Darmine (race)
| Darmine | |
|---|---|
| Status | Minor Human Race |
| Classification | Omnivore/hunter-gatherer |
| Size | 1.2m |
| Weight | 100kg |
| Homeworld | Ishag (Zarushagaar 1323) |
| Multi-world | Yes |
| Canon | No |
| Extinct | Extant |
| Reference | Greg Videll |
Darmine (Sophont) Synopsis
The Darmine are a minor human race native to Ishag/Liasdi (Zarushagaar 1323 B525986-A). The Darmine are not radically different from their Terran counterparts. Like the Vilani or the Zhodani, any differences are minor. Interbreeding over the millennia has also helped to "wash out" some of the characteristics developed by the Darmine on Ishag.
Physiology & Environment
To survive in the thin atmosphere of their world the Darmine have an increased lung capacity and blood oxygen capacity. This gives the Darmine an increased endurance for strenuous tasks, particularly when in a higher pressure atmosphere.
The Darmine have dark skin to protect against the higher than normal UV radiation from their star.
While the Darmine were clearly transported by the Ancients, it is less clear if the changes to the Darmine physiology are geneered or are the result of the evolution of natural selection.
History & Background
By -6000, Darmine had advanced to TL-4, creating a series of constantly warring city-states.
Code of Ledriasda
Around this time, a wanderer/philosopher named Ledriasda developed what came to be called the Code of Ledriasda. The Code states that it is the moral obligation of all humans (later extended to all sophonts) to preserve (intelligent) life. This not only means that killing is immoral, but that the strong should help the weak, the more fortunate should help the less fortunate, etc.
The Code helped shape Darmine history, making the Darmine a generally peaceful race with the desire to be builders, not destroyers. Even those individuals who are not strict adherents to the Code follow its general tenets.
Unification & Expansion
By -4600, the Darmine had unified their world and reached TL-8. They began space exploration when they were contacted by another space faring race, probably a Vilani trade mission. The Darmine acquired the Jump Drive and began exploring the stellar neighborhood.
The burst of expansion ran into the Consolidation Wars, and the growing Darmine expansion was subjugated into the First Imperium. Despite the demands of the Vilani, the Darmine maintained much of their cultural identity through this period.
Corporate Creation
With the coming of the Solomani and the Rule of Man, the Darmine were again free to expand. They took advantage of the changing times and began to economically conquer Zarushagaar. By the time the Rule of Man collapsed, the Darmine had formed the Darmine Corporate.
Corporate Dissolution
The Darmine Corporate, more of a loose trade association than a real interstellar government, kept the Zarushagaar sector free of the worst effect of the Long Night. It continued to support its worlds through the founding of the Third Imperium and the Ilelish Pacification Campaign. The Darmine resistance to the campaign was primarily political and economic rather than military. The resistance continued for more than 40 years, until the Darmine convinced themselves that the Third Imperium wouldn't be a repeat of the First. In 120, when Ishag formally joined the Imperium, the Darmine Corporate was dissolved.
Ishag Rebellion
Until the Rebellion, the only violent event to mar the Darmine peace was the Ishag Rebellion in 1057.
In the years leading up to the Rebellion, Archduke Dulinor attempted to recruit allies for his forthcoming plans for the Imperium. He used a two-pronged approach, first recruiting like-minded nobles like Sector Duke Andrew. Many assumed, at the time, Dulinor was attempting the promote changes through the Moot. Second was a series of secretly funded media campaigns designed to promote the idea of change to the Imperium. In the Darmine region the campaign took the form of historical promotion and support for the idea of a Darmine Autonomous region.
Unfortunately, this "hearts and minds" campaign completely backfired when Dulinor chose to assassinate the Emperor. The followers of Code of Ledriasda were horrified and the Zarushagaar nobility, lacking much of their popular support, found it difficult to support Dulinor. As Lucan's violent, "at any cost" philosophy became apparent, his support evaporated as well. The Zarushagaar sector, on the front lines between the two bitter enemies, bore the brunt of the continued assaults.
New Darmine Corporate
By 1120, when both sides has largely spent their large fleets, the worlds of Ishag, Dineal and Nidke signed the Dineal Accords, establishing a new Darmine Corporate.
Psychology & Philosophy
Darmine society is a generally peaceful one, organized around the Code of Ledriasda, which states that it is the moral obligation of all humans to preserve sentient (intelligent) life. The Code categorically states that the destruction of sophont life is immoral and that all life has a duty to aid the weak, less fortunate, and live moral lives. As Darmine society grew more diverse in terms of sophont species, the code was later amended to state that it is the duty of all sophonts to preserve intelligent life.
The Darmine, as a generality, desire to be builders, not destroyers. Even those individuals who are not strict adherents to the Code follow its general tenets.
Culture & Society
The Darmine culture continues to influence many worlds within Zarushagaar. Darmine culture presents a balance between the group and the individual. Not as group oriented as the Vilani, Darmine still recognize the power of a group and the productivity that comes from solving problems together.
They enjoy working and interacting with others toward a common goal. It's important to note that the Darmine are not as regimented and tradition bound as the Vilani. The good of the group is important but not at the expense of the individual. Team work is emphasized, to bring the best mix of skills together, but it doesn't pervade every facet of life.
The Darmine have a strong streak of individualism. It's an escape valve from the group orientation of Darmine society, a backlash against the Vilani's stifling culture and a reassertion of the drive the Darmine had during their "Golden Age".
While they may be group oriented, the Darmine greatly respect the adventurer, the daring and innovative individual. Perhaps the most common literary hero is the wandering loner; a person who steps into a difficult situation and sets things aright.
Individuality does not equate to selfishness, rather it means that the individual is more extroverted and flamboyant than his/her group oriented counterpart.
Every Darmine is pulled in two directions; between working within the group and expressing their sense of self. Nearly every Darmine falls somewhere in between, there are few that polarize at one end of the spectrum.
Architecture & Fashion
As with nearly everything involving the Darmine, both architecture and fashion strike a balance between conformity and individuality. Buildings fit well within their surroundings but at the same time are noticeable in their design. The same goes for Darmine fashion. Darmine fashion has borrowed from and lent to other cultures including the Vilani, the Solomani and mainstream Imperial culture.
Social Organization
n/a
Government & Politics
n/a
Language & Letters
The Darmine language is called Kadli and is written using a phonetic alphabet. Kadli is the primary language on some Darmine settled worlds and a secondary one on others (Anglic being the primary).
See Kadli for more information.
Calendar & Timekeeping
n/a
Technology & Trade
Darmine Trade
The Darmine are well-known for their sharp merchants and cutting edge technologies. Darmine starship, vehicle, and robot designs always sell well in Imperial markets.
Darmine Technology
Darmine technology is clearly influenced by and has contributed to "Imperial" technology. It has not had the same impact as, for example, Vilani technology.
Their vehicle and starship designs are not radically different, but they do tend to possess a sleek, rounded look.
Robots are almost always dumbots. The Darmine do not widely use robots, preferring to work with other sophonts. Interestingly, artificial "personalities" for more sophisticated computers are common.
Military & Intelligence
n/a
References & Contributors
- Author: Greg Videll