Post by Dota on Jan 6, 2013 1:19:52 GMT -5
DATABASE INFORMATION
Entry # 9856
System # 0800-8
M Planet # 4013-J8
Vuulaps komslsa (commonly shortened to Vuulaps) are a humanoid race that live on 4013-J8 (local name: Nmoa Jepyasaul), the only M-class in System 0800-8. They are at Technology Level B, with no other inhabited planets in the solar system to accelerate competition for technological advances. Vuulaps komslsa are best characterized by the chromatic variation in their irises due to emotionally- or behaviorally-driven hormonal influxes.
Vuulaps are quite comparable to humans in appearance and physiology, though they have only four digits on both hands and feet. Each hand has two opposable thumbs. Their feet have the two middle digits facing forward while the thumbs are modified to face backwards and provide a “spring” that adds to jumping and dashing capabilities.
Theorized to be the result of primitive pack life, the Vuulaps have evolved additional emotional expression through hormone-induced chromatic changes in the irises of their eyes. Coloration of the iris varies based on hormonal coupling to receptors in the tissue, which in turn draws from various pools of pigments stored within nearby chromatophores. The pools of pigments leave the eye color a grayish off-white at resting state or in cases of biochemical disorders. Setting humans as the standard, Vuulaps have a greater ability at discerning various hues. Most, if not all, known species are considered color blind to some degree by the Vuulaps.
Migration to various regions of the planet has given way to dimorphism in pigmentation of the eyes, though any outside species would likely not be able to detect most of the subtle differences. Genetic disorders where the eye does not respond to mood are often associated with mental disorders, as the molecules responsible for the change are closely linked with the biochemical pathways responsible for behavior.
The Vuulaps evolved from a pack society with an alpha female left to nurse and care for young while the rest of the pack dispersed to gather food. Alpha females are the only ones to develop breasts. All females are capable of becoming the alpha, though there will only ever be one per pack. Modern society has seen the shift to the females no longer giving up their young for nursing and rearing. Common practice in the early years of this change was to obtain breast milk from the alpha female (Ryenivis, or elder) of the community. Nursing a lone child can sometimes lead to successful growth of breasts and color shifting of the eyes. Recent techniques involve hormone injection to ensure successful development. Though it is generally accepted for all females to become mother figures, it is paradoxically looked down upon if they should try to become mothers physically. Whether the stigma persists due to a power struggle with the Ryenivis or a cultural aversion for permitting multiple sets of alpha-colored eyes is up for debate.
Unsurprisingly, much focus revolves around the eyes where etiquette is concerned. With no voluntary way to suppress expression of pigments in the eyes, one’s emotions are readily on display at any given time. Traditionally, as a show of respect, eyes are kept lowered when speaking to another, especially an unfamiliar individual. Concealment of the eyes is highly frowned upon to the point of near-taboo and is seen as deliberate deception. Throughout regions and history, transparent veils were periodically granted to those of special status, varying from bestowing exceptions on the powerful to symbolically shunning the criminal. In some places, they were banned altogether.
In ancient rituals, black clothing was donned and black was painted on the face in order to present only the eyes. Today, the Vuulaps see dressing in black as a provocative act, placing all focus on the display of eye color (the chief means one uses to show a potential mate they are ready to copulate). Since the switch to a more monogamous society, couples will often dress in brightly colored clothing to announce their pairing and unavailability. It is a sign of fidelity that in some cases is not entirely voluntary. Jealous mates will inspect their spouse’s eyes the moment they arrive home to confirm no questionable activity had taken place in their absence (it is believed by some regions that unfaithful mates do not have the remorse for their adultery that would initiate the appropriate coloration and are instead looking for the remnants of color indicative of waning sexual pleasure). Crafty mates have found herbs that either mimic or induce hormone responses to mask this incriminating sign, though the use is not too wide spread.
The Vuulaps komslsa religions stem from a progenitor mythos based around the divinity of Vaviorstk (rainbow). Vuulaps believe that Vaviorstk grants all life by removing pieces of itself and leaving these fragments to be seen all over the world. The decomposition of the flesh, leaving behind only the bone, has led to the belief that the deceased return their color to Vaviorstk. White, associated with bones of the deceased, is often thought of as removed from the Cycle. The whites of eyes are named vaviturin, colorless or the void. Clear matter is often considered exceptional and pure, as it has the ability to display all colors through it. Clear gems and minerals are of high value to the Vuulaps.
Historically, the blind have also been seen as disconnected from the Color, but since they degrade the same as those with vision, it was generally accepted that they were still part of the Cycle. The modern sects have varying views on the blind.
Discovery of System 0800-8 by Species 0457 brought the Vuulaps into the galactic community. Despite the time that has passed since first contact, the Vuulaps have yet to establish their own production of light-speed vessels, instead relying on outside species to taxi them in the rare event one would desire to leave their home world. Mostly, Nmoa Jepyasaul is a tourist spot of the region, bringing various species to what would otherwise be an isolated planet.
Once contact was made with extra-solar species, the Vuulaps came to know of beings with naturally-static eye colors. They have come to accept this peculiarity, but many still view it as a debilitating condition. Those that are in frequent contact with alien species can adjust to conversing while making eye contact, but will often feel intimidated and uneasy. To many outsiders, the Vuulaps habit of looking anywhere but in the eyes of those they are speaking with, even at the initiation of conversation, leaves the impression of disinterest.
Entry # 9856
System # 0800-8
M Planet # 4013-J8
Vuulaps komslsa (commonly shortened to Vuulaps) are a humanoid race that live on 4013-J8 (local name: Nmoa Jepyasaul), the only M-class in System 0800-8. They are at Technology Level B, with no other inhabited planets in the solar system to accelerate competition for technological advances. Vuulaps komslsa are best characterized by the chromatic variation in their irises due to emotionally- or behaviorally-driven hormonal influxes.
Vuulaps are quite comparable to humans in appearance and physiology, though they have only four digits on both hands and feet. Each hand has two opposable thumbs. Their feet have the two middle digits facing forward while the thumbs are modified to face backwards and provide a “spring” that adds to jumping and dashing capabilities.
Theorized to be the result of primitive pack life, the Vuulaps have evolved additional emotional expression through hormone-induced chromatic changes in the irises of their eyes. Coloration of the iris varies based on hormonal coupling to receptors in the tissue, which in turn draws from various pools of pigments stored within nearby chromatophores. The pools of pigments leave the eye color a grayish off-white at resting state or in cases of biochemical disorders. Setting humans as the standard, Vuulaps have a greater ability at discerning various hues. Most, if not all, known species are considered color blind to some degree by the Vuulaps.
Migration to various regions of the planet has given way to dimorphism in pigmentation of the eyes, though any outside species would likely not be able to detect most of the subtle differences. Genetic disorders where the eye does not respond to mood are often associated with mental disorders, as the molecules responsible for the change are closely linked with the biochemical pathways responsible for behavior.
The Vuulaps evolved from a pack society with an alpha female left to nurse and care for young while the rest of the pack dispersed to gather food. Alpha females are the only ones to develop breasts. All females are capable of becoming the alpha, though there will only ever be one per pack. Modern society has seen the shift to the females no longer giving up their young for nursing and rearing. Common practice in the early years of this change was to obtain breast milk from the alpha female (Ryenivis, or elder) of the community. Nursing a lone child can sometimes lead to successful growth of breasts and color shifting of the eyes. Recent techniques involve hormone injection to ensure successful development. Though it is generally accepted for all females to become mother figures, it is paradoxically looked down upon if they should try to become mothers physically. Whether the stigma persists due to a power struggle with the Ryenivis or a cultural aversion for permitting multiple sets of alpha-colored eyes is up for debate.
Unsurprisingly, much focus revolves around the eyes where etiquette is concerned. With no voluntary way to suppress expression of pigments in the eyes, one’s emotions are readily on display at any given time. Traditionally, as a show of respect, eyes are kept lowered when speaking to another, especially an unfamiliar individual. Concealment of the eyes is highly frowned upon to the point of near-taboo and is seen as deliberate deception. Throughout regions and history, transparent veils were periodically granted to those of special status, varying from bestowing exceptions on the powerful to symbolically shunning the criminal. In some places, they were banned altogether.
In ancient rituals, black clothing was donned and black was painted on the face in order to present only the eyes. Today, the Vuulaps see dressing in black as a provocative act, placing all focus on the display of eye color (the chief means one uses to show a potential mate they are ready to copulate). Since the switch to a more monogamous society, couples will often dress in brightly colored clothing to announce their pairing and unavailability. It is a sign of fidelity that in some cases is not entirely voluntary. Jealous mates will inspect their spouse’s eyes the moment they arrive home to confirm no questionable activity had taken place in their absence (it is believed by some regions that unfaithful mates do not have the remorse for their adultery that would initiate the appropriate coloration and are instead looking for the remnants of color indicative of waning sexual pleasure). Crafty mates have found herbs that either mimic or induce hormone responses to mask this incriminating sign, though the use is not too wide spread.
The Vuulaps komslsa religions stem from a progenitor mythos based around the divinity of Vaviorstk (rainbow). Vuulaps believe that Vaviorstk grants all life by removing pieces of itself and leaving these fragments to be seen all over the world. The decomposition of the flesh, leaving behind only the bone, has led to the belief that the deceased return their color to Vaviorstk. White, associated with bones of the deceased, is often thought of as removed from the Cycle. The whites of eyes are named vaviturin, colorless or the void. Clear matter is often considered exceptional and pure, as it has the ability to display all colors through it. Clear gems and minerals are of high value to the Vuulaps.
Historically, the blind have also been seen as disconnected from the Color, but since they degrade the same as those with vision, it was generally accepted that they were still part of the Cycle. The modern sects have varying views on the blind.
Discovery of System 0800-8 by Species 0457 brought the Vuulaps into the galactic community. Despite the time that has passed since first contact, the Vuulaps have yet to establish their own production of light-speed vessels, instead relying on outside species to taxi them in the rare event one would desire to leave their home world. Mostly, Nmoa Jepyasaul is a tourist spot of the region, bringing various species to what would otherwise be an isolated planet.
Once contact was made with extra-solar species, the Vuulaps came to know of beings with naturally-static eye colors. They have come to accept this peculiarity, but many still view it as a debilitating condition. Those that are in frequent contact with alien species can adjust to conversing while making eye contact, but will often feel intimidated and uneasy. To many outsiders, the Vuulaps habit of looking anywhere but in the eyes of those they are speaking with, even at the initiation of conversation, leaves the impression of disinterest.