Cervari

Cervari

Information
Homeworld	Velora
Habitats	Forests, groves, plains, and the like
Unique Traits	Horns or antlers, digitigrade legs, hooves, animal ears
Writer(s)	Izzy, Patch, Al

"We all rise and look up to the Nullstar - look and relish in it." - Cevari Pastor

The Cervari are characterized by appearances resembling a variety of hooved animals, and thus vary widely in appearance. Heights and antlers versus horns, as well as coloration, depend largely on species. Cloven hooves and digitigrade legs and tails are universal, and most have some form of horns or antlers, which serve as mana storage and allow for greater connection with Velora as though it were one nervous system. Cloven hands are possible, but not the norm. Culturally, both they and the Lagorans take a great deal of pride in their appearance socially, believing themselves to be honorable and just compared to other races. Acts of violence and ill intent are considered deeply shameful, and punishments can range from public shaming to the removal of one’s antlers, cutting them off from the use of magic and communication with their planet. They see all life in the universe as intrinsically connected and will try to create bonds with others wherever possible, seeking herd behaviors wherever they go.

Core Worldview

"Without family is not even a question. We stand as a herd, together." -- Cervari priest

Cervari are a very spiritually focused species, decreeing violence against one another to be the greatest insult to one’s life. Cervari prioritizes community over anything else, as it is the strongest bond one can have. They view the world as living and breathing, their actions cause chain reactions that impact their planet. Because of this, Cervari take very big pride in their actions.

Physiology and Design

"Take care of your antlers, darling. They represent you, your family, and of course the Vaki that flows through us all; you must show pride in how beautiful they can be!" -- A Cervari jeweler

The Cervari encompass any animal that would have horns, antlers, or hooves. For example: Moose, cows, deer, elk. Generally have athletic builds and digitigrade legs. Cloven hands are possible, but not the norm. Additionally, some Cervari naturally do not have antlers: the horses, donkies, llamas, and occasionally those certain rarer mutations (similar to how hooved hands are possible, but not common) lack natural head appendages. Any head appendages do not shed (aka they are permanent).

Cloven hooves and digitigrade legs and tails are universal, and most have some form of horns or antlers, which serve as mana storage and allow for greater connection with Velora as though it were one nervous system. Cervari’s size varies greatly, smaller individuals being around 4’, with the tallest getting to be around 7’, not including their antlers. They are able to live relatively long, with an expected lifespan of about 140 years.

Their appearance is deer-like in nature, regardless of the animal they most mimic, often having angular faces, bovine-like noses, cloven feet and digidigrade legs, and most notably, antlers. The styles of antlers, fur colors, height and size, and leg shape vary greatly between regions. (example: Northern regions of Velora might have individuals with longer and thicker fur, those living deeper in the rocky mountains may have more prominent digitigrade or tougher hooves, or those who grew up in more prominent families may have longer, more pristine antlers).

Notable Locations (at a glance)

• The Elgrim Kingdom
  • The largest kingdom of all 13, features hundreds of thousands of Cervari here. It rests nestled in the valley of the largest of Velora's mountains: Mount Mahtava (sometimes simply referred to as the primary mountain, or "the mountain," as other mountains are simply ridges that extend from Mahtava's grandness).
  • Auvoholm: The place where The Au'Vo ("The High Council") live and have meetings in.
  • Iridian Church: The largest church in Elgrim Kingdom, home of the most spectacular sermons, grand rituals, and occasionally the host of traditional Cervari festivities.

• The Five "Bergs"
  • There are five notable kingdoms that live along the mountain, just above and adjacent to The Elgrim Kingdom: Galanberg, Ihanaberg, Sorynberg, Storrberg, and Ramberg.
  • The most central of these kingdoms is Galanberg, with the other kingdoms stretching out from it but still remaining distinctly their own (Sorynberg and Storrberg may be the only exception, as they are the newest of the 13 kingdoms and only diverged recently).
  • All share a rockier, often snowier terrain high up in the valleytops and mountains
  • Ramberg is most notable for the fierce competitions (of magic and of strength) hosted here.
• The other 7 kindgoms are scattered across the lower valleys and outer ridges of the mountains across Velora's landscape.
  • Darlynport and Upea are the most faraway lands, most notable for their extensive river systems and beautiful scenery untouched by anything but nature

• W.G.P.A.
  • The Warp Gate Preparation Area is a giant mass of land dedicated to the first Warp Gate. It is built on a flat ledge along a lower aspect of Velora's primary mountainside, between Cevari and Lagoran cities, and carved straight into the mountain itself. (see "Technology and Science").

Social Structures and Community

"And here lies all the kingdoms of our land, of Velora, our grand family" -- A book-keeper noting locations on a map

The Cervari occupy thirteen towns, most notably the Kingdom of Elgrim. It is a vast kingdom that sprawls over most of Velora's land. The kingdom is nestled in the valley of larger mountains, and has many houses spread out from one another. Most live alongside a few paths by The Grand Falls: an emmense ravine collecting (and recycling back up) water from the various rivers that pour into it. Some stairwells into this ravine lead to lagoran towns, but it's rare for any Cervari to venture there themselves, preferring the high-up castles of their own kingdoms (a show of power many find pride upon). Other Kingdoms follow suit of Elgrim, but all pail in comparison to it's magnificent architectures and dense population.

Each kingdom has a royal family determined through hereditary succession, with the role of council-member (of The Au'Vo) passed along the family line. These are the most influencial and powerful families of each of their respective kingdoms, taking on the responsibility of watching over their people just as close as they watch over their own family. Many of these lineages hold long-standing traditions that vary across the kingdoms, and all of them hold some kind of religious standing alongside their societal and political roles, changing little from the 12 nobles established long ago (Sorynberg and Storrberg famously diverged some hundred years ago). The royal families report to the High council [The Au’vo]. The Au'Vo have a representative from the royal families of all 13 kingdoms to handle overarching verbal disputes and establish general laws across the land that concerns all of Velora.

Cervari follow a herd mentality, holding one accountable for each other. They tend to have strong-knit families with great pride in traditions, community, and doing what is best for all -- not the individual. Diverging from this mentality is seen as "unnatural," like a wildness that must be tamed, lest such an individual bring shame to their kind. Strays like this often either return to their kin or remain permanently outcasted from their kingdom, sometimes causing trouble due to any roles they stepped down from if from a more noble family. This, however, is rare. Cervari tend to take great lengths at keeping their bonds healthy and strong, even if it means taking in a friend or fellow church-member as a second family.

Cervari prefer to not dispute if possible. Although any follow the herd without the thought of disobedience, arguments are unnavoidable. This distaste towards violence, alongside their solid familial pride, leads to a culture of respectful competition. Ramberg is notable for hosting many of the larger competitions, whether it be for dispute or play. Competitions vary from magical or artistic skill to a more longstanding sport of sparring. In a more ancient era, this was done between antlers, but competitions more commonly feature fencing weapons nowadays.

Antlers and Horns

Antlers are a vital part of Cervari culture, connection to magic, and overall life. The public removal of and cutting of antlers is seen as a symbol of dishonor and disconnection from society. Appearance (and pride in such appearance) is core to Cervari culture, so those without natural head appendages may opt for "false antlers" or classic caps to blend in more with society. Longer, more decorated, and more pristine antlers are seen as the utmost signals of nobility, so those with roughed-up, smaller, or absent antlers may be treated as lesser-than, and struggle with connecting to magic in the same way that those with antlers can.

Additionally, many Cervari adorn their antlers with jewelry, threads, or other forms of representation in regards to The Nullstar. This style varies across the kingdoms, but generally pastors and priests have more hanging jewelry that is practical for rituals while royal families tend to wear larger fashion statements, partially as a display of power and authority. Each of the royal families have a special piece of antler jewelry that hangs on their chosen council-member: a key feature of all the Au'vo.

Religion and Spirituality

"...So we raise a glass to the powers of nature that all connect us as one, and one that connects us all to the Nullstar" -- A speaker at a sermon

The Cervari view the Nullstar not as a deity, but as a benevolent force. They believe that the Nullstar created the Great Unity and therefore, created them as well. They believe the Nullstar is a powerful force that is important for their life.

Cervari hold sermons for the Nullstar the last day of every month. Occasionally, these may include grand rituals of magic, song, and other festivities to honor the forces of nature. These sermons oftentimes include common prayers and life lessons that Cervari take to heart, many valuing them deeply, especially as it pertains to using magic wisely.

Specific traditions vary between royal families (and sometimes between common families), but all branch off of a central belief in The Nullstar. Cervari find great community and bonding over their religions, whether through meditation, prayer, or simply meeting one another through their churches.

Technology and Science

Cervari utilize less technology and mostly use machinery from their Lagoran neighbors. Even the idea of automated farms has some disagreement between Cervari, as they prefer to utilize magic or non-technological tools when doing their work, or simply preferring to do hard work with their own hands. It lines best with traditions, afterall, so why change what already works best? (stubborn Cevari pride..)

This does not mean that scientific and technological advancements have not been made, however. For instance, Cervari's long lifespans have enabled them to expand on the fields of medicine, astronomy, and philosophy without interruption to their work. They have the time to spend on studying and gaining experience to a great degree, and their herd culture allows such knowledge to easily pass down through the generations without halt, albeit slow. Additionally, these traits have been particularly useful in Cevari advancements in magic (see "Magic").

Most importantly, Cervari and Lagorans worked together on the first Warpgate as it appears today, almost 600 years ago. The W.G.P.A (Warp Gate Preparation Area) took immense labor from both species: bubbling ideas and technology on the Lagoran side and magical applications and resources on the Cervari side. It hosted various engravings and ritualistic pieces that have now since been replaced by technology and innovations from other species (such as Aurelian technology), advancements only possible because of the deeper connections to outsiders from such an innovative transportation aid. Many Cervari since the making of this first warpgate have spent decades studying magic and The Empty to better advance this technology.

Magic

"Patience, young foal. Good magic requires time, and in time you will need good magic. Vaki is not a process to be rushed." -- a Cervari teacher of the arcane

While hard technology is not highly sought after, Cervari have made great leaps in the field of magical technologies and the general arcana. Enormous libraries in Elgrim hold pages upon pages of magical scripts, runes, and elaborate rituals passed through many lifespans. Some rituals are kept secret among families, but many others are well known and often used for holidays and sermons.

As far as any Cervari knows, The Nullstar (and therefore magic) has always been in their people's lives. Most Cervari have some kind of antlers, horns, or other head appendages that store and connect with magic, like a natural organ for the weaving of the Nullstar's power. This is partially why antlers are so central to their culture, and why the lack of such may make it more difficult to study the arcane as everyone else does (see "Social Structures and Community: Antlers and Horns"). Some Cervari who have specializations in magic may add calcification markings (reverse engravings) to their antlers in addition to engraved jewelry to aid them in spellcasting.

However, "more difficult" does not mean "impossible." Magic is still a skill, and it takes time to learn how to bend it in the same way that it takes time to learn an instrument. This practice of changing otherwise unseeable forces, called Vaki, is spellcasting (sometimes Cervari may refer to magic itself as Vaki). It is seen as one of the highest ways to connect with The Nullstar. Common spells may include changes in local weather, the shifting of waterflow, and temporary tricks of light. Some may also know small medicinal or pscyhological rituals, though deeper arcanic medicines usually involve more intense studies of Vaki. Cervari are taught to appreciate the gifts of natural magic, and so spellcasting is performed more like a careful art than a rash impulse of energy. Often-times, larger or more elaborate rituals require immense meditation to complete. This breeds virtues of patience and care for one's surroundings, especially as any influence on their world creates a chain reaction that influences many others, according to their beliefs. There have been very few, albeit very major, magic-related accidents as a result of this carefulness.

Magic practices may include forms of meditation, painted or engraved circles, and gestures. Meditation is the first aspect of the arcane: time, patience, and connecting one's antlers to the invisible forces that link all life. The extent of this depends on how large the spell is, or how much Vaki must be shifted. Symbols, often those that resemble passed down family runes or engravings that yield mathematical precision hold a space for the spell to be casted. The origin of such artestry remains a mystery (viewed by most as deriving as messages from the Nullstar itself), but continue to this day. The final piece of the puzzle are gestures which can range from smaller hand gestures to full dance rituals with song driven by their rich voices. Such movements are guided by the artestry of the symbols that lay before a spellcaster, and grander spells often include multiple spellcasters.

Traditional Clothing and Fashion

Cervari wear traditionally respectable clothing, clothing that inspires community and superiority. It is usually clear from either outfits or accessories which kingdom someone is from, but overall, Cervari tend to wear leather: perhaps a leather vest over a cloth shirt, leather belts, and rugged pants. Heavy boots are fashioned on their soles to protect their feet on the surfaces of Velora (and the newer, more solid stones that palaces are carved from.

Small emblems and various accessories are common across all Cervari, though the style may change depending on the kingdom. This can come in the form of belt buckles, necklaceses, rings, and antler jewelry. The most fashionable jewelry in the Elgrim Kingdom tends to be made of silver and adorn various engravings or other gems in them, often symbolizing a familial or magical tie.

Many also enjoy wearing hatted attire and other formal caps hung between or on top of their antlers. This makes times where the cap is off feel much lighter and more relaxed. Occasionally, this is used to hide the lack of antlers/horns.

Occupations

• Pastor / Priest
  • In charge of carrying the sermons on the Nullstar and teaching the youth of it's power. Commonly utilizes Vaki for ceremonial and teaching purposes.
• Farmhand
  • Cervari who want to do physical work enjoy working on farms.
  • Mostly harvesting on a technical level and processing crops rather than working on the soil directly in some cases.
• Researcher / Astronomist
  • Those who continue to research into the magical arts, Vaki, and the arcane. Recent research has also involved The Great Empty.
  • One of the most populated careers
• Artist (visual and musical)
• Doctor / person of medicine

Starships and Space Travel

Most Cervari do not enjoy direct space travel to a large degree, mostly going on small exhibitions in groups of family units, and preferring to use magical forms of transportation such as warpgates. Cervari tend to travel to other worlds for studies on how they treat the Nullstar, magic, and and learning from that. Alongside the Lagorans, Cervari who do use ships utilize magic to help maintain certain aspects of the space fleets, such as fuel.

Cultural Quirks and Daily Life

Cervari will sometimes butt their antlers against one another as a sign of affections. Those without antlers, or little foals who have not yet grown their antlers, will still butt their head against others.

Butting antlers can also be a form of playful competition. Although, greater competitions tend to be more formal and include an aspect of skill such as magic. Magic competitions are very popular: some revolve around tricks, others around offensive usage, and many still around the pure craft of spellcasting. Grand competitions attract large crowds and are held in large meeting areas to attract more competitors, depending on the kind of competition, with casual magic knowledge for those who do not wish to participate.

Cervari will commonly sing around one another, utilizing acoustic guitars and their deep voices rather than an array of instruments. If one starts singing to themself while walking along a town, gradually the entire town is in a rythmic uproar of song.

Outside of the Royal Families, many Cervari aspire to marry into the families to be part of them. While successful marriages are magnificent and full of bonding between the families, they are far and few between, which has sprung numerous hilarious failed attempts that Cervari bring up a lot as an "inside joke."

Interactions With Other Species

Cervari share their ancestry with the Lagorans, both descending from the Great Unity - a collection of 10 persons who were originally on Velora. All Lagorans and Cervari descend from these 10, with centuries of evolution and change diverting the Great Unity into two distinct species with numerous variations between each and every family.

With this common ancestry, the Cervari and Lagorans have a healthy relationship between one another but do not collaborate as often as one would think. The two share a planet and that is the limit of their collaborations.

Inspiration Images

Concept Art

Cervari Concept (by Al)

Cervari Concept (Art by dani)