Vardin
Vardin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Base Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Scavenger/Intimidator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Status | Minor Race | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Locomotion | Walker | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Terrain | Forest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Body Form | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Confluence | Non-humanoid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bio-Identenoid | Insectoid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Size | 180 liters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 180 kg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Culture | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Languages | Native Language | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Social Structure | Balkanization | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technological Epoch | TL:10-12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Psionic potential | Standard | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Origin World | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homeworld location | Vardi (Mavuzog 1410) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
UWP | A987899-A
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Primary Star | F5 V K3 VI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Atmosphere | Dense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Off-world presence | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zoetic individuals | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reference | Theta Borealis Sector . | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canon | No | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Also see | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Vardin of Vardi (Mavuzog 1410) are a Minor Non-Human Race with a non-humanoid appearance and technologically sophisticated sophots.
Description (Specifications)
The Vardin are a native to the temperate forests of Vardi, their homeworld. They have a thriving technological culture that draws strongly on their racial heritage and traditions. They have established a number of off-world settlements.
Homeworld
Vardi, a dense atmosphere, rich world located in Galaxa Subsector of Mavuzog Sector.
Hex | Name | UWP | Trade | System | Stars |
1410 | Vardi | A987899-A | Ri Pa Ph | 502 KoEm | F5 V K3 VI |
Vardi orbits Caranar, the system's primary star, at a mean distance of 1.54 AU (230.4 million km), within the habitable zone. It has an orbital period of 1 year 247 days and a rotation period of 26.5 hours. The axial tilt is 23 degrees. Vardi has a diameter of 14,746 km, a density of 5.87 g/cm³, and a surface gravity of 1.22 G. The world is geologically active. Its atmosphere is rated as Dense, with a mean surface pressure of 2.33 bar and a composition of 77% nitrogen (N2), 22% oxygen (O2), and 1% argon (Ar), water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), neon (Ne) and other trace gases. Approximately 68% of the surface is covered in oceans of liquid water: average tidal ranges exceed 0.3m. Mean surface temperature: 28°C. Vardi retains two small vacuum moons, Ronax and Orta, orbiting at 25 diameters and 40 diameters respectively.
Total surface area: 683 million km², Water surface area: 464 million km², Land surface area: 219 million km². There are three large continental landmasses (named Aratam, Suruku, and Munn), all lying within a single hemisphere, and a smaller isolated southern subpolar continent. There are many large islands and archipelagos and small permanent polar icecaps. Much of the land surface area of the world is low-lying. While there are many types of environments and terrain, the land surface of the world is primarily forested. Fauna types vary between environmental regions but most have greenish-blue disc-shaped foliage and thick stems.
Physiology
Vardin are descended from cooperative scavengers native to temperate forest terrain on their homeworld: their ecological niche is defined as "intimidator". They are endothermic walkers classified Bilateral HBS-T-AN-LL-N, with a bony skeleton, ichor internal fluids, and a leathery hide that provides a degree of armor. They breathe atmospheric oxygen, respirating via an airway connected to the mouth. Based on their profile: standard and oversize, the Vardin have a length of around 2.5m and stand around 1.2m tall: they may rear up to a height of more than 2m. An average Vardin weighs around 180kg.
The Vardin body has an elongated teardrop shape. The broad lower torso contains the major internal organs and tapers into a stocky upper torso that supports the head. Vardin have ten limbs: four pairs of relatively slender articulated legs emerge from the sides of the lower torso and a single pair of arms are located on the upper torso. The arms terminate in hand-like structures consisting of four mutually opposable digits: the arms are able to reach all parts of the body. The torso is flexible and Vardin may stretch, twist, and curl into a protective ball. The head contains the brain and mounts the primary sensory organs as well as the mouth and respiratory tract. The head is generally ovoid in shape and sits atop a thick, muscular neck.
The coloration and patterning of Vardin hides varies along ethnic lines, with the most common shades being mottled greens and blues. Males tend to have narrow darker stripes while females exhibit darker spots and swirls. Vardin have small frills of brightly-colored skin located on either side of the head: these can be spread or retracted voluntarily and are often referred to as "ears" by humans, though they serve no aural function. The frills were much larger in ancestral Vardin and acted as a mechanisms both to signal to others and to help scare away rival organisms when claiming a kill.
Senses
- Energy: V-12-GBP. Vardin vision is generally parallel to (but slightly poorer than) that of humans. Their color perception is shifted towards ultraviolet: they have difficulty seeing shades of red but can perceive near uv.
- Vibration: H-20-A383. Vardin aural perception is superior to that of humans. They can hear sounds at frequencies from about 16 Hz to 25,000 Hz.
- Volatiles: S-8-2. The Vardin sense of smell is slightly poorer than that of humans. However, their taste palette is sophisticated, enabling them to determine the chemical nature of ingested nutrients. All Vardin have a distinctive musky smell.
- Matter: T-04-2 The leathery hide of Vardin is generally insensitive to subtle pressure and sensation, though they can feel harder impacts. Softer areas of skin, such as the hands and the face, are particularly sensitive to texture and temperature.
- Fields: A-0. Unaware.
- Auras: P-0. Unaware.
Characteristics
- Strength (physical power) 4D (actual 12+2D)
- Dexterity (hand-eye co-ordination) 2D
- Vigor (short-term fatigue resistance) 3D
- Intelligence (ability to think and reason) 2D
- Training (based on cultural heritage) 2D
- Social (large group hierarchy) 1D
Genetic Profile: SDVITS
Movement
Vardin are forest terrain walkers, evolved to track through woodlands, thickets and dense foliage in search of food. They are rated as Slow, with a typical moving speed of around 5 kph. Vardin may trot for (Vigor x5) minutes at approximately 25 kph and are capable of briefly sprinting for (Vigor x5) seconds at speeds of up to 40 kph. A typical Vardin has a Vigor of 10: they have limited long-term endurance.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Vardin are dual gender (males and females), though there are only minor external differences between the two. Males and females are equal within society, filling identical roles and functions. Males and females form short-lived pairings to exchange genetic material and young Vardin are raised and schooled within communal creches. Generally, young Vardin have no contact with their parents and familial ties within Vardin society are non-existent.
Females bear a single larva weighing less than a kilogram and lacking any extremities. The larva makes its way to a dorsal pouch where it attaches to a nipple and grows for the first few months of its life, developing a head and limbs. Once it is capable of independent movement the young Vardin leaves the pouch and joins a communal creche. It continues growing until the end of childhood, at around 6 years, when gender differences begin to take effect. These gender traits continue to develop throughout adolescence until the Vardin reaches maturity, at around the age of 14. A Vardin continues to slowly gain bulk until it reaches its physical peak at around 30 years. The first indications of physical decline begin at around 40 – a typical Vardin will have a lifespan of around 70 years. Some individuals have reached ages in excess of 100 years.
Life Stages
- 0 Infant (Larva): 2 years.
- 1 Child: 4 years.
- 2 Adolescent: 8 years.
- Career starts at age 14.
- 3 Young adult: 2 terms (8 years).
- 4 Adult: 2 terms (8 years).
- 5 Peak: 3 terms (12 years).
- Physical aging begins (42+ years).
- 6 Midlife: 3 terms (12 years).
- 7 Senior: 2 terms (8 years).
- 8 Elder: 1 term (4 years).
- 9 Retirement: 1 terms (4 years).
- Mental aging begins (70+ years).
A Vardin has a typical lifespan of around 70 years.
Diet and Trophics
Vardin are defined as scavenger intimidators. They have a preference for fresh meat, small game, insects, and a variety of roots and fruits, but will consume aged meat and other less palatable organics if need arises. Their ancestors gained their nutrition by scaring away predators and taking possession of their kill: modern Vardin practice large-scale agriculture. The Vardin digestive system is very resilient and can tolerate levels of toxins and spoilage in foodstuffs that would seriously endanger the health of other sophonts.
- Vardin prefer strongly-flavored foodstuffs.
- Vardin have a reputation as excellent (if unconventional) cooks.
Psychology & Philosophy
Vardin society is fractious and individual Vardin are endlessly politicking, squabbling, and forming petty alliances in order to further themselves or their interests. Vardin have little regard for status and rank, firmly adhering to the principle that deeds speak louder than words.
Primal Drives
The Vardin psyche is driven by factors common to many sophonts:
- Acquisition (stemming from the need to gather adequate nutrition),
- Curiosity (originating from the urge to seek out sources of nutrition)
- Preservation (derived from the need to continue their personal existence), and
- Perpetuation (the urge to continue the species).
Behaviors
A behavioral drive is an instinctual need that has the power to dramatically influence the behaviour of an individual. These drives, derived from and molded by their evolution, strongly influence the mental processes of the Vardin.
Major Drives
- Confident. Vardin have a strong belief in their own abilities. They have faith in themselves and tend to automatically extend that confidence to others.
- Introspection. If their actions are shown to be wrong or counterproductive, Vardin can become inward-looking and given to doubt and self-analysis. They may seek social and physical isolation.
- Impatient. Most Vardin lack long-term mental patience and tolerance: those exhibiting self-restraint and inner discipline are admired and looked up to.
- Impetuous. Vardin tend to act without careful consideration of the possible consequences. Their behaviour may be marked by undue haste or a lack of deliberation or caution. A Vardin may exhibit courage or bravery far beyond that of a human simply because they have failed to consider the dangers presented by their course of action.
- Individualistic. Vardin like to think and do things in their own way, rather than imitating others or following perceived social norms. Vardin display a great deal of originality in their thoughts and actions.
Minor Drives
- Emotional. Vardin are deeply concerned with emotions and feelings. They readily express their feelings.
- Sensitive. Vardin are quick to take anger or offense.
- Optimistic. Vardin, as a rule, tend to be hopeful and confident about the future. They tend to assume that the best possible outcome will occur, and hope for it even if it is not likely.
- Idealistic: Vardin are guided by principles or hopes rather than by practicality. Vardin, by their nature, tend to be perfectionists.
- Obsessive: Vardin may develop a persistent preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or concept.
Outlook
Philosophy: Connectivity. Everything is connected, nothing is disconnected. Nothing in the universe stands by itself. Every object is a link in an endless chain and is thus connected with all the other links. And this chain of the universe has never been broken; it unites all objects and processes in a single whole and thus has a universal character.
Theology: Vardin embrace the concept of panantheism (everything is god). Reality is identical with divinity, and all things compose an all-encompassing, immanent deity that interpenetrates all aspects of the universe and transcends it.
Ethics: Inner relativism: in any given situation there is a right and a wrong. The individual must determine what that is and act accordingly.
Psychology: Co-effective consciousness, an intuitively perceived knowledge of something within an individual's inner self. The Vardin believe in the concept that everything is inter-connected.
History & Background (Dossier)
- Primal ancestors
- Human contact
Society & Culture
- Homogeneity A (Discordant)
- Acceptance B (Extremely friendly)
- Strangeness 5 (Distinct)
- Symbols 6 (Somewhat concrete)
Prior to their homeworld's conquest by the Korsumug Empire, the Vardin lived in small rival nation-states bound together by tradition and economic need. At present, they are governed by a repressive Impersonal Bureaucracy that was imposed upon them by the Jaibok.
Demographics
Approximately 551 million Vardin, divided into three major racial groups:
- Sanka Vardin (65% of the population). Sanka are considered the baseline for the species. They tend to have paler hides with relatively indistinct markings.
- Ennodo Vardin (25% of the population). Ennodo are generally slightly smaller in stature, and have paler hides with heavier markings. They are far more aggressive than other Vardin
- Kara Vardin (10% of the population). Kara are noticeably larger and have very dark hides. They have a reputation for calmness and wisdom.
Language
The primary means of communication is through vocalisation. Subtle movements of the Vardin neck frills signal mood and intent.
- A great many languages and dialects exist.
Technology & Trade
Importance +3 (Significant)
- Resources 8 (Moderate)
- Labor 7 (Tens of millions)
- Infrastructure 7 (Generally available)
- Efficiency +0 (Average)
Calendar:
- The local day is 26.5 standard hours in length.
- The local year is 612 standard days long.
A local year is divided into 554.25 local days.
Timeline of Historical Events
- ca.250,000 BCE: Proto-Vardin achieve intelligence on Vardi.
- ca.17,000 BCE: the first Vardin civilizations flourish on their homeworld.
- ca.-1900: First human-Vardin contact.
- ca.900: Jaibok settlers found communities on Vardi.
- 978 Vardi is occupied by the Korsumug Empire.
Astrography
This race is primarily located in the following areas:
Charted Space:
Homeworld
The homeworld of this race is:
World Listing: 1105
Significant communities of this race are known to dwell within the following systems and worlds:
References & Contributors (Sources)
- Bill Bledsaw. Theta Borealis Sector (Group One, 1981), .
- Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus Adie Alegoric Stewart of the IISS
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis), Captain, and Lead Naval Architect Ronald B. Kline, Jr. of the Imperial Navy
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science