Inarian
Short Story Introduction
“Do you feel it? Do you feel yourself being energized with its glorious power?” He clenched his hand as the red light began to flow towards his fist. Sparks erupting from the air empowered it, making the glow brighter and brighter.
“It is the embodiment of rage, pumping you with heat and aggression!” he roared, the red bursting from his hand in an explosion of color, the particles swirling around him in a mad torrent. The child near him rushed to her mother, frightened by the eerie look upon Francis’ face.
“It can be the sight of blood on the field of battle or the shrill cries of men begging for their lives.” Francis smiled, the grin manic in its obsession. He then dipped his fingers into a whirl of red in the air, poisoning the colors with a very dark shade. He continued to appear progressively more mesmerized as he watched the darkened red take over.
“It is so very magnetic,” he said as he stared into the swirl, watching the different shades mix, “but it can also be quite temperamental…” He then began to slowly move about the room with the waves in the air, closing his eyes as he let its glory engulf him.
“It lights a fiery, powerful passion within ourselves as we gaze upon its stimulating and impulsive presence.” Francis stopped abruptly, his eyes widening with surprise and the red light instantly faded away.
He then quickly composed himself, pacing about the room as he tapped his lips. “It has such a way of rolling off the tongue, does it not? It is such a short word, but it sounds so very sensual and sexy at the same time."
“Red.” He whispered the word, letting it hang in the air as he spoke it.
The illusion of red swirls and waves began to form around them, ranging from light to dark shades. The colors had been passionate and violent before, but they were now warm and comforting.
“As an Inarian, I can appreciate it in all of its beauty and wonder,” Francis said, looking down at the item in his hand.
The young Saraven child continued to stare up at him with wide eyes, staying partially hidden behind her mother’s wing. Francis knelt down to be eye to eye with her, and he held out the necklace with its beautiful, red stone.
Racial Overview
Inarians are among the greatest artists known to exist. They have an extraordinary way of experiencing life because they are gifted with extremely powerful senses. For this reason, they feel they have a greater appreciation for the arts and life than others, and they pity those who cannot experience life the way they can. They are highly artistic, favoring artistic expression and form of functionality, rather than the functionality itself. They are also very intelligent, both in their use of technology and in the unique approach which they use to solve problems.
Their skin tones range from dark brown to ebony, which accentuate their brilliant, blue or emerald eyes. Inarian faces are short, and angular with prominent fan-like ears and oily slick hair. They have the ability to create illusions and their uses for it have helped them to further harness their artistic abilities. Their mastery of this extends to the power to imbue their arts with specific emotions, thereby evoking these emotions from others. In addition, Inarians have powerful empathy, being able to understand what another feels as well as feel it themselves. For this reason, they are strongly connected to each other and the world around them.
The Inarians are culturally diverse, but tend to be pacifists and great builders, cherishing the artisans in their societies. They have an innate feature that causes them to imprint upon the one they are destined to join with. This imprinting is established with another Inarian by touching and creates an intense, emotional and physical connection. They share a closer connection to this person than with any other being. Inarians also believe that their souls go to an afterlife known as Mon’dis, where they are free from their physical form and are returned to life as energy. If two lovers are separated for too long, after imprinting, their bodies slowly begin to turn to stone. If not rejoined before the process is completed, they become fully petrified. Their figure is left as a memory, having captured their last moments without their beloved. These statues can be found throughout their home worlds. It is said that any two lovers who hold this fate are reborn to imprint in another life once again until their death returns them to Mon’dis.
Much of the style of the Concordium’s wonderful architecture is a mere fragment of the artistic talent that the Inarians hold.
- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens
Darshana glad Inarians put emotion in stories. Darshana not understand how to feel otherwise. Inarians use too many words.
- Darshana
Racial Characteristics
Statistics
Racial Special Abilities
- Illusion Creation (Psionic)
- Empathy (Psionics)
Appearance
General Features
- Physiology
- Fan-like ears (webbed)
- Rat-like features
- Striking, brilliant blue or green eyes.
- Short Face
- Underdeveloped chin
- Hair
- Oily / slick.
Male Features
- Physique
- Slender and graceful
- Dark to olive skin.
- Hair
- Variety of styles, but tending towards long, often tied into ponytails. Conscious of popular trends.
Female Features
- Physique
- Slender and graceful.
- Hair
- Variety of styles, but tending towards longer than males. Braided, plaited or ponytails much in evidence. Conscious of popular trends.
Accoutrements
- Clothing
- Bright and vibrant, often in jewel tones accentuated with white or black. Complex dress sense, filled with deeper meaning.
- Subtle jewel use, often to accentuate other features.
- Weapons
- None.
My own thoughts on the masters of the melodramatic aside, there is no denying that the universe would be far less colourful without them.
– Conleth, Historian to the Concordium.
The rumours were true! Our esteemed academic has a sense of humour!
- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens
Religion
The Inarians all believe in progress and self-discovery through art and artistic endeavor. Life is about understanding themselves and the world around them, finding beauty wherever it is to be found, and mastering the arts. Many devote their entire lives to their standards of perfection, driven to be all that they can be.
All three are practiced within Inarian society, the emphasis the individual places on each is what matters.
Primary : Self Actualisation : 40% : Inarians who work towards self-actualization believe that the divine enlightenment lies in mastery, of both themselves and their craft. They constantly strive to live a life that is ever evolving in understanding.
Secondary : Creation: 30% : There is life in everything, and life is beautiful, and as such, must be examined and worshipped at every opportunity. There is no greater form of reverence than to create great works in honour of this.
Secondary : Mysticism: 30% : There is so much beauty in the world, what the Inarians are capable of is but a fraction of that, and this is because we do not truly understand the processes underlying natural creation.
The Greater Truth - Vie'te
Inarians believe themselves to have a higher understanding of life. For this reason, they feel they are able to decipher the true meanings behind what surrounds it. There lies a greater truth, Vie’te, beyond these truths of life. This truth, however, is said to be on the very fringe of the Inarians’ comprehension. Being just short of this has left many restless, ready to explore themselves and their world in an attempt to gain the knowledge of Vie’te. This pursuit has even driven some mad.
In the midst of their understanding, Inarians are used to others coming to them for advice and understanding. Their views on situations and the world involve keen intellect and magnificent insight, leaving many to wonder how life can be so well understood.
The Inarians offer guidance to many, and it’s not difficult to see why so many seek them out. They dedicate their lives to self-discovery and art, and there’s nothing more important to them. If someone has lost their way in life, an Inarian can certainly help to show them the path.
– Conleth, Historian to the Concordium.
Vie’te is the truth of everything that we know about life. It is perfect understanding, and it’s what separates us from merely being alive and truly living. No one has been able to fully comprehend it, however, and I wonder if anyone ever will. I mean; I could, but I’m far too busy to make time for that.
- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens
Starting Ships: Scout and Light Carrier
Designs by James Goudie
Racial History
To be added
The Confederacy of Waldoria
The Confederacy of Waldoria is made up of four worlds. Each has its own government by which it operates, but Waldoria, the smallest of the four, is the main centralized government. Politicians often strive to earn a place here. The highest position of each planet is having a seat among its Board of Conjurie, where decisions for the planet, government, and race are made. Upon earning such a position, an Inarian may continue to have that seat as long as he or she wishes. Those who ascend through the ranks of politics do so only by displaying a deep insight of life, a strong sense of self, and a feeling of intense empathy for fellow Inarians. Many of these people believe to have known their place among the law, judgment, and representation of the Inarians while still very young.
The largest planet in the confederacy is known as Vivla, and it is from there where many Inarians trace their ancestry. It is lush with enormous forests and vast, clear waters. Like the other planets, its beauty is highly cherished. Many Inarians work to improve technology and knowledge with as little alteration or damage to the environment as possible.
The other worlds are Solviare and Luviare. They are nearly the same size, and they orbit between Waldoria and Vivla. A more luxurious life style is practiced on these worlds. More adjustments to the environment have been allowed, when it has proven to be both necessary and minor. Still, the citizens work to master their crafts and learn the art of life.
The Confederacy of Waldoria was formed after a dispute between Solviare and Luviare, each desiring control of Waldoria. It was a smaller, ungoverned world with very few inhabitants. Just when it seemed war may erupt between the two, a group stepped forward from Vivla. They suggested that the three of them incorporate to join with the planet to create a confederacy of four. After much debate, they agreed to unite and become a single nation, with representatives from each traveling to Waldoria to form the central government.
Vivla is our main home world. It is among the most gorgeous, serene places you will ever have the chance to visit. Well preserved and respected, the planet is more treasured to many of us Inarians than our own lives.
- Eloise Quepero D'Pigens
Traveller's Log Entries
Without You
by Chet DeLano
“It’s only for a month…” She reassured him, wrapped in his loving arms.
“A month far too long, if you ask me…” He responded, admiring her long, rich auburn hair as he rubbed the lobe of her perfect Inarian ear. “Oh, how I wish you didn’t have to stay.”
“I wish I didn’t either, but remember that it’s to show off your gift. You’ve honed it far beyond what it used to be. You’ll be able to silence your critics with awe this time. If you don’t go, you will forever live in fear of their spiteful words. Besides, you’ll be back before I know it, right?”
Without Her
by Chet DeLano
“Care for a beverage, sir?” the Gervian flight attendant asked.
Francis sat with one arm folded, the other holding a piece of parchment in front of him. “I’m certain you will find it to display the-”
“Err, sir?” she kindly interrupted.
His fixation on the paper broke and he stared at her blankly, lost in thought. Her long brown hair was pulled back and it reminded him of Odette’s. He then shook his head and laughed, realizing he had yet to reply to the young woman.
Without Her II
by Chet DeLano
Francis opened his eyes slightly, his eyelids feeling as though they were bags of sand. His view was blurred, although he could make out a panicked crew and a loud voice over the intercom.
“Everyone, remain calm!”
His eyes fell closed once again, his head throbbing.
“I repeat, remain calm!”
Without Him
by Chet DeLano
“This is perfect.” Odette said, holding his hand as she stared at the starry sky with her beloved Francis.
He traced the smooth grooves of her slender fingers. “Yes. Yes, it is.” he grinned. Odette turned to see he had been staring at her with great fascination. His gaze refused to waver and she smiled, looking back to the stars to watch as one soared by.
Francis suddenly broke from their hold and wriggled strangely. He rolled over onto his stomach, clawing at his lower back. “Ah! This meadow’s greens are so itchy!” Odette couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the sight of him.
Without Him II
by Chet DeLano
“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Fernand sighed as he left the door hanging wide open, and walked into the darkness.
She needs to get up, she must! I can’t just leave her to turn.
Odette stirred and let out a small sound as she nestled deeper into her bedding.
With You
by Chet DeLano
Fernand sat in his study, the room lit just as the incense burned before him. He studied the smoke as it slowly rolled and spread through the air. He listened to the wisps of smoke as they sang to him, whirling until they faded.
“How curious, to be one of you.” He said aloud, lowering his gaze and resting his chin upon his desk.
“You’re not much different than I...”
