Iskara

Beware the place
Beyond the skies.
A void so vast
Hides many lies.
Don't trust the stars,
Don't breathe the air.
They are not real.
They are not there.

— Final verse of an Iskara poem - roughly translated

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Iskara are characterised by their curiosity and thirst for knowledge intense even by Vi’dam standards. Their homeworld of Soraktus has not been fully explored - even after two-thousand years of sending parties and drones to the frozen surface, and burrowing below the ground. Facing off strange flora and fauna, magical hot spots and a myriad of structures left behind by a people long forgotten. Yet, they continue on. Ever hungry for more. Every day, parties sent into the unknown come across old ruins, deep underwater lakes and eldritch forests; and some simply do not return. To the minds of the Iskara, however, this is a sacrifice worth making for the enlightenment of all. The Iskara like sharing knowledge with their peers - often to an overly-enthusiastic degree. Denizens of this culture are prone to going on long-winded, impassioned lectures if they get to talking about their particular curiosity - and may keep going until you stop them. Along with this, the Iskara’s thirst for knowledge often results in them sticking their noses where they don’t belong, earning them a reputation as a people with little regard for privacy.

Iskara art by Rusalka

The Iskara value their support networks - their friends, families, and comrades-in-arms. An Iskara is fiercely loyal to their friends and family - whom they consider to be one and the same - and will drop everything if a loved one is in peril. However, they will expect the same of you, should the time come, and this profound loyalty is a double-edged sword. Cross an Iskara, and they will make for a deeply vindictive enemy - one who will stop at nothing to see you humiliated, punished, or dead - depending on the severity of your transgression. Iskara are considered to be the most emotional of the Vi’dam. For a species that experiences life as intensely as they do, it goes without saying how the Iskara appear to their neighbours. Many Iskara struggle to vocalise their thoughts - of which they have many - and experience emotions to a much higher degree. Every moment of joy is utterly ecstatic; every pang of grief feels like a fresh stab in the heart. As such, Iskara can sometimes be seen as “difficult to manage” by the other species - and even some members of their own. However, you would struggle to find a more empathetic shoulder to cry on, when times get tough.

Art & Architecture

The Iskara live beneath the surface of their planet. Much of their architecture is designed around and within the stalagmites that form in massive caverns, below the freezing surface. Tall Spires house the planet's population, with suspended walkways and courtyards connecting them to one another. These settlements are often similar in colour to the natural stones of the caverns, adding colour and light through the myriad flora and colossal gem clusters found on the planet. When Iskara cities expand beyond these natural structures, however, they begin to tunnel - carving homes into the walls of the cave. These extra houses tend to be a touch less garish, primarily lived-in by the city’s poorest. This is all to ensure safety from the hostile flora and fauna of the planets intricate cave systems and underground forest which hum with life at any given moment. Iskara art is very geometric; gorgeous intricate patterns coupled with small prints of poetry feature in many Iskara homes and businesses - even on the streets, displayed in holographic form. These patterns and designs are said to be the progenitors of modern arcane circles, but that is merely how Iskara art originated. Since then, its meaning has grown far deeper - though only Vi’dam are truly capable of appreciating this. To the other species, Isakra art is confusing and nonsensical - a mess of lines and fractals that hurts to look at and resists any interpretation - thanks to their lack of a Witch Eye. For, say, a Human to try and interpret Iskara art would be akin to asking a blind man to tell you what the colour red looks like - or asking someone without a tongue to perform a wine tasting.

For a Vi’dam, Iskara art conveys thoughts, feelings and memories - far beyond the mere visual. A Vi’dam could look at these twisting, cage-like shapes, and remember the feeling of their late wife’s hand - the vaguely different smell of the air - on a journey to a planet they have never been near. For other species, art expresses and elicits emotion - prompts introspection. In the case of the Iskara, however, these things are thrust upon you.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

• The Iskara greet each other in different ways depending on their relation to one another. Professional relations are greeted with a bow, whereas personal relations are greeted with an embrace, regardless of age, sex or social status. This is in part to establish that one has nothing to hide (such as a weapon, listening device etc), and in part to allow both parties to become accustomed to one another's energy.

• The Iskara have two names. One that is given to them at birth, which in ancient times was believed to help protect them from evil spirits, and one when they reach maturity.

• When moving into a new home, many Iskara will purchase a plant. It is believed by them that bringing local flora into one’s home is a way of maintaining good luck.

• On the first day of the year, the Iskara make contact with everyone they know. This is thanks to an old belief that suggested that if you fail to make time for someone on the first day of the year, you will lose touch with them completely by its end. In antiquity, it meant venturing out and meeting with members of your family, friends and even work associates. Thankfully with technological advancements, instant messaging and group chats, this has become a less time consuming task. If an Iskara in your life does not buzz your comms on that first day, it can be taken as a subtle way of cutting ties.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Whilst all Vi’dam planets have specialised maternity centres preparing women for birth, ones found on Soraktus are built around natural hot springs found on the planet. The mineral rich water is said to be good for the mother and the baby. As such it is customary for women to give birth in these springs, and keep a shard of the crystals present beneath the water and fashion a necklace from it for their children as a keepsake.

Coming of Age Rites

Vi'dam reach physical maturity at the age of 40. This occasion is celebrated with a large family meal and a gifting of presents. These gifts are not meant to be particularly flashy or expensive, but they are meant to be useful. Things that an adult may need to get a good start in life, or that they may not get for themselves. Subscriptions to cooking programmes, vehicles, a new bit of tech, armour or even weaponry etc are all acceptable gifts.
For the Iskara specifically, newly made adults venture into the vast Soraktus forests and spend ten days within. This tradition was originally meant to ensure that the adult could survive the deadly wilderness of the planet, where on their birthday, a young Iskara would spend the time in the forest alone, and if they survived, they would be welcomed back into their community as an adult. With modernity, this tradition has been turned into an event held once a year in the autumn. Individuals are now encouraged to seek out others partaking in the event to form friendships through the hardship of survival. Over the years, families have developed notes on different hideouts, tricks and knacks passed down from mother to daughter, father to son.

TRAVEL ADVISORY
When traveling to Soraktus please make sure to remain within city and town bounds at all times. Should you require to travel from one settlement to the next, please use the government sanctioned travel modes, such as the hover pods, land cruisers and air boats. All sanctioned vehicles are equipped with an emergency comms unit, seven days of provisions and thermal blankets in case of emergency.
For additional security, you may wish to discuss travel insurance with your travel providers.

— An informational message for those traveling into Soraktus

Funerary and Memorial customs

When an Iskara dies, they are cremated and their ashes are either kept by their family members in a family urn home, or their bodies can be donated towards research and medical pursuits. Deciding what one wishes to be done with their remains is seen as an important issue, and there is a governmental app where the decision can not only be made but amended as needed, with a field available for special, specified instructions.

Common Taboos

• Intellectual integrity is considered quite important to the Iskara. To call it into question is a serious accusation and one that should not be made lightly. Likewise, speaking in certain terms implies some sort of expertise on the topic.

• Yellow flowers are associated with a species of poisonous herbs found on Soraktus, and as such are seen as a poor gift to the Iskara. One that says “please go die” to be precise.

• Tardiness is particularly frowned upon amongst the Iskara. In fact, it is common for these people to arrive particularly early and wait around for social functions, appointments or even social gatherings, to avoid being late. It is seen as a sign of great disrespect. If one knows they will be late, it is vital to let the other parties involved as soon as possible.

Historical figures

Zi’vani Karsara: Also known as The Lady in Violet, is the Patron Goddess of the Iskara, and their spiritual guide. Her resting place is the Nokh oˈKusak, situated beneath the capital of Soraktus, Aklúr.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Iskara ART by Rusalka

A courting Iskara may come off as particularly nosey to the rest of the world. They like to ask questions varying from perfectly reasonable, through existentially challenging all the way to extremely personal. To them, this is completely normal; and encouraged, even. Seen as a way to make sure an informed decision is being made. So if an Iskara is asking plenty of hypotheticals and throwing strange scenario’s your way in the quieter moments, there may be romance on the horizon. This line of questioning and activities normally ends in a duel. This is a holdover from antiquity, but one that the Iskara still hold onto. The potential couple will decide upon their weapons (although these are usually melee weapons or hand to hand combat) and meet upon their decided locale. It is a private affair, meant only for the people involved. The duel goes until the first draw of blood. If the pair is satisfied with the outcome (what this means will vary from person to person), a relationship begins more formally.

Relationship Ideals

The Iskara value new experiences and sensations. Thanks to this, they often end up making friends with folks from different walks of life, sometimes to the great confusion of others. From the perspective of the Iskara, even a boring que at the pharmacy can be a place to meet someone interesting.
Romantic relationships are a little different. To many Iskara they are supposed to be a refuge from the chaos of the outside world, and as such, commitment and starting a life together is seen as a serious matter. Something to be considered until one is sure beyond the shadow of a doubt. The Iskara believe that with each relationship, a part of themselves is exchanged with their partner forever. Thanks to this, divorce amongst Iskara is seen as a last resort, when a relationship simply cannot be reconciled.

Major organizations

The Soraktus Exploration Bureau: The S.E.B is currently the largest organisation on the planet, and the fourth largest employer. It is dedicated to exploring Soraktus, mapping it and documenting any worthwhile discoveries. Its headquarters function as a training centre for its members and a place to safely research then utilise or display found relics, new species of flora or anything else of interest. In addition to this, the S.E.B has several research outposts throughout Soraktus for those scholars working in the field.
Third Eye Seers: Known as the Chot widˈzacy in Vi’dami. Whilst the S.E.B focus on exploring the Iskara home planet, the Third Eye Seers research for ancient magical artefacts and signatures long forgotten found in other systems owned by the Vi'dam.
The Aklúr University: If one is looking to study the arcane or occult arts, history, archeology or language… this is the place to be. A degree from Aklúr University is a key to many doors in scholarly circles.

Encompassed species

• Vi'dam

Related Organizations

• The Vaila Glas

Languages spoken

• Vi'dami

Related Locations

• Ponadea
• Soraktus

Family Names
Svetú, Estú, Dúba, Dilsited, Rúna, Dazha, Horir, Vklú
Feminine Names
Zanuri, Kazna, Úznas, Birid, Olanna, Astesi, Fezhla, Kilkinna
Masculine Names
Visúr, Tsaznú, Hress, Indur, Hennat, Razhe, Dúznot, Avitan
Unisex Names
Verazh, Ponil, Znanri, Vkleta, Vate, Túli, Milnad, Nehú

The Pale Mystics

The Iskara are the smallest Vi'dam. The average height of an Iskara is 5'4 for women, and 5'6 for men. They are pale, ranging from very light pink skin to even hues of blue or purple. Their tails tend to be thicker at the base of the spine and often reach the floor, and Iskara antlers tend to be smaller in comparison to others of their species. Thanks to lives spent living in the vast underground caves, the Iskara see perfectly well in the dark.

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