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Cardassian: Difference between revisions
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Added Vainúvah, a concept developed ICly over at SB118 Ops.
Alora DeVeau (talk | contribs) m (Corrected several typos) |
Alora DeVeau (talk | contribs) (Added Vainúvah, a concept developed ICly over at SB118 Ops.) |
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Cardassian mating is different from other species, and sometimes those differences are very misunderstood by outsiders. A potential mate indicates interest by expressing a bickering, almost belligerent attitude. This bickering has caused more than one interstellar snafu as misunderstanding spring from hot debates between diplomats. Fertility is of paramount importance, as a mate that cannot bear children is shamed. Men prefer spirited women, and the females of the species tend to prefer strong, dominant males. | Cardassian mating is different from other species, and sometimes those differences are very misunderstood by outsiders. A potential mate indicates interest by expressing a bickering, almost belligerent attitude. This bickering has caused more than one interstellar snafu as misunderstanding spring from hot debates between diplomats. Fertility is of paramount importance, as a mate that cannot bear children is shamed. Men prefer spirited women, and the females of the species tend to prefer strong, dominant males. | ||
===Vainúvah=== | |||
A Vainúvah is one who has taken an oath to act as a protector toward another, called the Vainúvahim. The origins of the practise have been lost to the ages, the earliest writings already referring to it as a practise that had been established and ingrained in Cardassian culture. | |||
Such an oath is taken extremely seriously, and the Vainúvah is bound for life, unless the Vainúvahim grants a release or one of them dies. In the case of children, the closest equivalent of a Vainúvah is the Terran concept of ‘godparent’. Although orphans are generally considered outcasts, any orphaned child who has a Vainúvah is immediately adopted into the family and treated as if offspring by birth. In this way <i>only</i> is a parentless child still considered part of society. | |||
The Vainúvah ritual usually consists of Vainúvah him or herself, the Vainúvahim, and at least two witnesses. A vow is taken and a dagger is used to slice the palm of the Vainúvah. The Vainúvah then writes his or her name upon the forehead of the Vainúvahim in the blood. Should the Vainúvahim not be present, the same vow may be taken by writing the Vainúvahim’s name upon a piece of parchment with the blood. This ritual is also incorporated in Cardassian weddings, as part of the vows taken are that of protecting one another. | |||
===Arts=== | ===Arts=== | ||