anatomy & physiology |
communication |
- Do the secondary pair of eyes blink and/or fully close?
The eyes can blink and close! They function appearance-wise just like any other ol' pair of eyes, they simply pick up on a different part of the light spectrum. - How much control do they have over their tails? They have a fair amount of control over their tails, but they aren't completely prehensile. The closest example would be the tail of a cat or a dog--they do play a lot into non-verbal communication though! - Are their eyes sensitive to bright light due to being in twilight most of the year? Unless a Tarael has been acclimated to it, they are naturally quite sensitive to bright lights due to the near-constant twilight of their planet. It's possible for them to desensitize their eyes, but it does mean that their secondary eyes won't be nearly as useful and strong. For example, Tarael who remain in a bright environment may not be able to rely on their secondary eyes much at all due to the subtleties normally detected as heat or such being completely washed out by the warm sunlight. - Are all adult Tarael a solid color if they don't dye their fur, or can they have natural markings at adulthood? There is a huge variety in coat patterns, and the impression that they can otherwise only be a solid color due to the information of their 'invisible fingerprint markings' is a very early-development thing when I was creating them. Though they still certainly have an ultraviolet signature pattern to their coat, the visible-spectrum colors can absolutely also be patterned and complex! It's common for both sets of markings to be similar, but it isn't always the case, so there's a lot of wiggle room for designs. - Do they have paw pads? Though my art style often neglects that aspect, they would certainly have paw pads! I took inspiration from several mammals in their designs, and cats were one of them. I seem to often leave the hand undetailed (mostly because I suck at hands) but they have been intended to have paw pads and extendable claws similarly to cats! - How long can their fur get? Their fur can actually get quite long! Though it depends on the family line, some Tarael have genes that can keep their fur very sleek and short, but others may carry a gene so that they do get quite as puffy as a Pomeranian! It's a more modern mutation, due to the fact that longer fur would have been hard to deal with while evolving as a hunter/gather species, but it is certainly now a thing that's seen, especially for wealthy or high-class families that can afford to handle all that fluff. - How about the hair on their head? Through societal grooming, their body fur and head fur differentiated in color and whatnot (my excuse for why it can be a separate color and often a separate length), but if it's not taken care of it can be just as unruly as overgrown body fur. Depending on their occupation, they may be pressured to keep their fur and hair to a certain length (an artist may not have to worry about long fur while an engineer needs to be sleek so as to not get into a work-related accident). - Can Tarael spit venom, or is it stored within their mouths? Naturally, Tarael do in some sense 'store' venom in their mouths, though it's more analogous to how humans have saliva in their mouths--it's less injected and more coated in the Tarael's mouth and over their teeth. It is possible to consciously create more and spit it out, though it takes a bit of coordination and training for a Tarael to do so with any sort of skill--considering the dexterity needed of the tongue and jaw, a lot of them chalk it up to more trouble than it's worth; it's easier to just bite someone. - Is the lethality level of venom genetic?Though Tarael venom rarely gets to a level of toxicity that can outright kill another Tarael, there is certainly a range and a young Tarael will likely inherit what their parents had. There are certainly mutations and random happenstance, but it is largely true that the lethality and toxicity of a Tarael's venom is genetic. |
- How do Tarael communicate?
They communicate orally, but their language has developed to be spoken with a closed jaw (clench your teeth and try to talk-- it's like that!). They also rely heavily on body language, and their fronds and minute facial expressions (primarily the eyes) play a large role in that. For someone who may be unfamiliar with their species, it may appear that they are somewhat telepathic at a distance, but they are no more psychic than humans! - Do they make any noises beyond the low purrlike noise for communication? For the most part, their range of noises is very similar to that of a cat, but it's not horribly uncommon to see Tarael who often make clicking noises. These Tarael may be blind or otherwise dependent on vibrations and noise to see, and have developed a way to 'see' in how bats do with echolocation, utilizing the sensitive functions of their fronds. It's not inherently an instinctual function since their eyes adapted to fill that niche, but they do have that capability if needed. - Do they move their fronds at all for listening and communication? Absolutely! Though the natural position of the fronds can be variable, they can also move them quite a lot in order to sense movement, sound and other vibrations in the air. Like a Tarael's tail, the position and subtle movement of their fronds are also a very important non-verbal communication device. health & wellness- Are there any sicknesses common to their species?
Outside of what may be considered general diseases like the flu, cold, allergies and such, there are several diseases specific to their anatomy. Some may consider a lack of naturally-produced venom a disease, but they could also have diseases that affect their fronds (and therefore their hearing) or their secondary eyes (leaving them partially blind). language- Do Tarael have last names?
They in fact, in some sense, have two last names! The naming format for Tarael names are as follows: [Given Name] nas [Birth Family] beh [Current Family]. Their given name is the equivalent to our first name, the most personal name to the individual Tarael themselves. The Birth Family name comes from the family that the Tarael was born or adopted to and raised by. The 'Current Family' name refers to the family the Tarael is currently apart of, whether that family or household is romantic or platonic in makeup. While the connective word between their first name and birth family name will almost always be nas, literally meaning 'from', the connective word for the current family name will differ depending on how the Tarael chooses to introduce themselves. The standard word is beh, meaning 'with', but there are dozens of other connective words to denote a Tarael's status in the family and if the family itself is made of romantic or platonic partners. Example name: Mek'la nas Varin beh Sashin; Mekla was born to the Varin family, but is currently with the Sashin family. Depending on how they desire to introduce themselves, they could use a diffent connective word besides 'beh' or simply leave off the current family name entirely, going instead as Mek'la nas Varin, which is acceptable in most casual circumstances. - Do you have any examples or resources of the Tarael language?Absolutely I do! Though it is far from finished and contains only rudimentary terms and grammar rules, this is the WIP spreadsheet to encompass the entire Tarael language, including words, grammar and other information about their language. It is subject to change as I learn more about language creation, but feel free to check it out and use it as a resource however you like! |
Sex, Gender and Romance
- How does the males heat work in society?
Most males simply take suppressants in the modern times of their culture, since such medication is widely available and doesn't inherently hurt them otherwise. Some males will even go to lengths to go through medical procedures to 'pause' their ruts (sorta like tube-tying for humans with a uterus). Depending on the individual they may elect to take personal time, stay at home or use the time to spend with a mate, especially if they are trying to have a child (though they can certainly take care of it on their own if they wanted). On a social perspective, ruts are seen as the responsibility of the individual, and while there can be some understanding and sympathy for males that don't plan around their ruts (or for females who are affected by them), they are still held accountable for their behavior, absences, etc.
- Could an intersex Tarael be infertile, and how would this impact their status in the society?
Anytime you're dealing with the tiny gremlins known as sex chromosomes, infertility is always a possibility. However, Intersex Tarael aren't more likely to be infertile due to that trait alone, but infertility is certainly an uncommon issue that happens from time to time, especially with any big mutations that either directly or indirectly cause infertility or simply make their reproductive organs useless.
It could certainly impact their place in society though--Tarael, especially those high placed in society, have an almost feverish importance on 'biological perfection' and being a 'True-blooded Tarael'. To them, being intersex is considered the height of perfection, being able to both birth and fertilize an egg (though it's extremely uncommon, if not taboo, for them to try and reproduce asexually). It has some basis in their religion; being a 'whole being' is considered as perfect as a mortal can be.
Being unable to reproduce would be considered a black mark on their 'perfection' thus leaving them at risk of being seen as broken in much the same way some infertile people are seen in American society. While there is no single importance placed on female Tarael to have babies, there is an importance on every Tarael to be capable of having young and raising a family. In a similar way to some Eastern societies, families are one of the most important things to hold in one's heart, and being able to have a big family is a huge societal plus.
- Are there same-sex relationships between Tarael? If so, how are they looked at in society?
Certainly common enough to be accepted! Since their view on gender is different and their familial values include forged relationships to be just as important, same-sex relationships aren't seen as any lesser than those with differing sex. As a species, the Tarael have little to no desire about expanding outward, so any population issues are pretty well-kept and aren't seen as something to care or worry about. Couples are determined less as 'same sex/different sex' and more along the lines of their capability to have a child if they wanted to or not--the issue gets even less so if they don't even want to have a child and instead dwell within the home of a relative or friend/s who are able to have young (in which case they often act as caregivers).
The district-run foster care system often is a resource for them in this sense, but it's not uncommon to see adopted children from distant family members under the care of a same-sex couple. This attitude is the same for other members of the queer spectrum!
- How would one Tarael begin a romantic relationship with another?
It varies from relationship to relationship! Just like humans have differing attitudes and comfort levels with being an initiator, so too do the Tarael.
- What would 'breaking up' commonly look like?
This one also vary from one relationship to another! Depending on the maturity of the two or more involved, it could be as simple as a conversation or as painful as a drawn-out ordeal, especially if they have already been married and/or had children.
- Do they marry? If so, what is the equivalent of an engagement ring, wedding ceremony, or wedding band?
They do marry! However, it's not as big of a ceremony as commonly seen in most cultures in our world, as a marriage is seen to be far more personal and intimate between the ones that are involved. The best equivalent of the marriage would be when the involved introduce them formally to the involved families. Think of a less formal ceremony where one betrothed is introducing the other to their parents not as a friend, but as a romantic partner. It can vary slightly between families, but that's the general case. Also common, if the involved don't already live together, is a ceremony involving the formal move-in of one betrothed into the household of the other, signifying their union under one family.
A wedding ring equivalent can take a couple forms, but the most common would be specific jewelry worn on the fronds or tail (the two most visible places to see if they have already been wed or not).
- Is it possible for non-romantically-involved Tarael to move in and live with one another?
In both a literal and socio-cultural sense, yes it is! There aren't any stigmas that hinder two or more Tarael from living together without a romantic bonding, and it's actually somewhat common for younger Tarael if they choose to leave their parents' house without any sort of romantic partner. Not only is this often cost-effective for a young Tarael with little wealth, but it also gives them a good support structure to lean on. Though its common for younger generations of Tarael, those who are older can also live in these households made up primarily of deep platonic friendships. Since the definition of family is fairly broad for the Tarael, there is very little of a stigma for the types of bonds found within a household (though they are still expected to have someone to fill household roles: ie caregiver, protector, etc)
Most males simply take suppressants in the modern times of their culture, since such medication is widely available and doesn't inherently hurt them otherwise. Some males will even go to lengths to go through medical procedures to 'pause' their ruts (sorta like tube-tying for humans with a uterus). Depending on the individual they may elect to take personal time, stay at home or use the time to spend with a mate, especially if they are trying to have a child (though they can certainly take care of it on their own if they wanted). On a social perspective, ruts are seen as the responsibility of the individual, and while there can be some understanding and sympathy for males that don't plan around their ruts (or for females who are affected by them), they are still held accountable for their behavior, absences, etc.
- Could an intersex Tarael be infertile, and how would this impact their status in the society?
Anytime you're dealing with the tiny gremlins known as sex chromosomes, infertility is always a possibility. However, Intersex Tarael aren't more likely to be infertile due to that trait alone, but infertility is certainly an uncommon issue that happens from time to time, especially with any big mutations that either directly or indirectly cause infertility or simply make their reproductive organs useless.
It could certainly impact their place in society though--Tarael, especially those high placed in society, have an almost feverish importance on 'biological perfection' and being a 'True-blooded Tarael'. To them, being intersex is considered the height of perfection, being able to both birth and fertilize an egg (though it's extremely uncommon, if not taboo, for them to try and reproduce asexually). It has some basis in their religion; being a 'whole being' is considered as perfect as a mortal can be.
Being unable to reproduce would be considered a black mark on their 'perfection' thus leaving them at risk of being seen as broken in much the same way some infertile people are seen in American society. While there is no single importance placed on female Tarael to have babies, there is an importance on every Tarael to be capable of having young and raising a family. In a similar way to some Eastern societies, families are one of the most important things to hold in one's heart, and being able to have a big family is a huge societal plus.
- Are there same-sex relationships between Tarael? If so, how are they looked at in society?
Certainly common enough to be accepted! Since their view on gender is different and their familial values include forged relationships to be just as important, same-sex relationships aren't seen as any lesser than those with differing sex. As a species, the Tarael have little to no desire about expanding outward, so any population issues are pretty well-kept and aren't seen as something to care or worry about. Couples are determined less as 'same sex/different sex' and more along the lines of their capability to have a child if they wanted to or not--the issue gets even less so if they don't even want to have a child and instead dwell within the home of a relative or friend/s who are able to have young (in which case they often act as caregivers).
The district-run foster care system often is a resource for them in this sense, but it's not uncommon to see adopted children from distant family members under the care of a same-sex couple. This attitude is the same for other members of the queer spectrum!
- How would one Tarael begin a romantic relationship with another?
It varies from relationship to relationship! Just like humans have differing attitudes and comfort levels with being an initiator, so too do the Tarael.
- What would 'breaking up' commonly look like?
This one also vary from one relationship to another! Depending on the maturity of the two or more involved, it could be as simple as a conversation or as painful as a drawn-out ordeal, especially if they have already been married and/or had children.
- Do they marry? If so, what is the equivalent of an engagement ring, wedding ceremony, or wedding band?
They do marry! However, it's not as big of a ceremony as commonly seen in most cultures in our world, as a marriage is seen to be far more personal and intimate between the ones that are involved. The best equivalent of the marriage would be when the involved introduce them formally to the involved families. Think of a less formal ceremony where one betrothed is introducing the other to their parents not as a friend, but as a romantic partner. It can vary slightly between families, but that's the general case. Also common, if the involved don't already live together, is a ceremony involving the formal move-in of one betrothed into the household of the other, signifying their union under one family.
A wedding ring equivalent can take a couple forms, but the most common would be specific jewelry worn on the fronds or tail (the two most visible places to see if they have already been wed or not).
- Is it possible for non-romantically-involved Tarael to move in and live with one another?
In both a literal and socio-cultural sense, yes it is! There aren't any stigmas that hinder two or more Tarael from living together without a romantic bonding, and it's actually somewhat common for younger Tarael if they choose to leave their parents' house without any sort of romantic partner. Not only is this often cost-effective for a young Tarael with little wealth, but it also gives them a good support structure to lean on. Though its common for younger generations of Tarael, those who are older can also live in these households made up primarily of deep platonic friendships. Since the definition of family is fairly broad for the Tarael, there is very little of a stigma for the types of bonds found within a household (though they are still expected to have someone to fill household roles: ie caregiver, protector, etc)
culture & technology
- Are there Tarael orphans? If so, how are they dealt with?
There are certainly orphan Tarael, and their care is often left up to the District government from where they were found or came from. It's relatively uncommon to have a Tarael who would be completely given or of the government's care, since they put so much importance on the aspect of the family (blood bonds and created relationships alike). Nevertheless, they would have a system similar to a modern foster care system, but it would be up to district regulation instead of the central government.
- Are there requirements for adopting a Tarael orphan that a possible foster parent must meet?
For the most part, the only true requirements for adopting an orphan is that the adoptive family be financially and socially able to raise the child. They have to have stable housing, income and must prove that they understand how to adequately care for an orphan of the age that they are adopting. There can be more requirements depending on the district, but these can largely be done by submitting required paperwork as proof or taking specific classes so that they have an adequate understanding of raising a child. Most of these resources are given freely through the district.
- What's the main Tarael philosophy on biotech implants?
Biotech implants certainly exist in their culture, but the response largely depends on who you ask. For the most part, you could split the Tarael into two groups: the purists (who think that their biology shouldn't be tampered with) and the non-purists (who either don't care or encourage the scientific advancement of their race). It's largely a touchy topic and doesn't always get a lot of funding since many fear it could destabilize their government (because the Tarake, or head ruler, is the 'most biologically pure and perfect' of their race).
- What kind of nonbiological weaponry do they have?
For the most part, since they were inspired originally by Star Wars lore, they largely have access to plasma-based guns and whatnot. Since they have some good biological weapons at their disposals, such as teeth, claws and the like, I don't see them ever getting too detailed in melee weapons in the same way humans did. This can change, however, since I do want them to be a pan-fandom species--so I wouldn't disagree with anyone who wanted a Tarael wielding a wicked awesome sword.
- Are there many efficient ways of telling time?
For humans, our sense of time-telling is largely on the position of the sun and the moon. Since Ev'ren is constantly in twilight due to it's very dim sun, they don't have the ability to track time solely from what little light that changes over the course of a day. Early Tarael relied largely on their internal clocks for basic societal needs and the positions of Ev'ren's two local moons for day-to-day timekeeping, but as their civilization grew more advanced, the need for something more specific became a necessity. This need naturally created the first item most resembling a traditional 'clock'. This item was a very particular species of fauna that seemed to do exactly what was needed: rudimentary time-keeping on an hour-per-hour basis. It was a type of plant (specifically a flower) that would slowly change color over the course of the day. Since the color change was especially noticeable to Taralian eyes, it proved to be a fairly reliable form of timekeeping until the next era of scientific advancement.
- How do Tarael light their cities? Do they light their cities at all?
For a long time, the Tarael really *didn't* need to light their cities. Their eyes were sensitive enough that they could see during the equivalent of a 'day' just fine, and the 'night' really wasn't all that much darker in comparison. Though they did use forms of markers to designate places of business and the like, they never actually put light to their cities until they began to interact with other cultures. Even afterwards, many tourists and visitors would be hard-pressed to navigate Ev'ren without some sort of visual aid for some districts and in some seasons of the year, though species that are light-sensitive most likely won't have that much of a hair time.
- What styles of building are more common? Curves, sharp angles, natural forms?
Buildings on Ev'ren are usually very natural-looking in form; curves and gentle-looking shapes are very common. If anything, one could almost describe their common architecture as trying to mimic the world around them, as if to be as 'at one' with their planet as can be. Buildings made of metals, plastics and other non-biological materials are certainly not uncommon, but the form they take are typically very natural-looking when compared to other planets and cultures.
There are certainly orphan Tarael, and their care is often left up to the District government from where they were found or came from. It's relatively uncommon to have a Tarael who would be completely given or of the government's care, since they put so much importance on the aspect of the family (blood bonds and created relationships alike). Nevertheless, they would have a system similar to a modern foster care system, but it would be up to district regulation instead of the central government.
- Are there requirements for adopting a Tarael orphan that a possible foster parent must meet?
For the most part, the only true requirements for adopting an orphan is that the adoptive family be financially and socially able to raise the child. They have to have stable housing, income and must prove that they understand how to adequately care for an orphan of the age that they are adopting. There can be more requirements depending on the district, but these can largely be done by submitting required paperwork as proof or taking specific classes so that they have an adequate understanding of raising a child. Most of these resources are given freely through the district.
- What's the main Tarael philosophy on biotech implants?
Biotech implants certainly exist in their culture, but the response largely depends on who you ask. For the most part, you could split the Tarael into two groups: the purists (who think that their biology shouldn't be tampered with) and the non-purists (who either don't care or encourage the scientific advancement of their race). It's largely a touchy topic and doesn't always get a lot of funding since many fear it could destabilize their government (because the Tarake, or head ruler, is the 'most biologically pure and perfect' of their race).
- What kind of nonbiological weaponry do they have?
For the most part, since they were inspired originally by Star Wars lore, they largely have access to plasma-based guns and whatnot. Since they have some good biological weapons at their disposals, such as teeth, claws and the like, I don't see them ever getting too detailed in melee weapons in the same way humans did. This can change, however, since I do want them to be a pan-fandom species--so I wouldn't disagree with anyone who wanted a Tarael wielding a wicked awesome sword.
- Are there many efficient ways of telling time?
For humans, our sense of time-telling is largely on the position of the sun and the moon. Since Ev'ren is constantly in twilight due to it's very dim sun, they don't have the ability to track time solely from what little light that changes over the course of a day. Early Tarael relied largely on their internal clocks for basic societal needs and the positions of Ev'ren's two local moons for day-to-day timekeeping, but as their civilization grew more advanced, the need for something more specific became a necessity. This need naturally created the first item most resembling a traditional 'clock'. This item was a very particular species of fauna that seemed to do exactly what was needed: rudimentary time-keeping on an hour-per-hour basis. It was a type of plant (specifically a flower) that would slowly change color over the course of the day. Since the color change was especially noticeable to Taralian eyes, it proved to be a fairly reliable form of timekeeping until the next era of scientific advancement.
- How do Tarael light their cities? Do they light their cities at all?
For a long time, the Tarael really *didn't* need to light their cities. Their eyes were sensitive enough that they could see during the equivalent of a 'day' just fine, and the 'night' really wasn't all that much darker in comparison. Though they did use forms of markers to designate places of business and the like, they never actually put light to their cities until they began to interact with other cultures. Even afterwards, many tourists and visitors would be hard-pressed to navigate Ev'ren without some sort of visual aid for some districts and in some seasons of the year, though species that are light-sensitive most likely won't have that much of a hair time.
- What styles of building are more common? Curves, sharp angles, natural forms?
Buildings on Ev'ren are usually very natural-looking in form; curves and gentle-looking shapes are very common. If anything, one could almost describe their common architecture as trying to mimic the world around them, as if to be as 'at one' with their planet as can be. Buildings made of metals, plastics and other non-biological materials are certainly not uncommon, but the form they take are typically very natural-looking when compared to other planets and cultures.
Recreation and Pasttimes
- Do you have any examples of more common Taralian sports or other recreational activities?
The only detailed sport that I have designed so far is called Mal'Wen, which originates from the district of Kaljia. It is said that the game originated hundreds of years ago when hunting became less of a need and more of a pastime between Tarael tribes (which predated the districts), and it allowed for a form of safe competition between them to show the prowess of their best hunters. Over time, it remained one of the most popular sports on Ev'ren, but has many variations depending on what district its played in.
In short, Mal'Wen is played on a field that is either circular (250m radius) or rectangular (500m by 250m) by up to four teams of 9 players each. The goal of the game is to get the most points within a set period of time (the most common is 1/2 hours, but some games have gone as long as several).
The only detailed sport that I have designed so far is called Mal'Wen, which originates from the district of Kaljia. It is said that the game originated hundreds of years ago when hunting became less of a need and more of a pastime between Tarael tribes (which predated the districts), and it allowed for a form of safe competition between them to show the prowess of their best hunters. Over time, it remained one of the most popular sports on Ev'ren, but has many variations depending on what district its played in.
In short, Mal'Wen is played on a field that is either circular (250m radius) or rectangular (500m by 250m) by up to four teams of 9 players each. The goal of the game is to get the most points within a set period of time (the most common is 1/2 hours, but some games have gone as long as several).
These points are obtained during the game by capturing robotic creatures, traditionally called Wen or Wenlings. These creatures were originally real animals of the same name but were replaced as the technology within the Tarael culture advanced. When captured in the field, each Wenling is worth one point, but teams can also steal from one another--each Wenling stolen from another team is worth two points.
There are some minor variations of rules per each district, but the most important shift is the changing of environment found within the field; some districts commonly host fields that are wide open plains, like Kaljia, while other districts incorporate their own geological features into it such as hills, forests, and even small artificial rivers or small ponds.
Overall, Mal'Wen is a game with very old traditions that continues to be highly popular to the present day on Ev'ren. For many, it is considered the primary sport for the Tarael, and showcases many of their abilities in terms of physical strength, endurance, intelligence and tactical cleverness. Each district has its own team of 15 players, and they regularly play against one another in a constant showcase of district pride, being the 'best of the best' athletes--for some Tarael, this is often the fastest way to the top tiers of the social pyramid, as players are often sponsored by big-name families, sometimes even the head families of each district.
- Are there any musical instruments invented by Tarael?
Though Tarael have taken much inspiration from other cultures over time in their music, there is at least one distinct instrument invented by them that they are very proud about: the T'jol drum, though it's commonly translated and known as the Earth or Quake drum in part due to how it makes sound.
The T'jol drum is a flat and circular instrument and, even at its smallest variation, is around two feet in diameter and half a foot thick (though they can be as large as three or four feet in diameter). At first glance it may seem rather simple in terms of design, but the drums shine best when played the way they're designed for: with a Tarael's tail.
Traditionally, the T'jol drum is played on flat, earthen ground, with the user sitting in front of it. This way the user can use their tail to slam down over the drum and cause vibrations to move not only through the body of the drum itself, but also into the ground beneath it. Much of the instrument's nature comes from the unique sound and vibrations it produces when played correctly, utilizing the earth as an intensifier (which is where the T'jol drum gets its name). Though it can be played elsewhere and with other limbs, the best effect is heard because a Tarael's tail is strong enough to send vibrations through the thick, leathery skin stretched over the drum's body and through the earth beneath it.
- In addition, what sort of music is traditionally made?
Traditionally, Tarael music prioritizes deep, powerful sounds and strong vibrations. Drums and other percussion instruments are very popular in most of their music, primarily because of the difficulty in using instruments that require the use of the mouth. Though some Tarael are fortunate enough to be comfortable in using such instruments, most however cannot use them at all, and their sound is mildly interesting at best across the populations of most districts on Ev'ren.
Over time of course technology created newer ways of making music, and so many more styles and genres emerged as it became more complex than having physical instruments, very much in similar form as in our own world. Still, a popular stereotype is that Tarael absolutely love dubstep.
Ev'ren & the districts |
History, Myths and Legends |
- Are there any weather patterns unique to Ev'ren?
Ev'ren is, for the most part, a very mono-regional planet, so the weather doesn't vary too wildly from one part to another. That said, there are some odd weather patterns that are somewhat unique to the planet, such as pockets of mildly toxic gasses (it's typically called Shee'nai, or literally translated: 'Bad Air'). These form from time-to-time in areas where water and land meet. Shee'nai are formed due to chemicals released by microorganisms found in those areas, typically growing on various species of plants (and sometimes in the water itself). The chemicals are usually released seasonally and often in large quantities; they can act very much as an irritant to creatures that aren't specifically evolved to combat it. It's honestly like a natural type of smog mixed with seasonal algae blooms. It isn't deadly and doesn't cause severe health issues in the Tarael, but it does act like an irritant or inconvenience to Tarael who have to breathe the contaminated air, especially if they live closer to any source of a Shee'nai. |
- Are there any legends, myths, or famous historical events, such as the Trojan Horse or The Odyssey?
Absolutely! There are a plethora of myths and legends among the Tarael people, many of them hotly debated in their truth and historical accuracy. One of the most well-known legends, considered something of a children's bedtime story in terms of popularity and cultural importance, is the story of The Ten Warriors. The tale, something akin to The Odyssey or even The Journey to the West in its length, tells about how ten powerful warriors during the Era of Families were tasked to look for new lands to lead by the gods themselves, which would later become the ten districts across Ev'ren. Another popular tale with great historic relevance include the unification of the once city-states of Ev'ren by Tarake Zenya during the Era of Brotherhood. If there is any story that an outsider will learn about from the Tarael, it will likely be this one, even though the accuracy of events are yet to be confirmed. Many Tarael look to this story as one of the best examples to the power of kinship, family, and a ruler who cares for their people. |