Sefora

Say-fOH-ruh

Work in progress... One of two races on Serpentis, sefora come in a diverse array of shapes and are the backbone of modern Serpentian society. Where shyr are hyperadapted to a specific niche, sefora are extremely adaptable and can make themselves a home just about anywhere.

Appearance & Features

All sefora have a somewhat stockier build than shyr, wider feet, and a dual-chambered kor. They do not have korekas found in shyr and can kor bond to a partner of any variety. Akin to their shyr cousins, sefora have a deep breastbone, long torso, four digits on both hands, unique markings across their body (subtle or otherwise), and digitigrade legs with three toes tipped by talons. The soles of their feet are very thick and their legs are extremely powerful. A single kick could be lethal. The use of one’s legs as a weapon is not socially acceptable unless warranted or situationally required.

Species

There are three distinct species of true sefora. “True” in that they are not a hybrid of other species and have a dual-chambered kor where one chamber is empty and can be imprinted upon with dark, light, or neutral energy.
Kartuu are masters of all natural fronts: air, land, and sea. They are extremely social creatures and are unmistakable with their quadrupedal frame and long, thick tail.
Kiyrel have the most dramatic sexual dimorphism of any sefora or shyr. Men are nearly jet black and sport brightly colored markings which they can change at will. Women are beautifully colored with rich, earthy tones and bright accents.
Pateru lack many of the features that shyr or other sefora have. No wings, scales, horns, feathers, or frills. Plain in appearance and in possession of a passive, neutral kor, these people are far from basic.
Additional species recognized by the Primum Species Association (PSA) as sefora, but not true sefora:
Amzor - originally a ny’kor pateru combo
Entuui - pateru kartuu combo
Erukii - pateru kiyrel combo
Kriila - kiyrel kartuu combo
Seren - originally a ly’kor pateru combo
There have been other combinations of hybrids between sefora and shyr species, but only amzor and seren have persisted long enough to establish themselves as a separate species with consistent characteristics. All other hybrids between shyr and sefora are referred to as thesiik, a term meaning “together, in-between.” They’re not fully sefora or fully shyr but are fellow Serpentians all the same.

Basic Biology

Sefora and shyr closely share many features, but those that are unique to sefora are their dual-chamber kor, ability to kor-bind to a partner, and capability of procreating with a partner of the opposing core orientation.
Put simply, a sefora’s kor is not part of a separate organ system like organisms of other worlds. Their kor is an all-in-one, compact system that performs most of the bodily functions. Core energy also flows directly through their veins and arteries, influencing the color of their blood. Whereas in creatures of other worlds, the core system is totally separate from that of the cardiovascular. Like shyr, the digestive power and efficiency of the kor allows sefora to utilize 100% of what they consume. Whatever is not put toward bodily maintenance is converted into kor energy. Therefore, they don’t produce excrement.
Check out this comprehensive, clinical breakdown of shyr and sefora biology if you want to dive deeper.

Culture

Some elements of shyr culture bleeds into that of the sefora. But because sefora are highly adaptable, not hyper-adapted, the cities of Serpentis are composed predominantly of these people. The culture is a melting pot of vibrant cultures shared across the species and unto themselves.
Sefora don’t wear shoes. It’s a well established social norm to wash one’s feet before entering a home or public indoor space. Every home and public building (library, municipal office, store, etc.) has a wash basin.
The seasons trigger rituals in many people and creatures. Kiyrel men perform courtship displays in the winter to advertise themselves to prospective partners. Amzor, who originated from ny’kor, are very active outdoors in the winters while seren are most active outdoors in the summer. Pateru cannot manifest their own energy which inspired ingenuity. And kartuu live in huge families with lifestyles that echo many aspects of their shyr cousins.

Kor Binding

All sefora have a dual-chamber kor. One chamber produces their own energy while the other is “blank.” Sefora are able to kor-bind to a partner which results in this blank chamber becoming imprinted with the partner’s energy signature. This doesn’t allow the individual to produce said energy, only store it. Kor-binding is permanent, can only be done with one person, and cannot be undone. Therefore, sefora carefully protect their blank kor chamber until they feel ready to kor-bind to a partner or soulmate. Because the kor is interwoven with the nervous system, a guaranteed side effect of kor-binding is both partners experience the memories of the other during the binding ritual. These memories are retained and resurface periodically just like any other.
To renew the bond, pairs can repeat the ritual which is done especially when one’s secondary chamber becomes emptied of its energy. New memories are inadvertently exchanged every time. Should a sefora lose their kor-bound partner, they will retain their partner’s energy in their kor indefinitely as it can never be restored once used up. A memento of their loved one.

Family Talisman

Adopted from shyr, sefora all have a sort of talisman, be it a token, pendant, etc. that distinguishes the family they hail from. Many families will work this into their wardrobe as jewelry, clothing style, or color palette. The talisman may change as major events happen in the family and are always documented in an album of sorts to reflect on.

History & Influence

Municipalities

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Festivals

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Shyr Inclusion Initiative

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Additional Remarks

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Native Planet
Serpentis
Related Race
Shyr
Sefora Species
True
Kartuu
Kiyrel
Pateru

Recognized
Amzor
Seren
Average Lifespan
300 - 400 YS
Average Height
(Species dependent)
Men: 6 - 7ft
Women: 6 - 7ft
Kartuu: 3 - 4ft at the shoulder Distinguishing Features


Native Languages
Shyrven
Common

Noteable Sefora