The Gavradi

Overview

The Gavradi were the first people to arrive on Vakib and are one of only two entirely Kepeki cultures independent from the Kepek Commonwealth. Their culture first developed in a harsh and unforgiving world, before Faster-Than-Light travel and before they really had the technology to properly defend themselves from the elements. Even today, this fact will become evident to anyone who spends any time around them, as their self-sufficiency is deeply ingrained in their cultural identity. They are very capable of survival without aid from the rest of the Kepek Commonwealth, and will shun technology that isn't absolutely necessary to their way of life, though to what extent will vary greatly depending on the specific community you find yourself in.

The Gavradi, at first, did not have the technology to protect themselves from the unrelenting heat on Vakib's hot side, nor from the freezing temperatures on the planet's dark side, but their population was outgrowing the thin strip of twilight they had settled in. As a result, these Kepek decided to go deep underground, extending their civilisation to the planet's hot side, deep below the surface. As a result, in the millennia since, they have lost their pigmentation, making their scales an almost translucent white.

Like most planetary Kepek, they are shorter than average, and they have no visible gap between their femurs.

Gavradi Culture

Names

Given Names

Gavradi names tend to be short and guttural, favouring harsh sounds. Its possible that the most popular names meant something once, perhaps in old Xebriken. If this is the case though, their meanings have been long-since lost.

Common given names include:

• Vad

• Radid

• Keb

• Bitud

The Gavradi do not use surnames, instead placing "heir of (family matriarch's name)" after their given name is clarification is needed.

Gavradi Fashion

A combination of their need to remove anything non-essential from their lives, and the incredible heat in their region of Vakib has led Gavradi fashion to favour extremely short clothing, even more so than in other parts of the galaxy. It is not uncommon to see Gavradi wearing just enough to be considered "decent" by other Kepek's standard. This fact can make them seem off-putting to others, but the Gavradi simply don't have a need for elaborate covering. Most Gavradi don't wear any type of accessories either, if they do, they will be extremely simple, such as plain bands as rings made out of materials such as bismuth that won't be effected by the intense heat of the environment.

Gavradi Beauty Ideals

Gavradi can't see colours all that well due to the darkness they live in, so the typical visual markers of attractiveness aren't all that important to them. Above all, a Gavradi's beauty is determined by their voice over any visual traits. Gavradi who have deep and powerful voices are viewed as the most beautiful, regardless of gender, as this seems to carry better through the caverns of their underground homes and can be heard better over the whistling winds on the surface.

Gavradi Architecture

Gavradi architecture echoes their feelings towards most things: that extravagance is a luxury, luxuries breed complacency, and complacency is deadly. Their buildings are often very basic, sturdy and tough, with basically no visual embellishment to them. They serve a purpose, that is all. One interesting feature about their architecture, however, is that they will often be built in such a way that sounds will be carried further, and larger buildings will often be designed in a way that creates intentional echoing. The reasons behind this are, as always, practical, as it helps to navigate the place should power and lights go out. The beautiful sounds it can result in is a nice side benefit though.

Relationships with other peoples

The Ikta

The Gavradi have a very positive relationship with the Ikta despite the difference in their ideals. They were formally allies in the war of independence against the Kepek Commonwealth and the Gavradi have a great deal of respect for the Ikta's creativity and resourcefulness, despite their tendency for extravagance. They do not always see eye-to-eye, but the Ikta are one of the few outsiders the Gavradi will willingly trade and work with.

The Kepek Commonwealth

Unlike the Ikta who have been able to re-open trade with the Kepek Commonwealth under very strict conditions, the Gavradi want nothing to do with the commonwealth, especially the Eveni. They will tolerate Artabeans since they assisted in Vakib's fight for independence, as well as individuals the Ikta have given their blessing to, but all other Kepeki outsiders are not welcome on their half of Vakib anymore (and even those with the Ikta's blessing are on very thin ice).