Vhala

Plural: Vhala Adjective: Vhalan

Type: Mammalian

Schema: Feline, Boar, Primate

Reproduction: Viviparous

Traits: Physically Strong, Disease Resistant, Adaptable, Territorial, Short Lived.

Primary Roles: Military, Private Security, Manufacture, Mining.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Vhala have comparably human height ranges, coming from a planet of similarly gravitational makeup - though the males tend to consistently run taller between six to seven foot. Bipedal, they have strong necks and sloping shoulders and fairly prominent forehead crests, particularly in the males. They also have a very sensitive sense of smell compared to most Federated species, probably closest in approximation to an Earthen dog. Perhaps the most significant feature of the Vhala are their prominent, lower jaw canines which protrude on either side of their mouth which are significantly larger in the males. Taking up most of the space in their lower jaw, these were likely a convergent adaption to the thick necks of rival males during battles for mates - though it is indicated size of these impressive mandibles is slowly on the decline.
Categorically, Vhala are considered ‘Mamillian’; females are physically dimorphic to the males, being thinner and less broad in the shoulder, and possess two sets of mammary glands set in the chest, which aren’t very prevalent until the female is nursing young.
The Vhala are the shortest lived of all Federation recognised species, due to the prevalence for disease. Although highly disease resistant, like Earthen bats Vhala are often riddled with ‘benign’ germs that are held off via significantly high body temperature and a highly-active immune system. Since advancing to the Space Age, disease has become less prevalent thanks to preventative health systems considered mandatory across Federated space - however there are some older schools of thought that see accepting biological assistance for the prevention of disease, whether it is through genetic engineering or standard nanobots, as just another form of weakness. This is usually restricted to those bound to purely Vhalan territories and is a rapidly declining mentality. Scientific research is now looking into ways to biologically alter the Vhalan race to extend it’s diminutive lifespan, but is still considered pretty controversial.
Although considered omnivorous, the Vhalan diet consists primarily of meat or protein rich substances in order to power their comprehensive natural immune systems. Thanks to this immune system and significantly acidic digestive system, they can also process quite a range of foods, both human and alien as well as uncooked meats without significant impact, even if poisonous or diseased. Due to their meat-reliant diets, nutrition absorption has always been something of a problem for the Vhala but thanks to technological advances, this is rarely an issue outside of the most impoverished colonies.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Vhalan society is split into comprehensive divisions, based on biological gender and role. Although they’d hesitate to consider themselves such, the Vhala are largely Matriarchal. The females are viewed as being the more ‘intelligent’ of the two genders - their strength and ruthlessness comes through tactics, negotiation and scientific/technological advances (although they are still quite physically intimidating compared to a lot of Federation species). They usually attend to matters of State and Diplomacy and chart the direction of Vhalan society as a whole. Males are considered to be the physically dominant, and manage martial outfits like the Military and Police, though it is not uncommon to see a female in these ranks, usually as a senior figure. Either gender is expected to play to their biological and cultural strengths and select their role in society accordingly. This has made them an intimidating martial power and a significant ally to the Galactic Federation.
Due to these divisions of role, males and females tend to operate within their own stringently bound circles - families have more of a communal feel, there is no emphasis on family structure and sexual congress is seen as something of a casual event. Groups of females will care for the children up until a certain point. Once their ‘whelps’ comes of age (usually 10 years or so), they are sent off to gender specific groups for education in how best utilise their natural strengths to serve Vhalan society as a whole.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Culturally, the concept of ‘Strength’ is held in the highest regard within Vhalan society, whether it is physical prowess, strength of character or strength of the mind. Throughout evolution, Vhalan males made displays of strength and dominance to compete against other males in order to attract females - who in turn made the ultimate decision of what male to pair with. Although over time these courtship conflicts became less violent, there is still a lot of emphasis put on martial prowess and physical strength across both genders. Scars are seen as badges of honour, as well as aesthetically pleasing. Scarification is a common practice, particularly on the face with both genders, as having a high tolerance to pain is seen as a display of strength.
Vhala are a social species, but compared to humans, they are much more territorial and it is reflected in their behaviour. They can become quite possessive of spaces and items, and have a fairly large ‘personal space’ in comparison to other species - especially with males. Those a Vhalan considers close family or friends however, will expect them to remain close - purposely standing outside of their personal space is considered quite rude. Being within a Vhala’s personal boundaries is an expression of mutual trust - that you trust them within your proximity as they trust you. It also shows them that the person is a ‘valued’ part of their ‘territory’ in a way.
Emotively, there goes a general saying in the Federation - never piss off a Vhala. Anger is perhaps the clearest and most threatening emotion a Vhala can display. Because of the biological link to courtship display hangovers, an enraged Vhala will rapidly flare up the muscles of its neck by redirecting air flow to appear larger and augment vocalisations, accompanied by bared teeth and snarling. A Vhala will not hesitate to use teeth in a fight, as their immune systems are impervious to most bacteria or blood. Displaying teeth to a Vhala is considered aggressive, which has lead to some Human and Athean interaction problems but over time they have adapted to what a is considered ‘a smile’.
In a distressed state, Vhala physically does not cry like humans do, as they have tertiary eyelids rendering the function of over-active tear-ducts obsolete. Instead it is mostly transmitted through vocalisation, and clenched but occasionally shuddering the of neck muscles. Generally however, despair and crying is seen as a weak emotion and is rarely seen publicly.

History

Before Humans, the Vhala were the most recent entrants into the Galactic Federation as an associate species, some three-hundred years ago and have been actively campaigning for full recognition status for the past hundred years. Their relationship with their fellow Human associates remains strained after their acceleration from Refugee to Associate status some twenty odd years ago after their significant Military assistance during the recent wave of [Enemy Species] attacks.

Lifespan

90 years

Average Height

170 - 180cm