Alvanian
| Intelligent Lifeform Index |
|---|
| Alvanian | |
|---|---|
| |
| Four Letter Code | ALVA |
| Federation Status | Ally |
| Planet of Origin | Alvania |
| Encountered | 2220 |
| T/E Rating | T0/E0 |
| Current Tech Level | I |
| List of Named Alvanians | |
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Home System
- Quadrant: Alpha
- Location: Hromi Cluster
- Star: 1 (Class F)
- Planets: 7
- Habitable planets: 1, the 3rd planet from the sun
Homeworld
- Name: Alvania
- Pronunciation: Al'vein'ia
- Population: ≈3.1 billion
Orbital Characteristics
- Mean orbital distance : ≈301 million kilometres (2.01AU)
- Orbital period: 381.92 days (284.84 local days)
- Satellites: 1
Physical Characteristics
- Classification: M
- Mean radius: 6309.0 km
- Surface gravity: 10.40 m/s2 1.06G)
- Sidereal rotation period: 32.18 hours
- Axial tilt: 2°
Atmosphere and Surface Characteristics
- Surface pressure:: 110 kPa at MSL (1.06 Earth atmospheres)
- Composition by volume: Nitrogen 73.2%, Oxygen 23.8%, Argon 1.2%, other gases 1.8%
- Mean surface temperature: 21.6° C
- Hydrosphere percentage: 68.4
Alvania is a warm, tropical world, with virtually no seasonal changes. It is notorious for the poisonous and venomous species that populate it, and the vast, complex cave systems that exist under the planet's surface. Rainforests cover a significant portion of the available land, many of which have been regrown in the past century after farming and technological advances allowed for developed land to be restored to its original state.
Notable native species include Alvanian bees, spine mites and cave sloths.
History
Introduction
The hostile biosphere of the planet created an unusual development trajectory for the Alvanians, creating a society that strongly believes in and revolves around cooperation for mutual benefit. As a result, wars and conflict are extremely rare events in their history, and they are notable for forming a single planetary government relatively early in their development.
The lack of conflict created slow but steady technological progress, and in the 23nd century they conducted their first warp drive tests and encountered the Federation. They swiftly applied for and were granted Federation membership, and are an enthusiastic and engaged member species.
Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology
Physical Appearance
As mammalian, bilaterally symmetrical bipeds, the Alvanians bear considerable similarities to many other Alpha and Beta Quadrant species. Skin tones present in shades of pink and purple, while hair colour is typically black (and usually worn long). Eye colour presents in shades of yellow and orange, and both the sclera and the iris are identical in colour, with a black pupil in the centre.
Anatomy and Physiology
The Alvanians have evolved to cope with the demands of their toxic planet in a variety of ways. One of the primary adaptations is their digestive system, which provides resistance to most ingested toxins common on their homeworld (and many toxins found off-world). It includes two stomachs and a large, efficient liver, and has resulted in the requirement for a complex and varied diet.
Psychology
The Alvanians possess a strong sense of community, and are known as an effervescent, good-humoured and social species. A common stereotype is the animated, jocular and carefree Alvanian, constantly cracking jokes and participating in outrageous adventures. As a species, they are generally careful to avoid conflict or actions that would cause conflict, but in situations where it happens, they expect the wounded party to forgive and forget, as the Alvanians do on their own world — there is no word in their language for "grudge".
While many consider them a species prone to theft, it is not a malicious or selfish act, but one born out of their societal expectation of absolute cooperation. An Alvanian would rarely deny another who needed something, and an Alvanian would never take something from another that they didn't need — so permission is rarely sought to take any item. "I was going to give it back when I was done" is a common response when an Alvanian is confronted over the "theft" of an item.
A less famous side of the Alvanians is their skill at mediation and conflict resolution, and many Alvanians participate and serve in diplomatic and ambassadorial roles.
Society, Culture and Customs
Government
The Alvanians have developed a unique form of government, in which their leaders are selected entirely by lottery. There are 15 posts: a "Speaker", and the remaining 14 each lead one aspect of the government. The Speaker is the de facto leader, responsible for mediating discussions and calling for the vote required to make a final decision.
Each province submits 20 names for each of the 15 posts. These names are kept for the goverment's entire term of office, in order that an individual can be replaced if illness or death creates a vacancy.
Art
As a people they lean towards art forms that can be practised and enjoyed in groups. As such, music, song and dance are particularly popular past-times and a vast variety of genres and styles have evolved over their history.
They are also known for their woodwork, particularly their musical instruments, crafted from branches and trees that have naturally fallen in the rainforests.
Religion and Mythology
The Alvanians are a secular species, with no widely-practised forms of religious observance.
Alvanian myths and legends typically portray heroes as trickster characters, valuing selflessness, intelligence and cunning over brute strength.
Customs
Alvanian culture places a strong emphasis on bonding activities, in order to create a strong and collaborative community. This has earned them something of a reputation for partying and drinking, a visible and easily-translated activity that almost anyone can join. Those aliens who can last a whole night of drinking and partying with an Alvanian are often awarded the informal honorific of "Fedilsertan", which loosely translates to "iron gut".
Science, Technology and Trade
Science and Technology
Alvanians are known for their contributions to the sciences of conservation biology, ecology, ecotoxicology and chemistry. They also have strong research pursuits in medical science, particularly pharmaceuticals.
Economy
The Alvanian reputation for drink and drinking has developed into a strong tourist and export trade.
They produce and export a large number of exotic beverages, the most well-known of which is Alvanian Brandy. Considered a weak, after-dinner drink by the Alvanians, it is considered quite potent by most other species, to the point where some deem it undrinkable.
The tourist trade largely focuses on sampling drink, with tours of famous wineries, breweries and distilleries. Hotels catering to these tours often hold drinking contests and stage "mix-offs" between bartenders, often with regional produce.
Other major exports include pharmaceuticals and musical instruments.
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