Tellian Poetry

## Overview

Tellian poetry is a unique art form that reflects the Tellian people's deep appreciation for emotional intensity, martial prowess, and personal growth through intense experiences. It serves as a cornerstone of their warrior-poet culture and continues to be practiced and cherished across their home planet, Tel Adder, and the moon Tel 1.

## Historical Roots of Tellian Poetry

Before joining the Union of Planets, the Tellia were divided into various warring tribes. While these tribes had their differences, one common thread was their belief in the importance of poetry as a means of expression and self-discovery. The tribes would often gather in their downtime to share verses and engage in friendly competitions of poetic skill, which helped them forge strong bonds among their members.

As the Tellia evolved socially and technologically, they began to embrace a more unified culture. With the formation of the Union of Planets in -603C, the warrior-poet tradition expanded, and Tellian poetry became an essential aspect of their identity as a species. It continued to flourish, and new forms and styles emerged, reflecting the Tellia's increasing engagement with the galaxy's diverse array of species and cultures.

## Role in Courtship

Tellian poetry is extensively used in romantic settings as well and is an irrepressible, unavoidable fact of Tellian courtship. For those who truly lack skill in this regard, a freelancer can be hired and consulted with to help craft the poems Tellian society demands be written during the process of developing a relationship with someone. It's well understood in the galactic scene that any non-Tellia who intends to romance a Tellia will need to become familiar with this custom and begin writing or commissioning these poems as well.

## Some Notable Tellian Poems

1. The Usurping Beauty - This ancient Tellian poem tells the story of a beautiful and cunning female Tellia who seduced, overpowered, and usurped the leader of a warring tribe. Using her charm, intelligence, and strength, she managed to weave her way into the chieftain's heart, ultimately seizing power and establishing her rule over the tribe. There is a famous Tellian film enjoyed throughout the galactic scene based on this poem that was released in 322C.
2. Flight of Dagger - this is a modern Tellian poem reflecting on the Mission War. Although the author did not directly participate in the conflict and wrote the poem years after the events took place, the poem explores the emotional turmoil and the lasting impact of war on the Tellia and the Union as a whole. The poem's vivid imagery and poignant language capture the essence of both the bravery and the sorrow experienced during the Mission War.
3. Questions I ask to No One - This Tellian poem delves into the enigma of Tel 1's life, exploring the mystery of how the two celestial bodies of Tel Adder and Tel 1 came to share ancestral DNA. The poem's introspective tone and inquisitive nature highlight the poet's fascination with the unknown and the desire to uncover the secrets that lie within the cosmos. Through a series of questions directed at the void, the poet expresses a deep yearning for understanding and truth but also the disappointment that must surely follow the dissolution of one of the great mysteries.

## Influence of Ancestral Veneration

While the majority of modern Tellia practice the Adan Created faith, the legacy of their ancestral religion still influences various aspects of their culture, including their poetry. Tellian poems often incorporate idiomatic expressions and rituals that pay homage to key familial figures and seek their approval or guidance.

## Emotional Intensity in Tellian Poetry

Central to Tellian poetry is the exploration of powerful, conflicting, or complex emotions. The Tellia believe that embracing these emotions leads to a fuller understanding of oneself and the universe. As a result, their poems often tackle complex themes of love, loss, triumph, and despair. The vivid imagery and evocative language employed in Tellian poetry are designed to provoke intense emotional responses from both the poet and the audience.

## The Warrior-Poet Tradition

All Tellian soldiers are expected to be poets to some degree, and poetry writing and interpretation are highly valued skills within their society. This combination of martial and artistic expertise makes the Tellia formidable opponents in battle and reflects their belief in the importance of personal growth through intense experiences. Even those Tellia who are not soldiers often dabble in poetry, as the warrior-poet ethos permeates their entire culture.