Space Elves

## Vanyar

A vanyar engineer.

Vanyar (pronounced: VAHN-yaar), also known as *Elves* by humans are a race of empathic humanoids that are known for showing variation based on which season they were born in. They are a client race under the vajeen, providing fresh food to The Federation, in exchange for protection.

## Biology

Vanyar are a curious species, with their innate features tied to the seasons of their homeworld of Vanya. The Floodborn Vanyar, or "Dʻuinen" in their language, are remarkable for their dark skin colours, ranging from jet back to deep purple as well as their ability to survive without oxygen for extended periods of time. The Vanyar born in the Season of Growth, or "Galas", are known for their humanlike complexion and ability to withstand immensely hot temperatures. Since the Galas are known to operate in and around volcanoes, this adaptation is immensely useful. Finally, the Low Tides Vanyar, "Dʻannen" and bluish-grey skin and have the thickest hair amongst their kin, supporting their tolerance to temperatures below 213K (-60°C).

All subspecies of Vanyar have antennae on their head, which they use for (among other things) communication, as well as osteoderms present in unique patterns down the bridge of their nose, on their foreheads, near their eyes, cheekbones and/or their jawline. These do not seem to have any practical purpose in modern times, except for selecting a mate.

Another common trait among Vanyar is their pure black eyes, adapted to nocturnal life on Vanya. It is believed that Vanya are nocturnal because most large predators are diurnal, contrary to how most other galactic races start out.

## Culture

The Vanyar have a close-knit matriarchal family-structure and worship a variety of folk religions. Something that all Vanyar religions have in common is a sense that everything has a spirit of some sort: from grass, to trees, to animals; all life has inherent value. As time goes on, most others in The Galactic Union lose their connection with religion, but the vast majority of Vanyar practice some sort of spiritualism.

## History

The Vanyar have been a client race of The Arcturian Federation since before human contact. The historical subjugation of the Vanyar people, known pejoratively as "Fynir" in Arcturian, is contentious amongst Vajeen and Vanyar alike. Despite their good standing now, some believe that the Arcturian government should acknowledge its past transgressions against the Vanyar peoples. Officials deny the allegation that any transgressions take place, and many Vajeen and Vanyar also deny these allegations.

The Pro-Arcturian Vanyar insist that their service to the Federation is entirely consensual and that they are just doing the duties as citizens. The Pro-Reconciliation Vanyar suggest something more sinister... That the Vanyar peoples are indoctrinated into this train of thought so that they remain subservient to the Arcturian government. Some, even take this belief to the extreme and commit acts of violence against public officials and Vajeen citizens indiscriminately.

There is a push in the Senate to label Reconciliators as a terrorist organisation, but there is a great hesitance, for risk of alienating the Vanyar and losing their main source of food.

## Vanyar In-game

**Common Traits:**

* Empathy: Can feel the emotions of any creature it can touch so long as their antennae are still functional. Situational +3 bonus to all checks to sense motive.

**Flood:** (Dʻuinen)

* +1 PER, +1 INF, -1 BRA, -1 FIT
* Can survive without air for up to one hour
* Black-grey skin colour

**Growth:** (Galas)

* +1 AGI, +1 INF, -1 BRA, -1 FIT
* Heat resistance
* Beige-brown skin colour

**Low Tides:** (Dʻannen)

* +1 SMA, +1 INF, -1 BRA, -1 FIT
* Cold resistance
* Blue-grey skin colour