Ashuri (Ash-shur-ree)

The Ashuri are a ringed-horned servant species that were artificially created by and work for the Ahura.

Basic Information

Anatomy

In the image of their makers, the Ashuri are commonly seen with dark skin and have four arms. They also have horns, which the Ahura use to pick them up and move them around. There are both male and female Ashuri, though this is purely for aesthetic reasons.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Ashuri are omnivores, being able to survive on a diet of fruit and aquatic creatures like the Ahura. While the Ahura do feed them, the Ashuri prefer to eat communally with other Ashuri, making hearty dishes like soups and broths to share.

Conservation Status

Low Concern.

Average Height

6'0"

Geographic Distribution

Vendari

Related Organizations

Crimson Dominion

Creation

The Nethren

The Ashuri are artificially bioengineered by the Ahura, using a huge biological mass called The Nethren, manipulating genetic material to craft individuals with the necessary traits (and personal preference) to fulfil their designated roles.
The Ashuri are born from the Nethren as adults, and go through a short period of acclimating to their life and role.
Their lifespan is highly dependant on their assigned task, ranging from from decades to hundreds of years. It can also be dependant on the Ahura who they are working for, as they can be returned to the Nethren over more trivial matters e.g. An Ahura gets bored with their Ashuri, or just doesn't like how their Ashuri works.

Recycling

Once they have completed their role, or are deemed unfit to continue their work, the Ashuri are then returned to the Nethren to be recycled. This is a process involves the dissolution and reabsorption of their biological matter into the mass, with the Ashuri's knowledge and memories becoming interwoven into the Nethren.
The process is said to be painless according to Ashuri who have been recycled while conscious. Ashuri who have passed but are unable to be recycled straight away are usually frozen, or placed in preserving fluid. Burning the body is seen to be offensive.
Refusing to allow an Ashuri to return to the Nethren after completing their role to the best of their ability can cause severe existential angst and distress due to the fact their memories and knowledge won't be able to contribute to the collective consciousness. Refusal to be recycled has been used as punishment in the past, but only for extremely severe cases.

Civilization and Culture

Ashuri society and culture is intertwined with their servitude to their Ahura creators. They believe that working hard and diligently give them purpose and keep them content, until they are returned back to the Nethren.

Community

They have a very strong sense of community, assisting other Ashuri that may need help. Ashuri will partake in communal bonding during downtime, actively engaging in sharing knowledge, experiences and stories. This fosters a sense of camaraderie, as well has helps keeping things running smoothly during working hours.

Craftsmanship

Ashuri have developed and inclination for craftsmanship and artistry like their creators. While the majority of their time is spent with their roles, some Ashuri will pursue artistic hobbies in their spare time. Ahura find Ashuri art to be extremely curious and intriguing, usually encouraging that sort of behaviour.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Spirituality

The Ashuri are very spiritual in nature, centring around their belief of the sentience of the Nethren. They consider being recycled and reintegrated back into the Nethren as a sacred act, and will perform small ceremonies for celebrated Ashuri who are being recycled.
Ashuri will mourn others who pass but for one reason or another are unable to return to be recycled into the Nethren. The community will perform mourning rituals which will involve sharing stories and knowledge of the individual so that in some way their spirit can return to the Nethren.

Naming Traditions

Traditionally Ashuri are named by the Ahura when they are born. They have the same naming conventions as the Ahura and will take on the last name of the Ahura they are working for. Since the creation of the Nethren, some Ashuri are born already with a name, which their Ahura can chose whether or not to respect it or change it.

Common Dress Code

Ashuri's dress code is completely dependant on the Ahura they are working for, with little room for self customisation. If allowed by their Ahura, Ashuri may get some choice and well as the option to wear trinkets that they've made or been given to by other Ashuri.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Ashuri's existence has been the subject of controversy of many intergalactic organisations and species because of the origins of their creation for servitude.