Difference between revisions of "Vaurca"

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{{Template:wip|assign = Covert0ddity, Erik Tiber}}
{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox Vaurca Lore}}
{{Infobox Species
|Species = Vaurca (Vaur'uyit'zir)
|Scientific = V. esseli / V. sapiens
|Image = Vaurcaduo.png
|System = Sedantis (Sc'theth'stak, "Blinding Light.")
|World = Sedantis I (Vaur'avek'uyit, "Home Afar.")
|Language = Vaurcese, Hivenet.
|Politic = [[Vaurca Hives#Zo'ra|Zo'ra Hive]], [[Vaurca Hives#K'lax|K'lax Hive]], [[Vaurca Hives#C'thur|C'thur Hive]].
}}


Vaurcae, (''Vaurca'' in singular term and ''Vaurcae'' in multiple) are an arthropodous species that naturally organize themselves into eusocial groups. The Vaurca are one of the oldest surviving civilizations in the known galaxy, with a '''[[Vaurca History|history]]''' that can be traced back 730 000 years ago. Now they arrive in the [[Orion Spur]] as colonists, reluctantly taken in by other civilizations.


Vaurca, (Vore-Kah, Vaurca in singular term and Vaurcae in multiple) are bipedal animal-like organisms from the first moon of [[Sedantis | Sedantis I]] , vaguely reminiscent of Earth prawn. They have a complex caste system based on three types, and are very prevalent in human space after their first hive-ship contact on [date] 2456. Although tolerated on NanoTrasen stations, they are often discriminated against, and are unwelcome on most human-owned worlds, barring Tau Ceti.
Their eusocial organizations are referred to as Hives, led by a High Queen, typically named after the Hive itself. Below the High Queen, Lesser Queens govern specific Hive functions. Both Lesser and High Queens, as well as Surrogate Breeders, are the exclusive types of Vaurcae capable of laying eggs for the generation of new individuals. Birth under a particular Queen or Surrogate Breeder assigns a Vaurca to her brood, resulting in distinct traits and a variant carapace color compared to others. Further details on these structures and broods can be explored on the '''[[Vaurca Hives]]''' page.
To apply to be one of the insect-like Vaurca, apply [later].


Additional information: [[Sedantis]]
Vaurca civilization is separated into several castes, with members of each caste having their biology, psychology, and education determined before they are even born. Each individual Vaurca is made often for a specific function pertaining to their caste. Vaurcae are separated further between two groups, known as psyches: '''Akaix''' (Unbound) and '''Viax''' (Bound). Akaix are no less of a person than any human, whereas Viax are incredibly simple-minded, running on no more than a desire to do what they are told, designed for their function rather than versatility. More about the castes can be read on the '''[[Vaurca_Biology|Vaurca Biology]]''' page.
= History [WIP]=


===Ancient History===
Vaurcae have mechanical extras such as extensive xenowear loadout and their homeworld's flag. [[K'ois]] as a product is available in-game and they have a rather grand set of unobtainable event-spawn objects and mobs. Massive Vaurcae Breeders are playable as [[Consular Officer|consular officers]], and their lore can further be explored through artifacts and merchant items.
Nomadism is the primary lifestyle due to the harsh nature of living on their planet, with the populations being small and life expectancy being low. Culture wasn't very big, as everyone was focused on ensuring the survival of their hives, but there was basic pottery, painting, and oral history being shared. Fighting was done with hand to hand combat, with an honour system developing governing how to fight unarmed, and with defeat leading to the victorious warrior severing his opponent's head with his mandibles.


===The Age of Change===
Vaurcae can come from the Zo'ra, K'lax, C'thur, or Lii'dra Hives. The Lii'dra are exclusive to [[Lii'dra guide|antagonists]] and events, though antagonist Vaurcae are not limited to Lii'dra.
60,000 years ago, farming fungus leads to explosive population growth. With all these new workers and food surpluses, hives began to focus on technological and cultural advances. While this leads to explosive tech, it also fuels competition and strife between the hives, as fertile farmland was a rare and extremely coveted prize. New weapon and metals begin to be forged for warriors, replacing the system of fighting where warriors would only use hands, claws, and mandibles. Groomed by a new life of war and competition, castes begin to be developed and culturally reinforced in successful hives to give them an edge over the others.


===Development of Augments===
To apply to be one of the insect-like Vaurcae, apply [http://aurorastation.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=28 here].
The astonishing rate of technological growth reached a head roughly 15,000 years ago, with the first mass-scale use of augments. While evidence suggests that there had been experiments in improving a worker or soldier with mechanical parts, they were rarely successful. But after mastering the ability to augment themselves, fundamental changes in Vaurca developed that both revolutionized their race and solidified the old order. Workers and warriors now had vastly improved abilities, increasing efficiency in production and making warriors far more terrifying. But while the augments offered this new freedom, they also gave a physical manifestation of their caste. A soldier given augments to his martial power could not feasibly be an artist or be useful as a general purpose worker, leaving him stuck to fight for the hive.


===Moving into the Stars===
'''Important notes:''' Vaurcae cannot be any Heads of Staff, bridge crew, or be elevated to an interim command position. Vaurcae used to require an Avowal of Responsibility to work any position higher than an intern level, but as of 4/24/2463, Avowals were abolished in [[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate]] facilities.
Despite the sense of fear and mystery the Vaurca have for the sky and stars, only a few hundred years after the mass-usage of augments, a handful of hives began to go into space.
{{TOC Hidden}}


===Contact with Humanity===
==Mechanics==
[wip]


=Biology=
*Can only healthily consume food made of k'ois, a yellow fungus originating from the Vaurcesian home planet. K'ois is deadly to other lifeforms.
*A long-distance language in the form of Global Hivenet. It is accessible with ,9 and can only be heard by other Vaurcae and station-bound synthetics.
*Immune to phoron gas, and require it to breathe.
*Have a third arm to hold small objects.
*Can survive in space without a voidsuit.
*Do not take damage from electric shocks.
*Immune to slipping.
*Do not self-heal.
*Can toggle night-vision to see in the dark.
*Take x2 damage from toxins.
*Bleed out faster.
*Can be permanently rendered blind by flashing them several times in a row.
*Vaurca '''Warriors''' can bite and are more resistant to burns.
*Vaurca '''Workers''' cannot bite but are more resistant to radiation.
*Vaurca '''Bulwarks''' are slow but immune to radiation and can fireman carry two people at once.


To the average human, the Vaurca seem to look like terrestrial prawns, but act like ants, or termites. While their biology looks similar to something like a termite; scientifically, this description is largely superficial. There are three types of Vaurca biologically, and these tend to corrugate with the cultural caste system. There is extreme evidence hinting from all types of Vaurca biologically, that they have augmented themselves and genetically engineered a few of their modern traits, and it is near impossible to predict what they could have been like before they developed these augments.
Non-mechanic traits:
*Dislike light.
*Be raised in virtual reality.
*Generally very specialized. Born to serve a specific role.
*Face severe discrimination in human space.
*Be incredibly sensitive to smells.


==Type A (Workers)==
==Relationships with Megacorporations==
The following is an updated table listing which megacorporations employ Vaurcae. All playable characters must adhere to these specifications; failure to do so may result in administrative action.


Biologically, Type A are the most prevalent and can be seen as the 'backbone' of Vaurca societies. Their most prevalent feature is their hardened exoskeleton, varying in colors according to their hive. It is approximately three inches thick among all Type A Vaurca. The Exoskleton provides protection against harsh radiation, solar and otherwise, as well as acts as a pressure-suit, sealing their soft inner core from the outside world. This allows most Type A Vaurca to have EVA periods of around 4 hours or more, assuming they have internals. They are bipedal, with bird-like talon toes. Their legs separate into two parts, that form into what would be their feet, with the end of the 'toes' always touching the ground. Their hands consist of a type of 'grasping' arrangement, two middle fingers with small talons at the end, and two oposable thumbs, a left and a right, on either side of their hand.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Vaurca Hives' Relationships
|-
! Corporations
! Zo'ra
! K'lax
! C'thur
|-
! [[Nanotrasen Corporation|NT]]
|style="background-color:#86dada;" | Preferential
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|-
! [[Hephaestus Industries|Heph]]
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|style="background-color:#86dada;" | Exclusive
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|-
! [[Zavodskoi Interstellar|Zavod]]
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|-
! [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals|ZH]]
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|style="background-color:#86dada;" | Preferential
|-
! [[Idris Incorporated|Idris]]
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|-
! [[Private Military Contracting Group|PMCG]]
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | VP/NT
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | VP/NT/DPF
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | VP/Eridani
|-
! [[Orion Express|Orion]]
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|style="background-color:#39ff14;" | Yes
|-
! [[Einstein Engines|Einstein]]
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|style="background-color:red;" | No
|style="background-color:#86dada;" | Exclusive
|-
|}


Internally, Type A are very similar to that of an Earth insect. They have an open circulatory system, with their blood covering their digestive system, dual hearts, lungs, and other organs. Their dual hearts provide a significant sloshing motion to prevent the blood from stagnating. Their blood is a copper-based hemoglobin, with a high dependency of sulfer, creating a yellow tinted blood, with a very potent stink. This open circulatory system, however, can lead to wounds that pierce the exoskeleton and minor layer of skin to bleed out unless treated quickly. They function well with an atmosphere of mostly oxygen, nitrogen, and very trace amounts of gaseous plasma. Along their throat they have their breathing apparatus, which is definitely a form of cybernetic implant. This implant converts station atmosphere into a tolerable one, and injects very small amounts of plasma into it.
==Biology==
''See also: [[Vaurca Biology]]''


Type A have two large, insect-like eyes, and two smaller ones underneath, that are hyper-sensitive to most forms of light. While they can function in light-heavy environments perfectly fine, most complain about frequent migraines and tendency to get frustrated after long exposures to light like the sun, or even general station phosphorics. This hyper-sensitivity, however, leads to heavily increased eyesight in dark areas, like the tunnels of their cities or the narrow, nearly lightless corridors of their ships. They also have large, insect-like antennae that protrude from their head, above their large eyes. These antennae are used for greater perception of their surroundings and to communicate with each other through subtle movements, or rubbing them together with another Type A. Also acting a sensory and nerve database, when these antennae are lost, they can cause confusion, dizziness, nausea, communications problems, and is extremely painful. Some observations have been concluded with: "It's like watching a drunk man trying to walk."
The Vaurca appear as humanoid insects with a unique biology that sets them apart from the rest of the Orion Spur. The species is also known for its wide variety of Bioforms—unique subtypes of Vaurca with distinct anatomy. The most basic Vaurca bioforms possess four arms, with two of them being vestigial and smaller. Their hands showcase four digits, evenly distributed between thumbs and fingers. Their legs culminate in feet perfectly adapted for scaling the tunnels and caverns of their homeworld.


Their mouth parts are similar to a prawn's, in that they have two large mandibles, with small feelers and chewing parts that come out of the bottom. They click these mandibles together, combined with their vocal chords and pheromones they release, and create their archaic language. Their breathing apparatus also acts a voice synthesizer, allowing them to speak intelligibly, (despite very alien-sounding) human languages.
Their heightened sensory perception is channeled through antennae, particularly tuned to an exceptional olfactory sense. Pheromones play a pivotal role in Vaurca communication, acting as a nuanced language, much like words intertwined with delicate scents. This acute olfactory ability enables them to decipher subtle nuances within the intricate tapestry of pheromonal expressions.


Type A are created after initial birth, and given a slightly more moist and warmth emphasized nurturing environment before hatching.
All Vaurcae are highly dependent on their specialized augmentations, which may be considered vital organs for their survival. These organs are installed shortly after birth. The most important augmentation for Vaurcae is the neural socket, which allows each member of the species to connect to [[Virtual Reality]] and communicate via [[Hivenet]]. These two technologies are considered the backbone of Vaurca society.


==Type B (Warriors)==
As Vaurca become more specialized, differences between bioforms are greater. For example, some subtypes of Vaurca may possess more limbs or have been engineered to withstand harsher conditions. Advanced bioforms may also have more unique augmentations, not readily available for the common members of the Hive.


Type B are the second most prominent of the biological parts of Vaurca society. Varying massively in size and specific biological parts, they have, essentially, the same physiology as Type A. Type B can range in size from six feet tall, to twenty eight recorded feet tall. They can be bipedal, quadrupeds, or hextopeds. Despite each Type B's appearance, they have been filed into three general categories.
===Ka, The Workers (Type A)===
[[File:Vaurcaworker.png|left|64px]]
Type A are the most common Vaurca. Their most prevalent feature is their hardened exoskeleton, varying in colors in accordance with their Hive. This exoskeleton provides protection against harsh radiation, solar and otherwise, and acts as a robust pressure suit to seal their soft inner core from the outside world. This allows most Type A Vaurcae to have extended, several day-long EVA expeditions, assuming they have phoron. Their hands consist of two middle fingers with small talons at the end, and two opposable thumbs, a left and a right, on either side of their hand. Type A range from 5ft to 7ft tall on average, though outliers of both spectra are not unheard of for the more specialized tasks.


===Type BA===
It is important to note that Workers explicitly avoid violent situations wherever possible. This is not their function, and they are always more used to the Hive in peak conditions. Nearly all Workers are designed to find violence almost abhorrent—the sight and smell of blood instilling fear and worry for most.


Type BA range generally from 5 feet, to 9 feet tall. Bipedal and usually more exo-skeleton thick, Type BA have exactly the same physiology as Type A, but seem to posses extreme amounts of augments, more aggressive focused. Examining of their exoskeleton reveals two inches thicker, and supporrted with carbon nano-tubes that provide a stronger-than steel natural armor, but allows type BA to move around freely and at will.
===Za, The Warriors (Type B)===
[[File:Vaurcawarrior.png|left|64px]]
Type B are the second most prominent of Vaurca society and some of the most varied. They can range in size from 5ft tall to 8ft tall. Other types of Warriors, known as Warforms, rise to as much as 20ft tall. They can be bipedal, quadrupeds, or hexapods, which are called types BA, BB, and BC respectively. They usually have weapons physically attached to their bodies, making them unwieldy or impractical for any situation other than combat.


Their antennae are modified to have motion sensors and audio + sensory amplifiers, so they can seek out enemies quicker. Their eyes have semi-glass-like coverings over them that protect it from most forms of damages, and also provide a HUD for synchronizing weaponry that Type BA wield. There is evidence of stumps along where their shoulder blades would be, which provides the theory that there may have been wings there at one point. Some Type BA have integrated jet packs there, for easier EVA transport and quick mobilization within gravity.
Warriors, unlike other types of Vaurcae, are not typically passive. This means that they tend to be more suitable for combat-orientated positions, while Worker and Gyne types tend to be poorly suited for the disposition these types of occupations demand. Unlike Workers, their exoskeleton is not as well equipped for such extended EVA expeditions, however, it can withstand a few hours-long excursions.


===Type BB===
The majority of Warrior-caste Vaurcae employed by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate are type BA, also known as '''Myrmidon'''. Myrmidons are deprived of the most advanced augments and mostly differ from other types simply in that they are more mentally suited for combat or are involved in the function of something that could be considered a weapon. Unlike Workers, type BA possesses longer, more powerful mandibles. These can be customizable on the character creation screen.


Type BB range from being 6 feet tall to 9 feet tall. They are quadrupedal, and have very thick exo-skeletons. Type BB have generally the same physiology as Type A and BA. They have presence of extremely heavy augmentation to their bodies and mind-system. While most other Vaurca are bipedal, Type BB have four, spindle-like legs, that are extremely strong, made from a different substance than their actual exoskeleton, resembling more metallic than chitinous material. At where the feet of these legs would be, are highly adaptible and flexible graspers that allow a Type BA to scale nearly any surface, including vertical, and sustain little damage from large drops.
===Ta, The Breeders (Type C)===
[[File:Vaurcabreeder.png|left|64px]]
Type C are rare among Vaurcae and make up around 2-3% of their entire species. They are massive and larger than any of the other castes.
Female Breeders, also known as '''Gynes''', are the ruling caste of the Vaurcae and are the only available type of Breeder on the ship. Type CB, Unbound Gynes, occupy all leadership positions amongst the species and share in the same biological immortality enjoyed by them, many being born in generations long gone.


On their interior, they come equipped with a bio-generator, taking 'energy' from their bloodstream and heart motions, to help power their equipment, as well as having an tri-implementation of internal, highly efficient high-storage batteries. They have internal adrenal injectors that they can use during high-intensity combat situations, and have blood-clotting formulas to treat wounds faster.
Queens, lesser and high, are the only types of Vaurcae capable of producing eggs. It falls to specialized Gynes, known as Surrogates, to fertilize, genetically shape, and nurture these eggs to maturation. Being born under a specific Queen places a Vaurca in her brood, with each brood pushing the Vaurca towards distinctive traits reflective of her will and a variant carapace color. Not all Ta are Queens, but all Queens are Ta.


Their exoskeleton is similarly reinforced as Type BA, with carbon nano-tubes and synthetic plating reincforcing the bulk of the chitinous layer, but also has a thin layer of energy shielding that comes from unknown sources within Type BB itself, covering the very most outer layer of exo-skeleton, seeming to have various node-points that spread across Type BB's body.
Male Ta are raised as Bound while the females are raised as Unbound. Ta differ substantially from other castes in that they do not have recognized subcastes and instead are separated by ranks. Additionally, unlike the remainder of the Vaurca species, Ta are possessed of great social intelligence, making them ideal candidates for negotiating with aliens on economic and political matters. They easily grasp the nuances of social context, contracts, and systems that other castes have difficulty navigating.


Weaponry wise, they seem to be mobile weapons platforms, without even needing to wield a weapon. They have two long, razor-sharp arms that come with energy-supplements for eviscerating enemies, two integral energy weapons above their front shoulders that have automated targeting and fast firing speeds, and are often seen with larger mounts on their backs, ranging from Anti-Air cannons, mortars, siege cannons, or a mounted ballistic/energy machine guns.
Ta can only be played as [[Consular Officer|Consular Officers]].


===Type BC===
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
====Playing a Hive Representative====
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
As a Ta aboard the Horizon you are one of the venerable leaders of the Vaurca species and more valuable than any individual Worker or Warrior, a fact you are deeply cognizant of. Vaurca of your Hive are biologically compelled to follow your orders except where they directly contradict a Ta of their own Brood and many Vaurca of other Hive's will do so in ordinary circumstances out of respect, though they are not strictly required to. Your position places you as a representative of the Court of Queens or the state you represent. As such, your diplomatic duties consist primarily of representing your brood in a positive light, advancing the political goals of your Hive, and providing emotional support and advice.


Being very different from the other Types of Vaurca, but inherently  similar to Type B, Type BC are somewhat of a phenomenon. They are completely mechanical, ranging from airborne, to land-based, to water and submarine based, they are essentially vehicles piloted by lobotomized Vaurca Type A and B nerve centers.
Below are the rules for playing a Ta. Any bends of these rules must be clarified with the species maintainer prior to playing the character. Failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in punishment.


They are created from invalid Type A and B, and are used in warfare, transportation, exploration, and many other uses, similar to how Humans use many vehicles for their own endeavors. Some are even reported to be entire fighter-frigate sized space-ships.
*No height taller than 11 feet tall.


==Type C (Breeders)==
*As a Gyne, you are allowed to have a three-syllable name instead of the usual monosyllabic.


Type C are the rarest among Vaurca, in that they make up around 2-3% of their entire species. They consist of two parts, male and female to Human standards, and each part has a very unique acting on their specific hive.
*Auto-hiss basic (s becomes z or more frequently not at all). You have been assigned to work on a station full of aliens, so you would have a vocal implant aiding this significantly due to your status.


===Type CA===
*Avoid combat and avoid doing any labor or specialized work except where absolutely necessary. Ta may and almost always do have hobbies, often developing talents in line with the skills of their brood, and they are expected to be extremely good at them owing to their incredible age. Despite this, they are leaders and politicians, not Warriors or Workers, and they should have no intention of changing this. On matters of strenuous labor, Gynes ultimately prefer delegation and inspiring others to do something.


Type CA are an extreme anomaly compared to other races around known space. Acting as the female counterpart of Type C Vaurca, they are generally hosted within large Iron Wombs that automatically artificially inseminate, and ensure eggs are transported to hatcheries and nurseries unharmed. Physically, type CA are blobulous, with thousands of tiny cilia along their underside to assist them with movements if required. The have a large feeding tube protruding from their front, and alongside that feeding tube, a neural tube that can connect to any Vaurca, barring Type CB.
*Avoid social ignorance. Gynes possess a high social intelligence thanks to generations of evolution, being literally made for it, so they would be knowledgeable on whether trying to clean a Unathi's horn would upset them or not.


This neural tube connects any given Vaurca access to the collective conscious, and allows for instantaneous sentient possession by the millions of multiple 'personalities' stored within Type CA's body. Type CA are theorized to act as a form of Virtual Reality connection hub, where anything can be simulated and created. Type CA are often seen around many 'Unbound' Vaurca, transferring information and replacing personalities.
*Ta are biologically immortal, many having lived through what would to other species be recognized as entire eras of history. Each brood has different customs regarding the age at which a Gyne is ready for diplomatic duties. Few broods trust Ta under 100 years old with any serious positions. The absolute upper limit on playable Ta age is thirty-five-thousand years, born not long before the [[The Great Hive War|Great Hive War]]. Gynes older than this are very rare and typically Queens, Surrogates, or hive-cell Aliates, not finding work aboard the Horizon. Despite this extraordinary range, the average Hive Representative will fall between 500 and 3000 years.


Type CA go through three phases, different from their Type A and B compatriots. After initial larvae period, they enter the 'royal' phase, where they are around the size of a standard Type A, and have seperated ego's. During this phase, they seek a viable spot for a new hive.
*Gynes, as important members of the Hives, are entrusted with an administrative neural socket, a tool that gives them greatly increased power over the [[Hivenet]] and [[Virtual Reality]]. Mechanically, this is reflected in a series of Hivenet verbs, giving them the ability to mute, shock, ban, and even void lesser Vaurca. Despite having access to such with a thought, Ta employ them rarely, and to do so against another Hive's Vaurca without good reason is equivalent to a hostile attack, a major diplomatic incident. Voiding, the act of destroying a Vaurca's neural socket, is an absolute last resort and should never be employed except as a last resort.
</div></div>


The next phase is the 'Established' phase, where they grow approximately 5x their original height and begin laying eggs for the hive. This phase is generally short, and it is predicted that the phases ended at this time, before the Augmentation period. This Queen has a very large abdomen like structure, where eggs are created and layed, two scythe-like arms, and a large head with six eyes and antennae.
===Ra, The Bulwarks (Type E)===
[[File:Bullywiki.png|left|64px]]
The newest caste of the Vaurca, Type E are heavyset industrialists who specialize in jobs involving hard labor, engineering, and maintenance. Average specimens stand at 8-10 feet tall and require special clothing due to their unique shape. Type E Vaurca are the least prominent population-wise in the species, due to the fact they were only recently conceived. Bulwarks were unveiled at the first session of the reformed Court of Queens in 2463 before specimens belonging to the other Hives began appearing.


The final phase is the 'Storage' phase, where the Type CA completely melds with technology and finds an adequet Type CB to maintain continuous offspring with, becoming the type detailed in the original explaination.
Bulwarks tend to be strictly defensive in their temperament, meaning they will fight to defend themselves and those in their immediate surroundings, before escaping when presented the chance. They will not chase down threats or run into situations they are not already involved in.


===Type CB===
Bulwarks are only employed in select locations as of now, due to their relatively recent appearance. Notable locations include the NTCC Odin, the NSS Upsilon, the NSS Aurora, and the SCCV Horizon. Outside of these locations they are heavily monitored in where they go and are typically kept in more secure locations. There are no [[Queenless]] Bulwarks.


Type CB are the second, and male counterpart, of Type C Vaurca. They are essentially exactly the same as Type A Vaurca, but they sport large functional wings that allows them to fly through the air at high speeds, theorized to allow them to get around their home planet to find mates quicker.
===The Unbound===
The '''Unbound''', or Akaix, are the sapient and self-aware parts of Vaurca society. Their eggs and larvae are given specialized care by Surrogates and Bound Workers. The Unbound are born with fully developed brains and are perfectly capable of making rational decisions. They are naturally intuitive, curious, and capable of understanding abstraction, much like a human. However, Unbound are not raised in a traditional manner. Instead, Unbound Vaurcae are trained in Virtual Reality, where they learn to fulfill their tasks for the real world. Depending on the specialization of the Vaurca, this training can widely differ.


==Evolution==
Although Unbound are still thinking, sapient beings, they still typically maintain unwavering subservience to the respective hierarchy of their Hive. This is due to a combination of pheromone excretion and indoctrination methods imposed during the growing process of an Unbound. However, when they are not under the direct instruction of a lesser or High Queen, they will typically pursue their own or their own hive-cell's interests.


The Vaurca have evolved from small, hive-like entities that seemed to group together in tight, nomadic hives and wander their home planet in search for large growths of their primary food substance, a rampant and non-nutritious fungus entity known through their language as K'ois, (Translated to: The Substance). There is evidence of them evolving from small insects, and through unknown means rampantly increasing in size and numbers some time before pre-sentient history. This may be due to a sudden introduction or increase of Oxygen in the atmosphere.
The Unbound typically take up jobs that require more critical thinking skills, the ability to learn or adapt, and greater abstract thought than simple Bound. In this respect, Unbound Vaurcae can simply be considered on the same level as any human. Integration in the Orion Spur and other alien communities has some of them living alone or in small groups in their own apartments like any other citizen or family, working to support themselves. However, all Vaurcae are required to provide a tithe to their hive-cell, which takes most of their paycheck.


The Vaurca evolved into their current form roughly 200,000 years ago, before developing agriculture 60,000 years ago. Thousands of years were spent fighting over the few areas of rich farmland on the planet. Their arid and sparse environment drove them to develop advanced methods of genetic and technological augmentation. Approximately 15,000 years ago, the first Vaurca craft left their solar system. In the time since, they have radically modified their genome and appearance, leading to the development of the current system of castes. Evidence of the early appearance of Vaurca before their augmentation is sparse, but what sources exist do suggest that Type A Vaurca most closley resemble their 'natural' appearance without augmentation. It is suggested that the current concept of a Queen has changed from its original meaning, with the methods of influence changing from primarily using chemicals and pheremones to control the population to the creation of large paradise-like virtual realities in which the vast majority of the Vaurca population spends its entire existence. In the modern day, the Vaurca have used their technology to allow their many physical workers to serve the hive with extreme efficiency and unquestioning loyalty.
=====Playing Unbound=====
Unbound are the human-like part of the Vaurcae species and are capable of playing any non-command role in terms of ability. The uniqueness of their upbringing, combined with the millennial history of the species, provides interesting types of personality not seen in any other species. Unbound can spent thousands of years inside Virtual Reality, either kept in cryogenic storage or resleeved to return to the real world. They can also be freshly birthed, barely knowing anything besides the basics of their trade. Any other variations, as long as they are possible within the lore, are also acceptable. Likely because of their biology, many Vaurcae are generally passive and hold more value in a group's opinion rather than their own, disliking isolation.


===Sleep Cycle===
Depending on the Hive, the personality of the Unbound can change. This is mostly true among younger Vaurcae. For example, a young K'lax Warrior might understand the military structure of the [[Izweski Nation]] and have a good grasp on [[Unathi]] traditions. For this reason, Vaurca players are encouraged to read the lore of overlapping cultures.


Vaurcae sleep cycle is a very hard to one to predict. While it seems like most of all Types of Vaurca don't actually sleep at all, there is evidence of, a few hours per standard day, the Vaurca enter a stasis-like state in that their mind shuts off and they stay still. This is similar to how a robot can enter 'sleep mode' and it is theorized that this time is used for sorting memories and useful information in a specific, Bound or Unbound, Vaurca.
===The Bound===
[[File:Bound working.png|thumb||While all Bound are specialized for a specific job or instruction, all are still capable of simple labor.]]


==Birthing Cycle==
'''Bound''' Vaurcae, Drones, or Viax, are members of a lobotomized slave caste trained to obey orders without question, chosen even before their egg is laid. Eggs designated to be Bound are provided with certain hormonal mixes designed to neutralize brain function critical for higher thought and are then put in a warm, moisture-rich environment while Surrogates and Workers oversee their care. The larvae that hatch from the eggs are then taken to another specialized, moist environment to be raised and augmented. Bound are highly capable in their positions but are incredibly simple-minded; most Vaurcae consider them less sapient than they would an [[IPC]]. The result is a very effective worker but one that struggles to adapt to unusual circumstances and has minimal ability to learn or think in abstractions. 


All Vaurcae, disrearding Type C, go through an initial birthing process that is made up of three phases. This birthing cycle is similar to any insect, although further studies show how much more incredibly complex these processes are.
=====Playing Bound=====


===Eggs===
Bound have a lot in common with stationbounds in personality and playstyle. They have no concept of the self and can only act independently in matters of personal survival, maintenance, or self-defense. Vaurca Drones typically speak slowly and have trouble speaking Basic.


After being first layed by the Queen and transported mechanically to the birthing and nursery chambers of a hive, Vaurca eggs are incredibly fragile, approximately 91.44 centimeters tall and 30.48 centimeters thick, they have a thin slimey covering and are transparent, often being a dirty brown or whitish color. The devoloping larvae can be seen inside. They are connected to a feeding machine, supplying nutrients to the forming larva. These nutrients are also a growth hormone, making the Vaurca grow faster, and shortening hatch period. The egg will hatch in a period of four to ten days.
Bound typically focus on performing their duty. If asked to do something outside of the scope of their duty a Bound will always use their duty as a reference to the task at hand. Because they are working under the decree of the Hive's Queen, only with good reason would an Unbound Vaurca ask a Bound from its respective Hive to deviate from their duty. Otherwise, Bound are taught and expected to follow station protocols to the best of their ability as it is their duty to do so. Only their Hives' Unbound, and heads of staff can order a Bound to deviate from its duties.


===Lesser Larvae===
Bound can be easily dismissed—or culled—if their performance is unsatisfactory.


The second phase of the birthing cycle, Lesser larvae are what come from initially hatched eggs. Frail and very weak, they are always a milky white color, without any eyes and transparent, soft skin. They are photophobic, and oftn require assisted movements. During this phase, all forms of conscious are removed an downloaded into the Virtual Reality of the hive. The Vaurca remains in this period for approximately one standard week.
'''IMPORTANT:''' Drones are not meant to be stupid. While your Bound Vaurca is expected to be oblivious to most of their surroundings, this does not mean that Viax should be incompetent in their job. A Viax should never show ignorance towards their area of expertise or disregard for basic social conventions.


===Greater Larvae===
They can '''only''' take the jobs listed here. If a job title is not on this list, you cannot play them as a Bound.


The final phase of the birthing cycle, greater larvae are a mature version of the Lesser. They have a weak, but effective exoskeleton, and are capable of moving themselves around. Being approximtely a meter long, they also have four eyes and a feeding mouth at the bottom of their 'head.' During this phase, necessary hormones and minor augmentation are injected to determine wether a given larva will become a Type A or B. Vaurca stay in this period for about 5 weeks, before hatching into their designate role of the Hive's society. After they mature, they are then heavily augmented, the neural tube being inserted in the back of their head, and any structural and internal machinery placed.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Jobs playable by Bound
|-
! Department !! Jobs Available
|-
| Security || None
|-
| Medical || [[Surgeon]], [[Physician]], [[Pharmacist]]
|-
| Engineering || [[Engineer]], [[Atmospheric Technician]]
|-
| Science || [[Scientist|Lab Assistant]]
|-
| Operations || [[Hangar Technician]], [[Machinist]], [[Shaft Miner]]
|-
| Service || [[Chef]], [[Bartender]], [[Gardener]], [[Librarian]], [[Janitor]]
|-
| Civilian || [[Assistant]]
|}


= Culture =
==History==
''See also: [[Vaurca History]]''


== Fashion & Cuisine ==
Vaurcae have a rich and complex history spanning over 730 000 years. Because Vaurcae play on the fallen civilization trope, history is very important to them. As such, most Vaurca characters will have a grasp of relevant historical events. Below is a summary of Vaurca history, but you are encouraged to read the complete wiki page.


Throughout Vaurca history, fashion has remained nearly non-existant. Often going nude or with small garments covering their mouth pieces to prevent any forms of contagions inside, they have do not have as bad as a nudity taboo as other races seem to have. Also lacking any kind of genitalia, they have nothing to be worried about when inside their hives. However, some Vaurca prefer to wear thin blindfold-like cloth over their eyes to prevent the 'extreme light' from giving them headaches or discomfort.


On their homeworld, however, Vaurca that go above-ground, venturing from their massive underground and mountain-based hives are often seen wearing cloth to prevent radiation sickness, despite their natural resistance against radiation.
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
===History Summary===
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
The Vaurca evolved within the harsh environment of [[Sedantis I]], the innermost satellite of the gas giant Sc'theth'stak. Survival beneath the surface demanded constant adaptation. Competition for limited resources fueled millennia of brutal warfare among the emerging Vaurca Hives. However, a pivotal event was the domestication of the k'ois fungus. This agricultural breakthrough spurred population growth, codified the current Hive hierarchy, and laid the foundation for the rise of powerful empires.


Vaurca that venture EVA, despite their natural tolerance to high/low/vacuum pressure environments, are seen wearing soft-suits, that allow them prolonged times in space for construction, operations, and other EVA activities.
Though the exact chronology remains debated, a vast period of Vaurca history stretches back over 500 000 years. This era, often referred to as the '''Age of Death''', was marked by territorial conflicts and aggressive expansionism. It is also the era prior to the Vaurca Virtual Reality technology. Three major powers consolidated their influence: the [[Vaurca Hives#K'lax|K'lax Hive]], based in the [[Sedantis_I#Mya'kt_Fault|Mya'kt Fault]] and known for their technological innovation; the [[Vaurca Hives#Zo'ra|Zo'ra Hive]], settled in the [[Sedantis_I#Veii'kt_Plate|Veii'kt Plate]] and famed for their military prowess; and the [[Vaurca Hives#C'thur|C'thur Hive]], located within the [[Sedantis_I#Lei'kt_Caves|Lei'kt Caves]] and with noted diplomatic influence.


Vaurca cuisine is viewed upon as extremely bland and tasteless to the other species. Generally consisting completely of their genetically engineered fungus that they grow en masse, it is grinded down into a paste, boiled, or eaten raw. It is describes as tasting chalk-like or like iron to Humans, and if eaten too much, some humans can get nauseated.
The Zo'ra Hive, through relentless conquest, established a vast empire. Their rule extended over much of Sedantis, subjugating numerous Hives—including the technologically advanced K'lax. Zo'ra's dominance would shape Vaurca society for millennia to come. Eventually, Zo'rane rule turned from ruthless to enlightened, establishing a revered organization known as the '''Court of Queens'''.


The fungus, K'ois ('The Substance'), is a white, bulbous mushroom that thrives in any environment it is placed in, apart from overly wet. While it appears this fungus is genetically bred to be so adaptable, it is also presumed it was naturally abundant over the Vaurcae home planet.
On January 5, 27 547 BCE, the small Lii'dra Hive attacked the Xtykt'lotec Rift, home of the Court of Queens. What followed was the [[The Great Hive War|Great Hive War]], a gruesome conflict that decimated the population of Sedantis. Although only lasting 80 years, the consequences of the Great Hive War deeply impacted Vaurca culture until today.


==The Arts==
The aftermath of the Great Hive War brought to Vaurcae the Virtual Reality technology. Virtual Reality reshaped many aspects of Vaurca identity, particularly because it introduced a novel concept—the consciousness of the deceased could now be uploaded to [[Vaurca_Biology#Cephalons_(Type_D)|Cephalons]], meaning Vaurcae would never face death again. Sedantis, however, was wrecked, and although Virtual Reality was meant to be a gift for all hives, many smaller factions fell into despair, battling for the remnants of a now shrunken Zo'ra Empire. For millennia, the main Vaurca Hives were on the decline. Innovation was feared and diplomacy was kept to a minimum, out of fear of a new war and tensions.


Art is a strange subject when it comes to the Vaurca. While not possessing any form of written art, that we currently know of, their art comes in a virtual sense. This art-style goes hand in hand with the Vaurcae caste system. They view their Virtual Reality as a paradise, and can simulate anything and everything. Due to this Virtual Reality, they have never had the need, since uploading themselves to it, to draw, write, or anything else.
In 412 BCE, the main Vaurca Hives entered a period known as the [[Hives Renaissance]]. This epoch saw a great increase in technological advancements and revitalized many aspects of Vaurca society, including [[Vaurca Religion|religion]]. The Hives Renaissance reinvigorated the Vaurca desire for knowledge and innovation. The most notable, however, was the [[Hives_Renaissance#The_Pon'kana_Engine|Pon'kana Engine]]. Pon'kana was a novel method of seizing the energy inside Sedantis's core, similar to a localized Dyson sphere. Although the Pon'kana Engine was initially successful, it destabilized the orbit of Sedantis, ultimately leading to its possible demise when a crash was predicted.


This Virtual Reality also acts as an information data hub, so as long as there are Type CA still alive, all Vaurcae knowledge can still be accessible, without the need for written or typed documentation.
With this new knowledge, the Zo'ra Hive decided to evacuate the satellite. Although the K'lax Hive was not originally considered for the Exodus, their Hiveship design was favored. Ultimately, the K'lax were invited to join the Zo'ra. The C'thur reverse-engineered the Hiveship design, joining the Zo'ra and the K'lax among the stars.


==Religion==
Vaurcae wandered for over 2 000 years in space. At first, they established some temporary settlements, most notably [[Vaurca History#The Celis Conflict|Celis]]. However, the Hives continued to search for a new home until their arrival in the [[Orion Spur]].


Vaurca viewings upon the world and the unknown in general is fairly standard to most other races. The sentient parts of their species regard the Type CA, or their 'Queen', as the God's of their hive. This is due to the relationships the personalities and the drones have with each other, as well as the Queen itself being the 'harbor' of the Virtual Reality, which to them is Heaven.
The C'thur Hive made [[Vaurca History#The First Contact With Skrell|first contact with Skrell]] around '''2448-2450'''. The Zo'ra Hive made [[Vaurca History#The First Contact With Humanity|first contact with humanity]] in '''November 2456'''. The K'lax Hive made [[Vaurca History#The First Contact With Unathi|first contact with Unathi]] in '''March 2459'''.
</div></div>


Similar to how humanity views the afterlife, they believe there is a heaven and a hell. K'seaiu'iut (Heaven, Paradise, etc) and Ck'ois'tika (The World Above). Because of the harmful UV radiation and the overall in-hospitable surface of their planet, primitive Vaurca viewed space and the sky as where all souls who did not benefit the hive in their lifetime would go, a place of eternal pain and damnation to the F'sixast'kis, (The Black Queen) who would torture them in a psuedo-opposite Virtual Reality world that they could never escape from.
===Modern Day===
Since arriving in the [[Orion Spur]], the Vaurca have strategically adapted to their new environment. To become indispensable, they have integrated themselves into the [[Republic of Biesel]], [[Izweski Hegemony]], and [[Nralakk Federation]], even providing military manpower. However, their limited resources after the [[Vaurca History#The Exodus|Sedantis Exodus]] have hampered their military readiness. Not all factions feel the same about the presence of Vaurcae in the Orion Spur. For example, the [[Republic of Elyra|Elyrans]], scarred by the [[The Lii'dra|Lii'dra incursion]], might be warry of all Vaurca Hives.


Because of their large caste difference, the Bound of the Vaurca believe this wholeheartedly. The Unbound have a slightly different approach on this mentality. They believe all drones to be simple carriers of the good of their hive, and that each is merely a piece of clothing to put on, wear out, and then dispose of as necessary, while also indulging that their service to the hive can approve of unlimited time within the Virtual Reality, instead of a violent death traversing and learning for the good of the hive.
Though diminished from their former glory, the '''Zo'ra Hive''' remains a formidable power in the Orion Spur. Their military might is unmatched among the Vaurca Hives, boasting a vast force of warriors and specialized warforms. The military and political finesse of the Zo'ra is mostly evident in the [[Tau Ceti Armed Forces]], where they assisted the young republic by filling their ranks. This move granted them influence within the military structure and a path into the intricate political web of the Spur. The Zo'ra's focus on hybridizing weapons technology has also allowed them to strike deals with megacorporations, such as the [[NanoTrasen Corporation]] and [[Zavodskoi Interstellar]]. While they have successfully revived the Court of Queens in their capital, New Sedantis, a significant portion of the [[Flagsdale|Zo'ra population on Biesel]] live in great squalor. For more information, visit [[Zo'ra in the Republic of Biesel]].


=Castes=
While the Zo'ra focus on military and political influence, the '''K'lax Hive''' has proven most adept at harnessing advanced technologies for the Orion Spur's realities. This comes as little surprise to the K'lax, the brilliant inventors whose contributions were often overshadowed by the Zo'ra. Their collaboration with the Unathi on [[Moghes]] saw the ingenious adaptation of ancient terraforming machines to the Spur's materials. This expertise fueled their transformation of the desolate colony of [[Tret]] into a sprawling factory planet—the new industrial heart of the Izweski Hegemony. Tret's vast production capabilities have significantly boosted the Hegemony's economy, fueling military expansion and technological development. While the K'lax also provide Warriors to the Hegemony, their numbers pale in comparison to the Zo'ra's contributions to the Tau Ceti Armed Forces. Despite this, unfavorable external deals with [[Hephaestus Industries]] limit the full financial rewards the K'lax reap from their industrial prowess. For more information, visit [[K'lax in the Izweski Nation]].


There are three distinct caste systems that work in complicated harmony with each other, that seem to be independent of biological constraints, however, also seem to go hand-in-hand. This Caste system is decided by how many personalities are currently inside the Virtual Reality, and how many Type A and B Vaurca are required.
Economically, it is only the '''C'thur Hive''' who have truly profited. While the other Hives are reliant on collective money pools brought in by employed Bound and Unbound or the leftovers of their own factory exports, being harbored by the generous [[Nralakk Federation]] has opened up a large amount of opportunities, to say nothing of the C'thur Hive's historical inclinations. The C'thur have bought a significant portion of [[Einstein Engines]], opening a connection to the [[Eridani Federation|Eridani Corporate Federation]], and many job opportunities. These factors have resulted in the C'thur being in a financial and corporate advantage. Money that is received by Hives is typically distributed between the Queens, each given the discretion to use their share however they wish within certain limits. For more information, visit [[C'thur in the Federation|C'thur in the Nralakk Federation]].


==The Bound==
====Individuals====
For many Unbound, adapting to their new lives has been a tough ordeal, but one that is short suffered. Once settled, most hive-cells are capable of sharing a single-bedroom apartment due to their preference for confined spaces and their tendency for practicality over personality. Personal possessions are not uncommon, Unbound are welcome to spend what little money they typically receive on hobbies.


This is the most prominent caste. The Bound are, essentially, lobotomized Type A and B Vaurca that unquestionably follow the orders of superiors to the death. They appear to not be self aware, able to carry out conversations, but unable to make decisions for themselves. They seem to not have any sense of possession, willingly giving out any and all of their possessions to those who ask. The Bound are the main workforce; A slave-like caste that the Vaurca social system is built upon. All Bound Vaurca have data-sockets in the back of their head, accessible by the neural tube of the Type CA Vaurca to allow gathering of information, or ascension into the Unbound. They can be thought of like cyborgs.
'''Workers''' mostly shifted from serving the Hive to employment well, with only a few incredibly specialized Unbound finding difficulty. While confusion was apparent at the complicated process of the simple act of going to work, once clarified, many Vaurcae brought their specialized knowledge and pragmatism into like-minded fields, typically able to share their intricate knowledge with great practical success. On a social level, however, many Unbound are prone to varying levels of discrimination. Such acts can be extremely discreet, such as being made to do a less desirable task. On the other hand, some overtly voice their dislike, often showing their ignorance of how Vaurcae operate and live. More obvious examples of dislike include incidents such as [[Little Adhomai|Tajara gangs]] having feuds with Vaurcae in Mendell City.


All warriors and standard drones are Bound. They are commonly seen on NanoTrasen stations as civilian jobs, like cargo technician, chef, assistant, Janitor, or any kind of apprentice, barring security and science. While they, by law, receive pay, there are no regulations in place for simply asking for the Bound's money, so they are often employed as nearly cost-less workers.
'''Warriors''', however, did not have such an easy transition. While there were some who could transition as well as most Workers, many of the Unbound purely bred for combat struggled to find applicable work. Some of these soldiers slowly managed to trickle into work as private security, bodyguards, and alike, while others found trivial work doing menial or laborious tasks. K'lax Warriors mostly serve in the Hegemony. Meanwhile, many others, especially from the Zo'ra Hive, have found a place doing what they do best in the Tau Ceti Armed Forces. Much of this situation was recently alleviated by the founding of the Pan-Vaurcesian military the [[Private_Military_Contracting_Group#Ve'katak_Phalanx]] which draws in a large percentage of what would be the otherwise unemployed Vaurca Warriors, giving them a place in service to the Court of Queens.


Derogatory names are often assigned to The Bound by the Unbound, generally consisting of names like: 'The Burden,' 'The Mindless,' 'Unsanitary,' 'Thoughtless,' and many others. This is an interesting relationship, as The Bound seem to revere and even worship The Unbound, like each one was a minor God.
'''Bulwarks''' are somewhere in-between. As the newest mainstream caste, they have been specifically bred for specialized purposes. However, there are still many limitations. As many Bulwarks were a novelty when they were first unveiled, their uses were diverse. Currently, most Bulwarks are still employed in heavy industries such as mining or engineering. Some outliers remain, working in other fields as unique and valuable assets.


==The Unbound==
==Culture==
''See also: [[Vaurca Culture and Society]] and [[Vaurca Religion]]''


This is the second most prominent caste. The Unbound are essentially the only sentient part of Vaurca sociology, in that they are the embodied personas stored on Type CA in the Virtual Reality, uploaded into The Bound. They are perfectly capable of making rational, thinking decisions, and are naturally intuitive and curious, much like a human. Behavior wise, each Unbound is nearly identical when they are first transferred out of their Virtual Reality paradise. As they begin to learn and gain experience, however, they become individualized and have personalities for themselves. (Even if it is simulated.)
As the oldest sapient species in the Orion Spur, Vaurca history and culture are incredibly rich and diverse. However, the dominant understanding of Vaurca culture stems from the traditions of the Zo'ra Hive and their historical empire. While the K'lax and C'thur Hives possess their own cultural variations, the influence of the Zo'ra permeated their vast domain for centuries.


The Unbound learn as any normal human, while having access to the Hive Network of any hive, they go through periodic 'resets' where their knowledge is absorbed, and occasionally, the personality switched out for another. When a Bound steps up to Type CA, the neural tube temporarily connects the personality back with the hive, and they instantly share information.
Prior to the invention of [[Virtual Reality]], Vaurca artistic expression prioritized physical mediums. One of the main art forms was grandiose architecture, often carved directly into the caverns of Sedantis. These sculptural and architectonic feats demonstrated both skill and devotion. Intricate sculptures and elaborate rhythmic music were other cornerstones of their culture. These enduring art forms have seen a revival among Vaurca in the Orion Spur seeking to differentiate themselves and showcase their unique heritage to other species.


The Unbound are chosen through multiple factors. While they are the very fringe of their species, the Unbound measure around 2,000-3,000 per large hive. Approximately 30% of the Unbound are voluntary, genuinely curious about the outside world, or are patriotic enough to assist the hive in any way they can. However, the other 70% of the Unbound are chosen in an automatic raffle, where they are ripped from their virtual reality paradise and made to serve the Hive. This can lead to disgruntlement. They will often detest their body, and themselves, and be genuinely hateful to everything, merely doing the minimum and full fulling their job.
Today, much of Vaurca culture exists within the digital landscape. Each Queen maintains vast virtual temples dedicated to knowledge, arts, and crafts. This shift towards digitalization has shaped the core of modern Vaurca cultural expression. Within Virtual Reality, Vaurcae find an unlimited canvas for artistic pursuits, collaborative learning, and the preservation of history.


The Unbound are often sent off into the world independently from the Hive to learn and study their surroundings, or, in the event they stay in the hive, manage the Bound and perform civic duties, such as scientific research and diplomacy. In practice within human societies, they often live alone in their own apartments like any other citizen, and work to support themselves, rarely having monetary aid from their Hive. Every few months, they must make the journey back to their Type CA, and deposit information. At this point, they can determine if they wish to go back into the Virtual Reality, or stay in the physical world.
[[Vaurca Religion|Religion]] plays a significant role in the lives of many Vaurcae. While individuals or hive-cells often choose their faith, it remains one of the few aspects of an Unbound Vaurca's life not wholly dictated by the Queens. Virtually all Vaurca faiths revere the Queens, particularly their own. This reverence, reinforced by pheromones and immersive Virtual Reality experiences, contributes to the stability of the Hives and strengthens the Queens' rule.


On NanoTrasen stations, they are often employed as any human would be, generally not having any specializations until they learn about a department; they can be seen frequently as interns. This is not always the case, as they learn very rapidly, and some have been subjected to schooling already, passing as any graduate would.
===Language===
Before the invention of the Hivenet in the [[Vaurca History#The Era of Augments|Era of Augments]], Vaurcae would communicate by distributing pheromones from mouth to mouth for complex messages, and vibrations with their antennae for simpler messages, sent via larger distances. Since Vaurcae do not possess a vocal tract, spoken language was unknown to them until their arrival to the Spur. The invention of the Hivenet allowed for a better and more long-range method to communicate with each other, making cooperation more efficient. While to a stranger Hivenet might just sound like rhythmic vibrations, for a Vaurca the received message—which is encoded pheromones coded and transmitted as signals—"sounds" in their head, which is how the Vaurcese vocabulary has been incorporated in Human, Skrell, and Unathi space.


==The I'soiasfi==
These encoded pheromones can also transmit emotions and other kinds of warnings. Because of the lack of facial expressions available for Vaurcae, it is common for individuals to express themselves by sending a message such as this on the net. Other simple encoded messages such as small onomatopoeic sounds, reactions like eye-rolls, and basic "images" may also be sent. "Videos" are too heavy to be encapsulated by pheromones in the way other species would understand it, instead coming across as a collection of feelings and basic information.


Being an unusual caste, and the translation having thousands of connotations, there has not been a definite translation created for the third, and rarest Caste of the Vaurca. Generally describing a scene like 'Heaven,' 'Paradise,' 'Tranquility,' and 'Utopia,' I'soiasfi describes what the Type C are. They are carriers of the release of their species; Type CA is revered as a God and rightful leader due to the collective that resides within her. Type CB is revered and loved as natural leaders, and because of their natural affinity for their own personality, they are able to command entire Bound and Unbound forces efficiently.
Since the species' arrival in the Spur, they have been forced to develop augmentations known as voice synthesizers which allow for speech and the translation of language. The majority of these voice modulators are cheap, which is responsible for much of the species possessing a peculiar buzzing accent. Without this augmentation, no Vaurca is able to audibly receive or reproduce a xenolanguage. Additionally despite the species not having used a written language commonly since the invention of Virtual Reality, Vaurcae are able to learn to read and write in Basic, and for an employee on board the [[SCCV Horizon]], part of their education would have consisted in such.


Type CA holds the personalities and ego's of all The Bound, to allow their physical counterparts to be used in the way that they are. The personalities are entertained by the Virtual Reality system that resides within Type CA, allowing virtually anything to be simulated, created, destroyed, or predicted.
====Speaking like a Vaurca====
Vaurcae working in alien space have augments that allow them to have an easier time speaking the languages of the Orion Spur. However, due to the desperate times the species is in, speech augments tend to be of variable quality. Vaurcae typically expresses an unfamiliarity with most alien languages, preferring to use basic words and sentence structures over more complex ones, and often may be unaware of the exact meaning of words, or the names of objects, instead describing them. This tends to happen most to those who are not used to alien cultures.


Type CA has little to no actual power within itself. The collective within Type CA decides Hive-wide decisions, and Type CB are expected to act as nodes, relaying the Hive's orders to Unbound that then relay orders back to the Bound in a complex hierarchy system.
Many Vaurcae and their vocal augments have difficulty producing sounds related to the letter "s", and instead substitute with a harsh buzzing in the throat. For example, "May I please have some k'ois?" becomes "May I pleaze have zome k'oiz?" The sonorization of the "s" is less prevalent in K'lax Vaurcae, as they usually have a more refined voice modulator that allows them to mimic the voiceless fricative so present in Unathi languages. Because of this, K'lax players are encouraged to set the '''auto-hiss to "basic"''' in the game settings. This is a recommendation and K'lax players are by no means required to do this.


=Language & Naming=
Most voice modulators have difficulty producing soft consonant sounds such as those produced by "f" or "ph", and instead substitute them with a voiced "vh". For example, "Phoron gas is fine!" becomes "Vhoron gas is vhine!" Some unfortunate specimen may even be plagued with both impediments at once. For example, "The phoron in these k'ois lets me breathe." becomes "The vhoron in theze k'oiz letz me breathe." These speech impediments are commonly found in Vaurcae of the Zo'ra and C'thur Hives. As a result, players are encouraged to set the '''auto-hiss to "full"''' in the game settings.


The speech impediments of your Vaurca can be pushed even further, and you are encouraged to experiment with what works best for you. If committed to it, the voice modulator of a Vaurca can make their Basic almost unintelligible. However, keep in mind that some jobs have [[Stellar_Corporate_Conglomerate_Occupation_Qualifications#Communication:|regulations for speech impediments]]. As such, you are encouraged to try to maintain your Vaurca characters relatively easy to communicate with.


Vaurcae naming systems are fairly simple. Although their names in their own hive language are extremely complex, with the learning of Tau Ceti Basic and other languages, the Vaurca have been forced to simplify their names. Naming is based of a numbering system, determined after birth. This name includes a caste and biological designation, the number they are, and finally what hive they are from. The first name proceeds like this: Biological-Caste-Number, with Ka being used for all Type A, Za being used for all Type B, and Va being used for all Type C. Type C do not have Caste names. Caste-wise, Vias is for Bound, Akaix is for Unbound. Vaurca hive numbers are very large, so the final part of their name will vary with every Vaurca. An example: Ka'vias'dsith Zo'ra, indicates an unbound drone with the number of 8123 from the Zo'ra Hive. An example of a Type CA with this, is Va Zo'ra, indicating it is a Type C from the Zo'ra hive. For a Type CB, it would be Va'Uyats Zo'ra, indicating it is 213 of Type CB from the Zo'ra hive.
Depending on the specialization of each hive-cell, the voice modulator might be of better quality. Some Vaurcae employed in more "prestigious" roles usually have little to no difficulty producing sounds in Basic. Vaurca Breeders almost always have high-end voice modulators that do not distort the sound. In some cases, such as representatives of the Izweski Hegemony or the Nralakk Federation, the Gyne might imitate the usual speech patterns of their host species.


However, this naming structure is flexible between hives. This much is the most common arrangement studies have found so far. Some phenomenons have been observed where Vaurca will change their first name to a standard Human, Unathi, Tajaran, Skrell, or even robotic name, to attempt to 'fit in' with their crowd, all though the number that do this is small.
====Naming System====


Vaurcae language structure, to non-Vaurca ears, sounds extremely archaic and cryptic, like simple clicks and grunts more than a language. However, to a creature that knows the language, all types of Vaurcese is extremely complicated and each syllable has many thousands of different connotations it could convey. Combined with subtle antennae movement and pheromone release, it is not hard to say that it is a language that can never be spoken or understood by another species. While each hive has their own small variations of Vaurcese, the language can be universally understood.
Vaurcae have first names made of three parts. The first part is their '''caste''': '''Ka''' for Workers, '''Za''' for Warriors, '''Ra''' for Bulwarks, or '''Ta''' for Breeders. The second syllable indicates whether they are Bound or Unbound; '''Akaix''' for Unbound, '''Viax''' for Bound.


It is produced by clicking the mandibles and mouth pieces together, while sending air through the mouthpieces as well as the vocal chords. It is described as sounding like clicks and high pitched squeals. The Vaurca, however, utilize synthetic throat implants that synthesize a very alien-sounding, but intelligible, Tau Ceti Basic or any other language.
The last syllable of the name is unique and decided by the player. In Vaurcese, this segment would translate to a unique identifier, representing a natural number. This serial identifier can repeat between Hives, but you are discouraged from copying the name of another character. All identifiers should be short, at most two syllables. Gynes in the ship usually have longer names, consisting of multiple segments. Unlike the names of other castes, the names of Gynes are usually meaningful. They can be divided into multiple apostrophes.


=Major Hives=
A Worker Unbound Vaurca, for example, may be named '''Ka'Akaix'Siith Zo'ra'''; "Siith" is their personal identifier. The surname is the Hive that the Vaurca is a part of, in this case, "Zo'ra". A Zo'rane Gyne could be named '''Ta'Akaix'Nil'scyet'maak Zo'ra'''; "Nil'scyet'maak" is their personal name.


Although there are thousands of hives, and colors or physical parts of each Hive is not excepted in Vaurca society, as there can be completely different colors of Vaurca within hives, depending on how they are raised, there are generally normals for each Hive. Each hive has varying levels of technology and size, these are just the major ones.
In summary, the name is your Vaurca's caste, whether they are Bound or Unbound, and their personal, unique name. Their surname is their Hive.


==Zo'ra==
===Vaurca Augmentation===
Zo'ra - Unstoppable
While many Vaurcae look identical in an augmented state, aside from various shifts in color, virtually all Vaurcae are augmented in some manner, the degree to which depends very much on their caste and purpose.


“Common Vaurca.
The most augmentation is typically seen in Bound Vaurcae. Much of their organic mass will at some point be replaced with machinery, so they can fulfill one specific task to the best of their ability. Worker Bound will at the completion of their development look more like construction machines than Vaurca, with variable amounts of limbs and a plethora of tools at their disposal. Warrior Bound will assume a variety of forms, varying from simple infantry with weapons and targeting augments to assault vehicles. The more complex the caste name of a Bound, the less recognizable it is as a standard Vaurca.


===General===
Unbound, however, will rarely undergo such severe augmentation. The great limitation of such heavy modification is that it eliminates versatility, which is a significant part of the purpose of the Unbound caste. For many their augments are performance-enhancing instead of completely form-altering. The majority of Unbound are today equipped with at least basic communication augments, which make them versatile assets to speak with extra-hive entities.


Zo'ra, the largest and most powerful hive, and also the first one discovered by Humanity following their Hive-ship 'Titan Prime.' Zo'ra believe themselves to be the Alpha of the Vaurca, and the face of their species, seeing as they have he best technology due to their connections with NanoTrasen and humanity. While they do not conquer other hives to extinction, they employ 'client-hives' that supply the Zo'ra with resources, and man-power when desired.
Ultimately, all Vaurcae currently employed by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate aboard the SCCV Horizon are of the least augmented tier—either Type AA, Type BA, or Type E. Their carapace is almost totally unmodified. Bound and Unbound alike will have a neural socket and an oxygen filtration system, and they may utilize full-limb prosthetics. Bound may have several augments designed to increase work efficiency or general survival, while Unbound will typically have only a few augments to ensure that they can fulfill any task assigned to them by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate.


Most Zo'ra do not like other hives, having a superiority complex.
==See also==
 
* [[Vaurca Hives]], where you can find information on each brood. There is a portal available to navigate between broods pages easily.
Because of the size of the Zo'ra hive, they function with a series of Type CA. The 'High Queen' as it stands, is on the homeworld, with 'minor' Type CA functioning in a relay effect of power.
* [[Vaurca Biology]], to learn more about the specifics of each caste and the many bioforms.
 
* The [https://discord.gg/mtCq7VpaqB Vaurca channels on the lore Discord], where you can learn and ask more about the species.
The Zo'ra are on a current 'war of conquest' with their own species because of their discovery of Bluespace technology due to contact with humanity, and the building of a stable Bluespace gate within their home system, Sedantis. They maintain trade with NanoTrasen and the Sol Alliance.
 
===Military Projection===
 
*Hive ships: 8 currently operational, 3 under construction.
*Navy: Approximately 68.9% strength of Sol Alliance projection.
*Army: Approximately 71.3% strength of Sol Alliance projection.
*Overall: Approximately 70% strength of Sol Alliance projection.
 
===Population Projection===
 
*Systems Occupied: 13
*Colonies operational: 19
*Total Population projection: 77.3 Billion
*Type A population projection: 46.9 Billion
*Type B Population projection: 30.4 Billion
*Type CA Population projection: 1 million
*Type CB Population Projection: 30 million
 
*Bound percentage: 99%
*Unbound percentage: 1%
*Total amount of Unbound: 773 million.
 
===Technological Projection===
 
*Rating: Advanced.
*Drive type: FTL, Bluespace. (After initial contact with humanity.)
*Weapons: Laser, particle, projectile.
*Technological summary: The Zo'ra hive is incredibly technologically advanced compared to other hives, and about *even when it comes to humanity. They have the best weaponry, efficient bluespace drive systems that they have *equipped onto their own ships, and advanced shielding systems that they have agreed to share knowledge with NanoTrasen.
 
===Relations Summary===
 
Races:
Humanity: Good.
Skrell: Good.
Unathi: Neutral.
Tajaran: Neutral.
Diona: Neutral.
Vox: Cool.
 
Human Factions:
Sol Alliance: Allied.
Republic of Biesel: Allied.
Eridani Federation: Neutral.
Republic of Elyra: Cool.
Syndicate: Hostile.
 
Other Hives:
K'lax: Client-Hive.
Vess'ex: Client-Hive.
Lii'dra: War.
V'scal: War.
F'iosi: War.
Zat'ios: War.
 
===Zhan-Khazan===
Zhan-Khazan - Mountain-Keeper
 
“The Workhorse”
 
====Zhan-Khazan Physiology====
 
Zhan-Khazan are the second most populous of Tajaran ethnicities, and are considered to be the backbone of the Tajaran workforce. Their history as an ethnicity is one not well documented; very little historical texts describing them were preserved in the wake of the Great War, and archaeological dig sites are difficult to preserve given the climate of Adhomai. What is known, however, is that the Zhan-Khazan were at one point a race of cave-and-mountain dwelling Tajaran that traditionally were entrusted with physical work like mining, farming, ranching, and logging.
 
Because of their history of hard work and the way they adapted to harsh mountain life, Zhan-Khazan are more physically intimidating than their close relatives, the M'sai. Featuring more toned, muscular bodies, thicker fur coats, and a heavier body weight, they are well-suited to tasks requiring brute strength and heavy lifting. They are by no means less intelligent than the Hharar, but most Zhan-Khazan do not pursue the same type of work. Zhan-Khazan make up a significant amount of Tajaran employed in resource gathering, construction, civil jobs such as law enforcement and even culinary work such as butchering.
 
Zhan-Khazan as a group are usually the following colors
 
Blue-Grey (RGB 34, 37, 50)
Dark Gray (RGB 30, 30, 30)
Chocolate (RGB 94, 38, 18)
 
Zhan-Khazan fur patterns are remarkably simple, usually consisting of only dark solid colors or at the most ticked fur or tabby stripes. They are capable of lighter colors and more varied fur patterns, but these are rare, recessive traits present in pure Zhan-Khazan bloodlines. Those that breed outside of their ethnicity have a higher chance of passing on their dark fur, as their genes are more dominant compared to other ethnic groups. These genes are present in both male and female parents.
 
====Zhan-Khazan Culture====
 
For most of Tajaran history, Zhan-Khazan were tasked with more difficult work as they were more suited to physical labor than their brethren. They were subject to harsher punishments and more repressive mandates as the plutocracy viewed them as lesser to other Tajaran. Faced with work that segregated them from most settlements, the Zhan-Khazan have grown to be incredibly protective of their families and their own and follow traditional family values closely. Things like arranged marriages, inter-clan courting and gift-giving, and clan alliances were and are exceedingly common for Zhan-Khazan, and they support a close family life style. Those who go against their family face exile from their small, tight-knit communities. Zhan-Khazan also hold their co-workers in similar high regard, though not as much as blood ties.
 
Many Zhan-Khazan worship the Snow God, and scholars believe this faith was invented by this ethnic group. Small shrines are a common sight amongst settlements of or having a high population of Zhan-Khazan, and they hold very active, evangelical services. As such, many Zhan-Khazan take the teachings of the Snow God to heart, including unification amongst Tajaran. They care immensely about the future of their species and most do what they can for the betterment of Tajaran as a whole. Zhan-Khazan are highly valued agricultural and mining experts, and they make up almost seventy percent of the farmer and rancher population of Adhomai.
 
Like all other Tajaran, Siik'maas and Siik'tajr are the 'official' language of the Zhan-Khazan, but they were the inventors of the lesser dialect of Delvahhi. This language is still widely used in religious ceremonies dedicated to the Snow God and amongst settlements comprised mostly of Zhan-Khazan. It is also the favored language of farmers, who have adopted it in the wake of government intrusions into the agricultural industry of Adhomai.
 
===Njarir’Akhran===
Njarir’Akhran - Nobleman
 
"The Blood Rulers"
 
====Njarir'Akhran Physiology====
 
The Njarir'Akhran, or simply the Njarir, are the ethnic group that made up the majority of the plutocracy prior to the Great War. Their lineage can be traced from careful breeding between Hharar and M'sai, leading to where they currently are today. Following recent events on Adhomai, Njarir make up less than ten percent of the population, though reports see that number reducing slowly between honor killings and hate crimes given their close relation to the Tajaran nobility. Easily identifiable by their large ears, fluffy tails, luxurious fur and slender, elegant features. Njarir suffer persecution and rejection from certain proponents of Tajaran society because of their bloodline.
 
Historically, Njarir comprised almost the entirety of the Tajaran nobility. Efforts were made to keep noble lines purebred, even if it led to inbreeding in clans. Those who married outside of or slept outside of their bloodline were generally disowned by their family and forced into peasant life. This accounts for practically all surviving Njarir outside of those in the Hadii clan, who serve in important parts of the federal government. As the most learned of all Tajaran ethnic groups, they boast high intelligence and have a propensity towards the arts and sciences. Many have fled Adhomai only to be offered cushy jobs elsewhere working for the Alliance, other factions, or transstellar corporations. These individuals are looked down upon even more.
 
Njarir'Akhran are usually the following colors
 
Orange (RGB 238, 64, 0)
Cinnamon (RGB 160, 82, 45)
Ruddy (RGB 138, 54, 15)
Cream (RGB 205, 175, 149)
 
In stark contrast to their brethren, Njarir tend toward very bright, colorful fur patterns. Typically, their fur color ranges from reddish browns to cream colors, and they do not generally have dark fur. Siamese patterns as well as tortoiseshell or patched tabby patterns were valued amongst Njarir bloodlines, and those with more intricate fur patterns were revered and admired by their fellow noblemen, and it was considered an attractive trait in a female. Despite all this, these patterns have been shown to be recessive genes in Njarir, and the most common fur pattern is simply stripes.
 
====Njarir'Akhran Culture====
 
Due to their history as the ruling class of Tajaran, many records pertaining to Njarir practices and culture were destroyed in acts of insubordination. This, coupled with the widespread burning of Njarir literature and destruction of castles, villas, and chateaus, has led to a loss of critical information in ancient Njarir practices. What is known, however, is that only a handful of Njarir were ever part of the peasantry. As stated previously, keeping the bloodline pure was almost mandated amongst the noble clans and anyone who broke this rule was exiled to a life as a peasant. Other stipulations were agreed upon to ensure the 'nobleness' of a family member. One could not marry a peasant, or involve themselves in peasant affairs unless it proved a problem to productivity. To be seen in public, a nobleman or woman were obligated to wear fanciful clothing to show their status and were discouraged from physical contact with the peasantry.
 
Following the Great War, almost every noble family was systematically exterminated. The only noble clan still in power is the Hadii, who serve in the Tajaran government. It has proved exceedingly difficult to acquire testimony or records from living Hadii members, who wish not to anger the Tajaran public any further due to the still unstable post-revolution period on Adhomai. Relics recovered from Njarir ruins, however, suggest that at one point they were highly religious, giving credence to the theory that these noble clans evolved from religious leaders.
 
Siik'maas was the widely spoken language of Njarir, though amongst themselves they preferred to use the Ya'ssa dialect. Presumed to be the traditional language of the nobility, it uses a more refined alphabet and speech pattern believed to have evolved from a less-used ancient language. Hadii members have been recorded to still use this language, though ultimately with the widespread annihilation of noble families, this language has fallen into disuse and is not taught or provided as a language able to be learned.
 
===M’sai===
M'sai - Hunter
 
"The Soldier"
 
====M'sai Physiology====
 
As the third (though only by a small margin) populous Tajaran ethnic group, the M'sai were at one point the hunters for ancient Tajaran and evolved to have lithe, slender forms, and light fur that hid them in the blizzards on Adhomai. As Tajaran society advanced, M'sai could be found in many roles related to combat, including law enforcement and military service. Not all M'sai resign themselves to these positions, however, and enjoy helping Zhan-Khazan on the country farms or performing civil duties in cities from garbage disposal to cargo inspections.
 
Characterized by their thin, slender forms, the M'sai are deceptively light; by Tajaran standards, they are thin. With less but thicker fur and a thinner layer of body fat, they aren't as well-insulated against Adhomai's cold as their brethren. However, this gives them the bonus of being speedier, and their bodies are designed to be aerodynamically compatible with the harsh winds of Adhomai. Where a Zhan-Khazan would stumble as he weathered the winds, a M'sai can easily and quickly sprint through without being affected. The product of millenia of breeding between Zhan-Kazan and Hharar, the M'sai are agile, intelligent, and have quick reaction times, making them ideal for high stress work.
 
M'sai are usually the following colors
 
White (RGB 238, 223, 204)
Ivory (RGB 205, 205, 192)
Wheat (RGB 205, 186, 150)
Silver (RGB 192, 192, 192)
 
M'sai tend toward subtle fur patterns, such as ticked fur or spots. Their lighter colors are dominant genes and usually express themselves in cross-ethnic children, overwriting the parent fur color - except in the case of mating with a Zhan-Khazan. The dark and light colors mix, leading to a diluted shade of the darker fur. As they evolved to be hunters in the snow, dark fur colors tend to be suppressed in their children, as previously stated.
 
====M'sai Culture====
 
M'sai are known to typically be mild-mannered, but can also be prone to more aggression than their brethren. M'sai make up a significant portion of the People's Army of Adhomai, with a 2454 census giving a total of sixty-two point eight percent of soldiers, airmen, and sailors having been M'sai. They are very loyal to their friends and family, but aren't as overt about it as the Zhan-Khazan. With wide eyes and acute senses, they make great soldiers, with vision adapted to compensation for the heavy blizzards that plague their home planet. They are also great survivalists, and are capable of scrounging food for themselves via hunting.
 
Historically, they were employed by the plutocracy to aid in hunting and ranching, though the majority made up the armies and guards of cities, villages, and towns. They also made excellent scouts, and during the Tajaran's Renaissance period, were part of cartography teams assigned to record and draw maps of then-unexplored territory in the northern regions of the planet. In the town of Davistok, a silver statue of the explorer D'nante was commissioned by its noble family for having discovered the land there the wealthy trade city was built; they were held in higher regard by the nobility who viewed them as closer cousins than the other ethnic groups.
 
Siik'maas and Siik'tajr were always widely used by M'sai, but the body-focused language of Nal'rassan was their creation. Because the mrowling and vocal expressions of Siik'maas could sometimes alert prey to their presence and drive them away, hunting parties adopted this language to prevent such a thing from occurring. Rebel sects saw the use of this language and took made use of it for covert discussions and the transmission of highly classified information before and during the Great War.
 
=Adhomai Today=
 
[[File:Capital.jpg|thumb|alt=The Tajaran capital.|The Tajaran capital of Nal'tor has seen great developments in recent years.]]
 
The Tajaran homeworld has suffered plenty in the only three decades since the end of the revolution. With the sudden injection of advanced technology into their relatively simple life, the discrepancy between modernized cities and outlying areas could not be more obvious. While the Tajaran capital boasts the most modern developments with sleek skyscrapers, advanced connections and phone lines, as well as hospitals and schools, the further you get from the larger cities, the more apparent it is that things are not quite so flashy.
Many Tajaran villages and even some cities show remnants of war; where many buildings and monuments once stood, rubble and artrillery craters are all that remain. Landmines scattered throughout the wilderness are still active and provide dangers to hunting parties or travellers, and abandoned bunkers and artillery emplacements litter the countryside. Trenches and battle sites are still being discovered, and every other week you hear a rumor about how someone had their leg blown off after stumbling into a mine field.
There is a steady stream of money being fed into the Tajaran government. NanoTrasen, as per it's agreement with the president, have set up mining and logging operations on Adhomai using the local work force for the most menial of tasks. In return, company funded clinics and schools are slowly being spread out and build in the needy areas. Tajaran resource operations are now all but nonexistant; the buildings that were once part of the nobility's small gathering efforts have now been refurbished and are being used by NanoTrasen.
Literacy has risen to its all time high on Adhomai, and with the assistance of the Alliance, teachers have been brought in from off world to educate the younger generation of Tajaran. Special estbalishments for older students have also been constructed to assist the elder generation in being brought to the same level of education, but NanoTrasen has not expressed significanti nterest in this; these people make up the brunt of their low-paid workforce and they want to ensure that they are kept that way.
There are still several proponents of revolution that oppose the current government, but in the light of the previous, incredibly bloody war that rocked Adhomai, no armed conflict has been reported as of yet. Calling themselves the 'Followers', this group of revolutionaries are made up of Tajaran from almost every walk of life. Opposing corporate claims on Tajaran soil and citing mismatched development and governmental negligence as the fault of humanity, they aim to 'free Tajaran from the new shackles imposed upon them by the corproate overlords' and return Adhomai to a 'free, prospoerous planet like our ancestors dreamed of'.


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Revision as of 02:41, 16 May 2024

Vaurca (Vaur'uyit'zir)
V. esseli / V. sapiens
Vaurcaduo.png
Home System: Sedantis (Sc'theth'stak, "Blinding Light.")
Homeworld: Sedantis I (Vaur'avek'uyit, "Home Afar.")
Language(s): Vaurcese, Hivenet.
Political Entitie(s): Zo'ra Hive, K'lax Hive, C'thur Hive.

Vaurcae, (Vaurca in singular term and Vaurcae in multiple) are an arthropodous species that naturally organize themselves into eusocial groups. The Vaurca are one of the oldest surviving civilizations in the known galaxy, with a history that can be traced back 730 000 years ago. Now they arrive in the Orion Spur as colonists, reluctantly taken in by other civilizations.

Their eusocial organizations are referred to as Hives, led by a High Queen, typically named after the Hive itself. Below the High Queen, Lesser Queens govern specific Hive functions. Both Lesser and High Queens, as well as Surrogate Breeders, are the exclusive types of Vaurcae capable of laying eggs for the generation of new individuals. Birth under a particular Queen or Surrogate Breeder assigns a Vaurca to her brood, resulting in distinct traits and a variant carapace color compared to others. Further details on these structures and broods can be explored on the Vaurca Hives page.

Vaurca civilization is separated into several castes, with members of each caste having their biology, psychology, and education determined before they are even born. Each individual Vaurca is made often for a specific function pertaining to their caste. Vaurcae are separated further between two groups, known as psyches: Akaix (Unbound) and Viax (Bound). Akaix are no less of a person than any human, whereas Viax are incredibly simple-minded, running on no more than a desire to do what they are told, designed for their function rather than versatility. More about the castes can be read on the Vaurca Biology page.

Vaurcae have mechanical extras such as extensive xenowear loadout and their homeworld's flag. K'ois as a product is available in-game and they have a rather grand set of unobtainable event-spawn objects and mobs. Massive Vaurcae Breeders are playable as consular officers, and their lore can further be explored through artifacts and merchant items.

Vaurcae can come from the Zo'ra, K'lax, C'thur, or Lii'dra Hives. The Lii'dra are exclusive to antagonists and events, though antagonist Vaurcae are not limited to Lii'dra.

To apply to be one of the insect-like Vaurcae, apply here.

Important notes: Vaurcae cannot be any Heads of Staff, bridge crew, or be elevated to an interim command position. Vaurcae used to require an Avowal of Responsibility to work any position higher than an intern level, but as of 4/24/2463, Avowals were abolished in Stellar Corporate Conglomerate facilities.

Contents


Mechanics

  • Can only healthily consume food made of k'ois, a yellow fungus originating from the Vaurcesian home planet. K'ois is deadly to other lifeforms.
  • A long-distance language in the form of Global Hivenet. It is accessible with ,9 and can only be heard by other Vaurcae and station-bound synthetics.
  • Immune to phoron gas, and require it to breathe.
  • Have a third arm to hold small objects.
  • Can survive in space without a voidsuit.
  • Do not take damage from electric shocks.
  • Immune to slipping.
  • Do not self-heal.
  • Can toggle night-vision to see in the dark.
  • Take x2 damage from toxins.
  • Bleed out faster.
  • Can be permanently rendered blind by flashing them several times in a row.
  • Vaurca Warriors can bite and are more resistant to burns.
  • Vaurca Workers cannot bite but are more resistant to radiation.
  • Vaurca Bulwarks are slow but immune to radiation and can fireman carry two people at once.

Non-mechanic traits:

  • Dislike light.
  • Be raised in virtual reality.
  • Generally very specialized. Born to serve a specific role.
  • Face severe discrimination in human space.
  • Be incredibly sensitive to smells.

Relationships with Megacorporations

The following is an updated table listing which megacorporations employ Vaurcae. All playable characters must adhere to these specifications; failure to do so may result in administrative action.

Vaurca Hives' Relationships
Corporations Zo'ra K'lax C'thur
NT Preferential Yes Yes
Heph No Exclusive No
Zavod Yes No Yes
ZH Yes Yes Preferential
Idris No No No
PMCG VP/NT VP/NT/DPF VP/Eridani
Orion Yes Yes Yes
Einstein No No Exclusive

Biology

See also: Vaurca Biology

The Vaurca appear as humanoid insects with a unique biology that sets them apart from the rest of the Orion Spur. The species is also known for its wide variety of Bioforms—unique subtypes of Vaurca with distinct anatomy. The most basic Vaurca bioforms possess four arms, with two of them being vestigial and smaller. Their hands showcase four digits, evenly distributed between thumbs and fingers. Their legs culminate in feet perfectly adapted for scaling the tunnels and caverns of their homeworld.

Their heightened sensory perception is channeled through antennae, particularly tuned to an exceptional olfactory sense. Pheromones play a pivotal role in Vaurca communication, acting as a nuanced language, much like words intertwined with delicate scents. This acute olfactory ability enables them to decipher subtle nuances within the intricate tapestry of pheromonal expressions.

All Vaurcae are highly dependent on their specialized augmentations, which may be considered vital organs for their survival. These organs are installed shortly after birth. The most important augmentation for Vaurcae is the neural socket, which allows each member of the species to connect to Virtual Reality and communicate via Hivenet. These two technologies are considered the backbone of Vaurca society.

As Vaurca become more specialized, differences between bioforms are greater. For example, some subtypes of Vaurca may possess more limbs or have been engineered to withstand harsher conditions. Advanced bioforms may also have more unique augmentations, not readily available for the common members of the Hive.

Ka, The Workers (Type A)

Vaurcaworker.png

Type A are the most common Vaurca. Their most prevalent feature is their hardened exoskeleton, varying in colors in accordance with their Hive. This exoskeleton provides protection against harsh radiation, solar and otherwise, and acts as a robust pressure suit to seal their soft inner core from the outside world. This allows most Type A Vaurcae to have extended, several day-long EVA expeditions, assuming they have phoron. Their hands consist of two middle fingers with small talons at the end, and two opposable thumbs, a left and a right, on either side of their hand. Type A range from 5ft to 7ft tall on average, though outliers of both spectra are not unheard of for the more specialized tasks.

It is important to note that Workers explicitly avoid violent situations wherever possible. This is not their function, and they are always more used to the Hive in peak conditions. Nearly all Workers are designed to find violence almost abhorrent—the sight and smell of blood instilling fear and worry for most.

Za, The Warriors (Type B)

Vaurcawarrior.png

Type B are the second most prominent of Vaurca society and some of the most varied. They can range in size from 5ft tall to 8ft tall. Other types of Warriors, known as Warforms, rise to as much as 20ft tall. They can be bipedal, quadrupeds, or hexapods, which are called types BA, BB, and BC respectively. They usually have weapons physically attached to their bodies, making them unwieldy or impractical for any situation other than combat.

Warriors, unlike other types of Vaurcae, are not typically passive. This means that they tend to be more suitable for combat-orientated positions, while Worker and Gyne types tend to be poorly suited for the disposition these types of occupations demand. Unlike Workers, their exoskeleton is not as well equipped for such extended EVA expeditions, however, it can withstand a few hours-long excursions.

The majority of Warrior-caste Vaurcae employed by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate are type BA, also known as Myrmidon. Myrmidons are deprived of the most advanced augments and mostly differ from other types simply in that they are more mentally suited for combat or are involved in the function of something that could be considered a weapon. Unlike Workers, type BA possesses longer, more powerful mandibles. These can be customizable on the character creation screen.

Ta, The Breeders (Type C)

Vaurcabreeder.png

Type C are rare among Vaurcae and make up around 2-3% of their entire species. They are massive and larger than any of the other castes. Female Breeders, also known as Gynes, are the ruling caste of the Vaurcae and are the only available type of Breeder on the ship. Type CB, Unbound Gynes, occupy all leadership positions amongst the species and share in the same biological immortality enjoyed by them, many being born in generations long gone.

Queens, lesser and high, are the only types of Vaurcae capable of producing eggs. It falls to specialized Gynes, known as Surrogates, to fertilize, genetically shape, and nurture these eggs to maturation. Being born under a specific Queen places a Vaurca in her brood, with each brood pushing the Vaurca towards distinctive traits reflective of her will and a variant carapace color. Not all Ta are Queens, but all Queens are Ta.

Male Ta are raised as Bound while the females are raised as Unbound. Ta differ substantially from other castes in that they do not have recognized subcastes and instead are separated by ranks. Additionally, unlike the remainder of the Vaurca species, Ta are possessed of great social intelligence, making them ideal candidates for negotiating with aliens on economic and political matters. They easily grasp the nuances of social context, contracts, and systems that other castes have difficulty navigating.

Ta can only be played as Consular Officers.

Playing a Hive Representative

As a Ta aboard the Horizon you are one of the venerable leaders of the Vaurca species and more valuable than any individual Worker or Warrior, a fact you are deeply cognizant of. Vaurca of your Hive are biologically compelled to follow your orders except where they directly contradict a Ta of their own Brood and many Vaurca of other Hive's will do so in ordinary circumstances out of respect, though they are not strictly required to. Your position places you as a representative of the Court of Queens or the state you represent. As such, your diplomatic duties consist primarily of representing your brood in a positive light, advancing the political goals of your Hive, and providing emotional support and advice.

Below are the rules for playing a Ta. Any bends of these rules must be clarified with the species maintainer prior to playing the character. Failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in punishment.

  • No height taller than 11 feet tall.
  • As a Gyne, you are allowed to have a three-syllable name instead of the usual monosyllabic.
  • Auto-hiss basic (s becomes z or more frequently not at all). You have been assigned to work on a station full of aliens, so you would have a vocal implant aiding this significantly due to your status.
  • Avoid combat and avoid doing any labor or specialized work except where absolutely necessary. Ta may and almost always do have hobbies, often developing talents in line with the skills of their brood, and they are expected to be extremely good at them owing to their incredible age. Despite this, they are leaders and politicians, not Warriors or Workers, and they should have no intention of changing this. On matters of strenuous labor, Gynes ultimately prefer delegation and inspiring others to do something.
  • Avoid social ignorance. Gynes possess a high social intelligence thanks to generations of evolution, being literally made for it, so they would be knowledgeable on whether trying to clean a Unathi's horn would upset them or not.
  • Ta are biologically immortal, many having lived through what would to other species be recognized as entire eras of history. Each brood has different customs regarding the age at which a Gyne is ready for diplomatic duties. Few broods trust Ta under 100 years old with any serious positions. The absolute upper limit on playable Ta age is thirty-five-thousand years, born not long before the Great Hive War. Gynes older than this are very rare and typically Queens, Surrogates, or hive-cell Aliates, not finding work aboard the Horizon. Despite this extraordinary range, the average Hive Representative will fall between 500 and 3000 years.
  • Gynes, as important members of the Hives, are entrusted with an administrative neural socket, a tool that gives them greatly increased power over the Hivenet and Virtual Reality. Mechanically, this is reflected in a series of Hivenet verbs, giving them the ability to mute, shock, ban, and even void lesser Vaurca. Despite having access to such with a thought, Ta employ them rarely, and to do so against another Hive's Vaurca without good reason is equivalent to a hostile attack, a major diplomatic incident. Voiding, the act of destroying a Vaurca's neural socket, is an absolute last resort and should never be employed except as a last resort.

Ra, The Bulwarks (Type E)

Bullywiki.png

The newest caste of the Vaurca, Type E are heavyset industrialists who specialize in jobs involving hard labor, engineering, and maintenance. Average specimens stand at 8-10 feet tall and require special clothing due to their unique shape. Type E Vaurca are the least prominent population-wise in the species, due to the fact they were only recently conceived. Bulwarks were unveiled at the first session of the reformed Court of Queens in 2463 before specimens belonging to the other Hives began appearing.

Bulwarks tend to be strictly defensive in their temperament, meaning they will fight to defend themselves and those in their immediate surroundings, before escaping when presented the chance. They will not chase down threats or run into situations they are not already involved in.

Bulwarks are only employed in select locations as of now, due to their relatively recent appearance. Notable locations include the NTCC Odin, the NSS Upsilon, the NSS Aurora, and the SCCV Horizon. Outside of these locations they are heavily monitored in where they go and are typically kept in more secure locations. There are no Queenless Bulwarks.

The Unbound

The Unbound, or Akaix, are the sapient and self-aware parts of Vaurca society. Their eggs and larvae are given specialized care by Surrogates and Bound Workers. The Unbound are born with fully developed brains and are perfectly capable of making rational decisions. They are naturally intuitive, curious, and capable of understanding abstraction, much like a human. However, Unbound are not raised in a traditional manner. Instead, Unbound Vaurcae are trained in Virtual Reality, where they learn to fulfill their tasks for the real world. Depending on the specialization of the Vaurca, this training can widely differ.

Although Unbound are still thinking, sapient beings, they still typically maintain unwavering subservience to the respective hierarchy of their Hive. This is due to a combination of pheromone excretion and indoctrination methods imposed during the growing process of an Unbound. However, when they are not under the direct instruction of a lesser or High Queen, they will typically pursue their own or their own hive-cell's interests.

The Unbound typically take up jobs that require more critical thinking skills, the ability to learn or adapt, and greater abstract thought than simple Bound. In this respect, Unbound Vaurcae can simply be considered on the same level as any human. Integration in the Orion Spur and other alien communities has some of them living alone or in small groups in their own apartments like any other citizen or family, working to support themselves. However, all Vaurcae are required to provide a tithe to their hive-cell, which takes most of their paycheck.

Playing Unbound

Unbound are the human-like part of the Vaurcae species and are capable of playing any non-command role in terms of ability. The uniqueness of their upbringing, combined with the millennial history of the species, provides interesting types of personality not seen in any other species. Unbound can spent thousands of years inside Virtual Reality, either kept in cryogenic storage or resleeved to return to the real world. They can also be freshly birthed, barely knowing anything besides the basics of their trade. Any other variations, as long as they are possible within the lore, are also acceptable. Likely because of their biology, many Vaurcae are generally passive and hold more value in a group's opinion rather than their own, disliking isolation.

Depending on the Hive, the personality of the Unbound can change. This is mostly true among younger Vaurcae. For example, a young K'lax Warrior might understand the military structure of the Izweski Nation and have a good grasp on Unathi traditions. For this reason, Vaurca players are encouraged to read the lore of overlapping cultures.

The Bound

While all Bound are specialized for a specific job or instruction, all are still capable of simple labor.

Bound Vaurcae, Drones, or Viax, are members of a lobotomized slave caste trained to obey orders without question, chosen even before their egg is laid. Eggs designated to be Bound are provided with certain hormonal mixes designed to neutralize brain function critical for higher thought and are then put in a warm, moisture-rich environment while Surrogates and Workers oversee their care. The larvae that hatch from the eggs are then taken to another specialized, moist environment to be raised and augmented. Bound are highly capable in their positions but are incredibly simple-minded; most Vaurcae consider them less sapient than they would an IPC. The result is a very effective worker but one that struggles to adapt to unusual circumstances and has minimal ability to learn or think in abstractions.

Playing Bound

Bound have a lot in common with stationbounds in personality and playstyle. They have no concept of the self and can only act independently in matters of personal survival, maintenance, or self-defense. Vaurca Drones typically speak slowly and have trouble speaking Basic.

Bound typically focus on performing their duty. If asked to do something outside of the scope of their duty a Bound will always use their duty as a reference to the task at hand. Because they are working under the decree of the Hive's Queen, only with good reason would an Unbound Vaurca ask a Bound from its respective Hive to deviate from their duty. Otherwise, Bound are taught and expected to follow station protocols to the best of their ability as it is their duty to do so. Only their Hives' Unbound, and heads of staff can order a Bound to deviate from its duties.

Bound can be easily dismissed—or culled—if their performance is unsatisfactory.

IMPORTANT: Drones are not meant to be stupid. While your Bound Vaurca is expected to be oblivious to most of their surroundings, this does not mean that Viax should be incompetent in their job. A Viax should never show ignorance towards their area of expertise or disregard for basic social conventions.

They can only take the jobs listed here. If a job title is not on this list, you cannot play them as a Bound.

Jobs playable by Bound
Department Jobs Available
Security None
Medical Surgeon, Physician, Pharmacist
Engineering Engineer, Atmospheric Technician
Science Lab Assistant
Operations Hangar Technician, Machinist, Shaft Miner
Service Chef, Bartender, Gardener, Librarian, Janitor
Civilian Assistant

History

See also: Vaurca History

Vaurcae have a rich and complex history spanning over 730 000 years. Because Vaurcae play on the fallen civilization trope, history is very important to them. As such, most Vaurca characters will have a grasp of relevant historical events. Below is a summary of Vaurca history, but you are encouraged to read the complete wiki page.


History Summary

The Vaurca evolved within the harsh environment of Sedantis I, the innermost satellite of the gas giant Sc'theth'stak. Survival beneath the surface demanded constant adaptation. Competition for limited resources fueled millennia of brutal warfare among the emerging Vaurca Hives. However, a pivotal event was the domestication of the k'ois fungus. This agricultural breakthrough spurred population growth, codified the current Hive hierarchy, and laid the foundation for the rise of powerful empires.

Though the exact chronology remains debated, a vast period of Vaurca history stretches back over 500 000 years. This era, often referred to as the Age of Death, was marked by territorial conflicts and aggressive expansionism. It is also the era prior to the Vaurca Virtual Reality technology. Three major powers consolidated their influence: the K'lax Hive, based in the Mya'kt Fault and known for their technological innovation; the Zo'ra Hive, settled in the Veii'kt Plate and famed for their military prowess; and the C'thur Hive, located within the Lei'kt Caves and with noted diplomatic influence.

The Zo'ra Hive, through relentless conquest, established a vast empire. Their rule extended over much of Sedantis, subjugating numerous Hives—including the technologically advanced K'lax. Zo'ra's dominance would shape Vaurca society for millennia to come. Eventually, Zo'rane rule turned from ruthless to enlightened, establishing a revered organization known as the Court of Queens.

On January 5, 27 547 BCE, the small Lii'dra Hive attacked the Xtykt'lotec Rift, home of the Court of Queens. What followed was the Great Hive War, a gruesome conflict that decimated the population of Sedantis. Although only lasting 80 years, the consequences of the Great Hive War deeply impacted Vaurca culture until today.

The aftermath of the Great Hive War brought to Vaurcae the Virtual Reality technology. Virtual Reality reshaped many aspects of Vaurca identity, particularly because it introduced a novel concept—the consciousness of the deceased could now be uploaded to Cephalons, meaning Vaurcae would never face death again. Sedantis, however, was wrecked, and although Virtual Reality was meant to be a gift for all hives, many smaller factions fell into despair, battling for the remnants of a now shrunken Zo'ra Empire. For millennia, the main Vaurca Hives were on the decline. Innovation was feared and diplomacy was kept to a minimum, out of fear of a new war and tensions.

In 412 BCE, the main Vaurca Hives entered a period known as the Hives Renaissance. This epoch saw a great increase in technological advancements and revitalized many aspects of Vaurca society, including religion. The Hives Renaissance reinvigorated the Vaurca desire for knowledge and innovation. The most notable, however, was the Pon'kana Engine. Pon'kana was a novel method of seizing the energy inside Sedantis's core, similar to a localized Dyson sphere. Although the Pon'kana Engine was initially successful, it destabilized the orbit of Sedantis, ultimately leading to its possible demise when a crash was predicted.

With this new knowledge, the Zo'ra Hive decided to evacuate the satellite. Although the K'lax Hive was not originally considered for the Exodus, their Hiveship design was favored. Ultimately, the K'lax were invited to join the Zo'ra. The C'thur reverse-engineered the Hiveship design, joining the Zo'ra and the K'lax among the stars.

Vaurcae wandered for over 2 000 years in space. At first, they established some temporary settlements, most notably Celis. However, the Hives continued to search for a new home until their arrival in the Orion Spur.

The C'thur Hive made first contact with Skrell around 2448-2450. The Zo'ra Hive made first contact with humanity in November 2456. The K'lax Hive made first contact with Unathi in March 2459.

Modern Day

Since arriving in the Orion Spur, the Vaurca have strategically adapted to their new environment. To become indispensable, they have integrated themselves into the Republic of Biesel, Izweski Hegemony, and Nralakk Federation, even providing military manpower. However, their limited resources after the Sedantis Exodus have hampered their military readiness. Not all factions feel the same about the presence of Vaurcae in the Orion Spur. For example, the Elyrans, scarred by the Lii'dra incursion, might be warry of all Vaurca Hives.

Though diminished from their former glory, the Zo'ra Hive remains a formidable power in the Orion Spur. Their military might is unmatched among the Vaurca Hives, boasting a vast force of warriors and specialized warforms. The military and political finesse of the Zo'ra is mostly evident in the Tau Ceti Armed Forces, where they assisted the young republic by filling their ranks. This move granted them influence within the military structure and a path into the intricate political web of the Spur. The Zo'ra's focus on hybridizing weapons technology has also allowed them to strike deals with megacorporations, such as the NanoTrasen Corporation and Zavodskoi Interstellar. While they have successfully revived the Court of Queens in their capital, New Sedantis, a significant portion of the Zo'ra population on Biesel live in great squalor. For more information, visit Zo'ra in the Republic of Biesel.

While the Zo'ra focus on military and political influence, the K'lax Hive has proven most adept at harnessing advanced technologies for the Orion Spur's realities. This comes as little surprise to the K'lax, the brilliant inventors whose contributions were often overshadowed by the Zo'ra. Their collaboration with the Unathi on Moghes saw the ingenious adaptation of ancient terraforming machines to the Spur's materials. This expertise fueled their transformation of the desolate colony of Tret into a sprawling factory planet—the new industrial heart of the Izweski Hegemony. Tret's vast production capabilities have significantly boosted the Hegemony's economy, fueling military expansion and technological development. While the K'lax also provide Warriors to the Hegemony, their numbers pale in comparison to the Zo'ra's contributions to the Tau Ceti Armed Forces. Despite this, unfavorable external deals with Hephaestus Industries limit the full financial rewards the K'lax reap from their industrial prowess. For more information, visit K'lax in the Izweski Nation.

Economically, it is only the C'thur Hive who have truly profited. While the other Hives are reliant on collective money pools brought in by employed Bound and Unbound or the leftovers of their own factory exports, being harbored by the generous Nralakk Federation has opened up a large amount of opportunities, to say nothing of the C'thur Hive's historical inclinations. The C'thur have bought a significant portion of Einstein Engines, opening a connection to the Eridani Corporate Federation, and many job opportunities. These factors have resulted in the C'thur being in a financial and corporate advantage. Money that is received by Hives is typically distributed between the Queens, each given the discretion to use their share however they wish within certain limits. For more information, visit C'thur in the Nralakk Federation.

Individuals

For many Unbound, adapting to their new lives has been a tough ordeal, but one that is short suffered. Once settled, most hive-cells are capable of sharing a single-bedroom apartment due to their preference for confined spaces and their tendency for practicality over personality. Personal possessions are not uncommon, Unbound are welcome to spend what little money they typically receive on hobbies.

Workers mostly shifted from serving the Hive to employment well, with only a few incredibly specialized Unbound finding difficulty. While confusion was apparent at the complicated process of the simple act of going to work, once clarified, many Vaurcae brought their specialized knowledge and pragmatism into like-minded fields, typically able to share their intricate knowledge with great practical success. On a social level, however, many Unbound are prone to varying levels of discrimination. Such acts can be extremely discreet, such as being made to do a less desirable task. On the other hand, some overtly voice their dislike, often showing their ignorance of how Vaurcae operate and live. More obvious examples of dislike include incidents such as Tajara gangs having feuds with Vaurcae in Mendell City.

Warriors, however, did not have such an easy transition. While there were some who could transition as well as most Workers, many of the Unbound purely bred for combat struggled to find applicable work. Some of these soldiers slowly managed to trickle into work as private security, bodyguards, and alike, while others found trivial work doing menial or laborious tasks. K'lax Warriors mostly serve in the Hegemony. Meanwhile, many others, especially from the Zo'ra Hive, have found a place doing what they do best in the Tau Ceti Armed Forces. Much of this situation was recently alleviated by the founding of the Pan-Vaurcesian military the Private_Military_Contracting_Group#Ve'katak_Phalanx which draws in a large percentage of what would be the otherwise unemployed Vaurca Warriors, giving them a place in service to the Court of Queens.

Bulwarks are somewhere in-between. As the newest mainstream caste, they have been specifically bred for specialized purposes. However, there are still many limitations. As many Bulwarks were a novelty when they were first unveiled, their uses were diverse. Currently, most Bulwarks are still employed in heavy industries such as mining or engineering. Some outliers remain, working in other fields as unique and valuable assets.

Culture

See also: Vaurca Culture and Society and Vaurca Religion

As the oldest sapient species in the Orion Spur, Vaurca history and culture are incredibly rich and diverse. However, the dominant understanding of Vaurca culture stems from the traditions of the Zo'ra Hive and their historical empire. While the K'lax and C'thur Hives possess their own cultural variations, the influence of the Zo'ra permeated their vast domain for centuries.

Prior to the invention of Virtual Reality, Vaurca artistic expression prioritized physical mediums. One of the main art forms was grandiose architecture, often carved directly into the caverns of Sedantis. These sculptural and architectonic feats demonstrated both skill and devotion. Intricate sculptures and elaborate rhythmic music were other cornerstones of their culture. These enduring art forms have seen a revival among Vaurca in the Orion Spur seeking to differentiate themselves and showcase their unique heritage to other species.

Today, much of Vaurca culture exists within the digital landscape. Each Queen maintains vast virtual temples dedicated to knowledge, arts, and crafts. This shift towards digitalization has shaped the core of modern Vaurca cultural expression. Within Virtual Reality, Vaurcae find an unlimited canvas for artistic pursuits, collaborative learning, and the preservation of history.

Religion plays a significant role in the lives of many Vaurcae. While individuals or hive-cells often choose their faith, it remains one of the few aspects of an Unbound Vaurca's life not wholly dictated by the Queens. Virtually all Vaurca faiths revere the Queens, particularly their own. This reverence, reinforced by pheromones and immersive Virtual Reality experiences, contributes to the stability of the Hives and strengthens the Queens' rule.

Language

Before the invention of the Hivenet in the Era of Augments, Vaurcae would communicate by distributing pheromones from mouth to mouth for complex messages, and vibrations with their antennae for simpler messages, sent via larger distances. Since Vaurcae do not possess a vocal tract, spoken language was unknown to them until their arrival to the Spur. The invention of the Hivenet allowed for a better and more long-range method to communicate with each other, making cooperation more efficient. While to a stranger Hivenet might just sound like rhythmic vibrations, for a Vaurca the received message—which is encoded pheromones coded and transmitted as signals—"sounds" in their head, which is how the Vaurcese vocabulary has been incorporated in Human, Skrell, and Unathi space.

These encoded pheromones can also transmit emotions and other kinds of warnings. Because of the lack of facial expressions available for Vaurcae, it is common for individuals to express themselves by sending a message such as this on the net. Other simple encoded messages such as small onomatopoeic sounds, reactions like eye-rolls, and basic "images" may also be sent. "Videos" are too heavy to be encapsulated by pheromones in the way other species would understand it, instead coming across as a collection of feelings and basic information.

Since the species' arrival in the Spur, they have been forced to develop augmentations known as voice synthesizers which allow for speech and the translation of language. The majority of these voice modulators are cheap, which is responsible for much of the species possessing a peculiar buzzing accent. Without this augmentation, no Vaurca is able to audibly receive or reproduce a xenolanguage. Additionally despite the species not having used a written language commonly since the invention of Virtual Reality, Vaurcae are able to learn to read and write in Basic, and for an employee on board the SCCV Horizon, part of their education would have consisted in such.

Speaking like a Vaurca

Vaurcae working in alien space have augments that allow them to have an easier time speaking the languages of the Orion Spur. However, due to the desperate times the species is in, speech augments tend to be of variable quality. Vaurcae typically expresses an unfamiliarity with most alien languages, preferring to use basic words and sentence structures over more complex ones, and often may be unaware of the exact meaning of words, or the names of objects, instead describing them. This tends to happen most to those who are not used to alien cultures.

Many Vaurcae and their vocal augments have difficulty producing sounds related to the letter "s", and instead substitute with a harsh buzzing in the throat. For example, "May I please have some k'ois?" becomes "May I pleaze have zome k'oiz?" The sonorization of the "s" is less prevalent in K'lax Vaurcae, as they usually have a more refined voice modulator that allows them to mimic the voiceless fricative so present in Unathi languages. Because of this, K'lax players are encouraged to set the auto-hiss to "basic" in the game settings. This is a recommendation and K'lax players are by no means required to do this.

Most voice modulators have difficulty producing soft consonant sounds such as those produced by "f" or "ph", and instead substitute them with a voiced "vh". For example, "Phoron gas is fine!" becomes "Vhoron gas is vhine!" Some unfortunate specimen may even be plagued with both impediments at once. For example, "The phoron in these k'ois lets me breathe." becomes "The vhoron in theze k'oiz letz me breathe." These speech impediments are commonly found in Vaurcae of the Zo'ra and C'thur Hives. As a result, players are encouraged to set the auto-hiss to "full" in the game settings.

The speech impediments of your Vaurca can be pushed even further, and you are encouraged to experiment with what works best for you. If committed to it, the voice modulator of a Vaurca can make their Basic almost unintelligible. However, keep in mind that some jobs have regulations for speech impediments. As such, you are encouraged to try to maintain your Vaurca characters relatively easy to communicate with.

Depending on the specialization of each hive-cell, the voice modulator might be of better quality. Some Vaurcae employed in more "prestigious" roles usually have little to no difficulty producing sounds in Basic. Vaurca Breeders almost always have high-end voice modulators that do not distort the sound. In some cases, such as representatives of the Izweski Hegemony or the Nralakk Federation, the Gyne might imitate the usual speech patterns of their host species.

Naming System

Vaurcae have first names made of three parts. The first part is their caste: Ka for Workers, Za for Warriors, Ra for Bulwarks, or Ta for Breeders. The second syllable indicates whether they are Bound or Unbound; Akaix for Unbound, Viax for Bound.

The last syllable of the name is unique and decided by the player. In Vaurcese, this segment would translate to a unique identifier, representing a natural number. This serial identifier can repeat between Hives, but you are discouraged from copying the name of another character. All identifiers should be short, at most two syllables. Gynes in the ship usually have longer names, consisting of multiple segments. Unlike the names of other castes, the names of Gynes are usually meaningful. They can be divided into multiple apostrophes.

A Worker Unbound Vaurca, for example, may be named Ka'Akaix'Siith Zo'ra; "Siith" is their personal identifier. The surname is the Hive that the Vaurca is a part of, in this case, "Zo'ra". A Zo'rane Gyne could be named Ta'Akaix'Nil'scyet'maak Zo'ra; "Nil'scyet'maak" is their personal name.

In summary, the name is your Vaurca's caste, whether they are Bound or Unbound, and their personal, unique name. Their surname is their Hive.

Vaurca Augmentation

While many Vaurcae look identical in an augmented state, aside from various shifts in color, virtually all Vaurcae are augmented in some manner, the degree to which depends very much on their caste and purpose.

The most augmentation is typically seen in Bound Vaurcae. Much of their organic mass will at some point be replaced with machinery, so they can fulfill one specific task to the best of their ability. Worker Bound will at the completion of their development look more like construction machines than Vaurca, with variable amounts of limbs and a plethora of tools at their disposal. Warrior Bound will assume a variety of forms, varying from simple infantry with weapons and targeting augments to assault vehicles. The more complex the caste name of a Bound, the less recognizable it is as a standard Vaurca.

Unbound, however, will rarely undergo such severe augmentation. The great limitation of such heavy modification is that it eliminates versatility, which is a significant part of the purpose of the Unbound caste. For many their augments are performance-enhancing instead of completely form-altering. The majority of Unbound are today equipped with at least basic communication augments, which make them versatile assets to speak with extra-hive entities.

Ultimately, all Vaurcae currently employed by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate aboard the SCCV Horizon are of the least augmented tier—either Type AA, Type BA, or Type E. Their carapace is almost totally unmodified. Bound and Unbound alike will have a neural socket and an oxygen filtration system, and they may utilize full-limb prosthetics. Bound may have several augments designed to increase work efficiency or general survival, while Unbound will typically have only a few augments to ensure that they can fulfill any task assigned to them by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate.

See also

  • Vaurca Hives, where you can find information on each brood. There is a portal available to navigate between broods pages easily.
  • Vaurca Biology, to learn more about the specifics of each caste and the many bioforms.
  • The Vaurca channels on the lore Discord, where you can learn and ask more about the species.