unathi [ACCEPTED] Desven flicks his tongue

[Desven]

An Unathi application.

 

BYOND Key: Desven

Character names: I might clean up my slots, but the characters I'm actually playing are Pierre Godard, Qaal Nramala, Ka'Akaix'Pax C'thur, Zhranzda Rajii'thaamar and An Oath to Soothe the Vulnerable Souls.

Species you are applying to play: Unathi

What color do you plan on making your first alien character: I'm not sure yet. Probably azure, probably sand. It really depends once I get to try the character creator.

Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: Yessir

 

Please provide well articulated answers to the following questions in a paragraph format. One paragraph minimum per question.

Why do you wish to play this specific race:

I wasn't planning on applying so soon, but the other day I spent the whole day at the hospital with a lot of free time and decided to read Unathi lore. I had a really vague idea, mostly from my interaction as Dominian and reading the Dommie lore, and all I knew about Moghes, properly, was feudalism and some desert that was full of radiation. While I've had them on my scope already, and even wondered on making a lizard with my rough understanding of them, it wasn't until I read the lore that I actually gained a lot more interest and realized how cool they are. There's also the fact that Haydizzle is spriting a lot of cool stuff and I would like to try those items when I can.

Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human:

This one is a little bit tricky for me because my human character is Dominian and they share a lot of values and tradition. However, the importance of honor, the clan structures that are ingrained in basically all Unathi, as well as the feudalist setting. Sure, they can also devour small animals and hiss funnily, but that's more the mechanics rather than how Unathi interact, especially which each other, which is something I also like to see. All those little details like how to stare at you, or how they will lose their cool if you call them by their first name, are things that you always consider while playing as a human (or any other species) and referring to a Unathi, and in that way they're really alien to us.

 

Character Name: Seznia Zarkami

Please provide a short backstory for this character:

Hatched five months after the bombs dropped, Seznia was born at the Zarkami clan was already devasted by the Contact War. Traditionally carpenters and artisans, almost all Zarkami men lost their lives during the conflict, and other few would lose theirs because of the effects of radiation. Seznia was afected by this, too, with her horn split into two points, almost giving the impression that it's broken, and a deformed right foot that would only be replaced later in life, with disdain from some of her community. Nevertheless, Zarkami women rapidly allied with Queen Szek'Hakh, who found herself in similar circumstances, and relocated to Yu'kal, where they would aid to rebuild the settlement and the aquaculture farms.

Seznia herself, in this rapidly changing environment, wished to become a warrior, but her meek figure, and her inability to properly walk because of her foot, would make it impossible. While her clan was supportive of her, especially her mother and her surviving brother, they understood the need for a more proper and traditional work for her, and she would follow the Zarkami's steps of carpentry (in her clan, originally reserved for men) and upholstery (for women). While this would not fulfill her, since the age of 15 she became a member of her clan's workshop.

The introduction of Hephaestus technology would dramatically change her life. She would receive a prosthetic, which some Th'akh shaman would disapprove, but that her (also Th'akh) clan would encourage, as she would gain proper mobility. Seznia herself thought of this as a blessing. It would prove too late for her to change paths in life, and the ability to move, which was gradual at first, would not make her think that her experience would change. She thought she would remain in carpentry for the rest of her life.

Because of the efforts of her Queen to get her people out of the Wastelands, part of the Clan Zarkami would be transported by a Crevan smuggler by the name of Aslakhanov. This Tajara would promise to take them to Biesel, however, his ship would suffer an ambush by a rival family entering Ceti space would leave them stranded for a while, and an engineering emergency required the ship's engine to be repaired. Seznia would be asked for help on the matter, as all hands had to cooperate, and while she mostly observed the ones with actual engineering experience, this would encourage her to enroll to a technical school once they safely arrived to Mendell.

What do you like about this character?:

Despite some similarities with my other characters, I feel like she's the most unique to me. First of all, I don't tend to play female characters, and while her meek figure might be a cause of radiation, I think she has some 'strong woman' vibes with her, and I can picture her to have a heavy personality too. Secondly, I have no idea how to play engineering, so this would be my introduction to that department too, and it makes me excited. I'm hoping that, once I learn the ropes, Zarkami can become one of those engineers that do remodelations all over the station.

How would you rate your role-playing ability?: A 7 today? Yeah, a 7 today.

Bonus questions:

What does Zarkami think about the Hegemony?: She doesn't really like it, but as her Queen, she tries to remain cordial. She believes their greed caused the war that has had a great impact in her life, but the solution for her would probably be Izweski recognizing the Queendom formally and leaving them alone or, even better, aiding them in such a harsh environment. This is probably a recurring theme with me but I don't like to make characters that become immediately hostile when they meet somebody of the opposing faction as them, as it feels like a caricature to me. I think she has mixed opinions, and while growing up she probably would've had a more warrior-like answer, wishing to battle, now in her 20s she opts for the peaceful resolution.

What do I think about Unathi lore?: War! Betrayal! Nukes! It's really fun to read, and feels like an epic at times. I think you've done a wonderful job capturing the atmosphere, and I think the huge amount of Wastelanders onstation proves that the irradiated desert is an amazing setting. I'm a huge fan of wasteland stories, cowboys and such, and I love hearing and reading about people surviving in a harsh environment, and while I don't want to make Zarkami a frontier character, I would like for her to tell stories about her life in Moghes.

What do I think the Unathi lore lacks?: I've said it to Haydizzle and on the discord before, I think expanding of the kingdoms before the Contact war, as well as on languages, would be a really neat addition. I'm glad the loredevs are interested in this too, and agree that in a future something about it should be implemented. I like the Skrell lore and Tajara lore solutions for an universal language for their race, but something about Sinta'Unathi and Sinta'Azaziba doesn't quite convince me. That's just my two cents.

Notes: nothing else for the moment

Edited May 9, 2021 by Haydizzle

[Captain Gecko]

+1

Please someone give this man a WL, he's a good players and we really, REALLY need more dominian lizards.

[DeadLantern]

Hi! We've reviewed your application and hits on most of the core themes; however, there are some things that are skimmed. Please answer the following questions:

1. You say that Zarkami was smuggled, and that's where that story ends; in reality, it would go far deeper. First of all, for a variety of reasons, a smuggler would not simply touchdown on the City and pick up people to be smuggled. They would have to trek across the Wasteland to a Hegemon spaceport, most likely--a trip fraught with danger taking, at least, some weeks. How would this trek be? How would they enter a Hegemonic spaceport? Unfortunately, it's not easy to be smuggled. Where would she get the credits, too--did she go with anyone? Why, even? You should consider these questions. Additionally: you say that this ship was attacked by a "rival family". A rival family to this Tajaran smuggle? To Zarkami? Why in space? Did they fail? And, if they were so close to Tau Ceti--could they not just launch a distress signal? TC does take in refugees. Just some things to mull over.

2. You speak very little about honor and religion, with the former being especially important for a hopeful-warrior. What are her (and your) opinions on honor? And, perhaps, more importantly, what are her views on religion? A traditional Unathi's entire way of life is organized around religion, especially in the Queendom. What does she think about the heresies that surround Szek'Hekh's bastion? It's implied she follows Th'akh--how does that affect her life and views? Religion and Honor are the two cornerstones of an Unathi's psychology, and it would be best to consider them with great importance.

3. You describe Zarkami's view on the Hegemony politically, but you don't talk about the superseding factor--the social factor. The two ways of life are completely reversed! How does she think about this male dominated society--and what does she think about the gender-equal societies that she's immigrating to? And what does she think of her own lifestyle, anyways? Do males belong in a subdued position because they are weaker, or is it as simple as two different roles for two different genders?

These are three basic questions that you should carry with you as you play Zarkami. I have no doubt that this application won't get accepted, but it's important that you consider these three questions and answer them. Thanks for applying! 

[Desven]

21 minutes ago, DeadLantern said:

Hi! We've reviewed your application and hits on most of the core themes; however, there are some things that are skimmed. Please answer the following questions:

1. You say that Zarkami was smuggled, and that's where that story ends; in reality, it would go far deeper. First of all, for a variety of reasons, a smuggler would not simply touchdown on the City and pick up people to be smuggled. They would have to trek across the Wasteland to a Hegemon spaceport, most likely--a trip fraught with danger taking, at least, some weeks. How would this trek be? How would they enter a Hegemonic spaceport? Unfortunately, it's not easy to be smuggled. Where would she get the credits, too--did she go with anyone? Why, even? You should consider these questions. Additionally: you say that this ship was attacked by a "rival family". A rival family to this Tajaran smuggle? To Zarkami? Why in space? Did they fail? And, if they were so close to Tau Ceti--could they not just launch a distress signal? TC does take in refugees. Just some things to mull over.

2. You speak very little about honor and religion, with the former being especially important for a hopeful-warrior. What are her (and your) opinions on honor? And, perhaps, more importantly, what are her views on religion? A traditional Unathi's entire way of life is organized around religion, especially in the Queendom. What does she think about the heresies that surround Szek'Hekh's bastion? It's implied she follows Th'akh--how does that affect her life and views? Religion and Honor are the two cornerstones of an Unathi's psychology, and it would be best to consider them with great importance.

3. You describe Zarkami's view on the Hegemony politically, but you don't talk about the superseding factor--the social factor. The two ways of life are completely reversed! How does she think about this male dominated society--and what does she think about the gender-equal societies that she's immigrating to? And what does she think of her own lifestyle, anyways? Do males belong in a subdued position because they are weaker, or is it as simple as two different roles for two different genders?

These are three basic questions that you should carry with you as you play Zarkami. I have no doubt that this application won't get accepted, but it's important that you consider these three questions and answer them. Thanks for applying! 

Thank you for answering, you raise some vitals points I skimmed over that if I were not to fix would create plot holes, and I appreciate it. So I will try to patch over those:

1. If I were to guess I would say it was a mixture of the Queen's efforts and connections plus their clan wishing a better life for their youngest. I doubt there have been many more Zarkami in the past two decades, as most in the age of bearing children would have been rendered barren because of the radioactive side effects, and the trip would consist of other similarly aged Zarkami, men and women, that might still have a chance to leave mostly normal lives for their remainder years. I also imagine that the Clan Zarkami has been in somewhat of a relevance decline inside the Yu'kal life, too. Their hard work was in the earlier days of (re)construction, and they would also find themselves slowly replaced by the aid of foreign organizations and their technology, from IAC to Hephaeustus. As per the credits, it would be most of their savings- the elder Zarkami know they will die in the wasteland, and would rather see their young not.

Regarding the smuggling act; Aslakhanov would have a trade relationship with Izweski guilds. The trip itself to the Nation would probably be traumatic, because they would have to wander and face not only the harsh environment, but the hostile peoples too. Arriving at the Nation, their worries would not end there: they would have to mask their accents and live in hiding for a couple of days, as well as bypass any security of the spaceports. Finally, regarding the attack- it was done by a rival family of the Tajara, not the Zarkami. They would not risk for help because the ship contained illegal goods. If the engine were not to be repaired or exploded, the important members of the Aslakhanov family would escape in a escape pod and the Zarkami, as well as most of their crew, would die in the ship.

2. She would follow the Warrior's Code, and most importantly, her struggles with her own health would be a proof of her courage to Seznia. Because of her own condition as a carpenter now, she would have her own interpretation of the code, such as adhering to her deadlines, accepting to lower prices for those in need (in a logical way, of course, not giving away things for free but rather adjusting to those that cannot afford the usual prices), as well as a huge loyalty to her superiors in the workshop. These are all values Zarkami still holds high to this day, and they would probably be re adapted yet again on board the Aurora.

Of course, she would also follow the Matriarch's code. She will mainly seek to expand her knowledge, which is also why she is becoming and apprentice, as well as to remain graceful in her duties and be respected by her colleagues. I'd say she's optimistic about this on Biesel, as the different values of the society would allow for her to not be looked down upon as in other scenarios, but I guess we know that's not true, especially given how many Unathi are on engineering, which may follow traditional values.

Yes, she is Th'Akh and it's a big part of her life and ethos. She frequents the Shaman of her Clan and because of the woodwork she has likely taken part in funerary services, which she would expect them to adhere to the burial rites. She is also weary that her prosthesis, while aiding her in this world, will not be able to do so in the spirit world, so she is humble in her mobility and knows that, eventually, she will have the same mobility problems in the afterlife. Although he respects her differences with the Sk'Akh, like most of her community she would despise Aut'akh, especially because she would consider them to fetish something that she had to acquire in need (a robotic limb). Unlike my other character with a struggle because of their prosthesis, this one is less visible and she understands that it's not against her faith nor does she feel targeted for acquiring it, but the seek for prosthesis is where she draws the line. If I were ever to think of Zarkami as having an ideological feud with someone, it would likely be with an Aut'akh. 

3. I don't think she hates men, and she probably believes matriarchy makes a lot more sense; especially since you never have a doubt about the mother of a child, whereas the father could always be anyone. Out of this principle, as well as the practical lifestyle in her community, she would see men as subordinates, perhaps even blunt, that require to be led by women. The idea of men dominating over women is probably one of the strongest reasons as to why she would never pledge loyalty to Izweski, and she believes it is simply unnatural for a society to organize in such way. The gender equality is probably something that baffles her, too, although with more curiosity. She understands that, in principle, Biesel does not have the same tribalistic nature and that it is what functions in such society. She would also very much dislike male Unathi on board that would treat her as a traditional woman.

 

If there are any questions or I need to expand on these, feel free to ask.

[Haydizzle]

Hello! Good replies on the questions so far, and the application is interesting. I have one question to assuage my curiosity: what hardship and struggles has Zarkami faced due to her prosthesis?

[Desven]

4 minutes ago, Haydizzle said:

Hello! Good replies on the questions so far, and the application is interesting. I have one question to assuage my curiosity: what hardship and struggles has Zarkami faced due to her prosthesis?

Hi. I'd say mostly mild disapproval from some of her faith, although at the end they find it understable, since in her situation this was one of the only viable options, not to mention cheaper than a proper reconstruction of her foot. It's also somewhat discrete, as it can be easily hidden, so it's not something she will have to bring up everyday. She would probably be conscious of approaching some shamans because of her situation, similar to how my other character with a prosthesis is conscious of approaching some priests, although in his case the thought of having a metalic hand torments him more.

[Haydizzle]

After a lot of discussion, there are a few things to keep in mind for this character. Firstly, Zarkami is in the unique position of having a very distinct and different relationship with every faith in the lore; it is important to remember that Zarkami will have a stark opinion on Aut'akh and Si'akh due to having a prosthetic (and assumed to be Aut'akh after people see it) and because Si'akh's inherent domain is the Wasteland. Secondly, while the Queendom seeks to get its people to safety, it simply cannot afford to send off anyone. It is a privilege: the Zarkami clan would be one of the lucky ones.

Anyway, we felt that despite these reminders, your application is ambitious, and you're a good roleplayer. Application accepted. Do not hesitate to reach out to my deputies and I with any questions or concerns you have.