Kocasslani

---

Biology:

Both male and female Kocasslani range from 5'4” to 6'2” variations outside of this range are not unheard of, but are extremely rare and is a trait likely to earn the individual a place on the blood altar. Kocasslani skin is slightly thicker than Human skin, this trait serves to better insulate Kocasslani and prevent vital body heat from leeching out into the arctic air. While typically softer than Unathi scale, Kocasslani skin is much tougher than Human skin, it normally has the texture of leather. The Kocasslani eye is a massively complicated organ, with two pairs of eyelids protecting it, one vertical and one horizontal. The entire race has bone-white eyes, completely devoid of pupils or irises, this like the Skrell's black eyes makes judging emotions difficult solely from the eyes. The Kocasslani are a long-lived species, with the average age being 200 Terran years old. Kocasslani children mature rapidly, being considered mature near the age of 16. A Kocasslani year is .7 Terran years. In addition to their snow-white eyes, they also have uniformly white hair.

While hair manifests in the vast majority of Humans, having hair is a rare trait among the Kocasslani, especially for males. While nearly no males have the trait for hair, 30-45% of females do have hair.  The rare males who do develop hair are often sent to the blood altar. Ensuring that few of them live long enough to pass the trait on.  This hair, when it does appear is usually pushed further back on the scalp than it is on the equivalent human. 

Kocasslani hairs are made of silk-like fibers which has an uncommonly high tensile strength and are ideal for clothing material. Religious tradition dictates that the priesthood's robes be made solely of this hair. This, along with the rarity of haired Kocasslani makes haired individuals quite revered, and unlike most other 'unique' Kocasslani they are, for the most part spared from the blood altar.

Similar in appearance to Human brains, Kocasslani brains are on the same level of functionality, however they are significantly more complex and several orders more resilient. This level of resilience is vital, as the primarily hunting method for the majority of predators on Sonhadra is to release a gas which, when inhaled rushes to the brain and attacks it at the molecular level causing brain damage and death.

Males and female Kocasslani are difficult to tell apart, though the observant can tell the difference. Females are a great deal more muscled than in most other species, with males and females sharing the same body shape, with the exception of breasts.

The Kocasslani reproductive system, like much else of their biology is extremely complicated, several orders of complexity above the equivalent Human, Tajara, Unathi or Skrell. Unlike most other species, where a single 'swap' of genetic information is sufficient to produce offspring, Kocasslani require a 'layering' of genetic material, where the male and female must mate repeatedly, in some cases up to a dozen time in-order for the embryo to be viable, while fewer 'meetings' could produce a child, such a child will typically be born with severe medical problems.  

Another facet of the Kocasslani reproductive system is a medical mystery. This particular mystery occurs after a female's second birthing (Mostly, some are known to be able to have a third child, or even a fourth.). 80-94% of the time, after the second child of a female, that female will be rendered wholly infertile, this has proven true even with significant genetic modifications. This particular trait has only recently appeared, with the first case manifesting shortly after their problematic first-contact with the Skrell.  This has only lent support to the pro-crusader forces within the Mandate. 


Social:

Passion is a trademark of the Kocasslani, extreme emotional expression is encouraged as a key part of their culture. Even more so than in Humans, they are a species quick to anger, quick to hate and slow to trust and befriend. Initial contact with the Skrell has left them a bitter species, the overwhelming majority in-fact support the gathering crusade.

Political:

Kocasslani were only recently discovered, leaving them politically isolated. A handful of “Friendship Treaties” have been signed, but are for the most part politically meaningless. The Skrell are rapidly becoming a target for Kocasslani aggression, as their constant series of covert probes and atheistic culture have given the species a target for their rage.

Government:

The Kocasslani government is known as "The Mandate of Blood" or alternatively as the "Mandate of Sonhadra" the titles are interchangeable however the Kocasslani seem to prefer the former. It is a political entity similar in concept to the Papal States of central Italy during the 18th Century on Earth. It is a political power ruled by a religious official invested with temporal sovereign power. 

The name of this political/religious leader, his or her powers and role in the government is unknown, as is the internal structure of the Mandate. 

Currency:

Kocasslani currency are crystalline in nature, harvested from the caves of their homeworld they are engraved with values and a complex authentication code so as to prevent counterfeiting. These crystals are cultivated exclusively by the government, private ownership of them would result in execution.

Geography:

The ideal environment for a Kocasslani colony is an arctic world, at warmest tundra level. And at a norm of an Antarctica-like environment. The Kocasslani control 12 primary colonies, all tundra environments, with a number of other moons, penal colonies, military bases and research facilities being maintained, most of an equally cold environment.

The Military

The military of the Kocasslani is normally a small, highly elite force filled with warriors who are highly dedicated to defending their homeland. These warriors are trained for 10 Kocasslani years on the moon of their homeworld, upon the completion of their training they ceremonially burn themselves to prove their loyalty to their race and their gods. These warriors fight not because they protect their families, but because the realm of which they hold guardianship over is sacred to them, the home of the gods and an enclave of peace within the black.

The Kocasslani military consists of three primary groups, the Templars, Guardians and Sentinels. Templars being both highborne warriors and experienced Guardians who've made their way through the ranks, Templars serve as commanders, heavy infantry and commandos. Guardians which serve as the front-line infantry, mechanized infantry, airborne and other combat-oriented roles and finally Sentinels, who serve as scouts, snipers, vehicle crewmen and pilots 

Recent actions however, have sent the Kocasslani down the war path. Hundreds of thousands are falling upon training camps, swelling the ranks of the guardians. Skrell sentries watch their borders carefully, as the guardian's army bloats to absurd numbers. Calls of distress sent to their Human allies have fallen upon deaf ears, as they too are enthralled in their own petty wars. The storm is gathering, and the Skrell look to have no shelter.

These warriors don't have the advantages of genetic engineering, high tech battle armor or advanced weaponry. But they do have a tenacious drive to never give a foot of ground, for every inch of their realm is sacred and to surrender it without first dying it in the blood of heathens would be heresy. Any attempt to invade their sacred realm would likely encounter early success which would rapidly flounder out as the entirety of their race would muster to face the threat. 

Naming:

The Kocasslani naming scheme is based upon three names, the first being a personal name, the second being a the name of the father, or mother if no father is present. And the third being the colony world on which they were born. Kocasslani names are also non-gender specific, with any name being usable with any gender.

Names typically have heavy used of a character translated into English as “I” with Saliisi, Narinsii, Alsasii, Koliisin and Mivissia being some of the most common personal names.

If one's father was Alsasii and your personal names was 'Viisi' and you were born upon the colony world of Niivali. Then your name would be Viisi Alsasiivini Niivali if male and Viisi Alsasiilini Niivali if female. With “Vini” being attached to the end of the second name if male, and “Lini” being attached if female.

Language:

In times long past, Sonhadra was divided into nation-states similar to the Earth of the 21st century, with each nations (For the most part) having their own language, (This is one of few things known of the Kocasslani past and is nigh-mythological) with the legendary wars of religious unity in the past, these nations were united and a singular language came to represent the Kocasslani species.

Sini, like much of Kocasslani culture is highly ritualized, highly eloquent language that is difficult to speak and requires precision to deliver the meaning intended.  The level of complexity has left linguists baffled, even A.I. and Positronic units assigned to crack the language have proven less than successful.  

The level of precision is known to be high enough that the slightest misuse of inflection or slip of the tongue can turn a proposal of marriage to a lethal threat or admission of unfaithfulness. 

When speaking English or Sol common, Kocasslani religiously avoid the use of contractions as there are no equivalent concepts in Sini.  Those that do understand the reason behind contractions view their use as uncivilized and improper. 

Diet: 

Plant life is uncommon on Sonhadra's barren surface, the few plants that do exist are often large, leafy plants laced with potent neurotoxins that could kill the largest animal.

Kocasslani, like much of Sonhadra's sparse wildlife evolved a solidly carnivorous diet, with a preference for birds and flying creatures, as they are the most common creatures on their home-worlds.  These small creatures are typically prepared in a very ornate (And badly understood) ritual that ends with them being drenched in a variety of spices, oils and other garnishes. Those that have managed to consume Kocasslani cuisine have described them as ' delectable ' and ' Fantastically prepared '. 

Relations:

Sexual relations within the Kocasslani have been described as ' exclusive ' and ' monogamous to a fault '. These pairings are completely consensual, it being a strong social and religious taboo to force a family member into a marriage unwillingly. 

Unsurprisingly, the Kocasslani are rather single-minded when it comes to what equates to marriage in their society.  Where it is a heretical action for a follower of the path to be wed to one who has left the path. These 'marriages' are taboo in the extreme, with their families abandoning them or in extreme cases, even hunting them. 

Religion:

If one word was to be used to describe the Kocasslani, it would likely be 'Religion' or 'Zealous'. Religious fever permeates every facet of Kocasslani society in ways that have never been seen in a Human, Skrell, Tajara or Unathi culture. 

The primary (And sole known) Kocasslani religion is known as 'The Path'

The Path is a polytheistic religion practiced by the Kocasslani. It's central tenants are articulated by the Miinisi Singini (Blood book when translated). The Miinisi Singini is considered by it's adherents to be the verbatim words of the unnamed gods. The religion's history is unrecorded, even among the Kocasslani scholars and it's origin is undocumented.

Follows of the Path (Known as Walkers) believe that the gods are many and incomparable, with each being completely and utterly unique, beautiful and everlasting. There are four key tenants that prove critical to those who follow “The Path”, these are as follows.


I. The Blooding – The Kocasslani are an imperfect species that has bought their way into the haven of Sonhadra's sector with their obedience. Even with this obedience, a rent must be paid. A rent of the blood and soul of those unique that walk among of them. These individuals must be sacrificed in a blood ritual to save the souls of the rest of society.

II. The Burns of Fealty – Upon their affirmation of the Path at a young age, the Kocasslani receive a ceremonial burn across the tops of both hands. These marks, while small are noticeable and must be shown at all times unless doing so would endanger the bearer of the burns.

III. The Holy land – Sonhadra's surrounding space is a haven, a land of peace and serenity for only the followers of the path, any unbeliever who dares to mar their surface must be destroyed, lest they bring ruin to paradise.

IV. The Fall - Should more than a handful of heretics fall from the path, Heaven itself shall crash down upon it's inhabitants. Bringing ruin, destruction, war, poverty, disease and enslavement to all of those who allowed it to fall.

Unlike most Human religions, the Path is non-denominational. With 'heretical interpretations' of the blood book being dealt with swiftly, the heretic typically being drawn, quartered, flayed and their skin being displayed at the local altar. 

Kocasslani, once they had developed interplanetary travel capability, discovered that much of their surrounding space was much more bearable and rich than anticipated, this only reinforced their belief in their 'Haven in the stars' theory, shortly after their first colony was founded, they began to discover large contacts on the tachyon-detection scans. These signatures universally avoided contact and eluded all attempts to investigate. 

When word of this was released, religious officials announced that they had discovered their gods. Inhabiting their paradise among the stars, loaning further credence to their beliefs.  Since these days, any attempt to even approach one of these contacts is considered heresy and punished appropriate (Drawing, quartering and flaying.) 

Reincarnation is promised in the holy book, with each individual who followed the path promised that they will re-enter the world again in a vessel of their choosing. The blood book promises that knowledge from previous incarnations is kept, but strictly forbids revealing the knowledge of previous lives. Equating it to heresy.

Worship within Kocasslani society is preformed as the individual pleases, with no strict procedure given in the Blood book. However, a single commandment is listed. That the burns of fealty be displayed during worship, even if in a situation that may endanger the individual worshiping 


Known factions:

The Crusaders: 

We have let heathens defile heaven, and for that we have been cursed. Let the swords of the Guardians be our path to salvation once more.

History: 

    Initial reports indicate that upwards of 73.3% of the population openly supports the crusader faction of the Kocasslani mandate. This faction is largely made up of regular civilians, Guardians, Templars and  sentinels. Largely led by religious officials and the Arch-Templars of the Kocasslani military.

Support for the Crusading cause is strongest in the core worlds, with the apologists having larger power-bases in the farthest colonies.


Stance:

The Crusader faction was created during the 'Skrell Incident' on the moon of Sonhadra, where Kocasslani patrols had discovered a covert and illegal listening post within Kocasslani territory operated by the Skrell. Shortly after this incident, the 'reproductive issue' began to occur and it has since been interpreted as a punishment from the gods. The members of the Crusader faction seek to wipe the Skrell from the map in penance for their failure in protecting 'heaven'. 

The Apologists

It is by the actions of the gods that we have prospered, and it is our duty to spread their light. We shall not punish the Skrell, for they know not what they have done. 

History: 

    The second largest of the factions with the Mandate of Blood. The Apologists believe that, since the Skrell had no knowledge of the doom that they would bring upon the Sonhadra section. They are at no fault, and as such do not deserve destruction. They instead argue that the Kocasslani owe the galaxy their religion, and that it is their duty to enlighten the ignorant heathens, by force if necessary. 

Stance:

Led mostly by lower-ranking religious officials, they universally believe that the 'ignorance' of the Skrell is not deserving of destruction, merely enlightenment. Essentially, they still call for a crusade, but one in-which conversion is the objective, not destruction. With violence being sidelined by religious forces.  

---

Space Travel:

The Kocasslani have been independent space farers for as-long as the oldest Kocasslani can remember, and even their forefathers told of them roaming the stars while they were but children.

The Kocasslani use an inertia-less method of Faster-Than-Light propulsion known, rather simply as a “Stutter Drive”. The “Stutter Drive” allows vessels to move both faster-than-light and slower-than-light by allowing movement via transportation of the entire ship through miniscule spacial increments of roughly a millimeter or so. These teleportations happen hundreds of thousands of times per second, allowing a Kocasslani vessel to achieve Faster-Than-Light speed rather effortlessly. This is a useful quality, as it means the mass of a Kocasslani ship isn't an issue. As the ship never develops the inertia of a body in motion. It simply alters the space-time coordinates.

Reaction thrusters are used quite frequently for close-range maneuvers and during combat to lessen power-loads on the main-system.

The 'Speed” of a vessel using the Stutter Drive is largely dependent on the amount of teleports per second that the engine can preform. Relativistic speeds can be attained rather easily in areas not under the effect of a gravity well. However, Any movement massive enough to cause a space-time distortion, whether it be a planet, star or singularity can cripple the ability of a Kocasslani vessel to maintain FTL travel.

This method, has the benefit of being significantly faster than standard bluespace F.T.L travel, especially over long-distance deep-space missions. However, the drive is rarely used in this manner. More often used for the short trips between colonies.

Kocasslani drive technology possesses some interesting and advanced tactical possibilities. The drive is also used for STL travel, speed modified solely by power available and it's proximity to gravitational distortions, mainly planets and stars. Thus, the ideal location for the Kocasslani to fight is obviously in deep-space, where no distortions will effect their efficiency. While able to stop much more quickly than any other race's known engine systems, the drive is unable to 'stop on a dime'. The intense power build-up that would result would cause a critical systems failure, shattering the ship in a massive explosion.

As such, the drives are throttled, gradually increasing their speed. In the most experimental drives,the incremented teleportations that propel the ship along increases rapidly. To the point where a moving Kocasslani vessel is “Not there” for significant portion of time. Occasionally, there's even a probability of incoming ordnance passing through the vessel while it is “gone”.

The Social System:

Kocasslani society is based around the principles of the 'Blood book', the holy text for those that walk the path prescribed by the Kocasslani gods. As with most other religious societies, it is an extremely stratified system, with a plethora of castes and a complex, tiered hierarchy in every walk of life.

Males are almost exclusively warriors, artists, sculptors, actors and other fields that involve a great deal of violence, passion and intense personal risk. Other professional fields such as diplomats, scientists, researchers, maintenance technicians and scholars are socially taboo for males to progress in. Though they are not forbidden to males, males would typically face a great deal of discrimination in these fields. Men, when attempting to advance in these fields, aren't normally tolerated by their entrenched female counterparts.

Social mobility is essential to Kocasslani society, as their society is built on the belief that merit triumphs over all except faith. Nobles do not remain nobles, those born as warriors are not fated to be soldiers for eternity. Caste is preferential, but some castes are by-default considered higher than others. Warriors, Religious officials and civil servants are valued above artists, diplomats and scientists. As such, upward and downward mobility are obtainable to a great degree, with significant effort in regards to upward and to the slightest failure to downwards.

The nobility of offspring is not based on those of their parents, and as such this equates to very little security of position for any titles, land or inherited property.

Government:

The government of the Mandate is a strict theocracy, which requires close adherence to the path described in the book of blood. The position of leader of the government is not hereditary, but rather as is to be expected. A meritocracy, a system in-which one obtains a position through their actions and abilities.

The Kocasslani are sentient, and thus extremely mutually competitive. As such, they have suffered political struggles for power, despite this. Their government has proven itself highly stable and incorruptible in the long-run.

This leader, is closer to a alien Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great or Napoleon than a pope or other religious leader in other societies. This leader rules by superior intellect, strategic and tactical acumen, charisma, leadership ability and political acumen, along with a good deal of dumb luck. This would essentially be as if the there was a traditional position for Napoleon, instead of a self created one.



 
[This record was recovered by 3rd party sources, information may be inaccurate or biased]

---