Zuravi

Upon arrival on Ihiri, you can expect to be greeted by one of the many sun-kissed beauties of this vibrant garden world, given a look over, a winning smile, and a prompt redirection to the customs office before you'll be permitted to step on the planet's surface. Be sure to bring a book, a console, or some other entertainment with you, as this will be your home for the next orbital cycle. You will be assigned a number, which should coincide with a hotel room within the same department, and must wait to be called for processing. While this may sound like an uncomfortable experience to the uninitiated, be assured that it is quite the opposite. Rooms are fitted with top-of-the-line beds, impeccable showers and entertainment systems, and are kept to the ideal temperature and humidity for whatever species you have on record - a mere taste of the hospitality this culture provides to its guests.
When your number is called, however, don't delay. You'll have precisely 10 minutes to find your way to your assigned customs officer, who will go through each step of processing with you. If you're even one second late, you'll be waiting until tomorrow. Respect the Zuravi's time, and they will respect yours. There are, in total, thirty-two forms that must be filled in duplicate before you're sent on, but don't be intimidated! Your customs officer will do most of this for you with startling speed and efficiency, and you'll likely have little to do besides signing your name at the bottom of each.
Once these have been filed away and processed (often within five minutes of completion) you're ready to go! Take your printed Certificate of Safe Passage - which will have been delivered to your room - gather your belongings and companions, and enjoy your stay on the green jewel of the Vi'dam!

— Viss Bahli: A Traveller's Guide to the Serenity Systems, Chapter One, 'The Ponadea System'

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

A space station of Zuravi design by West Studio

Independence is a word very important to the Zuravi. Like all Vi’dam, they are curious and strive for progress, but the Zuravi imagine themselves the pioneers leading such efforts, with their names forever etched into the stars. It was the Zuravi who invented the accreditation system used in Ponadea. Scholars are accredited not alphabetically, but in descending order of contribution, and only until the 10% mark. Anyone contributing less than that gets a “and the team” for their efforts. Not all wish to sit at the very top of the food chain, that is an unrealistic expectation. But the Zuravi wish to be impactful and irreplaceable in their field. In their eyes, the best delivery man of his company is still on top of something, and that is what matters. They wish to know that without them, the world will at least function less optimally, and their absence would be noted. This creates a purveying aura of professionalism wherever one goes. A Zuravi take out shop will run with the rigour and discipline some other systems do not get to see in their own government buildings. It is hard to maintain a standard so high, but it is one these people take great pride in.
The Zuravi also place a lot of importance on clarity, in a way many others might find pedantic at best. Strict definitions and clearly defined terms mean that a Zuravi contract can be the length of a short novel, with an appendix and glossary to help define terms. Vi'dami as a language has 12 different words for dissatisfaction, and you can be sure a Zuravi will be the first to point out if the wrong one has been used. This need for clarity can make it hard for the Zuravi to communicate effectively in different languages, finding them too vague or open to interpretation, which to the Zuravi is always a bad thing.

Average technological level

The Zuravi enjoy all the comforts that come with being full Serenity members, with one notable exception. Whilst in all Serenity systems, AI systems are decommissioned after reaching Zeta Class, on on Zuravi owned worlds, such programmes are decommissioned at Gamme Class instead. In fact, AI laws in general are much more strict on Zuravi planets. Whereas AI systems can run entire shops and warehouses in the Ḷawpe system, on Ponadean systems AI can act as assistance to employees, but never replace them, and their class is regulated more strictly to reflect this.

Art & Architecture

Architecture

Zuravi cities can be seen from miles away. Their home planet, Ihiri, is largely used for its agricultural potential, and the tall, white towers of Zuravi architecture tend to stand out quite heavily against green and golden fields. Cities planned out on grids with carefully integrated flora to optimise the soothing effect of nature without its more… sticky parts are the staple of Zuravi design. This is because the Zuravi tend to subscribe mostly to the contrast side of surus. White architecture achieves this most reliably in several different environments, whilst also providing a very pristine feel that the Zuravi take great pride in. Even Zuravi space stations and spaceships will have this mixture of white and green which have become synonymous with the Zuravi people.

Art

In visual art, the Zuravi focus on the things in front of them. Gorgeous landscapes and intricate portraits are particularly popular on Zuravi owned planets, especially in the form of paintings. They are seen as a fantastic way to relax, whilst working on one’s attention to detail, and getting an appreciation for the world around them. Whilst the Iskara may argue that simply “copying” what is in front of you barely constitutes art at all, the Zuravi believe that several folk could paint the same thing, and they would all capture it in a different way, focusing on different parts of it.

Literature

Zuravi fiction has been a subject for much debate in different social circles. Everything about the Zuravi would imply that their fiction would be very grounded in reality. The reality is that whilst Zuravi fiction is often full of complex world building and thoughtful design, the stories themselves are often those of larger than life protagonists destined for greatness by ancient prophecies, usually ending in the killing of god like villains. This trend began with The Bloodmoon Saga, a series which originally sold poorly on Ihiri before gaining a cult following online for its in depth lore and colourful characters. Its sudden surge in popularity has sparked a trend of epic fantasy novels and comics which now make up a good chunk of Zuravi literature.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

• It is customary for parents to create a bank account for their child and put savings into this account monthly. On the child’s 40th birthday, they are given access to this account and the parents discuss with their child what the money should go on. Whether it should fund further education, go into an investment, start a business or any other venture. The amount put away will vary based on how much the family earns. Even if the family is struggling greatly, it is customary to put away a single credit to show that the child has not been forgotten about.

• The Zuravi work week is dependent on the time of the year. In the warm months, when sweltering heat encompasses the planet, work begins in early morning but finishes by mid-day. The rest of the day is spent lounging about, enjoying shaded areas and time for more artistic pursuits. This is made up for in the winter months where the work day starts later but also goes into the late evening.

• Competition is famously encouraged amongst the Zuravi, who famously do not "believe" in the concept of second or third place. You have either won, or you have lost. No competition organised by the Zuravi notes anything beyond first place, from sports competitions, academic tournaments or even the events hosted by schools for young children. In a similar vein, for many Zuravi parents, the only marks worth celebrating are those of 70% or above. A mark of 80% or above is a solid well done and perhaps even a reward, whilst results of 65% or under will usually warrant an email to the teachers on how such a grade could be improved, or some extra lessons in the problem subject. Zuravi students tend to suffer a lot from mental and physical ailments related to stress for this reason. Whilst some parents would agree that this kind of stress is unnecessary and may focus more on their child's wellbeing, there are plenty who see this high set of standards as a trial by fire, meant to prepare the Zuravi for the greatest competition of all; adult life.

A Zuravi penthouse bedroom by Christian Hecker

Birth & Baptismal Rites

For many Zuravi, the act of childbirth is stressful enough on the mother without the addition of cultural or religious ceremony. Despite this, some small traditions have formed as a result of the pragmatic nature of the Zuravi. For example, it is customary for a Zuravi woman to delegate her professional and household keeping duties to co-workers, family and friends. This is usually an official affair, with all relevant parties meeting either at the mothers home or a venue like a restaurant where food and drinks will be served. It also serves as a send-off for the mother who will likely be absent from social functions and work until she has recovered from childbirth at least, and perhaps longer if she is the one responsible for child rearing.
The birth of a child comes with a traditional Zuravi pile of paperwork. Things like noting the child's parents and guardians (if there are more than two people involved in the raising of the baby), basic health measurements, allergy testing, immunisation paperwork, health insurance forms and a myriad of other files that need to be submitted to the government.

Coming of Age Rites

A modest Zuravi livingroom by William Timble

Vi'dam reach physical maturity at the age of 25. The occasion is usually celebrated with a large family meal during which the celebrant is handed the details for their bank account. Other family members and friends will usually be present and bring gifts which are meant to be helpful in adult life. Tools for a job, weapons or armour, study materials if the individual is going to attend higher education etc. This is also usually the time that young Zuravi leave their family homes to live independently; meaning that gifting useful household items is also acceptable, with anything from house AI systems to more modest appliances such as kettles, hoovers or toasters.

Funerary and Memorial customs

On Ihiri (and all other Zuravi owned planets for that matter), all citizens are signed up for the Agricultural Donation Programme. This means that when a citizen dies, their body is used as fertiliser for crops. After the funeral ceremony (normally a few close members of the family coming to say their goodbyes in a morgue before continuing on with their day), a body is ground up and then distributed to government owned plantations, gardens, farms and other agricultural projects. A citizen may choose which farms and operations they wish their body to contribute towards, with many Zuravi owned corporations openly advertising the uses of the ADP and the kinds of things the programme supports. Some corporations even provide benefits to the families of the bereaved for donating their body.

Common Taboos

• Taking credit for someone else’s work is considered an extreme social faux pas, but so is omitting the people who have helped in your work. So whilst a the editor of a paper may not be credited as a contributor to the research, it will be expected that they will be noted in acknowledgements and thanked for their help.

• To break ones word is to invite the wrath of a Vi’dam. This is particularly true of the Zuravi, who believe effective communication is at the head of any successful interaction. It is also likely that if you have broken your word to a Zuravi, you have also breached terms of a contract, and it may turn out to be an expensive mistake. This is very much by design.

• Eating in ones office or generally in the same room where one works is considered uncouth at best. Food breaks are seen as an important part of the work day, ensuring optimal mental performance, and doing something like taking lunch at ones desk or skipping their break is highly frowned upon. For this reason, Zuravi offices have luxurious canteens with wide range of food options for any diet, common rooms and even nap rooms for breaks.

• It is very rare to find a Zuravi who only speaks one language. Whilst the Ponadean curriculum allows students to pick and choose the subjects they take after a certain age, the Zuravi place a great emphasis on being able to comfortably speak at least one language besides their own. To speak only Vi'dami is seen as almost arrogant, expecting others to

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

The Zuravi have an entire profession dedicated to finding suitable partners for others. Matchmakers will collect data ranging from the individual's biochemistry, family health history and genetic predisposition, to a highly detailed psychological profile. This is then used by these matchmakers to sift through their systems in order to find the perfect match. The assigned pair will meet, discuss the parameters of their relationship and the benefits that will come from their union. If both are in agreement, the pair will either begin preparations for a wedding or a period of dating.

This kind of service costs a premium. The more expensive the service, the more advanced the testing and the more exclusive the clientele. The most exclusive of these services have large upfront costs, subscription fees and sometimes even job requirements. More affordable options exist for those with more humble assets or less exclusive tastes which will provide a good physical and psychological profile, and on the lowest end are programmes that function basically as dating apps.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships amongst the Zuravi are formed usually for one of the following reasons; siring offspring, supporting an academic or business endeavour and creating familial support networks. To an outsider, Zuravi relationships may appear cold and transactional. Each marriage (often referred to as a relationship bond) is written more like a business contract with an expiration date, at the end of which it must be renewed or the couple simply cease to be married. Such a bond does not mean that a pairing is emotionally, or even intimately involved, unless their negotiated contract specifies this ahead of time, and breaching the marriage contract is grounds for immediate termination. To natives however, this is considered the most optimal way to ensure that all parties are satisfied and expectations are clear and will be met. These relationships are not devoid of affection or companionship, it is simply that these things are defined differently by the Zuravi. It is not uncommon for Zuravi to have had several marriages over the course of their lives, all having been dear, but all having served a different purpose. After all, the person who you’d co-parent with best is not necessarily who you wish to build your research with.

If having children is part of a marriage contract, the parents decide who will be caring for the child as part of the negotiations. In the event where the parents wish to have children together but both have demanding jobs or other circumstances that would prevent providing a child with enough attention and care, the pair may involve a third party in their contract. A partial involvement will normally be someone whose only participation in the contract is the childcare. This may be a trusted friend, a family member or even someone like a neighbour.

"Division of labour shall be determined dependent on each party's employment status at any given time over the course of this contract, but it has been agreed by both parties that this division shall never exceed a ratio of 75-25, counted in Ihiri hour units.
"Intercourse shall occur no more than four (4) and no less than one (1) times per Ihiri calendar week, with special consideration taken regarding the thorough satisfaction of both parties. Said mutual satisfaction is to be determined in-person, on a case-by-case basis. On a mutual agreement - ideally ratified with video or written evidence - the two parties may exceed the upper limit of four (4) instances per week, and/or pass below the lower limit of one (1) instance per week.
"This agreement shall be revisited in two Ihiri calendar years, after which, both parties must meet in-person to renew the contract term. Failure to do this by the listed end date will result in immediate termination of the contract and all terms therein."

— An excerpt from a Zuravi marriage contract

Anybody that both parents trust enough. A full third party is someone who will gain full benefits of the contract and may negotiate other terms (such as the amount of physical intimacy expected from others in the contract, or how much household maintenance falls onto their shoulders). Full third parties are much more common in less well off families who would benefit from two pay checks and someone to take care of the house at the same time.

Of course, not all relations require a contract with signatures and notaries. Friendships, casual flings, and familial relations often do not require or are expected to come with a contract, and any agreements about conduct and activities will be verbal, if they exist at all. But anything that will require a more long term commitment, such as providing care to a sick friend or having a sibling move in for a time whilst they get back on their feet, and yes, more serious romantic relationships will more often than not come with paperwork.

Major organizations

The Central Ponadean Bank: The number one bank used on the system and the fifth largest bank in Ciraculum, a spot it shares with the Brezian Imperial Bank. It provides loans for large businesses, small businesses, accounts for students and researchers, and even advice for anyone wishing to make it in the financial sector.
Zintar Engineering: An agricultural corporation famous for its production of sustainable farming and terraforming equipment. It has most famously provided its services to the Serenity station, and is responsible for its lush greenery.
Comet: Currently holding the status of the largest distribution service in Ciraculum. With a subscription to their premium service, Comet+, one can receive any item from within the Synod Systems with express next day delivery. Anything from an upgrade to your personal computer to a gift for your mum from one system over that you promised to get her but now you’re almost home and well…. Y’know. Comet has you covered.

Encompassed species

• Vi'dam

Related Organizations

• The Vaila Glas

Languages spoken

• Vi'dami

Related Locations

• Ihiri
• Ponadea

Family Names
Bahli, Vubre, Púkte, Dahass, Strishchyho, Zvechyhk, Znez, Rorihle
Feminine Names
Kúzna, Hrasi, Pruma, Znavtabi, Nemi, Kunne, Vkluda, Mesha
Masculine Names
Svakút, Svin, Tsumat, Mchyhes, Menúz, Zet, Polin'os, Netu
Unisex Names
Rúdú, Viss, Mchyhed, Pelnún, Chyhis, Preza, Fúnda, Zvúpo

The Sun kissed

The Zuravi are a tall people, with the average height being 6'1" for both men and women. Markings akin to freckles are very common amongst the Zuravi, ranging in colour from light to dark brown, matching to the range of the skin colouration. Zuravi tails are slim and usually shorter than those of the Iskara for example, reaching the ankles. Their antlers can grow into some of the biggest and most decorative pieces, but are often trimmed and filed down for convenience.

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