Tajaran

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Tajaran

Basic Information

Homeworld:	Ahdomai
Language:	Siik'tajr (:j)
System:	Tau Ceti

Physiology

Height:	165cm
Lifespan:	85 years
Breathes:	Oxygen

Game Mechanics

• Can consume tiny animals.

Boons

• Claws (unarmed is sharp).

• Low-light vision (8m).

• Higher cold threshold.

Maluses

• Flashes incur extra eye damage.

• Lower heat threshold.

Tajara (ᴛᴀʜ-jaw-run, plural ᴛᴀʜ-jaw-rah) are a bipedal, omnivorous, mammalian species. The Tajara originate from Ahdomai, an arctic moon orbiting Iluk.

Tajaran and YOU

Greetings, esteemed crew-member!

In an effort to encourage inter-species cooperation and workplace efficiency, NanoTrasen has compiled a series of helpful guides on the various species that you may be working with!

(NOTE: If you are a member of the species this guide pertains to, please give it to the nearest crew-member of another species.)

This particular guide refers to the species known as the Tajara (singular: Tajaran, plural: Tajara).

Tajaran Naming Schemes

Tajara utilize a naming scheme which produces short given names and surnames. As their Siik’tajr names often prove difficult for the average non-Tajaran speaker to pronounce, many Tajara adopt rough approximations to allow for easier communication. Tajara populations typically live and migrate as large clans, as opposed to separate family units, leading to the majority of a typical Tajara population sharing the same surname. Due to this cultural practice, a recent census concluded that the total number of Tajara surnames on Ahdomai is only in the thousands. In written form, the given name and surname of a Tajaran can either be separated by an apostrophe or space, depending on their clan. Examples include: “Khar’Thron”, “Rakh’Khazan”, “Reshir Hadii”.

Tajaran Physiology

The Tajara are a species of omnivorous, bipedal humanoids with features that bear a strong resemblance to terran felines (IE: the common house cat). The Tajaran body is covered almost entirely with a thick coat of fur, and many individuals develop a shaggy mane along their nape and scalp. Tajaran fur colors typically display minimal contrast with each other, and as a rule of thumb the mane is typically darker than the rest of the fur. Various colourations and patterns have been observed in Tajara populations ranging from flat, undifferentiated patterns to spots, stripes, and patches of varying colour. The adolescent Tajaran stands between 150 cm to 180 cm in height, and heights typically do not deviate outside of this given range.

Like many known bipedal humanoids, Tajara have a set of two relatively large eyes that provide them with a wide field of view and exceptional clarity at distances both long and short. Tajaran eyes - unlike humans - also possess a small reflective layer near the retina that helps reflect light and substantially improve night-time vision and awareness. Interestingly, studies have shown that Tajaran eyes are classically deuteranopic and are unable to tell between varying shades of red, green, and orange. This is often adjusted with modern medical science.

Tajara possess two typically erect ears atop their head capable of distinguishing frequencies outside the range of normal human hearing. Tajaran ears display a wide range of motion and are capable of rotating up to ninety degrees and folding back flat against the skull. Because of the unique structure of Tajara ears and their ability to pick up on high-frequency sounds, it’s not advised to use ultrasonic equipment near your Tajaran coworkers, as it may induce migraines.

Tajaran hands and feet feature five stubby digits that are thicker compared to the extremities of most other species. A set of partially retractable claws originate from the second knuckle and terminate at the tips of Tajaran fingers and toes. Tajara are digitigrade, and by extension most standard issue footwear is ill-fitting. As part of Nanotrasen’s line of mandatory introductory workplace seminars, most Tajara have received instructions on how to modify on-station footwear to suit their needs.

All Tajara possess a flexible, prehensile tail. This appendage is muscled and is capable of an exceedingly large range of movement. For your personal safety, it is recommended you do not attempt to pet any of your Tajaran coworkers. All medical equipment aboard NanoTrasen vessels is compatible with Tajaran biology and does not require modifications to accommodate them.

The Siik'tajr Language

Siik'tajr gets its origins amongst the peasantry of Ahdomai, and was historically derided as being the “language of beggars”. Due to its simple yet precise grammar as well as its prevalence in the lower echelons of Tajara society, it quickly became the common tongue during a period of postwar economic fallout in the early 2430’s.

Siik’tajr is unfortunately impossible to utilize fluently for members of all other known species due to its incorporation of body language and its unique enunciation. One may note that Tajara commonly unintentionally extend the consonant “R” when speaking, as proper enunciation of Galactic Common is often challenging for the native Tajaran.

The Tajaran Homeworld

The Tajaran hail from Ahdomai, an arctic moon. Ahdomai is a mineral rich world with temperatures commonly in the subarctic range. Covered with snow and glacial ice through most of the year, Ahdomai’s seasons are punctuated by frigid winters and mild summers.

Recent studies have shown that the global average temperature is on the rise, with an alarming lack of biodiversity on Ahdomai compared to prior years. This sudden shift in temperatures and drop in biodiversity is due to a natural phenomenon involving Ahdomai’s coastal air currents and shifting habitats and is wholly unrelated to Nanotrasen’s planet-wide industrial efforts.

A Brief History

Ahdomai & Iluk

For hundreds of years the Tajaran homeworld of Ahdomai was simultaneously united and oppressed by a ruling class called ‘The Overseers’, which united the disparate warring clans of the planet in a series of violent, bloody conflicts known as the ‘Thirty Year March’ - a campaign which spanned 2042 to 2076. The Overseers ruled over the freshly conquered clans of Ahdomai with an iron fist, and even the slightest transgression earned a heavy-handed punishment. For instance, having the audacity to speak to an Overseer without first being spoken to was commonly met with beatings, or even outright execution.

This united front - brutal as it was - quickly saw the Tajara people from a medieval period into the beginnings of a vibrant pre-industrial age by 2120, thanks largely to the establishment of the ‘Alchemist’s Council’; a central body of science (which exists to this day) dedicated to prolonging the rule of the governing body. Goods, services and technology - largely to the benefit of The Overseers - proliferated as a result of this scientific union and the Tajaran people were brought into the information age by the early 2300’s.

Just prior to the launch of the first satellites to grace Ahdomai’s orbit in 2357, the NSV Alesko (a small exploratory expedition funded by NanoTrasen and headed by Dr. Saelnik) discovered Ahdomai and subsequently the Tajaran people. Dr. Saelnik’s team while apprehensive at first quickly established first contact with ‘The Overseers’. Seen by the ruling elite as a potential tool to further their stranglehold on Ahdomai, the NSV Alesko was soon granted access to Ahdomai’s planetary surface.

Dr. Saelnik’s team (much to his chagrin) was forced to work directly with the Alchemist’s Council for the duration of their studies and spent the better part of 2360-2390 studying Tajaran culture, language, governance and history in exchange for the NSV Alesko’s star charts. Word quickly spread of Dr. Saelnik’s findings, and by the time his research was completed more than a few corporations (including NanoTrasen) had already begun constructing dedicated outposts on Ahdomai’s barren twin. With the groundwork for diplomacy already laid out, much of NanoTrasen’s research efforts were directed toward mapping out Ahdomai’s vast reserves of mineral wealth with the intention of elevating the Tajaran people beyond the early space age.

Due to the gap of technological understanding between NanoTrasen and The Overseers, the ruling elite inadvertently caused the crash of a NT mining probe near a secure facility in 2395, leading to the escape of Szhara Tssal - one of Ahdomai’s many intellectual revolutionaries. In the interests of scientific pursuit, Tssal was granted asylum aboard the soon-to-depart NSV Alesko by Dr. Saelnik. During his time aboard the NSV Alesko, Tssal saw how a truly collaborative effort could improve living conditions on his home planet, and wrote a manuscript on his ideas which he aptly titled “Gazing Upwards”.

Upon Tssal’s eventual return to Ahdomai in 2417, he began illicitly distributing his manuscript to any and all who would listen. Though quickly captured and promptly executed due to Overseer undercover work, his ideas spread by word of mouth like wildfire, and his works are credited for sparking large-scale revolts across the globe in the following years. The response by The Overseers was swift, uncompromising and brutal, leaving the rebels to soon find themselves in a full blown war with their masters.

Rival corporations with existing facilities on Ahdomai (interested in protecting their own assets and profit margins at the expense of all else) began to provide both sides of the conflict with monetary and military aid. NanoTrasen however (unlike its competitors) saw the merit in the aspirations of the rebel forces and quickly intervened in the conflict, supplying both training and armaments to bring what was now called the ‘Beggar’s War’ to a swift close by 2426.

A provisional government - with the support of NanoTrasen - was soon propped up by the rebels to oversee the postwar transition period, eventually leading to a decentralization of power and natural re-splintering of Tajara society along clan lines.

Tajaran Culture

Tajara traditionally live in family communes, with multiple parents raising their children together. In the post-war era of Tajaran society, equality and unity are strongly recognized as key values. While Tajaran society still struggles to this day with managing the economic and cultural fallout from the dissolution of their primary governing body, the Tajaran have undergone what could only be called an artistic renaissance. Tajaran works - from tapestry, to portraits, to music - are readily available in almost all civilized corners of the known galaxy.

Education on Ahdomai is heavily funded and overseen by the Alchemist’s Council, and is available to any and all native citizens of Ahdomai free of charge. As this institution - though largely reformed - is seen as an old vestige of prior rule, many Tajara remain skeptical of seeking out a formal education. In response, various corporations (including NanoTrasen) have stepped in to provide quality education for Tajaran adolescents with guaranteed future employment opportunities and job placements.

Much of Ahdomai and the main Tajara clans still pay homage to the teachings of Tajr-kii S’randarr (roughly translated as “We who follow S’randarr”). These teachings pervade almost all aspects of modern Tajaran culture, from sun motifs in paintings to turns of phrase referring to “the Light”. After the fall of the Overseers, many Tajara have turned their backs on established religion, and some of the smaller clans within Tajaran society have turned to their own interpretations and practices of the original teachings.

Present Day

Though relative newcomers to the galactic scene and lacking in any real substantive naval or economic capacity, the Tajara have managed to remain on friendly terms with the (See Appendix A for more information on the Solar-Central Compact) and on neutral terms with the various governments and species populating the galaxy. Tajaran society is still split along clan-lines with various governments dotting the surface of Ahdomai, many of which are uncomfortable with the idea of reunification largely due to the abuses suffered under the Overseers.

Despite politial borders still being fractured for the most part, life on Ahdomai is relatively peaceful - the war-weary populace loathes to take part in conflict between other clans. Much of Ahdomai’s industry is reliant on foreign corporate infrastructure and investment due to its destruction during the Beggar’s War, with NanoTrasen holding the largest share of Ahdomai’s industrial economy.

With newfound access to the galaxy and readily available corporate placements, many Tajara find themselves - much like Tssal - gazing upward to the stars with hopes of carving out a better life.

Remember, crewmember, mutual respect and cooperation are the cornerstones of success and productivity!

Gallery

Species on Paradise Station

Dionae

Grey

Humans

Kida

IPC

Plasmamen

Skrell

Slime People

Tajara

Unathi

Vox

Vulpkanin

Drask

Nian