Asari

A Beautiful Asari from Mass Effect

The **Asari** are a psychic-gifted, mono-gendered race from the Mass Effect series. They are long-lived, able to reproduce with any race or gender, and are very powerful after many years have gone by.

## Physiology

Much of the skeletal structure of the Asari resemble that of a human along with having five digit fingers and relatively straight feet. A typical Asari has purple or blue complexion, though teal is albeit rare. Some of them even have facial markings, which are unique colored patterns that vary for every Asari. Some of these resemble eyebrows like humans, but the Asari do not think of the markings as such themselves due to the fact they have no body hair. In the place of head hair, Asari possess semi-flexible, cartilage-based scalp-crests that grow into shape. They are rigid and don't "flop around" like many people believe. Asari have navels as well as breasts that continue to grow with age. Asari also have a robust cellular regenerative system; while they do not heal faster than other species, they are known to reach over 1000 years of age. Asari can see ultraviolet at the short-wavelength end of the spectrum. Asari blood is purple.

Most asari are very good biotics, possessing skill and power that most races can't come close to without intense training and biotic amp implants. In fact, one of the conditions for an asari to become a commando is to possess a certain degree of biotic power. Enough for it to be used practically, in other words, combat. This is do to the large amount of Element Zero in the water and soil on their world that have given them such abilities as well as being uplifted by the Protheans. Asari Matriarchs and Justicars are very skilled in using their biotics due to years of training and experience along with gathering power they spent decades and centuries obtaining.

Asari reproduce from a form of parthenogenesis, through a process of "melding" during which the Asari attunes her nervous system to her partner's, during such a session the Asari and her partner temporarily become one unified nervous system, sharing thoughts, emotions, and even feelings (such as physical pleasure) this can be done for a variety of reasons (sometimes as simple as the transfer of information), but when used for mating the Asari provides two copies of her own genes to her offspring, one of which is randomized from the genetic template of the other parent. Due to this some Asari believe that their offspring inherit certain genetic traits of the "father", though evidence of this is purely anecdotal at best. This unique form of reproduction not only allows the asari to "mate" with just about any species and any gender, but is believed to be why they are such accomplished biotics.

They primarily do this with other species as to "bring about understanding..." of the other races, believing that through this the Asari species grows and learns more of their ally and friend species. This is actually for more of survival in the recesses of space. However, Asari can reproduce with another member of their race, but to do so is, by some, considered akin to a taboo. Uniquely, the Asari are known to be perceived as attractive to many other species. This may be because of shared physical characteristics such as body shape, skin coloration, head fringe, etc. The mechanism behind the Asari's cross-species attraction may be neurochemical in nature. The offspring resulting from such interspecies pairings are always Asari as no DNA is taken from the partner. Instead, the Asari uses the meld to explore her partner's genetic heritage and pass desirable traits on to any offspring and as a "map" to randomize the genes of the offspring. Additionally, this kind of pairings are not affected by any sort of genetic defects, mutations, and/or infections.

The drawback to the Asari means of reproduction are the Ardat-Yakshi. These individuals possess a rare genetic defect that causes an Asari to overwhelm and destroy her partner’s nervous system when joining. It is possible through pureblood joining.

Asari believe that Pureblood Asari do not contribute to their race and thus the word "pureblood" is considered a grave insult, though this is rarely spoken to a purebloods face, which is Ironic considering that before they achieved space travel they had no choice but to mate with their own species. It is also possible for an Asari to meld with another for the sole purpose of transferring thoughts, without reproduction. The Asari initiating the meld can both send and receive information. It is not clear whether ability to meld minds is present from birth or whether Asari undergo some sort of puberty to gain it and, if so, when this occurs.

## Pre-Apocalypse

The Asari have always been diligent diplomats across the entire psyche multiverse as they seek to stablize the balances of economics, politics, and military power. They also keep up with their traditions and values that have been passed down to them. This include the Justicar way of life as they forsworn having children and family and given up all worldly possessions aside from weapons and armor. Matriarchs make the hardest decisions and use their vast knowledge and experiences to ensure their survival. Many continue to ensure peace and stability while the Asari Commandos fight to protect.

Many others find work as exotic dancers, bar tenders, medics, doctors, corporate executives, colonists and scientists.

## Post Apocalypse

When the apocalypse happened, many came to assist with the crisis in our reality. Many Asari Commandos came to fend off against the various threats, especially the Reapers in the United Kingdom. Doctors and combat medics assist the people in need and to assist with evacuations. Once things settle down, some of the theripists tried to help those that were traumatized or have a hard time coping with what happened. Some of them even adopted human children that lost their parents during the apocalypse.

Some made their way towards our reality to settle on new worlds when Phase II of the apocalypse began. Others went to micronations that were kicked out to assist with settling and act as diplomats to ensure there wouldn't be any conflicts. Not just with other micronations, but with the United Nations & Creations since many were bitter when forced off of Earth.