Varanid Codex Articles

Varanids

Introduction-

While seen often as one people, while actually three. The Varanids were a complicated joiner of the Federation who are shaped by their unequal start and now great plutocratic clout. A race of a warm blooded reptiles whom still cling onto ancient traditions, they are the true strength of the Federation in terms of resources and markets. 

Physiology-

When most think of the lizard-like people of Varan, the lizard-like race they are thinking of are actually modern appearance. The original Varanid appeared much more animalistic, with head crests, claws, protracted fangs, and multiple scaled ridges. While these morphs are still seen today, most have undergone mass genetic restructuring, so as to appear less like the predators many species have evolved a fear of. Some of the Varanid race have taken a third option, modifying themselves at whim, resulting in a varied race of multiple appearances. While reptilian in appearance, they are actually a variation of Monotreme, being warm blooded egg layers who produce milk for their young. Many Varanid posses a system of complex sweat glands, allowing themselves to produce a shimmering coating used for heat dispersion, which also doubles as a method of pheromone production.

History-

Varan is a large world large dividing seas and impassable mountains which gave rise to nations that progressed rather uniformly but clashed for the control of resources. Until one of these and claimed divine mandate over the whole world from their rich coastlines and river valleys. Thus forming the Varan Empire was negotiated with by the Ianuari in their creation of the Federation and thus dictated the terms of their joining after realizing how critical they were to this endeavour giving themselves the best terms while their rival nations whom they claimed rule over only the worst terms. This resulted in the formation of three distinctive subgroups who clashed over the terms of the treaty and moved to carve out their own niches in the Federation as the Federation expanded. 

Culture-

The Varanids have three overarching cultures, each with claiming that they are the truest of their kind and lingering onto old grudges for show. The coastal subgroup, or Kanath in their original tongue, is the most modified. They are the farthest spread of all subspecies, being the most heavily involved in the Federation. Having descended from the main populace of the early Varan Empire, many are of noble blood, but have transitioned to corporate lifestyle with ease. The Kanath have countless social norms and rituals, of which all are taught at a young age. All social classes feel great honor of their bloodline, regardless of standing, collecting titles of which they pass down to their offspring. The desert subgroup, also known as the Svee, are the closest to the original species, relying on the hard work ethic that they believed made their species great enough to hold their own against spacefaring empires. They believe in the virtues of industry and mass space travel, resulting in the largest Federation civilian fleet. The smallest section is the mountain subgroup called the Loac, with genetic modifications ranging from none to more than most. They focus on the development of science and technology, relishing in their strides forward in the ways of understanding the universe. 

Federation-

With one of the few things uniting them as a species being their intense competitive spirit and drive for development, it’s only natural the Varanids immediately carved out massive conglomerates that form the heart of industrial and economic activity and traditions in the Federation. Each has claimed a claimed their own niches while at the same time ensuring that the Ianuari bureaucracy didn’t stifle the economic power of an integrated or misallocated resources. The Varanids in hindsight view the Federation more in terms of their own enrichment but do appreciate their now higher status.