Nirvaan

The **Nirvaan** are a race of Vaan residing beyond the Pale Sea, in a cluster of territories known to them as the Crownlands, the Colonies, and the Frontier. Bearing longer than average ear lengths, hot skin colors ranging from bronze to crimson, and naturally high Mana counts in their birthing rates usually guaranteeing potential in Magick from a young age, the Nirvaan are a proud race of conquerors and slavers, ruling over an empire known as the Nirvas Imperium. They exert power and wealth over others, forcing the submission of many alien races, groups, tribes, clans, and colonies. With the goal of expanding their *castra*, or power, they greedily seek out greater challenges and foes to overcome and add to their own strength.

## Appearance and Biology

Appearing similar to most Vaan, with long, point-tipped ears capable of moving up and down with mood, as well as a torso covered with an outer-layer of protective cartilage. Most Nirvaan, as a militant society, are fit and lean with an above standard muscle mass. Prominent bone ridges and spurs line the Nirvaan's faces, torso, and limbs. Along with this, many Nirvaan have been known to grow horn-like bone protrusions from their heads, with many being small but some growing to at least five inches in length. Their teeth, as a prominently carnivorous race, grow to be prominently sharp canines with their nails naturally forming into long claws that typically require grooming.

Along with their bone ridges, one of the most obvious differences between the Nirvaan and their cousin species is their purple blood and typically hot-colored skin, ranging in a variety of hues between red, orange, and yellow. Some Nirvaan are born as *sholos*, or "dark skins", and are treated with revilement and scorn. The Nirvaan's eyes are notably slitted, similar to Slayer's, and vary in color between reds and yellows as well. Their eyes have the strange trait of glowing in darkness, suggesting a nocturnal evolution.

## Society

Nirvaan are the wealthy and elite racial group within the Imperium, wielding power and influence regardless of where they fall in the caste structure. A bastard Nirvaan with no House or *castra* of their own still wields more authority and freedom than a free alien working in the royal palace. The Nirvaan see status and power as the principle objectives of life, doing everything in their power to enhance the *castra* of themselves and their families.

Magickal potency, martial prowess, and the ability to trace their bloodlines back to ancient and famous Nirvaan lords are just some examples of what many Nirvaan value. Nirvaan men wield considerably more power than the women, though the latter still can form *castra* of their own and command authority within their own Houses. While Nirvaan boys are taught to fight and to harness their Magickal gifts, women are taught the intricacies of court and the subtleties of charming men.

As the social elite, the Nirvaan enjoy the fruits of their enslaved races' labors daily - the finest silken clothes and warm furs, foods prepared to perfection, and palaces built high and expansive to reflect the owner's wealth and status. Even among Nirvaan, however, class elitism exists - with Nirvaan who can trace their descent to the lords and ladies who founded the Imperium being favored over those whose lines began in recent record.

### Castes and Vaes Structure

The Nirvaan hold dominion over the races they have conquered, segregating free aliens, or *parvat*, into lower income group homes, ghettos, and boroughs. The upper class Nirvaan reside in more wealthy and extravagant areas and are given freedom to roam where they please.

Nirvaan have their own internal caste structure, however, based on lineage and family standing. A noble family, or *vaes*, belongs to one of three castes - the Injo (lower), Tressa (middle), and Esthra (upper) classes.

## Culture

### Magick

Most Nirvaan are born with an innate gift for Magick, with each case being different in potency. By Imperium law, only Nirvaan are permitted to use Magick.

## Government

The Imperium is ruled by an Imperator and Imperia, the equivalent of an emperor and empress. Alongside the royal family, a council of advisors called a Consulate aids the Imperator in ruling the various facets of Imperium society.

## Notable Nirvaan

* Dominus Sarreth the Crimson

* Dominus Arrad the Amber

* Domina Silas the Scarlet

* Xhaevor Septus V

* Nephara Septus I

* Valathor Raam