HOMEWORLD: Vodra
STAR SYSTEM: Zumal
QUADRANT: Delta
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PHYSICAL STRUCTURE
The Voitan are a diminutive yet resilient species, standing at approximately 1.1 meters tall. Their bodies are slender, with an impressive wiry strength that belies their thin limbs. An exoskeleton in a shade of tan covers them, providing both protection and flexibility. Their heads are ant-like, with small mandibles and large compound eyes that grant them a wide field of vision and the ability to perceive ultraviolet and polarized light, essential in their subterranean habitats.
SOCIETY AND CASTE
Voitan society is structured around a caste system, with three primary groups: the Jomair, the Ruzak, and the Rukarm.
- Jomair (Queens): Every Voitan city revolves around a Jomair, the queen who lays eggs and ensures the continuation of the colony. The Jomair are revered figures, residing in the heart of the city, where they are meticulously cared for and protected.
- Ruzak (Male Breeders): Attending to the Jomair are the Ruzak, male breeders who live in luxury and are considered nobility within Voitan society. They play no active role in work or city maintenance, focusing solely on their role in supporting the queen.
- Rukarm (Workers): The backbone of Voitan society, Rukarm are genderless and bred specifically for labor. They maintain the city’s infrastructure, develop technologies, and manage resources. Rukarm are dispatched to other worlds, where their skills and labor earn credits to support and expand their home city. While they keep only what they need to survive, any disruption to their home city can lead to newfound independence, should their queen perish or the city fall.
CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE
Voitan cities are vast and underground, marvels of architecture and technology that reflect their advanced engineering capabilities. Each city is an interconnected hive, with tunnels, chambers, and large communal spaces designed efficiently to serve the needs of the inhabitants. These subterranean wonders are not only homes but also fortresses that protect the Voitan from external threats and adverse surface conditions.
ABILITIES AND SKILLS
- Strength and Resilience: Despite their thin arms, the Rukarm are incredibly strong, capable of performing demanding physical tasks with ease. This strength makes them highly valued laborers and builders.
- Vision: Voitan compound eyes provide exceptional vision across various light spectrums, particularly useful for navigating dark environments and working with high-precision tasks.
- Navigation and Traps: Known for their impeccable navigation skills, Voitan can traverse both underground and terrestrial environments efficiently. They are adept at setting traps on the fly, using their environment to their advantage.
SPECIAL ABILITIES
- Ultraviolet Vision: Ability to see ultraviolet light, allowing them keen perception in environments where other species may struggle to see.
- Polarized Light Detection: They can navigate and orient themselves by detecting polarized light, useful for space travel and orienting within massive underground networks.
- Survivor’s Instinct: If separated from their colony, Rukarm adapt quickly to survive independently or find new ways to contribute to galactic society.
PHILOSOPHY
Voitan culture emphasizes community and the importance of each caste’s role in supporting the greater good of the colony. While the Ruzak and Jomair are celebrated, the Rukarm embody the colony’s spirit of industriousness and sacrifice, sending their earnings home to sustain and improve Voitan life.
STAT ADJUSTMENTS
Voitans receive the following adjustments as a Player Character:
| STRENGTH | STAMINA | PERSONALITY | LEADERSHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| +10 | +5 | -5 | -10 |
| WALK | RUN | PER HOUR |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 35 | 5 |
| AVERAGE SIZE | 1.1m Tall |
| AVERAGE MASS | 35kg |
| AVERAGE LIFESPAN | 100 years |
| REPRODUCTION | Oviparous |
| BODY TEMP | 28° C |
| GRAVITY | .8 |
Naming Structure:
-
Prefix: This is a short syllable or sound that denotes the caste of the Voitan individual.
- Jo’ for Jomair (Queens)
- Ru’ for Ruzak (Male Breeders)
- Ra’ for Rukarm (Workers)
-
Core Name: The core part of the name is typically two to three syllables long and reflects the individuality of the Voitan. These can be inspired by sounds from nature, technological elements, or other thematic influences relevant to Voitan culture. The names often have a soft, flowing sound to them.
-
Suffix: A suffix can be added to indicate achievement, role, or a personal attribute. This is especially common within the Rukarm caste. Suffixes can be simple (like ‘ak’ for strength or ‘it’ for wisdom) or elaborate.
Example Names:
-
Jomair (Queens)
- Jo’Salira
- Jo’Mirelith
-
Ruzak (Male Breeders)
- Ru’Kardin
- Ru’Telvorn
-
Rukarm (Workers)
- Ra’Felak
- Ra’Tunrit
- Ra’Jovrinak (indicating ‘strength of the city’)
- Ra’Yirilit (indicating ‘wisdom in navigation’)
Cultural Considerations:
- Names often reflect a Voitan’s achievements or aspirations. For instance, a suffix might change if a Rukarm gains independence and becomes noted for their skills.
- Naming conventions may also vary slightly from city to city, influenced by regional dialects or historic events.
