Post by WWFF on Aug 31, 2010 23:36:55 GMT -5
Species Name:Koi’merra (Kah-oh-ee-meh–rah), Koi-merran (more than one)
Species Type: Near-Human
Planet of Origin: Merra
Average Maximum age:
115 GSY (On World)
96 GSY (Off World)
Age of Maturation:
14 GYS
Average Height:
5’8” – 6’2” (Male)
5’2” – 5’11” (Female)
Average Weight:
173 – 200 lbs (Male)
111 – 125 lbs (Female)
Notable biological features:
They are a bipedal mammalian species. They are largely carnivorous by nature, though over the past few thousand years have adopted a more omnivorous diet, as vegetables and fruits have begun to be imported. Though mammalian heir bodies are largely void of hair, the majority of growth taking place upon their heads. Few characteristics physically separate them from humans, though they do exist.
Koi’merra have adopted angular features facial features. As an average, they do not possess large features (i.e.: nose, ears), at least not out of proportion. Their ears do, however, come to a delicate point, and the lobes flow into the jawline. Their females (and often males) are coveted as slaves or dancers by those who would. Many humans have fallen victim to their exotically fierce beauty, though it is to no avail; Koi’merra society prevents the joining with “nor’merra’ah”, as well as the biological incapability of bearing offspring with anyone outside the species. This physical incapability has lead to many Koi’merran girls (and boys) taking human, or near-human, lovers, as no real risk is involved.
Their skin is amongst the first thing which differentiates them from the Human base line by its range of grays and dull blues. The melanin in their skin has developed in high concentrate and thusly provided them with darker skin. That lends to the blue color is actually the purple color their blood takes. The capillaries nearest the surface coupled with the natural darkness of their skin combines to create a dark blue or grey tone to their flesh. On some occasions a dark purple (nearly eggplant) has been reported.
They have rather supple muscles, allowing them more mobility than the average base-line. This is reflected in their various forms of martial arts, as well as their cultural need for speed, strength, and flexibility.
Counterpoint to their supple muscles are their dense bones; the species as a whole benefits from heavy bones. This is partly due to evolution, as well as a highly calcium rich diet. Their metabolisms worked in such a way that any calcium which was taken into the system would be used to add density to their bones. The favored product for calcium intake was Krayt milk; as the Krayt was imported after the acceptance of Merra into the Republic.
As mentioned above, their bodies are largely hairless; due to harshness and heat of their home world they had little need for hair and through millennia and have stopped the unnecessary growth. Save these differentiations, they are nearly copies of the baseline; anatomically, reproductively, and physiologically.
It should be noted: Koi’merra who are born or live off world tend to have shorter lives. This is because their internal systems are not capable of fulfilling the fullness of their life span without the atmosphere and nutrients in Merra’s water and air. It does not impede their development, nor does it mean that they will not be capable of living full lives; their systems simply shut down sooner without these elements.
Throughout the species their hair has an unusually large range. Colors specter from white to pitch; blonde to brunette; red to blue; and colors in between all. These colors seem to have family and clan ties as entire groups will have a set hair color; it is unclear which the dominant gene is (male or female) that gives the color.
It is known that whichever color any given Koi’merran is born with tends to last until death; rarely does the color fade, even with age. As a whole, Koi’merran hair is straight and rarely wavey, never curly; though females will often curl their hair through heat or chemical treatments.
Hair has traditionally held high meaning within the Koi’merran culture. Various clans will have traditions within themselves dictating what is acceptable for either gender, some demand that all heads be shaved. As a whole, however, their culture has begun adopting a neutral view on this millennia old system and since their discovery by the Republic, many clans have dropped their traditions and adopt a plethora of styles; males usually keep their hair short, while females allow theirs to grow long and twist it into high styles atop their heads.
Koi’merran eyes are amongst their most interesting aspects. While all members of the species have developed an exotic predatory shape and placement this is not what most will notice first. It is their subtle range of color which (like their hair color) seems to reflect family ties. This however has been successfully traced to be a genetic trait inherited from the mother, not the father. Thus if two Koi’merra from separate clans were to join and yield offspring, the child would (nearly without fail) inherit the mothers iris color.
Number of limbs and Type:
2 Legs
2 Arms
Language:
Koi’merra Language:
Cira’ah (Kee-rah ah) [Literally “Common Tongue”]
Those who speak Cira’ah as a first language and learn basic have what sounds to be what we would think sounds like a Scottish accent. Most ‘R’s are rolled and the emphasis on vowels varies by word; this is due to the melding of various dialects as well as other languages which developed during the Koi’Merra’s development of sentience (Zea’lira’ah in Cira’ah [literally “Breath of [our] Life”]) in 935,000 BBY. When the planet wide “Clan Wars” (Kin’waga) ended with the Treaty of Geth (Pea’ah Geth) in 46,092 BBY, the necessity for a common language was presented, and met by the ten major Koi’Merra clans who joined and developed Cira’ah.
After roughly a century, Cira’ah had changed and evolved into a functioning Creole and had become the language spoken by the majority of Koi’merra populous, the old languages slowly dissolving over the next few millennia as Cira’ah took over. Only small groups have kept the old languages alive, though strictly for traditions sake.
With Cira’ah, the use of “ah” at the end of a word has varying effects on the word itself. It could change it’s meaning entirely, (such as Merra, and Merra’ah) of simply work as gerund. The meaning is usually reflected in the actual emphasis on the sound “ah”. This may also be added to an adjective as a sign of subjection, as in a description of a person, place, or object (i.e.: Onea Shesh’ah “Beautiful Ocean” or [when speaking to or of a person] Shesh’ah “She/he(s) beautiful” or “It is beautiful”)
Similarly, the word “Nor”, has a negative effect on a word it is placed in front of. (Example: Nor’ega, “[literally] Not easy/Hard”.) Unlike “ah”, “nor” is also a stand alone word (Example: Nor Inga “Not afraid/scared”).
The sound’s ‘n’, ‘s’, ‘r’, and ‘a’, make up the essential conjunctions, and some combining verbs. The sound ‘n’ may be used to replace our ‘and’, or even ‘of’ in some cases; ‘s’ may often take the place of ‘is’ or ‘as’; ‘r’ may be used on occasion as ‘or’, or ‘are’; and finally ‘a’ is used similarly to basic though could also mean ‘an’, etc. Essentially, these four sounds make the vast majority of connecting words, even those not mentioned.
A sentence structure may also very, based on the mix of languages, it is not a set pattern, thus making learning the language more difficult for outsiders. On average, it will be one of two forms however: Subjuct – adjective – action, with various connectors. Or: Adjective – subject – action, though the adverbs will usually be used as opposed as three (or more) separate words.
Words:
Merra (Meh-rah) – Earth, Ground, World, Land, Place [Generic]
Wea (Way-ah) – Water
Fira (Fee-rah) – Fire
Zea (Zay-ah) – Wind, Breath
Rella (Reh-lah) – River, Canyon
Onea (Oh-nay-ah) – Ocean, Lake (Usually speaking of a large body of any matter; i.e.: Sand, Water, Scrap, etc.)
Lar’onea – The original [planet wide] word for Space, meaning “The Great Ocean”
Kee’pah (Key-pah) – (Literal name of the) Sun, Light, Warmth
Kee’pah’ah – Daytime
Nor’kee’pah – Night, [literally] No sun
Dema (Deh-mah) – Dead, Death, Killed, Murder
Lira (Lee-rah) – Life, Alive, Safe
Cira (Kee-rah) – Tongue [literally], Speech, Speak, Voice
Heth (H-ee-th) – Hate, Dislike
Eepay (Eep-ay) – Happy
Grum (Gr-um) – Sad, Upset, Angry
Inga (Ing-ah) – Afraid, To feel Fear
Nor (N-oh-er) – Not, Can’t, Wont, Shouldn’t
Geh – Confused (Usually used as a questioning statement; i.e.: “What?” Or “Huh?”)
Ega (Egg-ah) – Easy
Nor’ega (N-oh-er-egg-ah) – Hard,
Pea (Pay-ah) – Peace, Calm, Tranquil
Waga (Wah-gah) – War, Battle, Conflict, Fight
Waga’ah – Warrior, Warlord, Fighter
Bong (Bah-ng) – Explosion, (sometimes) Damage or Wound
Blergh (Bl-ay-er) – Blood, (usually) Wound, Injury
Pik (P-ee-k) – Small, Little
Lara (Lah-rah) – Big, Massive, Large, Grand, etc.
Dreg (Der-egg-ah) – Food (cooked and uncooked)
Dreg’ah – Cooking, Feeding, Cooked, Fed
Lorea (Loh-ray-ah) – Belong, Owned
Sesh (She-sh) – Beautiful, Pretty, Flawless
Grosh (Gr-ah-sh) – Ugly, Uncomely
Eem – I, Me, My, Our(s)
Eem’ah – His, Her’s, Theirs, Your(s)
Naba (Nah-bah) – New, Fresh, Unspoiled
Yek (Yeh-k) – Old, Rotten, Spoiled, Gross
Rega (Reh-gah) – Home, Place to Live
Gurma (G-oh-er-mah) – House [literally], Building, Business
Lira’ah – Living, To Live
Dema’ah – To Murder, Murderer (when speaking of someone)
Nor’lira’ah – Dying
Lorea’ah – Belong To, Belong With (Since there is no word for “Love” or “Marriage” in Cira’ah, this substitutes both)
Feer (Fee-er) – Liar, Lie, Deceiving
Lear (Lee-ah-er) – Sleep, Rest, (sometimes used as a term for dying)
Koi (Koh-ee) – Child, Children (When another word or name follows, or speaking of more than one)
Saign (Say-ang) – A weapon of any sort (i.e.: Knife, Blaster, Bomb, etc.)
Sera (Seh-rah) – A word to follow a name or greeting as sign of respect [formal]
Se (S-ay) – A word to follow a name or greeting as a sign of friendship or brotherhood [informal]
Virtua (V-er-tue-ah) – Honor, Valor, Bravery, Strength, etc.
Swit – Traitor, Coward, Weak, etc.
Primo (Pre-moh) – First, Greatest, Number one, Important
Merra’ah – Common, Native, Natural
Nor’merra’ah – Uncommon, Foreign, Unnatural, (sometimes) Harmful, Outsider
Neh – No
Yeh – Yes, Maybe (depends on the manor which it is said)
Ca’sha ( Kah-sh-ah) – An alcoholic beverage similar to wine, (also) describing something earthy
Family Words:
*Family terms are usually followed by a first name, and the word “Sera” is added if respect is intended (i.e.: “Eem pah Deo’sera” would translate to, “My [Respected] Father Dao”).
Kin – Family [blood], Clan
Okin (Oh-kin) – Family [No Blood Relation]
Gap’per (Gah-per) – Grandfather, Old Man, Forefather
Gam (Gah-m) – Grandmother, Old Woman, Matron
Pah – Father
Mah – Mother
Buhba (Buh-bah) – Brother [Blood]
Amara (Ah-may-rah) – Sister [Blood]
Berro (Bay-roh) – Brother [No Blood Relation], Best friend or sworn sister, (also) Adopted sibling
Berra (Bay-rah) – Sister [No Blood Relation], Best friend or sworn sister, (also) Adopted Sibling
Jo (J-oh) – Uncle
Ja (J-ah) – Aunt
Casse (C-ah-say) – Cousin (Both Male/Female)
Brief Compilation of Phrases and Greetings:
Merra’ah – (a) Greeting to other Koi’merra
Nor’merra’ah – (an) Insult to call another Koi’merra, and off worlders
Nor’lira’ah s ega – “Dying is easy”
Lira’ah s nor’ega – “Living is hard”
Kin’ah s Ca’sha – “Blood [family] is like [fine] wine”
Dema a waga’ah, r dema a nor’merra’ah – “Die a warrior, or die a outsider”
Lira eepay n sesha’ah – “Live happy, and (you will live) beautifully”
Eem rega s eem’ah rega – “My home is your home”
Kin lara’ah okin – “Family is more than blood”
Eem lorea’ah – “I belong to (you)” part of the Koi’merra vow of love
Eem lorea’ah eem’ah – “I belong to another/him/her”
Culture:
Koi’merra are known for their valor, looks, promiscuity (mainly female), and prowess in battle. These are just some of their many character and cultural aspects however. They are cruel to enemies, and kind to friends; sometimes more loyal to friends than causes. Having little mercy when it comes to dealing with those who would betray their family or clan, cheaters, or enemies, be it Koi’merran or another race. Honor is of highest importance to the Koi’merra, and as such is upheld even in the most ruthless of battles.
Largely family oriented, the Koi’merra believe that the family must come first, and interclan breeding a necessity for not only the future of the race, but also as a link between the nobility. While there is an inner clan and intercultural social structure of upper and lower class families, this is seen as a small matter, as all Koi’merra clans are at peace with one another, and each member of any clan is indeed a valued member and number.
The women of the species are known for their promiscuity, though no child may be conceived without the blessing of the male’s patriarch, to do so is seen as dishonorable, and measures as extreme as death to both parents as well as the child is not inconceivable, and would be seen as excusable. The least that would happen would be out-casting from both clans, unless the patriarch be convinced otherwise. This being said, the Koi’merra have no system for marriage, nor a word for it or love. This is because such a thing would impede the family system, a female belongs to her clan, and a male to his clan, and the child which would result from a sanctioned union would belong to both, and act as a bridge between families as well as the beginning of a new bloodline. The child would however take both parent’s clan names as well as their given name. In place of a marriage there is rather a mutual giving of flesh which is preceded by a vow.
The social system is as follows: The patriarch of the clan is the leader of said clan, and as such demands the loyalty and obedience of his “children” (meaning all within the clan). Since the Treaty of Geth, the Koi’merra are governed by a tribunal of ten patriarchs. These ten are the patriarchs of the ten clans in favor by the general populous, and are essentially elected based on current affairs. When said tribunal decides upon a course of action, it is taken and fulfilled by all, as it is seen as dishonorable to not follow these orders and any individual who does not would be exiled.
Caste:[/color]
The Parta (patriarchs), as mentioned above, are the leaders of their prospective clans, usually the oldest male of the main family, though in some cases this is not so. The patriarch has traditionally been a member of any said clan to have shown to uphold to virtues and traditions to an exemplary level. Usually this is earned with age, though on occasion, a younger male maybe chosen by his clan to be the “leader” of sorts. Regardless of age, this is the highest honor a Koi’merra can hope to achieve within their society. It is assumed that once they are admitted (provided they are) into the Republic, the tribunal will award one of their own to sit in the senate seat.
With in the Parta tribunal, there is one elected ‘Pah’waga’, or ‘father of war’. In essence he is the warlord of the tribunal, and in control of battle affairs. Usually the Pah’waga needs the consent of the other nine member of the tribunal, though according to law, if a state of war were pressed upon Merra, the Pah’waga would assume total control of all battle and government affairs, for the period of war. This power is however temporary, and the remaining Parta retain some say in the affairs concerning their clan and the clans which they represent. It is a possibility the Pah’waga will be the elected Parta to take the senate seat.
There is no real caste within the society itself, all Koi’merra do their part to fulfill the needs of their family or clan, and all are warriors. The Koi’merran developed a civilian warrior society during their millennia of warring, all members of clans and cities are taught from near infancy the ‘waga’cira’ (or ‘warrior tongue’). This is their base belief of honor, their views on death, the code of war, and the need for bravery to replace all fear or doubt. As children they are taught the use of weapons as well as ‘Dema’haga’* [hah’gah] (or fist of death), the main martial art practiced planet and society over.
Boys are brought up by the mother for the first ten years of their life, though upon their tenth birthday they are take by their father’s clan and taught to be productive citizens and clansmen. The rigorous training brought on by the waga’ah given the honor of training the child is meant to harden him into a respectable, loyal member of the clan. The training involved learning stealth, cultivating loyalty to one's clan (both sides), military training (e.g. pain tolerance as well as weapon and hand to hand training), hunting, academics, and social preparation. This waga’ah is usually referred to as Casse’sera by the youth, to instill the notion of respect as well as acknowledge the family tie. This training usually lasts to the early to mid-twenties, completely depending on the student as well the view of the clan parta.
Girls are always brought up by their mother’s clan. Often encouraged to tease and humiliate the boys in public to harden them as well as push them to aspire to greatness. They are taught the arts, academics, as well as the basics of war. Unlike the boys, they do not have to under go the years of training in battle and social development to be counted as honorable additions to a clan, their worth is nearly most females having immediate. While they do not study war as a rule, all girls are taught self defense and basic weapon usage. Once in adult hood the choice is theirs to further their knowledge or take another path. They are not known for their chastity as a whole, in fact quite the opposite; most having many partners (the same is true with the men). This is not looked down upon, but rather accepted as a portion of life necessary to fully grow; that is, unless an unsanctioned pregnancy.
While no word for it exists in the language, Koi’merran do fall in love and usually find a mate. The hardness of the society does not allow public displays of affection, couples must keep their public appearance cordial, never crossing to affectionate. Though it is known that there is a softness within, and behind closed doors the Koi’merra were as affectionate as any human.
Conventional marriage (as mentioned) also does not exist. There is a sanctioned union between two Koi’merra, where in the result of a child is proof of their union. This is due to the belief that each Koi’merra, while belonging to Merra, belonged to their clan and if a marriage where to take place the clan would lose a valuable member; thus, when a sanctioned union is made, the resulting child is proof of the union, takes both names and begins a new blood line. Both names are taken by the child, this acts as an ancestral tree, where in finding any Koi’merran’s roots would be as easy as to track his or her last name back to find their history.
Misc. Information :[/color]
There is a currency system, though Republic credits are for more common than their own as social dominance is not determined by monetary value but rather the clan’s history and the up holding of Koi’merran values. It is only because of their desire to join the Republic that the have even adopted this for of payment, usually payment is taken with the exchange of favors or trade of goods.
Dema’haga: This martial art is best depicted as a melding of Judo and Karate, utilizing techniques from both. It’s focus was originally the death of the other combatant, there for, more dangerous focuses were implemented: focus on the neck and crushing the trachea; hard impacts to the solar plexus and diaphragm, to stop breath and even the heart; as well as the literal breaking of joints, as opposed to merely locking them.
Sigda: A sigda is a ceremonial blade given to all Koi’merra at their coming to age. It was once used during the Kin’waga as a suicide blade or last resort blade, though now is used merely as a symbol of coming to age, and from that point forward what ever the individual Koi’merran dictates it’s purpose. It’s construction is in the shape of a kukri, made of folded dura-steel with gold inlay. The handle is traditionally bone (krayt since the species begun being imported), or imported ebony. [note: design may vary based upon clan]
History:
The Koi’merran people began their journey to sentience began in the northern hemisphere of the already desolate planet, Merra. As with most creatures the journey was long and difficult; though in the grand scope, it took a relatively short period of time (only 1,665,000 years) to reach full sentience and begin the creation of established cities, and nearly another 600,000 years to develop motor technology.
The planetary relations and spread of the populous to both poles had begun to spread over either hemisphere. It was inevitable that war break out, and in the year 98,076 [BBY] the Kin’waga broke out. It was a bloody war which was waged on and off for 51,984 years, during which time, war forced innovations in technology including the development of the space travel. It ended with the Pea’ah Geth (Treaty of Geth*). Geth at this point was the largest city on the planet, it was also home to the largest battle of the war; a fitting place for a peace treaty to be signed by the major clans and their leaders.
Over the next few hundred year some fighting broke out between smaller clans, but eventually fizzled out and a planetary system was implemented. The visitation of a group of Duro scientists looking for sentience in the Outer-rim worlds found the planet and it’s inhabitants in 25,000 BBY. These Duros were allowed to stay amongst the Koi’merra and study their culture, in exchange for the knowledge necessary to develop the hyperspace engine as well as teaching the universal language [basic].
Upon the departure of these Duros, knowledge of the Koi’merran grew, and the Republic sent Jedi diplomats to speak with the Parta and begin negotiations. At first the Koi’merran were reluctant to join the Republic, initially turning their intentions to colonization on other worlds as well as visiting known hyperspace routes. It wasn’t until recently that they have decided it a beneficial and honorable route to join and assist the Republic with the impending Empire.
*The Treaty of Geth:
The Treaty of Geth (Pea’ah Geth) states that all clans are equal, and that Merra be shared by all. As well as the developed system for electing the ten members of the Parta. (In a nutshell)
Species Type: Near-Human
Planet of Origin: Merra
Average Maximum age:
115 GSY (On World)
96 GSY (Off World)
Age of Maturation:
14 GYS
Average Height:
5’8” – 6’2” (Male)
5’2” – 5’11” (Female)
Average Weight:
173 – 200 lbs (Male)
111 – 125 lbs (Female)
Notable biological features:
Build and Appearance:
They are a bipedal mammalian species. They are largely carnivorous by nature, though over the past few thousand years have adopted a more omnivorous diet, as vegetables and fruits have begun to be imported. Though mammalian heir bodies are largely void of hair, the majority of growth taking place upon their heads. Few characteristics physically separate them from humans, though they do exist.
Koi’merra have adopted angular features facial features. As an average, they do not possess large features (i.e.: nose, ears), at least not out of proportion. Their ears do, however, come to a delicate point, and the lobes flow into the jawline. Their females (and often males) are coveted as slaves or dancers by those who would. Many humans have fallen victim to their exotically fierce beauty, though it is to no avail; Koi’merra society prevents the joining with “nor’merra’ah”, as well as the biological incapability of bearing offspring with anyone outside the species. This physical incapability has lead to many Koi’merran girls (and boys) taking human, or near-human, lovers, as no real risk is involved.
Their skin is amongst the first thing which differentiates them from the Human base line by its range of grays and dull blues. The melanin in their skin has developed in high concentrate and thusly provided them with darker skin. That lends to the blue color is actually the purple color their blood takes. The capillaries nearest the surface coupled with the natural darkness of their skin combines to create a dark blue or grey tone to their flesh. On some occasions a dark purple (nearly eggplant) has been reported.
They have rather supple muscles, allowing them more mobility than the average base-line. This is reflected in their various forms of martial arts, as well as their cultural need for speed, strength, and flexibility.
Counterpoint to their supple muscles are their dense bones; the species as a whole benefits from heavy bones. This is partly due to evolution, as well as a highly calcium rich diet. Their metabolisms worked in such a way that any calcium which was taken into the system would be used to add density to their bones. The favored product for calcium intake was Krayt milk; as the Krayt was imported after the acceptance of Merra into the Republic.
As mentioned above, their bodies are largely hairless; due to harshness and heat of their home world they had little need for hair and through millennia and have stopped the unnecessary growth. Save these differentiations, they are nearly copies of the baseline; anatomically, reproductively, and physiologically.
It should be noted: Koi’merra who are born or live off world tend to have shorter lives. This is because their internal systems are not capable of fulfilling the fullness of their life span without the atmosphere and nutrients in Merra’s water and air. It does not impede their development, nor does it mean that they will not be capable of living full lives; their systems simply shut down sooner without these elements.
Hair:
Throughout the species their hair has an unusually large range. Colors specter from white to pitch; blonde to brunette; red to blue; and colors in between all. These colors seem to have family and clan ties as entire groups will have a set hair color; it is unclear which the dominant gene is (male or female) that gives the color.
It is known that whichever color any given Koi’merran is born with tends to last until death; rarely does the color fade, even with age. As a whole, Koi’merran hair is straight and rarely wavey, never curly; though females will often curl their hair through heat or chemical treatments.
Hair has traditionally held high meaning within the Koi’merran culture. Various clans will have traditions within themselves dictating what is acceptable for either gender, some demand that all heads be shaved. As a whole, however, their culture has begun adopting a neutral view on this millennia old system and since their discovery by the Republic, many clans have dropped their traditions and adopt a plethora of styles; males usually keep their hair short, while females allow theirs to grow long and twist it into high styles atop their heads.
Eyes:
Koi’merran eyes are amongst their most interesting aspects. While all members of the species have developed an exotic predatory shape and placement this is not what most will notice first. It is their subtle range of color which (like their hair color) seems to reflect family ties. This however has been successfully traced to be a genetic trait inherited from the mother, not the father. Thus if two Koi’merra from separate clans were to join and yield offspring, the child would (nearly without fail) inherit the mothers iris color.
Number of limbs and Type:
2 Legs
2 Arms
Language:
Koi’merra Language:
Cira’ah (Kee-rah ah) [Literally “Common Tongue”]
Those who speak Cira’ah as a first language and learn basic have what sounds to be what we would think sounds like a Scottish accent. Most ‘R’s are rolled and the emphasis on vowels varies by word; this is due to the melding of various dialects as well as other languages which developed during the Koi’Merra’s development of sentience (Zea’lira’ah in Cira’ah [literally “Breath of [our] Life”]) in 935,000 BBY. When the planet wide “Clan Wars” (Kin’waga) ended with the Treaty of Geth (Pea’ah Geth) in 46,092 BBY, the necessity for a common language was presented, and met by the ten major Koi’Merra clans who joined and developed Cira’ah.
After roughly a century, Cira’ah had changed and evolved into a functioning Creole and had become the language spoken by the majority of Koi’merra populous, the old languages slowly dissolving over the next few millennia as Cira’ah took over. Only small groups have kept the old languages alive, though strictly for traditions sake.
With Cira’ah, the use of “ah” at the end of a word has varying effects on the word itself. It could change it’s meaning entirely, (such as Merra, and Merra’ah) of simply work as gerund. The meaning is usually reflected in the actual emphasis on the sound “ah”. This may also be added to an adjective as a sign of subjection, as in a description of a person, place, or object (i.e.: Onea Shesh’ah “Beautiful Ocean” or [when speaking to or of a person] Shesh’ah “She/he(s) beautiful” or “It is beautiful”)
Similarly, the word “Nor”, has a negative effect on a word it is placed in front of. (Example: Nor’ega, “[literally] Not easy/Hard”.) Unlike “ah”, “nor” is also a stand alone word (Example: Nor Inga “Not afraid/scared”).
The sound’s ‘n’, ‘s’, ‘r’, and ‘a’, make up the essential conjunctions, and some combining verbs. The sound ‘n’ may be used to replace our ‘and’, or even ‘of’ in some cases; ‘s’ may often take the place of ‘is’ or ‘as’; ‘r’ may be used on occasion as ‘or’, or ‘are’; and finally ‘a’ is used similarly to basic though could also mean ‘an’, etc. Essentially, these four sounds make the vast majority of connecting words, even those not mentioned.
A sentence structure may also very, based on the mix of languages, it is not a set pattern, thus making learning the language more difficult for outsiders. On average, it will be one of two forms however: Subjuct – adjective – action, with various connectors. Or: Adjective – subject – action, though the adverbs will usually be used as opposed as three (or more) separate words.
Words:
Merra (Meh-rah) – Earth, Ground, World, Land, Place [Generic]
Wea (Way-ah) – Water
Fira (Fee-rah) – Fire
Zea (Zay-ah) – Wind, Breath
Rella (Reh-lah) – River, Canyon
Onea (Oh-nay-ah) – Ocean, Lake (Usually speaking of a large body of any matter; i.e.: Sand, Water, Scrap, etc.)
Lar’onea – The original [planet wide] word for Space, meaning “The Great Ocean”
Kee’pah (Key-pah) – (Literal name of the) Sun, Light, Warmth
Kee’pah’ah – Daytime
Nor’kee’pah – Night, [literally] No sun
Dema (Deh-mah) – Dead, Death, Killed, Murder
Lira (Lee-rah) – Life, Alive, Safe
Cira (Kee-rah) – Tongue [literally], Speech, Speak, Voice
Heth (H-ee-th) – Hate, Dislike
Eepay (Eep-ay) – Happy
Grum (Gr-um) – Sad, Upset, Angry
Inga (Ing-ah) – Afraid, To feel Fear
Nor (N-oh-er) – Not, Can’t, Wont, Shouldn’t
Geh – Confused (Usually used as a questioning statement; i.e.: “What?” Or “Huh?”)
Ega (Egg-ah) – Easy
Nor’ega (N-oh-er-egg-ah) – Hard,
Pea (Pay-ah) – Peace, Calm, Tranquil
Waga (Wah-gah) – War, Battle, Conflict, Fight
Waga’ah – Warrior, Warlord, Fighter
Bong (Bah-ng) – Explosion, (sometimes) Damage or Wound
Blergh (Bl-ay-er) – Blood, (usually) Wound, Injury
Pik (P-ee-k) – Small, Little
Lara (Lah-rah) – Big, Massive, Large, Grand, etc.
Dreg (Der-egg-ah) – Food (cooked and uncooked)
Dreg’ah – Cooking, Feeding, Cooked, Fed
Lorea (Loh-ray-ah) – Belong, Owned
Sesh (She-sh) – Beautiful, Pretty, Flawless
Grosh (Gr-ah-sh) – Ugly, Uncomely
Eem – I, Me, My, Our(s)
Eem’ah – His, Her’s, Theirs, Your(s)
Naba (Nah-bah) – New, Fresh, Unspoiled
Yek (Yeh-k) – Old, Rotten, Spoiled, Gross
Rega (Reh-gah) – Home, Place to Live
Gurma (G-oh-er-mah) – House [literally], Building, Business
Lira’ah – Living, To Live
Dema’ah – To Murder, Murderer (when speaking of someone)
Nor’lira’ah – Dying
Lorea’ah – Belong To, Belong With (Since there is no word for “Love” or “Marriage” in Cira’ah, this substitutes both)
Feer (Fee-er) – Liar, Lie, Deceiving
Lear (Lee-ah-er) – Sleep, Rest, (sometimes used as a term for dying)
Koi (Koh-ee) – Child, Children (When another word or name follows, or speaking of more than one)
Saign (Say-ang) – A weapon of any sort (i.e.: Knife, Blaster, Bomb, etc.)
Sera (Seh-rah) – A word to follow a name or greeting as sign of respect [formal]
Se (S-ay) – A word to follow a name or greeting as a sign of friendship or brotherhood [informal]
Virtua (V-er-tue-ah) – Honor, Valor, Bravery, Strength, etc.
Swit – Traitor, Coward, Weak, etc.
Primo (Pre-moh) – First, Greatest, Number one, Important
Merra’ah – Common, Native, Natural
Nor’merra’ah – Uncommon, Foreign, Unnatural, (sometimes) Harmful, Outsider
Neh – No
Yeh – Yes, Maybe (depends on the manor which it is said)
Ca’sha ( Kah-sh-ah) – An alcoholic beverage similar to wine, (also) describing something earthy
Family Words:
*Family terms are usually followed by a first name, and the word “Sera” is added if respect is intended (i.e.: “Eem pah Deo’sera” would translate to, “My [Respected] Father Dao”).
Kin – Family [blood], Clan
Okin (Oh-kin) – Family [No Blood Relation]
Gap’per (Gah-per) – Grandfather, Old Man, Forefather
Gam (Gah-m) – Grandmother, Old Woman, Matron
Pah – Father
Mah – Mother
Buhba (Buh-bah) – Brother [Blood]
Amara (Ah-may-rah) – Sister [Blood]
Berro (Bay-roh) – Brother [No Blood Relation], Best friend or sworn sister, (also) Adopted sibling
Berra (Bay-rah) – Sister [No Blood Relation], Best friend or sworn sister, (also) Adopted Sibling
Jo (J-oh) – Uncle
Ja (J-ah) – Aunt
Casse (C-ah-say) – Cousin (Both Male/Female)
Brief Compilation of Phrases and Greetings:
Merra’ah – (a) Greeting to other Koi’merra
Nor’merra’ah – (an) Insult to call another Koi’merra, and off worlders
Nor’lira’ah s ega – “Dying is easy”
Lira’ah s nor’ega – “Living is hard”
Kin’ah s Ca’sha – “Blood [family] is like [fine] wine”
Dema a waga’ah, r dema a nor’merra’ah – “Die a warrior, or die a outsider”
Lira eepay n sesha’ah – “Live happy, and (you will live) beautifully”
Eem rega s eem’ah rega – “My home is your home”
Kin lara’ah okin – “Family is more than blood”
Eem lorea’ah – “I belong to (you)” part of the Koi’merra vow of love
Eem lorea’ah eem’ah – “I belong to another/him/her”
Culture:
Koi’merra are known for their valor, looks, promiscuity (mainly female), and prowess in battle. These are just some of their many character and cultural aspects however. They are cruel to enemies, and kind to friends; sometimes more loyal to friends than causes. Having little mercy when it comes to dealing with those who would betray their family or clan, cheaters, or enemies, be it Koi’merran or another race. Honor is of highest importance to the Koi’merra, and as such is upheld even in the most ruthless of battles.
Largely family oriented, the Koi’merra believe that the family must come first, and interclan breeding a necessity for not only the future of the race, but also as a link between the nobility. While there is an inner clan and intercultural social structure of upper and lower class families, this is seen as a small matter, as all Koi’merra clans are at peace with one another, and each member of any clan is indeed a valued member and number.
The women of the species are known for their promiscuity, though no child may be conceived without the blessing of the male’s patriarch, to do so is seen as dishonorable, and measures as extreme as death to both parents as well as the child is not inconceivable, and would be seen as excusable. The least that would happen would be out-casting from both clans, unless the patriarch be convinced otherwise. This being said, the Koi’merra have no system for marriage, nor a word for it or love. This is because such a thing would impede the family system, a female belongs to her clan, and a male to his clan, and the child which would result from a sanctioned union would belong to both, and act as a bridge between families as well as the beginning of a new bloodline. The child would however take both parent’s clan names as well as their given name. In place of a marriage there is rather a mutual giving of flesh which is preceded by a vow.
The social system is as follows: The patriarch of the clan is the leader of said clan, and as such demands the loyalty and obedience of his “children” (meaning all within the clan). Since the Treaty of Geth, the Koi’merra are governed by a tribunal of ten patriarchs. These ten are the patriarchs of the ten clans in favor by the general populous, and are essentially elected based on current affairs. When said tribunal decides upon a course of action, it is taken and fulfilled by all, as it is seen as dishonorable to not follow these orders and any individual who does not would be exiled.
Caste:[/color]
The Parta (patriarchs), as mentioned above, are the leaders of their prospective clans, usually the oldest male of the main family, though in some cases this is not so. The patriarch has traditionally been a member of any said clan to have shown to uphold to virtues and traditions to an exemplary level. Usually this is earned with age, though on occasion, a younger male maybe chosen by his clan to be the “leader” of sorts. Regardless of age, this is the highest honor a Koi’merra can hope to achieve within their society. It is assumed that once they are admitted (provided they are) into the Republic, the tribunal will award one of their own to sit in the senate seat.
With in the Parta tribunal, there is one elected ‘Pah’waga’, or ‘father of war’. In essence he is the warlord of the tribunal, and in control of battle affairs. Usually the Pah’waga needs the consent of the other nine member of the tribunal, though according to law, if a state of war were pressed upon Merra, the Pah’waga would assume total control of all battle and government affairs, for the period of war. This power is however temporary, and the remaining Parta retain some say in the affairs concerning their clan and the clans which they represent. It is a possibility the Pah’waga will be the elected Parta to take the senate seat.
There is no real caste within the society itself, all Koi’merra do their part to fulfill the needs of their family or clan, and all are warriors. The Koi’merran developed a civilian warrior society during their millennia of warring, all members of clans and cities are taught from near infancy the ‘waga’cira’ (or ‘warrior tongue’). This is their base belief of honor, their views on death, the code of war, and the need for bravery to replace all fear or doubt. As children they are taught the use of weapons as well as ‘Dema’haga’* [hah’gah] (or fist of death), the main martial art practiced planet and society over.
Boys are brought up by the mother for the first ten years of their life, though upon their tenth birthday they are take by their father’s clan and taught to be productive citizens and clansmen. The rigorous training brought on by the waga’ah given the honor of training the child is meant to harden him into a respectable, loyal member of the clan. The training involved learning stealth, cultivating loyalty to one's clan (both sides), military training (e.g. pain tolerance as well as weapon and hand to hand training), hunting, academics, and social preparation. This waga’ah is usually referred to as Casse’sera by the youth, to instill the notion of respect as well as acknowledge the family tie. This training usually lasts to the early to mid-twenties, completely depending on the student as well the view of the clan parta.
Girls are always brought up by their mother’s clan. Often encouraged to tease and humiliate the boys in public to harden them as well as push them to aspire to greatness. They are taught the arts, academics, as well as the basics of war. Unlike the boys, they do not have to under go the years of training in battle and social development to be counted as honorable additions to a clan, their worth is nearly most females having immediate. While they do not study war as a rule, all girls are taught self defense and basic weapon usage. Once in adult hood the choice is theirs to further their knowledge or take another path. They are not known for their chastity as a whole, in fact quite the opposite; most having many partners (the same is true with the men). This is not looked down upon, but rather accepted as a portion of life necessary to fully grow; that is, unless an unsanctioned pregnancy.
While no word for it exists in the language, Koi’merran do fall in love and usually find a mate. The hardness of the society does not allow public displays of affection, couples must keep their public appearance cordial, never crossing to affectionate. Though it is known that there is a softness within, and behind closed doors the Koi’merra were as affectionate as any human.
Conventional marriage (as mentioned) also does not exist. There is a sanctioned union between two Koi’merra, where in the result of a child is proof of their union. This is due to the belief that each Koi’merra, while belonging to Merra, belonged to their clan and if a marriage where to take place the clan would lose a valuable member; thus, when a sanctioned union is made, the resulting child is proof of the union, takes both names and begins a new blood line. Both names are taken by the child, this acts as an ancestral tree, where in finding any Koi’merran’s roots would be as easy as to track his or her last name back to find their history.
Misc. Information :[/color]
There is a currency system, though Republic credits are for more common than their own as social dominance is not determined by monetary value but rather the clan’s history and the up holding of Koi’merran values. It is only because of their desire to join the Republic that the have even adopted this for of payment, usually payment is taken with the exchange of favors or trade of goods.
Dema’haga: This martial art is best depicted as a melding of Judo and Karate, utilizing techniques from both. It’s focus was originally the death of the other combatant, there for, more dangerous focuses were implemented: focus on the neck and crushing the trachea; hard impacts to the solar plexus and diaphragm, to stop breath and even the heart; as well as the literal breaking of joints, as opposed to merely locking them.
Sigda: A sigda is a ceremonial blade given to all Koi’merra at their coming to age. It was once used during the Kin’waga as a suicide blade or last resort blade, though now is used merely as a symbol of coming to age, and from that point forward what ever the individual Koi’merran dictates it’s purpose. It’s construction is in the shape of a kukri, made of folded dura-steel with gold inlay. The handle is traditionally bone (krayt since the species begun being imported), or imported ebony. [note: design may vary based upon clan]
History:
The Koi’merran people began their journey to sentience began in the northern hemisphere of the already desolate planet, Merra. As with most creatures the journey was long and difficult; though in the grand scope, it took a relatively short period of time (only 1,665,000 years) to reach full sentience and begin the creation of established cities, and nearly another 600,000 years to develop motor technology.
The planetary relations and spread of the populous to both poles had begun to spread over either hemisphere. It was inevitable that war break out, and in the year 98,076 [BBY] the Kin’waga broke out. It was a bloody war which was waged on and off for 51,984 years, during which time, war forced innovations in technology including the development of the space travel. It ended with the Pea’ah Geth (Treaty of Geth*). Geth at this point was the largest city on the planet, it was also home to the largest battle of the war; a fitting place for a peace treaty to be signed by the major clans and their leaders.
Over the next few hundred year some fighting broke out between smaller clans, but eventually fizzled out and a planetary system was implemented. The visitation of a group of Duro scientists looking for sentience in the Outer-rim worlds found the planet and it’s inhabitants in 25,000 BBY. These Duros were allowed to stay amongst the Koi’merra and study their culture, in exchange for the knowledge necessary to develop the hyperspace engine as well as teaching the universal language [basic].
Upon the departure of these Duros, knowledge of the Koi’merran grew, and the Republic sent Jedi diplomats to speak with the Parta and begin negotiations. At first the Koi’merran were reluctant to join the Republic, initially turning their intentions to colonization on other worlds as well as visiting known hyperspace routes. It wasn’t until recently that they have decided it a beneficial and honorable route to join and assist the Republic with the impending Empire.
*The Treaty of Geth:
The Treaty of Geth (Pea’ah Geth) states that all clans are equal, and that Merra be shared by all. As well as the developed system for electing the ten members of the Parta. (In a nutshell)
