgrade to your personal computer to a gift for your mum from one system over that you promised to get her but now you’re almost home and well…. Y’know. Comet has you covered.

Encompassed species

• Vi'dam

Related Organizations

• The Vaila Glas

Languages spoken

• Vi'dami

Related Locations

• Ihiri
• Ponadea

Family Names
Bahli, Vubre, Púkte, Dahass, Strishchyho, Zvechyhk, Znez, Rorihle
Feminine Names
Kúzna, Hrasi, Pruma, Znavtabi, Nemi, Kunne, Vkluda, Mesha
Masculine Names
Svakút, Svin, Tsumat, Mchyhes, Menúz, Zet, Polin'os, Netu
Unisex Names
Rúdú, Viss, Mchyhed, Pelnún, Chyhis, Preza, Fúnda, Zvúpo

The Sun kissed

The Zuravi are a tall people, with the average height being 6'1" for both men and women. Markings akin to freckles are very common amongst the Zuravi, ranging in colour from light to dark brown, matching to the range of the skin colouration. Zuravi tails are slim and usually shorter than those of the Iskara for example, reaching the ankles. Their antlers can grow into some of the biggest and most decorative pieces, but are often trimmed and filed down for convenience.

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