|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:16 pm
Physical Description:They appear to be more like mammals than anything. Their bodies are covered in short, fine fur, except for the thicker manes. Most are generally seen near wet lands -- their broad feet and long legs are well-suited to mud, sand, and shallow water. They also sport a pair of flexible, surprisingly versatile cephalopod-like arms; the thick middle portion has gripping and crushing strength comparable to a constrictor snake, whereas the more delicate tip can grasp and manipulate small objects. While they do have perfectly serviceable translation technology -- speech is somehow heard by the speaker as their native language, whatever that is -- they also have a multitude of vocalizations that are not directly translated, perhaps because they have no equivalent in pure language. (Much like many human vocalizations, really. Can you translate laughter, or a derisive snort?) These include squawks, trills, beak clacking, and similar. Malakim have no front teeth, only back molars. They are primarily herbivores, preferring to eat fruits and vegetables when possible. But they are also opportunistic with versatile digestive systems; some will happily eat seafood, while meat is uncommon. Their primary sense is sight, with hearing and touch secondary, and a poor sense of smell. Females are slightly larger than males, about 6 feet at the head, whereas males tend to be closer to 5 feet. There is, naturally, some variation. Males have larger horns and thicker manes.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:38 pm
Malakite Culture
Malakim have almost no concept of the “suburban” life. They build large cities, bustling with life and trade. And their architecture is not like human architecture – it is built as much for aesthetic appeal as for function. They have developed a transparent polymer that, when applied in several layers to a glass structure, makes it almost completely shatterproof and durable as any other building material – and they use it liberally, making great glass-windowed spires and translucent stained-glass walkways and spiraling ramps (ramps being far more common than stairs for these quadrupeds). However, once you reach the city limits, it’s like crossing through an invisible wall. Malakim who live outside the city limits are almost completely rural, living either solitary lives, with their family, or more uncommonly in small communities of a couple neighbors. There is something of a divide in terms of wealth, though not as much as you might think – it’s true that the majority of the wealthy tend to live in the city, but there are some who choose the rural life, and the impoverished can be found in the least desirable portions of the city.
Malakim are not naturally aggressive. This is not to say that they never are – certainly it is possible to make them angry! – but they don’t have an instinct towards intense territorialism or xenophobia. The culture reinforces this: it is considered socially inappropriate to be overtly aggressive or confrontational. This is probably a good thing, as their tentacles are strong enough to snap a human arm, and those beaks could probably remove a finger or two. Even on a governmental level, they have never been expressly imperialistic. They’ll defend what’s theirs, but expansion for the sake of expansion could lead to hostility with other species, which they prefer to avoid.
They are very aesthetically oriented – with three eyes, vision is by far their primary sense. Color is important, as is shape – everything should be sleek and smooth and interesting, not garish or drab and boxy. In terms of physical attractiveness, grooming is paramount: a silky mane, impeccable coat, and bright eye are the height of beauty.
The leaders of the Malakim are referred to simply as the Council. This group functions... a little like the U.S. Supreme Court, really, in that once one is appointed, one is a member for life. When an older member dies or retires, a new one is appointed. The system by which new members are selected is not strictly democratic (the Council has the final say on who gets to join them) but they do tend to pick individuals who are well-liked by the public and the media. They've had a surprisingly good track record in regards to nominating people who aren't foam-at-the-mouth nutjobs.
Religion
The primary religion is nameless. Malakim, if asked about their religious beliefs, will generally state either “I believe in the Creator,” “I do not believe in the Creator,” or “I am undecided.” Any more information than that is extremely personal (to make an analogy, asking for details is like asking a human about their sexual history) making a name largely irrelevant.
There is no single text, the religion itself being passed down orally through story and song. There are as many different interpretations as there are Malakim to interpret it. Still, the general tenets are as follows: the Creator made the universe, then withdrew to another, paradise-like universe to watch the creation unfold without interfering. Malakim, being direct descendants of the angel-like creatures left to watch over the unfolding universe in the Creator’s absence, are naturally superior to all other sentient life, but it’s both morally wrong and rather unseemly to lord it over them. Instead, it’s a moral being’s duty to tolerate and even assist them until the idiots naturally drive themselves into extinction. At which point, the Malakim and anyone cool enough to join the party will regain their rightful place in the universe, and verily I say unto thee they shall all live awesomely ever after.
Apart from the cities, the only large Malakite settlements are the temples, which tend to be placed at locations of particular natural beauty, built with minimal disturbance to said natural beauty, and large enough to house large numbers of Malakim. Any Malakite may travel to a temple for meditation, advice, or training. If they progress far enough in theological training, the title of Moro is bestowed upon them – somewhere between acolyte and priest. There is no further hierarchy, except among Moro, where it tends to be a matter of seniority. Moro have no significant political or social power, except that people tend to respect your dedication.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:39 pm
Technology
Malakim trade extensively with other civilizations – the technology they receive is highly advanced, easily comparable with the equipment on board the Peregrine. As a result, Malakim – at least the ones with enough money – have access to “modern” comforts, efficient land, sea, and air vehicles, medical technology, military force, etc. This most advanced technology, however, is available almost exclusively in the large cities. Those with money travel to the city to buy what they need, then bring it back.
On their own, Malakite technology is considerably less advanced – perhaps a little past Victorian-era, though direct comparison between Malakite and human tech is very difficult. For one, the Malakite “Industrial Revolution” skipped fossil fuels entirely, using wind and hydroelectric almost exclusively until solar was developed. They also don’t use large factories or labs to synthesize materials; most to all of their raw materials are either mined, harvested from domesticated species of plant and animal, or from species genetically engineered for them by their trading partners to produce what they need.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:43 pm
Ranks:
Common -- these are freely available to all characters.
-Civilian
Uncommon -- these are available by request, or through RP
-Moro
-Military
Restricted -- special events and NPCs only, sorry
-Ambassador
-Council
Special
-S.E. (stands for Special Edition. Mostly staff customs and the like.)
-Cosplay (self-explanatory)
-N.C. (stands for non-canon. Can be RPed casually, but "don't exist" in official shop canon. Stickfigures, joke pets, and the like.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
