Post by nikolaithebeast on Feb 2, 2014 3:45:25 GMT
NANOTRASEN INFORMATIONAL DATABASE
ACCESS CODE: BE90HIJ354G3
PUBLIC ACCESS TERMINAL
DECLASSIFICATION COMPLETE
SUBJECT: TAJARA
DATE UPLOADED: 27/03/2432
DATE LAST MODIFIED: 27/03/2432
{Clans}
Five clan names exist amongst the Tajaran:
V'ri: Tajaran who were born amongst the snowy flatlands that stretch for miles. Amongst the Tajara, they are known for their light colored fur, quick feet and far-seeing eyes. Usually, the V'ri would keep cattle, and grow various agriculture. In the Tajaran Tongue, their name becomes “Plains Walker”
Other notes: They may differ in habits, depending on their preference in plants or animals for their 'farms'. It should be obvious enough which is which. They don't particularly see anything in race usually, and see all Tajaran as equal.
P'om: Tajaran who lived amongst the frozen peaks of Adhomai. Known in particular for their hardiness, Darkened fur colors and strength. Rumors and myths passed around by the Tajaran say that they were known to clash with the G'harsi and survive. This may just be a child's tales, but their strength is fairly obvious. They were also known for their heavy resistance towards the masters, and as such, have mostly died out. Considered a 'rare' race of Tajaran. In Tajaran tongue, it is “Mountain Folk”
Other notes: A proud bunch, they would see themselves as the best of the best amongst Tajaran, and may see poorly of the Cave Dwellers, but ultimately still feel protective of any of their kin. May be more suitable to security work then any other race.
M'ni: Tajaran who made homes out of the large cave systems that dot Adhomai. Known for their pale fur and lightly colored eyes, they bring agility and stealth to the party. Considered more of a 'low class clan', they are seen as thieves (which is usually true, but hey, it's still mean.) The stories of their kind say that while the P'om climbed towards the heavens, they descended into the shadows. As such, they are called “Cave Dwellers”
Other notes: More preferential towards the shadows, they find dark area's more comforting then anywhere else. Loud noises, sloppy work and insults towards them being 'cave dwellers' may cause aggression, as all of these would have lead to a bad situation.
H'jo: Tajaran who took to the tree's known to the humans as “Blackwoods” or “Those big fuck off things over there'. Blackwoods are tree's that grow to the heights of small mountains, with girths that outmass some homes. However, this takes quite some time. The tree's massive branches make ideal places for homes, and the H'jo have made full use of it. Known for a more brownish colored fur, they are particularly fleet footed (after all, they live in tree's. What do you friggin expect.). To the Tajaran, they are called the “Tree Weavers”.
Other notes: These Tajaran would see all Tajaran as equal, once again, and are particularly passive about things, the Blackwoods having removed most threats to themselves for the longest time. They may be slightly upset towards the abuse of plantlife, or the poor treatment towards it, and would probably love Diona like they were walking cat-nip for Tajaran.
L'ji: Tajaran who took to the islands around the southern equator, who live amongst the islands. Currently, it is a bustling place thanks to the masters work on the place, Jormitar and other such cities make up the area. As such, These Tajaran are not known for their physical features. Usually a light brown in color, they are known for their quick tongues and wit, having a great deal of enjoyment in robbing tourists and other such folk of their money through deals that always end up in their favor.
Other notes: A prouder group of Tajaran cannot be found, as they have tendencies to find themselves smugly considered 'the best kind' of Tajaran. They were the least resistant group, considering them as a 'means to a end', some happily becoming slaves and selling out others for profit. As such, most Tajaran may see poorly of them, depending on their past actions. As well, they despise the Cave Dwellers, as a large majority of them exist in their cities, stealing and pickpocketing and such to their hearts contents. More suiting of Civilian work, and would attempt to find themselves promotions and such whenever possible (depending on the Tajaran, as said before.)
Besides them, there exists a six name, W'tsi, or Exiled one. Essentially, a Tajara who is considered so Heinous, they are branded and cast out. They have no culture, no stories and no traits. For they are traitors, and are considered to not be part of the Tajaran Race.
V'ri: Tajaran who were born amongst the snowy flatlands that stretch for miles. Amongst the Tajara, they are known for their light colored fur, quick feet and far-seeing eyes. Usually, the V'ri would keep cattle, and grow various agriculture. In the Tajaran Tongue, their name becomes “Plains Walker”
Other notes: They may differ in habits, depending on their preference in plants or animals for their 'farms'. It should be obvious enough which is which. They don't particularly see anything in race usually, and see all Tajaran as equal.
P'om: Tajaran who lived amongst the frozen peaks of Adhomai. Known in particular for their hardiness, Darkened fur colors and strength. Rumors and myths passed around by the Tajaran say that they were known to clash with the G'harsi and survive. This may just be a child's tales, but their strength is fairly obvious. They were also known for their heavy resistance towards the masters, and as such, have mostly died out. Considered a 'rare' race of Tajaran. In Tajaran tongue, it is “Mountain Folk”
Other notes: A proud bunch, they would see themselves as the best of the best amongst Tajaran, and may see poorly of the Cave Dwellers, but ultimately still feel protective of any of their kin. May be more suitable to security work then any other race.
M'ni: Tajaran who made homes out of the large cave systems that dot Adhomai. Known for their pale fur and lightly colored eyes, they bring agility and stealth to the party. Considered more of a 'low class clan', they are seen as thieves (which is usually true, but hey, it's still mean.) The stories of their kind say that while the P'om climbed towards the heavens, they descended into the shadows. As such, they are called “Cave Dwellers”
Other notes: More preferential towards the shadows, they find dark area's more comforting then anywhere else. Loud noises, sloppy work and insults towards them being 'cave dwellers' may cause aggression, as all of these would have lead to a bad situation.
H'jo: Tajaran who took to the tree's known to the humans as “Blackwoods” or “Those big fuck off things over there'. Blackwoods are tree's that grow to the heights of small mountains, with girths that outmass some homes. However, this takes quite some time. The tree's massive branches make ideal places for homes, and the H'jo have made full use of it. Known for a more brownish colored fur, they are particularly fleet footed (after all, they live in tree's. What do you friggin expect.). To the Tajaran, they are called the “Tree Weavers”.
Other notes: These Tajaran would see all Tajaran as equal, once again, and are particularly passive about things, the Blackwoods having removed most threats to themselves for the longest time. They may be slightly upset towards the abuse of plantlife, or the poor treatment towards it, and would probably love Diona like they were walking cat-nip for Tajaran.
L'ji: Tajaran who took to the islands around the southern equator, who live amongst the islands. Currently, it is a bustling place thanks to the masters work on the place, Jormitar and other such cities make up the area. As such, These Tajaran are not known for their physical features. Usually a light brown in color, they are known for their quick tongues and wit, having a great deal of enjoyment in robbing tourists and other such folk of their money through deals that always end up in their favor.
Other notes: A prouder group of Tajaran cannot be found, as they have tendencies to find themselves smugly considered 'the best kind' of Tajaran. They were the least resistant group, considering them as a 'means to a end', some happily becoming slaves and selling out others for profit. As such, most Tajaran may see poorly of them, depending on their past actions. As well, they despise the Cave Dwellers, as a large majority of them exist in their cities, stealing and pickpocketing and such to their hearts contents. More suiting of Civilian work, and would attempt to find themselves promotions and such whenever possible (depending on the Tajaran, as said before.)
Besides them, there exists a six name, W'tsi, or Exiled one. Essentially, a Tajara who is considered so Heinous, they are branded and cast out. They have no culture, no stories and no traits. For they are traitors, and are considered to not be part of the Tajaran Race.
{Sins}
Considering that the majority of the species recent life was in chains, Crimes and sins are barely considered, as they are mostly seen as means to a end.
However, Certain acts come to Tajaran as “B'un'ti (As a human would hear it), or “Crime against Life”. There are Three major acts, and any tajaran would probably react ill towards:
Y'rin: Cannibalism. As the Tajaran rarely had any form of food, certain undesirables began to pop up. Called Y'rin, or “Kin Eater”. They would find and kidnap and/or drug weaker and smaller Tajara in order to cut off anything that wouldn't kill the Tajara (The Masters cared little for what happened to tajaran as long as they could work) This means the loss of ears, tails, and sometimes organs, if talented enough to not kill them in the process. Some would go even below that and kill tajaran, disassembling the body and doing whatever they wished with the meat.
B'un B'un: Gluttenous acts that forsake another. To be specific, having extra food/housing/whatever that you have, while another does not. Having little to rely on but themselves, it was expected that any form of wealth would be shared in order to assist as many as possible. As such, the word B'un is spoken twice to further the point of its evil.
W'io'ni: Also known as “Walker”. The act of betrayal, this was considered the most heinous of crimes, as giving information to someone above (The Masters) in order to benefit oneself. The severity of this action is such to Tajara that they would rank this crime above the other two, as “To give morrre to those whole hold us bondage would be to give away ourrrr lives”.
Considering that the majority of the species recent life was in chains, Crimes and sins are barely considered, as they are mostly seen as means to a end.
However, Certain acts come to Tajaran as “B'un'ti (As a human would hear it), or “Crime against Life”. There are Three major acts, and any tajaran would probably react ill towards:
Y'rin: Cannibalism. As the Tajaran rarely had any form of food, certain undesirables began to pop up. Called Y'rin, or “Kin Eater”. They would find and kidnap and/or drug weaker and smaller Tajara in order to cut off anything that wouldn't kill the Tajara (The Masters cared little for what happened to tajaran as long as they could work) This means the loss of ears, tails, and sometimes organs, if talented enough to not kill them in the process. Some would go even below that and kill tajaran, disassembling the body and doing whatever they wished with the meat.
B'un B'un: Gluttenous acts that forsake another. To be specific, having extra food/housing/whatever that you have, while another does not. Having little to rely on but themselves, it was expected that any form of wealth would be shared in order to assist as many as possible. As such, the word B'un is spoken twice to further the point of its evil.
W'io'ni: Also known as “Walker”. The act of betrayal, this was considered the most heinous of crimes, as giving information to someone above (The Masters) in order to benefit oneself. The severity of this action is such to Tajara that they would rank this crime above the other two, as “To give morrre to those whole hold us bondage would be to give away ourrrr lives”.
{On Other Races}
Unathi: The Tajaran do not enjoy the Unathi much, as their kind is far more war loving then themselves. However, Tajaran tend to suck up to them, so to speak, to avoid getting on their bad side. This seems to occur mostly because of some relation towards the G'harsi (more on that below)
Skrell: The Tajaran don't understand the Skrell, and do not tend to involve themselves with them, as their peculiar manner of speaking tends to confuse them, and their lack of...normal concepts of emotion. Otherwise, they do not have ill feeling towards them.
Vox: The Tajara are more or less unaware of their existance, but may see them as they are; a bunch of thieving birds who aren't exactly the sharpest claw on the paw.
{}
Humans: Humans are considered a mix bag, but usually the Tajaran dedicate terms towards who they deem good or bad. Walker, while usually being used against traitors, is used to define a human who would act poorly against another Tajaran simply because they are what they are. On the other side, those would not see them as different and not treat them as such would be called another word that humans wouldn't be able to hear properly, but it more or less means Hunter/Guardian/Warrior, as in someone who would assist in some way. Those in charge, and that would be considered trustworthy, are called Manes.Unathi: The Tajaran do not enjoy the Unathi much, as their kind is far more war loving then themselves. However, Tajaran tend to suck up to them, so to speak, to avoid getting on their bad side. This seems to occur mostly because of some relation towards the G'harsi (more on that below)
Skrell: The Tajaran don't understand the Skrell, and do not tend to involve themselves with them, as their peculiar manner of speaking tends to confuse them, and their lack of...normal concepts of emotion. Otherwise, they do not have ill feeling towards them.
Vox: The Tajara are more or less unaware of their existance, but may see them as they are; a bunch of thieving birds who aren't exactly the sharpest claw on the paw.
{Animals on Adhomai}
G'harsi: Large, scaled, and unpredictable, the G'harsi, or as they are known to humans, simply to avoid complication and having to describe them, Dragon, are massive lizards, ranging from anywhere of ten feet tall to one hundred. They are reported to not age or breed, and have been note to have strangely high IQ, for a massive reptile. (see the "Look on Dragons" title for more information)
R'ilt: A large herbivore, they tend to live in the less frozen parts of Adhomai, eating any form of greenery around.Describing them in three words would be “Cow with Armor”. Quadpedal and the size of a large horse, they are notable for the very thick skin that they possess, making killing them a hard challenge. The skin's toughness is that nearly of iron, making them very hard to take down. However, if a Tajara was able to, they may take the time to cut them open, and fill the carcass with boiling water, cooking the insides into a meaty stew. Then, anyone within smelling distance would take whatever bowl shaped thing they had and help themselves to it, thanking the one who took it down and so on.Taking one down was a sign of being worthy of the title “Mane” or Leader.
Besides these notable two, many fish live in the waters of Adhomai, as various thick furred mammals take to the plains and other such area's. None of which are particularly noteworthy, unless they were slow enough to be caught and eaten. Many other creatures were wiped out during the Reign of the Slavemasters, so animal life is somewhat barren.
{Animals on Adhomai}
G'harsi: Large, scaled, and unpredictable, the G'harsi, or as they are known to humans, simply to avoid complication and having to describe them, Dragon, are massive lizards, ranging from anywhere of ten feet tall to one hundred. They are reported to not age or breed, and have been note to have strangely high IQ, for a massive reptile. (see the "Look on Dragons" title for more information)
R'ilt: A large herbivore, they tend to live in the less frozen parts of Adhomai, eating any form of greenery around.Describing them in three words would be “Cow with Armor”. Quadpedal and the size of a large horse, they are notable for the very thick skin that they possess, making killing them a hard challenge. The skin's toughness is that nearly of iron, making them very hard to take down. However, if a Tajara was able to, they may take the time to cut them open, and fill the carcass with boiling water, cooking the insides into a meaty stew. Then, anyone within smelling distance would take whatever bowl shaped thing they had and help themselves to it, thanking the one who took it down and so on.Taking one down was a sign of being worthy of the title “Mane” or Leader.
Besides these notable two, many fish live in the waters of Adhomai, as various thick furred mammals take to the plains and other such area's. None of which are particularly noteworthy, unless they were slow enough to be caught and eaten. Many other creatures were wiped out during the Reign of the Slavemasters, so animal life is somewhat barren.
{Tinyfoot and the Dragon}
Begin Video Recording.
As the Video begins, you see a Tajaran male, who seems far older then what you would see of the average space-faring Tajara. His whiskers have gone grey, as well as his mane, and his eyes show a strange depth to them. He speaks slowly, but as time passes, he begins speaking reverently, as if telling you of his own children's accomplishments. He speaks in his own tongue, and a secondary voice speaks over him, apparently apart of this video's automated Translation system.
“Long, long ago...when the snow we walked on was still free, we have few stories from these ages. However, one such story always is known to every *****”
(At this moment, you realize how shoddy this program is, because it gave out on that word. You ponder how this teaches you a lesson about shoddily made programs)
“The tale of the warrior, DragonSpeaker of the Mountains.”
(Once again, it seems the program was poorly made, as you recognize the word Dragon as not being the correct translation, the word meaning to a certain lizard creature on Adhomai. )
“Long ago, while the clans were still young, the Mountain Folk were as strong as ever. Even then, they hunted the ****** and brought them to their feet, and defended the other clans from the dragons. if they so decided to, they would have ruled the other clans freely, as none of them wished to stand against. Even the Alchemists, who stood so highly amongst the Tajaran, would give the proper respects to a mountain dweller. However, never did they stand to rule, merely to protect the weak. This, is why those whose blood remember the mountains are lacking amongst us, and how the **** brought us to our knee's...``
The Tajaran sniffles, and seems to lose himself for a moment before continuing.
``Amidst the mountains, stood the village of Ice Drenched Hills, which was the main living place of most of the Folk, and in this village, was a runt by the name of Tinypaw. He was smaller then most of his age, and was meeker then the rest. As such, his kin made him to gather and work; cook, clean, the work that most females wouldn't even bother with, as they were out hunting as well.”
“One day, Tinypaw walked back to his village, carrying some of the usual ingrediants that would spice the meat and meals, and found it burned. Burned to the ground, only black stains amongst the ice remained. Not a single other trace showed that the village had existed.”
“Later this day, the Cave Dwellers, who had been out on their daily scavenge, found themselves attacked. The ***** had come, and they brought their machines which spat damnation and hellfire. The Cave dwellers had no chance, for their only gift was the shadows, of course. However, on top of those mountains, that the cave dwellers so happily lived at the base of, came a roar.”
“A roar, which cried down the mountains and shook the very earth, which even brought falter towards the ******. Gazing up the mountains, they saw a sight unlike any other.”
Tinyfoot rode atop the head of a dragon, a large and crimson coloured beast, who had been of such size that even the Mountain Folk had avoided skirmishes and had thus named “Unstopping”. And yet, this beast which had even struck fear into the mightiest of the Folk, came to charge with the smallest of them all!”
The elder Tajaran gives a brief chuckle, and taps his chest for a moment, eyes watering ever so slightly.
“Even those wicked ****** with their machines and minds fell on that day, to Tinypaw and Unstoppable. Unstoppable's claws ripped through their machines and Tinypaw's claws ripped through their chests! With this, it gave the Dwellers time to flee into the caves, from which they held dominion. However, they still knew, that nothing could stop such rage from consuming the ******.”
The Elder gives another smile, and something in his eyes begin shining with a strange strength for one who seemed to be barely held together by his own skin and bones.
“The next day, they found his body, guarded by Unstoppable. He fell in the night, having struck down three more battalions of ****** with him. Once his body was retrieved, Unstoppable left, returning to the mountains. Some say, even the Dragon had been crying over the loss of Tinypaw, tears that bore holes into the ground with every drop. Then, the Dwellers took his body to the top of the mountain, even fearing another attack, and enshrined him amidst what remained of the village. From that day, he was known as Dragonspeaker, and we cherish the gift he gave us. Even now, that mighty roar holds strength in each of our chests, and we should never forget it!”
A minor note is left on the screen at the end, stating "The term dragon is wildly attested by Xenosocialscientists, claiming it just be the lazy way out. This, is because the creature they refer to looks much like the Earth's western depiction of a dragon."
Begin Video Recording.
As the Video begins, you see a Tajaran male, who seems far older then what you would see of the average space-faring Tajara. His whiskers have gone grey, as well as his mane, and his eyes show a strange depth to them. He speaks slowly, but as time passes, he begins speaking reverently, as if telling you of his own children's accomplishments. He speaks in his own tongue, and a secondary voice speaks over him, apparently apart of this video's automated Translation system.
“Long, long ago...when the snow we walked on was still free, we have few stories from these ages. However, one such story always is known to every *****”
(At this moment, you realize how shoddy this program is, because it gave out on that word. You ponder how this teaches you a lesson about shoddily made programs)
“The tale of the warrior, DragonSpeaker of the Mountains.”
(Once again, it seems the program was poorly made, as you recognize the word Dragon as not being the correct translation, the word meaning to a certain lizard creature on Adhomai. )
“Long ago, while the clans were still young, the Mountain Folk were as strong as ever. Even then, they hunted the ****** and brought them to their feet, and defended the other clans from the dragons. if they so decided to, they would have ruled the other clans freely, as none of them wished to stand against. Even the Alchemists, who stood so highly amongst the Tajaran, would give the proper respects to a mountain dweller. However, never did they stand to rule, merely to protect the weak. This, is why those whose blood remember the mountains are lacking amongst us, and how the **** brought us to our knee's...``
The Tajaran sniffles, and seems to lose himself for a moment before continuing.
``Amidst the mountains, stood the village of Ice Drenched Hills, which was the main living place of most of the Folk, and in this village, was a runt by the name of Tinypaw. He was smaller then most of his age, and was meeker then the rest. As such, his kin made him to gather and work; cook, clean, the work that most females wouldn't even bother with, as they were out hunting as well.”
“One day, Tinypaw walked back to his village, carrying some of the usual ingrediants that would spice the meat and meals, and found it burned. Burned to the ground, only black stains amongst the ice remained. Not a single other trace showed that the village had existed.”
“Later this day, the Cave Dwellers, who had been out on their daily scavenge, found themselves attacked. The ***** had come, and they brought their machines which spat damnation and hellfire. The Cave dwellers had no chance, for their only gift was the shadows, of course. However, on top of those mountains, that the cave dwellers so happily lived at the base of, came a roar.”
“A roar, which cried down the mountains and shook the very earth, which even brought falter towards the ******. Gazing up the mountains, they saw a sight unlike any other.”
Tinyfoot rode atop the head of a dragon, a large and crimson coloured beast, who had been of such size that even the Mountain Folk had avoided skirmishes and had thus named “Unstopping”. And yet, this beast which had even struck fear into the mightiest of the Folk, came to charge with the smallest of them all!”
The elder Tajaran gives a brief chuckle, and taps his chest for a moment, eyes watering ever so slightly.
“Even those wicked ****** with their machines and minds fell on that day, to Tinypaw and Unstoppable. Unstoppable's claws ripped through their machines and Tinypaw's claws ripped through their chests! With this, it gave the Dwellers time to flee into the caves, from which they held dominion. However, they still knew, that nothing could stop such rage from consuming the ******.”
The Elder gives another smile, and something in his eyes begin shining with a strange strength for one who seemed to be barely held together by his own skin and bones.
“The next day, they found his body, guarded by Unstoppable. He fell in the night, having struck down three more battalions of ****** with him. Once his body was retrieved, Unstoppable left, returning to the mountains. Some say, even the Dragon had been crying over the loss of Tinypaw, tears that bore holes into the ground with every drop. Then, the Dwellers took his body to the top of the mountain, even fearing another attack, and enshrined him amidst what remained of the village. From that day, he was known as Dragonspeaker, and we cherish the gift he gave us. Even now, that mighty roar holds strength in each of our chests, and we should never forget it!”
A minor note is left on the screen at the end, stating "The term dragon is wildly attested by Xenosocialscientists, claiming it just be the lazy way out. This, is because the creature they refer to looks much like the Earth's western depiction of a dragon."
{A Questioning of a Tajara Elder, Vol 1}By Ali Masun.
This series of books was created to assist humans and other races with understanding some small amounts of Tajara culture and life. In this novel, we have the questioning of an Elder Tajaran.
The Old Tajara, grey from the years and whatever struggles he had lived through, smiles in a vengeful manner, before nodding towards the researcher who had just asked the question “Why do you call them the masters, do you not know their actual name?”
The Translator device on the side of the room, begins to whir, and the artifical voice begins speaking for the Tajara.
“We are not foolish, human. We know much of our so called masters. Their names, and why they came. But we will never speak a word of it!”
The Tajaran reaches into a pocket on his strange garb, and stuffs a odd leaf into his mouth, chewing on it slowly, before speaking once more.
“We, a kin who had much of their stories struck from the world, and all of the work we spent on keeping such, take great pride in not giving them any name. They do not deserve it. Names are given for pride, for honor. If we gave those who caused us such suffering, such....torment, what name could we give? You would call them masters, we call them nothing.”
Huffing, The Elder takes a moment before giving the researcher what can only be described as a death glare as the researcher begins to open his mouth, clearly telling him that this line of questioning is over. Taking this as a sign, the questioning moves on. “Can we speak of your so called “Alchemy?”
Apparently, this is a conversation the old feline enjoys, as a small smile bursts from the previous frown, revealing the still sharp and ivory white fangs of the aged Tajara.
“Our Alchemy is a source of pride. We saw what the lizards did, who ate from the stone to gain gifts of our Stonefather, and we knew what could be accomplished. We began testing, trying, mixing....This was long ago, before our enslavement, or before technology....'graced' us, so we had to try many things. But from it, came our greatest achievements. We could regenerate missing flesh and bone, breathe a miasma of disease, expel liquid stone from our lips, that would grow and solidfy...But many of these arts are lost, or spread out amongst many Elders.”
“Do you know any of these recipes?”
As if to respond, the Elder pulls the right side of his clothing upwards, revealing two small pouches, undoubtedly holding some sort of ingredient inside them. In a oddly swift movement for one of such age, he swipes two capsules, made of a neon purple coloured substance, and downs them, before the room is engulfed in bright light.The camera shows the questioner, who clearly didn't expect this, to have fallen over and begun twitching, while the Elder still sits, grinning. A visible cut occurs, and a new Questioner sits, a female wearing a pair of sunglasses.
“What of your courting rituals?”
“Ah? You mean the act of M'tri? (The Translator faults at this point, and the preceding letters are the closest we have to words were spoken by him.) It is our act of love. From childbirth, all Tajara, male or female, are known in a state as 'Unbound' and may mate or see whoever they wish. However, jealousies and fighting may still occur over one another, but this is never more then a spat, or we would so hope. Once two Tajara agree, they bind themselves to each other as M'tri'ai. This means that they have stopped seeing others, and will only mate, court, and see each other in such ways. However, after one year, they may agree to cease this, or continue onward. After this, they become M'tri. With this, they are bound unto death and beyond. Each takes a piercing, made of the others left or right fang, left for women, right for men, and pierces their M'tri's ear. This is a sign of two who are engaged. As such, no other Tajara will attempt courting.”
“What if someone dies?”
“Then, they remove the piercing, and bury it with the fallen, and become alone. They will not seek another mate, or attempt to court or play. Most of the time, the alone tend to bring themselves to the Snow mother by their own hand, as they wish to stay with them. It is a sad occurence, but none would try to stop them.”
“And if they do find another mate?”
The Elder spits at this, leaving a globule of black green mucus on the table, glaring for a moment at the Questioner, which seems to put her on edge. He continues the glare for a few more seconds, before speaking.
“If one would do that, they insult all of our traditions. Any found in such a act would be exiled from their clan, and tossed into the wastes. Pah!”
Composing herself, apparently a bit unnerved by the Tajara's reaction, the woman asks another question. “How has your culture advanced, since we found your kind?"
“Found? I wasn't aware we were objects. Pah! We were fine without you. After they left, we had little in the way of technology, beyond whatever we had scrounged, or stolen. When you came, for sure, we advanced quickly, and it's apparent. The plains now hold buildings that would have never stood, in fear of Dragon attacks. Walls that cause them pause, and weapons which have replaced our claws. The so called Mind have grown to possess technology that even some humans would be hard to replicate. Still, we are...primitive, to your kind, aren't we? The slaves? The Cats?”
The women seems to have gone on edge again, apparently realizing her mistake. She seems to attempt to move the conversation along by asking “Dragon?” (As a note, the term dragon is used because of the creatures similarity to the western mythological dragon, but is by no means related. See the “Compendium on the Dragons” for further details)
The Elder either takes the bait, either that, or doesn't wish to continue telling her off, and nods.
“One of the other children of the Stone Father. They who do not age, do not die, and who have no allegiance. They have been our greatest threats, to our greatest allies.”
“Do not die?”
“Unlike us, who age and die, who breed and create, they do none of this. They stand ever eternal. We know of one hundred of them, since we have existed. To this day, ninety seven exist.”
“What happened to the other three?”
The Elder gives a crooked smile.
“One, known as Unstopping, died with Dragonspeaker. They struck at them, and gave the cave walkers time to hide, allowing them to survive. One was struck down by Starryeyes and his hunting band, using many a tricks, and many a years of battle. This one was dubbed Prideful, for it had such glittering scales, and would preen at itself, even in battle. And Finally, Merciful. When the mountains threatened to spew hellfire, he came to the assistance of the Forest Dwellers. He leapt into the mountain, and used his massive body as a seal, stopping the flow of molten stone.”
“Why did he do that?”
The Tajara Laughs.
“Because he was Merciful.”
“Our Alchemy is a source of pride. We saw what the lizards did, who ate from the stone to gain gifts of our Stonefather, and we knew what could be accomplished. We began testing, trying, mixing....This was long ago, before our enslavement, or before technology....'graced' us, so we had to try many things. But from it, came our greatest achievements. We could regenerate missing flesh and bone, breathe a miasma of disease, expel liquid stone from our lips, that would grow and solidfy...But many of these arts are lost, or spread out amongst many Elders.”
“Do you know any of these recipes?”
As if to respond, the Elder pulls the right side of his clothing upwards, revealing two small pouches, undoubtedly holding some sort of ingredient inside them. In a oddly swift movement for one of such age, he swipes two capsules, made of a neon purple coloured substance, and downs them, before the room is engulfed in bright light.The camera shows the questioner, who clearly didn't expect this, to have fallen over and begun twitching, while the Elder still sits, grinning. A visible cut occurs, and a new Questioner sits, a female wearing a pair of sunglasses.
“What of your courting rituals?”
“Ah? You mean the act of M'tri? (The Translator faults at this point, and the preceding letters are the closest we have to words were spoken by him.) It is our act of love. From childbirth, all Tajara, male or female, are known in a state as 'Unbound' and may mate or see whoever they wish. However, jealousies and fighting may still occur over one another, but this is never more then a spat, or we would so hope. Once two Tajara agree, they bind themselves to each other as M'tri'ai. This means that they have stopped seeing others, and will only mate, court, and see each other in such ways. However, after one year, they may agree to cease this, or continue onward. After this, they become M'tri. With this, they are bound unto death and beyond. Each takes a piercing, made of the others left or right fang, left for women, right for men, and pierces their M'tri's ear. This is a sign of two who are engaged. As such, no other Tajara will attempt courting.”
“What if someone dies?”
“Then, they remove the piercing, and bury it with the fallen, and become alone. They will not seek another mate, or attempt to court or play. Most of the time, the alone tend to bring themselves to the Snow mother by their own hand, as they wish to stay with them. It is a sad occurence, but none would try to stop them.”
“And if they do find another mate?”
The Elder spits at this, leaving a globule of black green mucus on the table, glaring for a moment at the Questioner, which seems to put her on edge. He continues the glare for a few more seconds, before speaking.
“If one would do that, they insult all of our traditions. Any found in such a act would be exiled from their clan, and tossed into the wastes. Pah!”
Composing herself, apparently a bit unnerved by the Tajara's reaction, the woman asks another question. “How has your culture advanced, since we found your kind?"
“Found? I wasn't aware we were objects. Pah! We were fine without you. After they left, we had little in the way of technology, beyond whatever we had scrounged, or stolen. When you came, for sure, we advanced quickly, and it's apparent. The plains now hold buildings that would have never stood, in fear of Dragon attacks. Walls that cause them pause, and weapons which have replaced our claws. The so called Mind have grown to possess technology that even some humans would be hard to replicate. Still, we are...primitive, to your kind, aren't we? The slaves? The Cats?”
The women seems to have gone on edge again, apparently realizing her mistake. She seems to attempt to move the conversation along by asking “Dragon?” (As a note, the term dragon is used because of the creatures similarity to the western mythological dragon, but is by no means related. See the “Compendium on the Dragons” for further details)
The Elder either takes the bait, either that, or doesn't wish to continue telling her off, and nods.
“One of the other children of the Stone Father. They who do not age, do not die, and who have no allegiance. They have been our greatest threats, to our greatest allies.”
“Do not die?”
“Unlike us, who age and die, who breed and create, they do none of this. They stand ever eternal. We know of one hundred of them, since we have existed. To this day, ninety seven exist.”
“What happened to the other three?”
The Elder gives a crooked smile.
“One, known as Unstopping, died with Dragonspeaker. They struck at them, and gave the cave walkers time to hide, allowing them to survive. One was struck down by Starryeyes and his hunting band, using many a tricks, and many a years of battle. This one was dubbed Prideful, for it had such glittering scales, and would preen at itself, even in battle. And Finally, Merciful. When the mountains threatened to spew hellfire, he came to the assistance of the Forest Dwellers. He leapt into the mountain, and used his massive body as a seal, stopping the flow of molten stone.”
“Why did he do that?”
The Tajara Laughs.
“Because he was Merciful.”
{Titles}Tajara do not have a actual name, as humans tend to, but instead have a title, depicting their greatest skill or feat. However, because it is nearly impossible for a human to understand, they instead take a fake name that suits galactic common. Usually, this name is just some random sounds put together, much like Raieed. As well, their second name is under the same rule as the first, being a nonsense sound. in their tongue, the closest thing to a name is their clan name. For example, Jac'quoo M'sri may actually be GrandStriker of the Mountains.
A title is generally decided upon by the mass, and not themselves, and may be condescending, or downright insulting. However, all Tajara keep their title with pride, unless a more fitting one is spoken. These titles are used towards other Tajara, the typical greeting being "(Title) (clan), at your beck and call, if needed." This is merely a pleasantry, but is typically seen as impolite if not done correctly.
A title is generally decided upon by the mass, and not themselves, and may be condescending, or downright insulting. However, all Tajara keep their title with pride, unless a more fitting one is spoken. These titles are used towards other Tajara, the typical greeting being "(Title) (clan), at your beck and call, if needed." This is merely a pleasantry, but is typically seen as impolite if not done correctly.
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