The Eveni

Overview

Eveni Culture

Names

Given Names

The Eveni people tend to choose names of their children based on traits they want the child to have in adulthood. As is the case in many Kepek cultures, most of the popular names are gender-neutral. Common Eveni given names include.

• Bevad = intelligence

• Etarik = creativity

• Rexuk = cunning

• Kentra = Wisdom

• Virena = elegance

Family Names

The Eveni hold the belief than certain traits and skills are passed on genetically, rather than being a result of someone's environment. For example, If your father and mother were both respected scientists, then you would likely inherit the traits associated with that. As a result, it's very common for multiple generations of Eveni families to work in the same job or field, and so family names are usually reflective of this. Common and desirable examples of Eveni family names include:

• Tenib = Scholar

• Abedev = Inventor

• Enadae = Doctor

• Nabras = scientist

• Avernix = councillor

Historically, not "living up to the family name" was a massive taboo and was seen as a source of shame to not have a career at least tangentially related to your family name. In the modern day though, this tends to be less of an issue. This doesn't mean the stigma has entirely gone away, however, and many people will make judgements on those who have mis-matching surnames and careers. Sometimes this can work in the individual's favour, such as someone assuming that, because your surname is Nabras (scientist), you must come from a long line of scientists, meaning you've inherited their intelligence and research skills, and therefore they may assume you are smart. If the surname is something considered more mediocre by Eveni standards however, such as Barudik (driver), this could lead to others making the assumption that you are unreliable and can't even do simple jobs. Interestingly, having a more desirable job than your family name also carries a stigma, as its thought to be a sign of disloyalty to the family.

Of course, the science behind "inheriting traits" of this nature has been studied and disproven time and time again but unfortunately, the myth persists and many Eveni whole-heartedly believe it. Many are pushing for change though, and there is a trend among the younger generations of Eveni Kepek to change their surnames to something more neutral. These Eveni often choose the names of specific astronomical objects such as specific stars, nebulas, planets and moons, though they typically choose places that are uninhabited. These names, of course, also carry a stigma with them, but as time goes on and more Eveni realise the harm their current family names can cause, they are becoming more and more popular, and that stigma is slowly but surly fading.

Eveni Fashion

Eveni Fashion often incorporates a lot of tech and lights into its designs, from neon-style lighting embedded into a shirt to skirts with panels that light up as you step. The Eveni don't really have a concept of "too much". Their clothing typically incorporates asymmetry somewhere in the design as well, and while the lights on the clothes may be any colour of the rainbow, the fabric itself is typically darker and less vibrant to contrast.​

Tech accessories

The Eveni are famous for their ingenuity and innovation, and this too is often reflected in their outfits via tech-accessories. This can include small personal drones that follow their owners around, mood-bands worn around the neck and tail to appear more expressive and genuine, and even gloves designed to appear like robotic hands (as amputation for aesthetic purposes is illegal aboard the Evenilap).

Eveni Education, Graduation and Employment

Every Kepek in the Commonwealth has a right to access education, and is required to attend some form of school for a minimum of 10 Bektep Orbits under commonwealth law, however, every fleet and colony can impose additional rules on top of this. Aboard the Evenilap however, a minimum of 20 Bektep Orbits worth of education is required, starting around the age of 5. Reaching the end of their mandatory schooling is an achievement in and of itself, but during their final year, the Eveni Kepek undergo a series of tests to see what careers would best suit them. They are always tested for their family's traditional occupation, but young Eveni Kepek may also apply for other career tests they are interested in.

What these tests consist of and how long it takes depends on the career itself. Some careers require only a written test, done in a single afternoon, others may test practical skills needed for the job over a months-long period. At the end, the Kepek is given a score and a certificate to say they passed the test, which then allows them to either peruse further education in the field or go directly into a job, again, depending on the career. If a Kepek fails a test, they may retake it up to 3 times. If they fail all 3, they must wait another 5 Bektep Orbits to retry. They are able to take other tests for other careers in the mean time.

Kepek who are unsure of what career path they want to take can take a general skills test instead. These tests cover a wide range of skills used in low-skill occupations. They are more-so meant to be a generic signifier that the person completed their schooling and hold the door open if they want to pursue a different career later.

All of these tests can be taken at any time in a Kepek's life. If they initially did the general skills test, but decide later they want to get a job as a botanist for example, they may take that test years after finishing their mandatory schooling.

Kepek who are unable to work at all, such as those with some disabilities, are exempt from testing. Commonwealth law dictates that their basic needs be taken care of regardless of their employment or lack thereof, but the Eveni are known to make this exceptionally difficult. Eveni who are unable to work must be able to prove they have a reason, which usually includes a lot of medical tests and the confirmation of several doctors approved by the Eveni government (who are famously restrictive in their views on disability). Those who fail to meet the requirements will be forced to go through basic testing anyway.