Post by Gamov on May 8, 2013 20:55:07 GMT -5
Name: Kunari
Homeworld: Shir (planetary application pending)
Average Lifespan: 90 years
Age of Maturation: 18 years
Average Height: 5'/6.5”
Average Weight:
- Males: 150 lbs
- Females: 110 lbs
The Kunari are a fey-like humanoid species native to the Outer Rim world of Shir. Superficially, they appear very similar to humans in their anatomy, though they are generally taller, thinner, more lithe of limb and slim of face with sharp angular features and pointed ears.
Each Kunari stands roughly 5'/6.5” in height with only minor fluctuations across the whole of the species, although it is common for females to be slightly shorter than males. Males are generally more stout and muscular in appearance compared to females, though they are still considered average in comparison to the standards of most human males.
Eye pigmentation will generally range in color from green to blue, red, violet and even the exceptionally rare yellow. Their hair can range in color from black, brown, blond and red, to numerous shades of white, blue, grey or even silver. By contrast, their skin tones are far less varied and trend more towards a pale alabaster color.
The Kunari have an average lifespan that is considered roughly on par with most humans and do not tend to live for an exceptionally long period of time, unless extenuating circumstances permit (i.e. - proper diet, regular exercise, sanitary living conditions and overall exceptional mental/physical health).
Despite their superficial similarities to humans, there are some major physiological differences that separate the two species. Unlike humans which evolved from mammalian ancestors, the Kunari's physical attributes suggest that they are descendant from a long extinct avian species that once inhabited their homeworld millions of years ago.
Fossil records appear to indicate that the first known species of primitive Kunari may have more closely resembled large predatory birds, with feathered bodies, sharp beaks, taloned feet and large wings.
Additionally, Kunari skeletons are comprised of very lightweight bones that are far less dense those of humans. Their spines also have an unusually high number of vertebra compared to humans, giving them a greater range of motion and flexibility. Slightly enlarged sinus cavities also point to an avian lineage, and it has been theorized that early Kunari may have once communicated like most birds by using a series of high pitched warbles and squawks to form a rudimentary language.
Their eyesight is also considered to be slightly superior to that of humans, capable of seeing a bit further into the ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths. Kunari also possess keen night vision as a result of the low light conditions on their homeworld, which is almost constantly bathed in an eerie blue-white twilight. To their detriment, however, the Kunari cannot tolerate high levels of light like most other species and must wear protective eye wear when visiting foreign worlds.
As a species, the Kunari also have a universally high affinity for the Force – a trait that has served as a major component throughout the cultural and social evolution of their species. Some argue that this may have been a major factor in the intellectual development of their species, while others contend that it had little impact on their evolution. Regardless of the contention of this theory, the Kunari themselves certainly believe it to be true, reflecting this belief in their religious practices.
The Kunari hold a fairly martial view on families, considering each member to be only as important as their achievements, and each family to be only as valuable as its contributions to society. Consequently, the actions of the individual are seen to reflect on the family as a whole; displaying the integrity of their moral values and ethics.
As a matter of social imperative, children are raised equally with little regard for the social standing of their parents or family. This is meant to encourage independence and prevent status from being inherited rather than earned.
The role of women in families, and indeed throughout society as a whole, has proven to be a mutable one. Ancient Kunari society was largely patriarchal and held strongly to the tradition that women were subject to their husband's authority. A woman was not permitted to retain ownership of any property she may have brought into the marriage, and a married woman also remained under the legal authority of her father, even after moving into her husband's home. Once her father died, however, a woman was considered legally emancipated and could pursue legal matters (such as divorce) of her own accord.
Additionally, even though women were considered citizens and enjoyed many of the same rights and privileges as males, they were not allowed to vote, hold political offices or serve in the military.
Over the centuries, many of these archaic beliefs were abandoned and women were offered a greater degree of liberties. In addition to being permitted the right to maintain ownership of property in a marriage, women were granted the rights to vote, hold political offices and engage in business. The military would remain a strictly male institution until 4,025 BBY when new laws finally allowed women to join the armed forces.
Unlike most civilizations in the galaxy, slavery is still a widely accepted practice among the Kunari. As much as 35 percent of the Dominion is comprised of slaves, making it a “slave society” in which indentured peoples constitute at least a fifth of the population. Most slaves are drawn from conquered species whose worlds lie within the borders of the Dominion; with a much smaller percentage being derived from worlds that exist on the fringes of Republic space where the laws of the Galactic Senate are not actively enforced.
During the Kunari's imperialist era following the Exosolar War, war captives became the most common source of slaves. In this regard, the widely varied species and ethnicities among slaves reflects the Kunari's military exploits to an extent.
The most common use for slaves is as a cheap and expendable labor force, but a slave can be permitted to undertake a more specialized role if they can prove that they are sufficiently educated in a particular field. In such instances, slaves can assume such professional occupations as doctors, chefs and accountants. It is important to note, however, that these examples are the exception, not the rule. For a slave to acquire such notoriety, not only must they demonstrate exceptional skills, but a degree of trust must exist between the slave and his/her owner.
Overall, the majority of slaves within the Dominion provide menial, unskilled labor in households or workplaces. Industry also relies heavily on the exploitation of slave labor where they are commonly employed as miners, factory workers, field hands in agricultural centers, and even shipbuilders. Certain species are also retained as slaves purely for their fighting skills. Such species are used for public entertainment in gladiatorial death matches.
Laws pertaining to slavery are fairly straightforward. Under Dominion law, slaves are considered property and have no legal personhood, nor are they entitled to wages or salaries. Since they are not considered citizens, slaves cannot vote and are not protected under civil rights laws.
Slaves can be subjected to forms of corporal punishment not normally exercised on citizens, sexual exploitation, torture and summary execution. As a matter of law, a slave cannot be raped as rape can only be committed against a free citizen; a slave's rapist would need to be prosecuted by their owner for property damage should the owner see fit to do so.
Slaves also have no right to marriage and cannot conduct business, join the military or exercise the right to public assembly. After a number of slave revolts between 4,100 and 4,040 BBY, the Kunari demonstrated a driving concern to control the threat of rebellion by limiting the size of work forces and instituting much harsher punishments for fugitive slaves and those that harbored them.
In spite of their strict and uncompromising slaveholder policies, the Kunari do maintain a measure of political and social decorum by refraining from taking slaves from Republic worlds. While they do not fundamentally agree with the Republic's anti-slavery laws, they respect them out of the necessity for diplomatic stability between their governments.
Kunari society is organized into a loose caste system which promotes advancement through merit rather than heritage. Unlike a traditional caste system which is more class based with a limited capacity for social mobility, the Kunari have adopted a more fluid model that organizes individuals based on their occupation and the nature of their contributions to society. The Kunari system is divided into four distinct tiers, each dubbed an “echelon”.
The echelons are as follows:
The highest echelon of society. Members of this diaspora are among some of the most intellectually, spiritually and politically influential members of society. The House of Sovereigns serves as the legislative and administrative arm of the Dominion, drafting and enforcing laws, engaging in diplomatic relations with foreign powers, promoting their people's cultural and religious beliefs, and directing the might of their armed forces. The highest offices within this echelon are the Judicators of the High Council, provincial Viziers and the Chantry's Grand Cleric (see: Chantry).
Judicators:
Viziers:
More of a government department than an actual social tier, the War Ministry could actually be considered a proxy institution to the House of Sovereigns as the Ministry's overall goals (both long term and immediate) are subject to the demands of the High Council. Outside of its obvious military duties, the War Ministry's primary function is actually diplomatic in nature; promoting cohesion and cooperation between the many Kunari provinces and their armed forces.
In this regard, the War Ministry is highly diverse. This diversity also affords it a great deal of flexibility as each province brings their own military ideologies and doctrines to the table. While one province may excel at producing ships and weapons, another may be well known for its ability to foster exemplary soldiers and talented officers. It is through this cultural diffusion of ideas that the War Ministry, and indeed the Dominion military as an institution, derives much of its strength.
On another level, the War Ministry also directly influences industry. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each province's capabilities, officials within the House of Sovereigns can distribute resources accordingly for maximum efficiency.
There are 7 provinces that provide the most significant contributions to the War Ministry:
Senet:
Mehen:
Malkata:
Amarna:
Naqada:
Kopesh:
Alysaar:
Serving as the spiritual heart of the Kunari civilization, the Chantry is the oldest and most highly respected social establishment. Overseen by the Grand Cleric and attended to by numerous Clerics, Priests and Apostles, the Chantry is an integral aspect of daily life for many Kunari. Regardless of the social or ideological differences that may prevail between individuals or nations, the Chantry's influence is pervasive and unites all Kunari on a deeply fundamental level.
Outside of its spiritual obligations, the Chantry is also responsible for building and maintaining the shrines and temples that are dedicated to the various Gods of their religion, as well as safeguarding routes of pilgrimage throughout the Dominion. The Chantry is also considered the foremost academic institution dedicated to studying the mysteries of the Force. Few other organizations, save the Jedi Order, can rival the Chantry's extensive archives and exhaustive research devoted to understanding the Force.
Like any religious organization, the Chantry follows a strict chain of command that is defined by a distinct hierarchy. Most positions within the Chantry are filled out by citizens who typically serve as Priests/Priestesses and Apostles. Higher stations include Scions and Clerics, with the highest station being that of the Grand Cleric. Despite the wide gulf of responsibilities and prestige that separates members of the clergy, the Chantry is an cohesive organization that has proven its resilience through the centuries.
Grand Cleric:
Clerics:
Scions:
Priests and Priestesses:
Apostles:
The most populated echelon within the Dominion. Spread across dozens of worlds in sprawling urban centers, rural agricultural communities and orbital space stations, the House of Denizens is comprised of billions of individuals who serve as the lifeblood of the Dominion.
Unlike higher echelons that are catered to more specific occupations or duties, the House of Denizens encompasses a wide diaspora that refers specifically to any number of civilian occupations outside the military or the Chantry. Individuals in the House of Denizens can assume a diverse range of roles ranging from merchants and artisans, to engineers, teachers, doctors and anything else in between.
Belief in the divine and the afterlife have been ingrained in Kunari civilization since its inception. Instead of most monotheistic religions that pay homage to a single deity, the Kunari worship a pantheon of Gods that can be called upon for guidance and protection.
Ancient Kunari associated their Gods with forces of nature, such as the sun and wind, and would pay tribute to them by constructing effigies and making lavish offerings. Each God had their own specific rites and rituals that needed to be completed in order to evoke their presence in the physical world. Sacrifices were also practiced to some degree, but as their religion evolved and became more modernized, such rituals were considered barbaric and abolished.
While the core fundamentals of their beliefs have remained unchanged over the centuries, the practice of those beliefs have come to reflect the social and cultural evolution of the Kunari as a people.
In the modern era, Gods are assigned identities that are analogous to more abstract ideas such as justice, wisdom and fortune. The ancient belief that the Gods must be appeased through offerings and tribute has also been largely forgotten, though some argue that the extravagant temples and shrines that are built in honor of the Gods can be seen as the contemporary form of an offering.
Temples are also given greater importance as they are usually built upon sites of historical significance. Sometimes they even serve as the nexus for sprawling urban centers. The renowned Golden Cathedral of Senet is the most prominent example. Outside of temples and shrines, citizens often continue to show their reverence to the God's by praying to private statuaries in their own homes, while amulets blessed by temple Priests are seen to offer protection from malevolent forces.
The Force also plays an integral role in their religion. The Kunari consider the Force to be a gift from the creator God, Akun. As the protector and steward of the Kunari people, they believe that Akun blessed them, not only with knowledge of the Force, but with their physical form as well. The Kunari believe that they were shaped in the image of Akun, sharing many of his aspects and traits.
The Kunari also believe that every being is composed of physical and spiritual parts; what they call “aspects”. In addition to the body, each individual possesses a kwah (shadow), an uhn (personality) and the Qi (essence or the Force).
After death, the ultimate goal of the deceased is to rejoin with their kwah and uhn to become what the Kunari call the "blessed dead", living on in immortality. For this to happen, they believe that the Qi is judged by the Goddess, Seshat, against the acts they committed in life. If deemed worthy, the deceased is reunited with their spiritual aspects to continue their existence in spiritual form.
Akun: God of war and wisdom. It is believed that Akun was not only the creator and protector of the Kunari people, but that he was also responsible for bestowing the gift of the Force upon them. The Force is regarded as being the physical manifestation of his blessing, and to be innately gifted with the Force is to be favored by Akun himself. Such individuals are treated with a great deal of respect and honor, often being considered prophets sent by Akun to deliver his messages to the Kunari.
Seshat: Akun's mistress, Seshat is depicted as being the goddess of benevolence and judgment. As Akun watches over the Kunari in the physical world, so does Seshat protect them in the afterlife. All Kunari believe that once they reach the afterlife, Seshat will judge their immortal souls against the earthly lives they lived. The wicked and scornful are punished, their souls banished to a realm of eternal torment, while the faithful are rewarded with eternal glory and immortality.
Shadoon: God of shadows and cunning. In ancient times, Shadoon was revered as a hunter God, and often closely associated with the moon.
Thail:
Mirethi:
Nihilanth:
Izsha:
Seph:
Toth:
Ahm – Yes
Ni – No
Valet – Life
Ni'Valet – Dead (lit. “no life”)
Ari – Child
Qi – Essence (dual meaning that can refer to either the Force specifically, or to an individual's spiritual energy)
En – In
Akun'Ari – Child of Akun (lit. “Akun's Child”: as in one born with a strong affinity for the Force, seen to be blessed by Akun himself)
Akun shi s'al – Akun guide you
Masculine:
Feminine:
Elanya
Elenwe
Kali
Kayleth
Khalissa (pron. Ka-lees-ah)
Gender Neutral:
Homeworld: Shir (planetary application pending)
Average Lifespan: 90 years
Age of Maturation: 18 years
Average Height: 5'/6.5”
Average Weight:
- Males: 150 lbs
- Females: 110 lbs
Biology and Physiology:
A male Kunari
A female Kunari
A male Kunari
A female Kunari
The Kunari are a fey-like humanoid species native to the Outer Rim world of Shir. Superficially, they appear very similar to humans in their anatomy, though they are generally taller, thinner, more lithe of limb and slim of face with sharp angular features and pointed ears.
Each Kunari stands roughly 5'/6.5” in height with only minor fluctuations across the whole of the species, although it is common for females to be slightly shorter than males. Males are generally more stout and muscular in appearance compared to females, though they are still considered average in comparison to the standards of most human males.
Eye pigmentation will generally range in color from green to blue, red, violet and even the exceptionally rare yellow. Their hair can range in color from black, brown, blond and red, to numerous shades of white, blue, grey or even silver. By contrast, their skin tones are far less varied and trend more towards a pale alabaster color.
The Kunari have an average lifespan that is considered roughly on par with most humans and do not tend to live for an exceptionally long period of time, unless extenuating circumstances permit (i.e. - proper diet, regular exercise, sanitary living conditions and overall exceptional mental/physical health).
Despite their superficial similarities to humans, there are some major physiological differences that separate the two species. Unlike humans which evolved from mammalian ancestors, the Kunari's physical attributes suggest that they are descendant from a long extinct avian species that once inhabited their homeworld millions of years ago.
Fossil records appear to indicate that the first known species of primitive Kunari may have more closely resembled large predatory birds, with feathered bodies, sharp beaks, taloned feet and large wings.
Additionally, Kunari skeletons are comprised of very lightweight bones that are far less dense those of humans. Their spines also have an unusually high number of vertebra compared to humans, giving them a greater range of motion and flexibility. Slightly enlarged sinus cavities also point to an avian lineage, and it has been theorized that early Kunari may have once communicated like most birds by using a series of high pitched warbles and squawks to form a rudimentary language.
Their eyesight is also considered to be slightly superior to that of humans, capable of seeing a bit further into the ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths. Kunari also possess keen night vision as a result of the low light conditions on their homeworld, which is almost constantly bathed in an eerie blue-white twilight. To their detriment, however, the Kunari cannot tolerate high levels of light like most other species and must wear protective eye wear when visiting foreign worlds.
As a species, the Kunari also have a universally high affinity for the Force – a trait that has served as a major component throughout the cultural and social evolution of their species. Some argue that this may have been a major factor in the intellectual development of their species, while others contend that it had little impact on their evolution. Regardless of the contention of this theory, the Kunari themselves certainly believe it to be true, reflecting this belief in their religious practices.
Society and Culture:
Family:
The Kunari hold a fairly martial view on families, considering each member to be only as important as their achievements, and each family to be only as valuable as its contributions to society. Consequently, the actions of the individual are seen to reflect on the family as a whole; displaying the integrity of their moral values and ethics.
As a matter of social imperative, children are raised equally with little regard for the social standing of their parents or family. This is meant to encourage independence and prevent status from being inherited rather than earned.
The role of women in families, and indeed throughout society as a whole, has proven to be a mutable one. Ancient Kunari society was largely patriarchal and held strongly to the tradition that women were subject to their husband's authority. A woman was not permitted to retain ownership of any property she may have brought into the marriage, and a married woman also remained under the legal authority of her father, even after moving into her husband's home. Once her father died, however, a woman was considered legally emancipated and could pursue legal matters (such as divorce) of her own accord.
Additionally, even though women were considered citizens and enjoyed many of the same rights and privileges as males, they were not allowed to vote, hold political offices or serve in the military.
Over the centuries, many of these archaic beliefs were abandoned and women were offered a greater degree of liberties. In addition to being permitted the right to maintain ownership of property in a marriage, women were granted the rights to vote, hold political offices and engage in business. The military would remain a strictly male institution until 4,025 BBY when new laws finally allowed women to join the armed forces.
Slavery:
Unlike most civilizations in the galaxy, slavery is still a widely accepted practice among the Kunari. As much as 35 percent of the Dominion is comprised of slaves, making it a “slave society” in which indentured peoples constitute at least a fifth of the population. Most slaves are drawn from conquered species whose worlds lie within the borders of the Dominion; with a much smaller percentage being derived from worlds that exist on the fringes of Republic space where the laws of the Galactic Senate are not actively enforced.
During the Kunari's imperialist era following the Exosolar War, war captives became the most common source of slaves. In this regard, the widely varied species and ethnicities among slaves reflects the Kunari's military exploits to an extent.
The most common use for slaves is as a cheap and expendable labor force, but a slave can be permitted to undertake a more specialized role if they can prove that they are sufficiently educated in a particular field. In such instances, slaves can assume such professional occupations as doctors, chefs and accountants. It is important to note, however, that these examples are the exception, not the rule. For a slave to acquire such notoriety, not only must they demonstrate exceptional skills, but a degree of trust must exist between the slave and his/her owner.
Overall, the majority of slaves within the Dominion provide menial, unskilled labor in households or workplaces. Industry also relies heavily on the exploitation of slave labor where they are commonly employed as miners, factory workers, field hands in agricultural centers, and even shipbuilders. Certain species are also retained as slaves purely for their fighting skills. Such species are used for public entertainment in gladiatorial death matches.
Laws pertaining to slavery are fairly straightforward. Under Dominion law, slaves are considered property and have no legal personhood, nor are they entitled to wages or salaries. Since they are not considered citizens, slaves cannot vote and are not protected under civil rights laws.
Slaves can be subjected to forms of corporal punishment not normally exercised on citizens, sexual exploitation, torture and summary execution. As a matter of law, a slave cannot be raped as rape can only be committed against a free citizen; a slave's rapist would need to be prosecuted by their owner for property damage should the owner see fit to do so.
Slaves also have no right to marriage and cannot conduct business, join the military or exercise the right to public assembly. After a number of slave revolts between 4,100 and 4,040 BBY, the Kunari demonstrated a driving concern to control the threat of rebellion by limiting the size of work forces and instituting much harsher punishments for fugitive slaves and those that harbored them.
In spite of their strict and uncompromising slaveholder policies, the Kunari do maintain a measure of political and social decorum by refraining from taking slaves from Republic worlds. While they do not fundamentally agree with the Republic's anti-slavery laws, they respect them out of the necessity for diplomatic stability between their governments.
Social Organization:
Kunari society is organized into a loose caste system which promotes advancement through merit rather than heritage. Unlike a traditional caste system which is more class based with a limited capacity for social mobility, the Kunari have adopted a more fluid model that organizes individuals based on their occupation and the nature of their contributions to society. The Kunari system is divided into four distinct tiers, each dubbed an “echelon”.
The echelons are as follows:
House of Sovereigns (Echelon IV):
The highest echelon of society. Members of this diaspora are among some of the most intellectually, spiritually and politically influential members of society. The House of Sovereigns serves as the legislative and administrative arm of the Dominion, drafting and enforcing laws, engaging in diplomatic relations with foreign powers, promoting their people's cultural and religious beliefs, and directing the might of their armed forces. The highest offices within this echelon are the Judicators of the High Council, provincial Viziers and the Chantry's Grand Cleric (see: Chantry).
Judicators:
Viziers:
War Ministry (Echelon III):
More of a government department than an actual social tier, the War Ministry could actually be considered a proxy institution to the House of Sovereigns as the Ministry's overall goals (both long term and immediate) are subject to the demands of the High Council. Outside of its obvious military duties, the War Ministry's primary function is actually diplomatic in nature; promoting cohesion and cooperation between the many Kunari provinces and their armed forces.
In this regard, the War Ministry is highly diverse. This diversity also affords it a great deal of flexibility as each province brings their own military ideologies and doctrines to the table. While one province may excel at producing ships and weapons, another may be well known for its ability to foster exemplary soldiers and talented officers. It is through this cultural diffusion of ideas that the War Ministry, and indeed the Dominion military as an institution, derives much of its strength.
On another level, the War Ministry also directly influences industry. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each province's capabilities, officials within the House of Sovereigns can distribute resources accordingly for maximum efficiency.
There are 7 provinces that provide the most significant contributions to the War Ministry:
Senet:
Mehen:
Malkata:
Amarna:
Naqada:
Kopesh:
Alysaar:
The Chantry (Echelon II):
Serving as the spiritual heart of the Kunari civilization, the Chantry is the oldest and most highly respected social establishment. Overseen by the Grand Cleric and attended to by numerous Clerics, Priests and Apostles, the Chantry is an integral aspect of daily life for many Kunari. Regardless of the social or ideological differences that may prevail between individuals or nations, the Chantry's influence is pervasive and unites all Kunari on a deeply fundamental level.
Outside of its spiritual obligations, the Chantry is also responsible for building and maintaining the shrines and temples that are dedicated to the various Gods of their religion, as well as safeguarding routes of pilgrimage throughout the Dominion. The Chantry is also considered the foremost academic institution dedicated to studying the mysteries of the Force. Few other organizations, save the Jedi Order, can rival the Chantry's extensive archives and exhaustive research devoted to understanding the Force.
Like any religious organization, the Chantry follows a strict chain of command that is defined by a distinct hierarchy. Most positions within the Chantry are filled out by citizens who typically serve as Priests/Priestesses and Apostles. Higher stations include Scions and Clerics, with the highest station being that of the Grand Cleric. Despite the wide gulf of responsibilities and prestige that separates members of the clergy, the Chantry is an cohesive organization that has proven its resilience through the centuries.
Grand Cleric:
Clerics:
Scions:
Priests and Priestesses:
Apostles:
House of Denizens (Echelon I):
The most populated echelon within the Dominion. Spread across dozens of worlds in sprawling urban centers, rural agricultural communities and orbital space stations, the House of Denizens is comprised of billions of individuals who serve as the lifeblood of the Dominion.
Unlike higher echelons that are catered to more specific occupations or duties, the House of Denizens encompasses a wide diaspora that refers specifically to any number of civilian occupations outside the military or the Chantry. Individuals in the House of Denizens can assume a diverse range of roles ranging from merchants and artisans, to engineers, teachers, doctors and anything else in between.
Religious Beliefs:
Belief in the divine and the afterlife have been ingrained in Kunari civilization since its inception. Instead of most monotheistic religions that pay homage to a single deity, the Kunari worship a pantheon of Gods that can be called upon for guidance and protection.
Ancient Kunari associated their Gods with forces of nature, such as the sun and wind, and would pay tribute to them by constructing effigies and making lavish offerings. Each God had their own specific rites and rituals that needed to be completed in order to evoke their presence in the physical world. Sacrifices were also practiced to some degree, but as their religion evolved and became more modernized, such rituals were considered barbaric and abolished.
While the core fundamentals of their beliefs have remained unchanged over the centuries, the practice of those beliefs have come to reflect the social and cultural evolution of the Kunari as a people.
In the modern era, Gods are assigned identities that are analogous to more abstract ideas such as justice, wisdom and fortune. The ancient belief that the Gods must be appeased through offerings and tribute has also been largely forgotten, though some argue that the extravagant temples and shrines that are built in honor of the Gods can be seen as the contemporary form of an offering.
Temples are also given greater importance as they are usually built upon sites of historical significance. Sometimes they even serve as the nexus for sprawling urban centers. The renowned Golden Cathedral of Senet is the most prominent example. Outside of temples and shrines, citizens often continue to show their reverence to the God's by praying to private statuaries in their own homes, while amulets blessed by temple Priests are seen to offer protection from malevolent forces.
The Force also plays an integral role in their religion. The Kunari consider the Force to be a gift from the creator God, Akun. As the protector and steward of the Kunari people, they believe that Akun blessed them, not only with knowledge of the Force, but with their physical form as well. The Kunari believe that they were shaped in the image of Akun, sharing many of his aspects and traits.
The Kunari also believe that every being is composed of physical and spiritual parts; what they call “aspects”. In addition to the body, each individual possesses a kwah (shadow), an uhn (personality) and the Qi (essence or the Force).
After death, the ultimate goal of the deceased is to rejoin with their kwah and uhn to become what the Kunari call the "blessed dead", living on in immortality. For this to happen, they believe that the Qi is judged by the Goddess, Seshat, against the acts they committed in life. If deemed worthy, the deceased is reunited with their spiritual aspects to continue their existence in spiritual form.
Patron Gods:
Akun: God of war and wisdom. It is believed that Akun was not only the creator and protector of the Kunari people, but that he was also responsible for bestowing the gift of the Force upon them. The Force is regarded as being the physical manifestation of his blessing, and to be innately gifted with the Force is to be favored by Akun himself. Such individuals are treated with a great deal of respect and honor, often being considered prophets sent by Akun to deliver his messages to the Kunari.
Seshat: Akun's mistress, Seshat is depicted as being the goddess of benevolence and judgment. As Akun watches over the Kunari in the physical world, so does Seshat protect them in the afterlife. All Kunari believe that once they reach the afterlife, Seshat will judge their immortal souls against the earthly lives they lived. The wicked and scornful are punished, their souls banished to a realm of eternal torment, while the faithful are rewarded with eternal glory and immortality.
Shadoon: God of shadows and cunning. In ancient times, Shadoon was revered as a hunter God, and often closely associated with the moon.
Thail:
Mirethi:
Demons:
Nihilanth:
Izsha:
Seph:
Toth:
The Lost Ones:
A pair of “Lost” Kunari
A pair of “Lost” Kunari
Language:
The Kunari alphabet
The Kunari alphabet
Common Words and Phrases:
Ahm – Yes
Ni – No
Valet – Life
Ni'Valet – Dead (lit. “no life”)
Ari – Child
Qi – Essence (dual meaning that can refer to either the Force specifically, or to an individual's spiritual energy)
En – In
Akun'Ari – Child of Akun (lit. “Akun's Child”: as in one born with a strong affinity for the Force, seen to be blessed by Akun himself)
Akun shi s'al – Akun guide you
Common Names:
Masculine:
Feminine:
Elanya
Elenwe
Kali
Kayleth
Khalissa (pron. Ka-lees-ah)
Gender Neutral:
Military Organization:
Executors:
Primarchs:
Praetorians:
Army:
Navy:
Technology:
History:
