Sri'vek

The Sri’Vek are a spider-like race, primarily residing in the core desert regions of Naodica. With a multitude of small eyes, simple holes for ears, and a light, flexible carapace, they exude an alien and intimidating presence. This carapace is shed and regrown multiple times throughout their lives, adapting as they grow older. The most distinct difference among the Sri’Vek is their sexual dimorphism: females are larger, stronger, and sport more muted colors, while the males are smaller, more agile, and display vibrant colorations. The royal females possess a natural aptitude for magic, which they believe hails from their ancient empire.
Rooted in deep traditions and ancient legends, the Sri’Vek are fiercely tribalistic, often upholding old customs in hopes of re-establishing the empire they believe to have once dominated. They primarily inhabit the desert, living in tribes or small city-states along riversides, frequently clashing with neighboring Draken city-states. Their culture champions stories of heroes, great deeds, and the era before the age of sand and fire.
Despite being in a harsh environment, the Sri’Vek have harnessed the art of spider-silk weaving, creating intricate fabrics and tapestries. They also engage in ceremonies and rituals, such as the Web Weaving Festival and Moonlit Dances, to honor their ancestry and seek blessings.
The Sri’Vek place a significant emphasis on honor, legacy, and community. They deeply revere their ancestors and believe in the existence of a once-great empire before the age of sand and fire, a topic that they passionately defend despite the lack of corroborating evidence. This belief is so ingrained in their psyche that their oral traditions, festivals, and even daily lives revolve around it.
The Sri’Vek have had their fair share of clashes with neighboring races, particularly the Draken. Their tribal nature and strong attachment to traditions often put them at odds with more cosmopolitan cultures. Yet, they're known to be fierce warriors, and their intricate woven goods are valued commodities in trade. They mostly interact with others either through trade or territorial disputes. However, their claim about the Elemental dragons not being the creators of Naodica and their assertion about the dragons' role in the downfall of their ancient empire have caused significant tension between them and other races.
In essence, the Sri’Vek are a people of resilience, deeply tied to their ancestral roots, navigating their place in Naodica while holding onto hopes of a glorious past and a brighter future.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Sri’Vek's anatomy is a harmonious blend of humanoid and arachnid characteristics. Their bodies are covered in a light, flexible carapace that provides both protection and a canvas for their vibrant colorations. This exoskeletal system requires periodic shedding and regrowth, allowing the Sri’Vek to grow and adapt throughout their lifespan. They possess a multitude of small eyes, strategically placed to provide a wide field of vision, and simple ear holes adept at picking up the slightest vibrations. The most evident sub-race differentiation is observed in their pronounced sexual dimorphism. Females are significantly larger and more robust than their male counterparts, sporting duller, earth-toned hues. In contrast, male Sri’Vek are more diminutive, but boast brighter, more vivid colorations across their carapace.

Biological Traits

The pronounced sexual dimorphism in the Sri’Vek is evident not just in size and color but also in structure and function. Females, being the dominant gender, possess stronger carapaces and are often responsible for the protection and leadership roles within tribes. Their larger frames are built for endurance and strength. Males, while smaller, are more agile and possess a greater array of bright colorations. Their agility makes them adept hunters, especially in catching quick desert prey.
The 'Royal' subrace is exclusively female and is distinguishable by a unique shimmer to their carapace, signifying their innate magical capabilities.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reproduction among the Sri’Vek is an intricate dance of courtship and ritual. Given the pronounced differences between genders, males often perform elaborate displays to attract the attention of the larger and more dominant females. Females lay eggs in specially prepared burrows, where they remain until they hatch. The young Sri’Vek, or "Sriklets", are born with a softer carapace that hardens over time.

Growth Rate & Stages

Egg Stage (0-3 months): The eggs remain buried in the sand, absorbing warmth and moisture. Sriklet (3 months - 1 year): After hatching, Sriklets possess a softer exoskeleton which they shed multiple times as they rapidly grow.
Juvenile (1-10 years): During this stage, the Sri’Vek continue to grow and shed their exoskeleton, developing more vibrant colorations and honing their sensory organs.
Adult (10-50 years): Fully matured, they take on roles within the tribe and begin the courtship rituals.
Elder (50+ years): Elders are revered for their wisdom and often hold council positions within their tribes.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sri’Vek are opportunistic omnivores, able to subsist on a diet comprising both plant and animal matter. While their sharp mandibles are adept at consuming meat, they also have a penchant for desert fruits and root vegetables, which provide necessary hydration and nutrients. In times of scarcity, they are known to engage in hunting smaller desert creatures and are even skilled in trapping larger prey using their webbing and teamwork.

Biological Cycle

The Sri’Vek undergo multiple molting phases throughout their life, shedding their outer carapace to allow for growth. This process becomes less frequent as they reach maturity. Their biological rhythm is closely tied to the desert environment, with periods of heightened activity during cooler temperatures and a tendency to seek shelter during the peak heat of the day. The 'Royal' females, with their mystical abilities, also experience a unique cycle of magical attunement, which is yet to be fully understood by outsiders.

Behaviour

Living amidst the harsh realities of the desert, the Sri’Vek have developed a communal and cooperative mindset. Their tribal structure enforces a shared responsibility, where each member plays a part in the tribe's survival. However, their past hints at a grander civilization, which instills in them a certain pride and a yearning to return to their former glory. Males, being smaller and more vibrantly colored, often engage in elaborate courtship displays, seeking approval from the larger, dominant females. The Sri’Vek’s psychology is deeply rooted in their traditions and rituals, with a strong emphasis on preserving their ancient customs.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

With multiple eyes spread across their foreheads, Sri’Vek have an enhanced field of vision, allowing them to detect even the slightest movements from multiple angles. These eyes are adapted to the harsh glare of the desert, filtering intense sunlight and enabling them to see with clarity during both day and night. Their simple ear holes are not just rudimentary organs; they can detect subtle vibrations in the ground, alerting them to approaching dangers or potential prey. This unique blend of visual and auditory capabilities makes them formidable hunters in their desert environment.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Every Sri’Vek name is a chronicle of their age. Born with a single syllable, a new one is ceremoniously added every ten years, representing their growth and experiences. For example, a Sri’Vek named "Ra" at birth might become "Ralo" by the age of 20 and "Ralomi" by 30.

Beauty Ideals

Among the Sri’Vek, the intricacy of one's carapace patterns and the vividness of one's natural colors are seen as prime indicators of beauty. The males flaunt their vibrant hues, while the females take pride in the ruggedness and earthy tones of their carapace.

Gender Ideals

The matriarchal structure of Sri’Vek society places females, particularly those of the royal lineage, in roles of leadership and decision-making. These females are often considered the guiding force behind their tribes or city-states, overseeing essential matters and ensuring the well-being of their people. Males, on the other hand, occupy roles that demand agility and physical labor. They serve as scouts, soldiers, and perform heavy-duty tasks. Their agility and brighter carapace make them adept hunters and gatherers.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship among the Sri’Vek is predominantly initiated by the females. They are the ones to choose their mates, often evaluating them based on their agility, strength, and the vibrancy of their colors. Males are known to showcase their skills, engage in dances, or produce intricate webs to woo potential mates.

Relationship Ideals

A prominent feature of Sri’Vek relationships is the practice of a single female, especially of royal descent, maintaining a male harem. These males not only serve as mates but also perform duties like labor, defense, and resource gathering for their chosen female. With the rarity of female births, this has become a customary practice, ensuring the continuation of their race.

Common Etiquette Rules

Greetings: When two Sri’Vek meet, they tap their legs in a pattern, mimicking a spider's gait. The sequence and number of taps may vary based on their relationship and the situation. Eye Contact: Given their multiple eyes, direct gaze is considered a sign of attention and respect. Avoiding one's gaze is deemed disrespectful.
Feasting: When sharing a meal, the elder or highest-ranking female always eats first, followed by other females and then males.
Conflict: Disputes are settled through structured debates overseen by the tribe's matriarch or an appointed mediator.
Trade: When trading, items are always presented with the right arm, believed to bring good fortune.

Common Dress Code

Given their desert environment, Sri’Vek fashion is pragmatic, designed for protection from the harsh sun and sand. Clothing tends to be made of breathable materials, dyed with earthen colors to blend in with their surroundings. Robes & Wraps: These loose-fitting garments shield them from the sun while allowing airflow. Their designs often incorporate patterns resembling the intricate designs of spider webs.
Hooded Cloaks: Worn to protect their multitude of eyes from direct sunlight and sandstorms. These cloaks, often fastened with brooches depicting tribal symbols, also provide added insulation during cooler desert nights.
Footwear: While their naturally hardy feet require little protection, some Sri’Vek opt for sandals made from sturdy desert plants or leather, designed to keep out sand and provide traction on dunes.
Ornaments: Though their clothing is primarily functional, Sri’Vek indulge in jewelry crafted from desert stones, bones, and metals. These often carry symbolic meanings or denote one’s status or achievements within the tribe.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Rooted in ancient traditions, Sri’Vek culture places a high value on oral histories, ensuring that tales of the ancient empire and their struggles in the desert are passed down through generations. Music and dance, often inspired by the skittering movements of spiders, play a crucial role in celebrations and rituals. Spider-silk weaving is a revered craft, with artisans creating intricate fabrics and tapestries depicting historical events, legends, and tribal symbols. These woven masterpieces are highly valued, not just within their communities but in trade with other races.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Web Weaving Festival: An annual event where the best weavers showcase their work, engaging in friendly competition. It's a time for trade, storytelling, and forming alliances. Moonlit Dances: Held during certain lunar phases, these dances invoke the blessings of the celestial bodies. Participants dance in patterns mimicking spider movements, believed to weave the fate of their tribe for the upcoming cycle.
Carapace Shedding Ceremony: As Sri’Vek grow and shed their carapaces, a ceremony is held to celebrate their growth and progression in life. The old carapace is often used in crafting, turned into tools or ornaments.

Common Taboos

Desecration of Webs: Damaging or disrespecting a spider’s web, especially those in sacred places, is considered a grave offense, as they're seen as links to their ancestors and the ancient empire. Refusal of Hospitality: In the harsh desert, community support is vital. Refusing someone in need or denying shelter is frowned upon and can lead to ostracization.
Interfering in Shedding: Interrupting or mocking a Sri’Vek during their shedding process is seen as deeply disrespectful.

History

The annals of Sri’Vek lore spin tales of a time before the age of the Elemental Dragons, recounting the might and splendor of an expansive Sri’Vek Empire that once covered Naodica. They believe that these mighty dragons, revered as creators by many, were in fact the destroyers of their once-great nation. As the tales go, these dragons coveted the Sri’Vek's enlightenment and wealth, leading to the empire's downfall. Despite the intensity with which the Sri’Vek hold onto these claims, there is a distinct lack of historical evidence or corroborative records from other races to back up their stories. Over the centuries, the Sri’Vek have predominantly been desert dwellers, living in tribes or settling by riversides in small city-states. Their history has often been one of contention with the Draken City-states that punctuate the river’s path.

Common Myths and Legends

The Web of Time: A tale where the first Sri’Vek weaver spun a web that could see into the past and future. Those who touched it were said to witness the ancient empire in all its glory or foresee potential destinies. The Oasis Guardian: Legend speaks of a colossal spider guarding a hidden oasis, a paradise in the desert. Those who find it and gain the guardian’s favor are said to receive blessings and wisdom.
The Lost Tribe: A story of a Sri’Vek tribe that discovered remnants of the ancient empire beneath the dunes. They were granted knowledge and magic but vanished mysteriously, leaving behind only cryptic web patterns as clues to their fate.

Lifespan

70 years

Average Height

Females stand imposingly at an average height of around 6'0", whereas males, being smaller, average around 5'2" to 5'6".

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their carapaces boast a plethora of colors, typically mirroring the environment from which they hail. Females, being more robust, showcase muted earthy tones which offer camouflage within the sandy desert landscapes. Males, however, display brighter and more vivid hues, ranging from deep blues to fiery reds, often utilized during their courtship displays. Unique markings are prevalent amongst both genders, with patterns often signifying tribal affiliations and lineage.

Related Organizations

• The Grand Duchy of New Kavol