Asari Section

Biology Overview:

1) Asari are mainly omnivores, and fully capable of consuming meat. Less than twenty percent of the population can be said to be a true 'vegetarian.'

2) The digestive system of asari is more efficient than that of humans, but is smaller proportionally. Conversely, the quality of nutrition must be fairly high, requiring longer preparation times for meals and propagating a reputation for being 'picky.' The average asari eats smaller meals than the typical turian or quarian (proportional to body mass), but have a similar frequency for meals – due to their gastrointestinal efficiency.

3) Unlike every other known sentient race, asari do not acquire biotics as a random chance encounter. Instead, they are natural biotics, caused by the fact that their homeworld (Thessia) is rich in Element Zero. The entire planet is full of biotic potential (see Thessia: Biosphere division subsection zoology). Asari are genetically designed for the presence of element zero, necessitating minute quantities to be present in their diet, particularly through pregnancy and the formative growth years. This has the effect of making Thessia – one of the few natural element zero crop producers – to become a major agricultural center.

4) Asari body temperature averages approximately ten degrees colder than that of humans, and almost twenty degrees below that of quarians. They are not true 'cold-blood' beings, but have a flexible enough physiological structure to emulate endothermic behavior (note: see Noteworthy Asari athletes – Unique Sports and Endurance Trials).

5) Asari respiratory/circulation systems are also more efficient than their human counterparts. While they have a breathing rate equal to that of humans, an additional lung (located within the superior thoracic cavity) and a higher oxygen/carbon dioxide conversion rate permits excellent performance in multiple atmospheres. This additional respiratory organ, like human olfactory and aural extensions, grows with age which only enhances asari capabilities in that regard (Note: Also see, Asari: mammalian aesthetics).

6) An Asari possesses five nervous systems, compared to the human three, quarian four and krogan seven. The neural center responsible for activating the 'fight or flight' reflex is particularly well-developed, exceedingly helpful in response times (note: see Asari: Commando physiology). In addition, one of the nervous systems (amicissimum soma) is dedicated to connecting the memory centers and hormone production, as well as a single connection to the reproductive organs, considered to be an obsolete throwback to early asari origins. This has the end result of making asari highly perceptive to social behavior.

7) It is believed that the typical asari compulsion to cooperate with perceived superiors, especially with regard to Matriarchs, is partially due to the final nervous system (somatica publicae). This nerve cluster is less of an actual system and more akin to a specific organ, as its function seems devoted to connecting the amicissimum soma to the positions in the brain associated with reward/recognition. In addition, this tissue has been observed to be active during coitus activity, and when initiating a connection with an immediate superior (note: see Asari – Culture: Matriarch position in asari society).

Addendum: Tests involving the presence of simulated Matriarchs familiar to the test subject are inconclusive. Less than fifty percent of test subjects responded in a manner similar to when an actual Matriarch was present. Additional tests using Matriarchs unknown to the test subject elicit a far higher proportional response. Theories for this discrepancy vary, but generally conclude that asari serving as initiates to their despoina (chosen superior) have an intensely (redacted).

8) The asari senses of sight and smell are better-developed than that of humans. However, their visual acuity (260-890 nm) is less than that of the quarians (240-915); and furthermore, during their first century, asari are far less capable of tracking moving objects than any other race. For this reason, there are many regulations regarding asari mobility based on age. The average asari has full visual acuity by their eighth decade, but cases have been recorded of individual 'late-bloomers' lasting into their second century, or never (see: Asari – History: Anessa the Blind, Olin-Farsighted and Cordelia the Black).

9) Reproduction of asari is not yet fully understood. The practice involves two parties forming a neurological connection via the asari nervous system(see Asari: anatomy) which is linked to the reproductive centers on the asari physiology. While experts differ as to the degree in which the partner's species plays, there is a certain correlation between species and phenotypical variation within the offspring resultant from this union.

Addendum (1A): There is no professional basis for the theory that asari are genetically engineered. Credible research has been conducted by multiple entities with no supporting evidence found. The Republics have henceforth deemed the practice of investigations detrimental to their society (see: Republics v Drs. Kavnekov). It is currently a federal crime for an asari to participate or initiate studies in this manner, made such in the ruling Athame v Roulin Dantius. The punishment for illegal research in this manner is intense interrogation via any method, up to execution.

Addendum (1B): Kebahagiaan: An organ found near the gluteus maximus, closely associated with energetic movement and digestive health. Considered a taboo subject for common discussion.

Addendum (1C): Licik: a series of perforations located in an asari's cranial extensions; aesthetic issue only. Considered to be a form of 'beauty mark' by asari.

Asari Lexicon: Common terms

Aoi'la'e – smoked starfish

Aiellu—to hold closely to an idea or concept. Similar to martyr, but less intense.

Consort: Consultant or advisor, giving every possible type of aid to ensure wise decisions are made. Lesser understanding from more primitive cultures would consider the position similar to that of a 'courtesan.'

Despoina – leader of followers; Literally translated: 'Holder of Truth'

Duta – specialist in xeno-science studies. Initially term for ambassadors to various city-states during the pre-Citadel era.

Makan – a restaurant where both levo and dextro species are able to eat.

Plokámi – Rigid growths found on the asari's head; partially mobile.

Soa'ila'a – professional performer; classical entertainment.

Wala: we; collective reference.

Asari – History and Culture

Terms

Ardat-yakshi: asari with a unique genetic condition, resulting in sterilizing the individual. This condition unfortunately has the side-effect of increasing nerve-sensitivity, with the effect of increasing the subject's biotic sensitivity on each failed attempt of coitus. The process can become addicting if not kept in control, but is fortunately exceedingly rare. Those whom are not discovered and allowed to utilize this defect have become some of the most notorious criminals in known space (see Famous Asari Killers: Nat'alia the Beautiful, Li'Sann Hylett, and Alexan Jan'Smit). (1)

Justicar: Asari paragon of law/moral enforcement. To the asari, all laws are moral, and the breaking of them is considered to be immoral. The Justicar is a moral and legal authority empowered by the Conference of 1200 BC (Alliance Calendar) to ensure the punishment of malefactors in all territories. This legal permission was expanded to Salarian territory in 500 BC (Alliance Calendar), following the revelation of the League of One, and the subsequent assassination of the entire Union Inner Cabinet. Literal translation – Wrath-of-Law.

Mengikat: Binding, a form of vassalage common to higher-level members of asari society. Although not much is known, theories suggest a dominant asari imprints a neural pattern using the amicissimum soma. While not a true mental override like the jakë collar common to slaver bands, the mengikat enforces a mental attitude on the subject, compelling even a strong-minded individual to struggle to disobey.

Research in this area is highly regulated, as corrupt individuals made high use of the practice during the Teng era. Literally translated as – 'servant of the master.'

Maiden: The first of three life-stages in a typical asari. The Maiden stage begins immediately following childhood (age 80-120 years), and typically drives the individual to travel. The average Maiden has an improved immune system (comparatively), heightened senses, and an instinctive talent for perceiving body language. While difficult, the last of these can be maintained into the Matriarch stage (see Asari – history and culture – Matriarch).

Matron: The second of three life-stages in the asari. At this point, an asari has achieved extensive knowledge of her area, and amassed skills suitable for continuing reproduction. She will also become fertile at this point; and lose much of the urge to travel. Certain traits will fade at this age (starting between 300-500 years), and gain others. The desire to become a mother is strong in some cases, but other examples appear immune to such conduct.

Matriarch: The third and final stage of asari life-stages. At this point (beginning approximately between 600-800 years of age), a matriarch is considered capable of guiding her family, and gains responsibilities. Her biotic capabilities attain their greatest power output, which in the past, made them the most feared and respected defenders.

Addendum: Commonly, matriatchs delineate a family's political leanings, business practices and inter-familial relationships. Only a matriarch possesses full rights as the Head of the Vasilian.

Siari: A religion focused around the Goddess, known as Athame, and her attendants. Literal translation – Guardians.

The Thirty: Generally believed to be the governing body of the Asari Republics. More accurately, this is the name referring to the leading families of asari society. Its members change based on perceived nobility, wealth, and political connections. While technically referred to as the Thirty (one family per colony), the number of colonies has both increased and decreased over time, as high as sixty two (300 BC, Alliance Calendar) to as low as twelve (705 AD, Alliance Calendar).

The Thirty are known for possessing the greatest wealth of the asari, barring several notable family lines, amassing the most political power (as each member is a representative of separate colonies, or the descendant of same), and producing unusually intelligent and attractive offspring. Of particular note – there have been few to no incidents of ardat-yakshi offspring within the families of The Thirty.

Vasilias: Singular vasilian. One of the Families, a member of The Thirty. Literal translation – Royal Bloods.

History – abridged:

Asari history can be said to date back earlier than any other culture in existence. Much has been lost through the ravages of time, but what is obvious is the meticulous care they have taken in building alliances.

The Asari society is based around this idea; monarchy, while seen as necessary in portions of history, is not deemed the best method of government. The unique method all asari possess – to share minds – has lead to a belief of almost religious fervor: calm reasoned debate can solve almost every difficulty. This is especially true if one looks to the history of the Republics, how hundreds of city-states maintained a peaceful existence with no instances of world-wide conflagration. Additional examples of the asari love of debate can be found in any study of their elaborate Conclave customs. During the height of the ganzen era, there were no less than five thousand separate rules for a proper Conclave, memorized by rote.

However, the asari histories are well filled with the times when debate failed. By 1200 BC (Alliance Calendar), the Justicars were considered a necessary and highly needed aspect of asari society. Since Justicars were conceived as an almost 'last resort' form of law enforcement, it is clear that even the esteemed Commandos failed to keep the peace.

By far the greatest achievement for which the asari are known is the discovery of the Citadel. In 580 BC (Alliance Calendar), the first asari scouting group to reach the Serpent Nebula discovered a vast unknown space station. Given a deep respect for prothean technology – indeed a veneration rivaling that of the Siari denomination – it is no surprise that the race deduced the construct's origins.

The Salarian race encountered the Citadel less than sixty years later; awed by what they viewed as the accomplishments of the asari, they became even more impressed when the asari announced their complete lack of involvement in the Citadel's construction. Twenty years later, the first Council meeting was held in what is now known as the Presidium in 500 BC.

Since then, the asari have been at the base of almost every major diplomatic occurrence. Their natural talent for achieving common ground, combined with a knack for having connections nearly everywhere that matters, is only matched by a virtuosic ability of oratory.

Economically, the asari are second only to the volus. Members of the Thirty are capable of moving enough resources to fund private armies on multiple fronts; and they do so. The Terminus Systems rarely move against a holding under the aegis of a member, such is the respect. Within Council space, the asari are major shareholders in almost every industry, with the significant exception of turian military production and Hegemony Arms. Those organizations that are not partially owned are in fierce competition with asari businesses. The biotic amplifier market, for example, is a place of intense rivalry. While the asari are the acknowledged masters of biotics, alternative sources of hardware have achieved prominence … much to the chagrin of older asari.

It is believed that nearly 33% of Council Space wealth is owned by asari. The remaining percentages place another 28% in the hands of the volus, 12% with the salarians, 8% by the turians and the remaining 21% split amongst the other races. As the Alliance is considered a separate power at this time, it can be said that the asari economy alone is roughly equivalent to the Alliance national budget.

The reason for this juggernaut of financial acumen can be derived not only from their political expertise, but from their technological skills. Every development, from salarian to hanar has been matched by asari interests. As an example, the T-1300 model salarian omni-tool line began its production sequence uncontested in 2175. Less than two years later, Armali Armaments had created a design equal in scope, yet more power efficient. One can only marvel at the skill behind such development.

Giants in finance, politics and technological development, it is obvious how the asari have gained their position in the galaxy.

Society:

Religion in asari cultures varies, but often refers back to the original beliefs, typically known as Siari. The original mode of this faith involves pantheism, but centered on the figure of Athame, the matriarch of the asari pantheon. Her teachings are dedicated to a respect of life, and upholding justice, overseen by all three of her forms: Maiden, Matron and Matriarch.

The Justicar order considers itself a conservative variant, enforcing the will of The Goddess (the common term referring to Athame) via the Code. The Code consists of over five thousand sutras that describe every possible situation, and govern actions in response to each. Justicars are required to memorize the Code, and live by it.

In general, most asari have drifted from organized religion. However, there are many indications of their religious past, notably the form of government. During a global-wide Depression, where nearly ten percent of the biological diversity perished, the Athame siarai faiths rallied, organizing the different republics into forty separate districts. As the Depression passed, the districts expanded until becoming the Thirty, which have now become the ruling body of the Republics to this day.

Asari culture revolves around the decisions made by the Thirty. This body displays the highest qualities seen as enviable in asari society. A single member of the Thirty wields more power than five families without such links. Decisions made by the Thirty are not completely binding, but hold enough sway to convince even the most recalcitrant governess. As time has progressed, the Thirty has lost certain qualities it once held – strict obedience by all colonies for example – but maintains a strong hold on many decision-making properties. Treaties, declarations of war, massive corporate situations must all filter through the Thirty, or one of its associate groups (see Asari – Business Practices of the Late Credulian Age).

The three stages of an asari life are also pivotal. In the first stage, the 'Maiden' phase, asari are expected to travel, learn and experience as much as possible. Some become mercenaries, earning money with their biotics and combat prowess. Others study, improving their minds in preparation for taking over the family resources when the time arrives, or as they operate their own enterprises. Still more roam as entertainers.

Those that take the latter path are often the most visible signs of asari throughout the galaxy, a leading cause for general opinion on the race as a while. It should be noted that less than 20% of the population actively takes part in this venue; their visibility simply reinforces the concept.

Matrons generally settle in a stable location, or a place where protection is viewed to be sufficient. Many matrons assume control over significant portions of familial operations, bringing a fresh perspective and usually protective instinct to the fold. When this stage turns into the renown Matriarch phase, the asari has likely achieved between two and seven children.

It is important to note that while asari do not procreate in the same fashion as other races, they select spouses in identical manners. As an example, there are many records of asari challenging krogan females for a particular male, in accordance to krogan tradition. Likewise, non-asari often take on asari customs when growing close. An asari's obtaining a life-mate is seen as praiseworthy, or reprehensible, depending on the complementary species type. Asari seldom select asari as mates, due to the pureblood stigma; although this has long held roots in the Siari texts (see Siari – pronoun issues). Typically, an asari will find their mate in his prime of life, and remain with him for the rest of his existence.

Note: while asari can often seek out mates in the female portion of turian populations, they have very rarely been successful in finding female mates in salarian or human society. Less than one percent of life-bonded asari are linked with female humans; and such an arrangement is often unrecognized. (see Human History – 2100's Conflict)

The asari in the final stage has achieved the penultimate condition in asari society. For an asari to have a large enough support network, or enough skill, to reach such an age is noteworthy. Sadly, whether through disease, accident or homicide, the average asari reaches only seven centuries of age. This has increased over time, but an asari whom has truly reached an advanced age commands more respect than most.

However, with the increasing number of Matriarchs, the level of respect has made an equivalent decline. While still respected, only the Priestesses and leaders of the Thirty are still revered. The former are lauded not only for their role, but for the staggering power they wield as biotics; fifty percent of the most powerful biotic users in the galaxy are High Priestess, with a hefty percentage of matriarchs sharing that role.

Matriarchs begin their growth to power by first establishing a name for themselves, usually in the late Maiden/early Matron stages. A few begin gaining followers as Matrons, individuals that pledge themselves in order to learn from what they perceive as being the best the galaxy has to offer. Matrons gain their following by exhibiting superior skill or intelligence, as in the fashion of the Tevos line – by successfully navigating obtuse political issues. Councilor Tevos has refused questioning, but the ARPC (Asari Republics Political Committee) has estimated between four and five thousand acolytes.

Others, like the T'Soni line, achieve followers by demonstrating proficiency in other ways. The current Matriarch Benezia has shown herself to be a skilled negotiator, and a master of business planning, especially as seen in her work with the recent Systems Alliance diplomacy. That one incident gained her an estimated two hundred acolytes.

In contrast, the Nassana line has demonstrated a capacity for ruthless practices, which attracts yet another subset of acolytes. Each matriarch has been able to send their acolytes on tasks across the galaxy, and trust their actions will remain confidential, and have a high likelihood of success. It has been only since humans entered the galactic stage that the asari have not held a majority opinion in most financial arenas.

For more information, see: Asari – despoina Disambiguation.

Art – abridged:

Asari art is respected throughout the galaxy for its sublime beauty. Paintings, encased in stasis projectors and housed by the most prestigious museums have captivated audiences for millennia. It would be no exaggeration to say that the greatest artists in asari history have inspired the successive generations throughout that entire time.

The longevity of an asari is important to note here. An asari that achieves high status as an artist, and keeps it, can be working at her chosen vocation for four centuries quite easily. The acolytes of such an artist may easily gain fame in their own right, just by maintaining a position with the artist (see Asari Art – Ninduel the Light and Lucia Streadyhand).

Domestic Habits – abridged:

Since the First Contact with the Salarian Union, the asari marriage practices have been … unsettled. As this analysis does not adhere to Council protocol, the regulations prohibiting analysis of genetic markers does not need to be followed; and has revealed extensive manipulation far in the past. Whether this means the asari race once possessed dual genders like every other race in the galaxy, or is merely a mark of non-native testing bears no meaning on modern practices.

Ever since the salarians made contact, the asari have found it advantageous to find matrimonial partners with other races. Initially, it was a mark of distinction; to find a mate amongst the rare non-asari brought prestige and a new genetic match to the bloodline. Diversity in genetics – always a high point of thought – suddenly became an achievable end with exponentially widening vistas. New regulations, involving marriage licenses and claimed children had to be created, as well as severe fines for the more freebooting minded individuals (see Asari – Slave Raids, 480-215 BC Alliance Calendar).

Note: salarian interests were negligible in return; due to the infertile nature of the majority of their race. Fertile individuals were strictly forbidden to intermarry with non-salarian races, until the Kebebasan Treaty (700 AD, Alliance Calendar). The difference in the number of fertile salarians is insignificant; likely due to the inability for prolonged emotional attachment on the behalf of salarians.

With the discovery of other races, the asari genetic potential reached even greater goals. Soon, it became somewhat backwards to intermingle genetic strands with fellow asari. What is intriguing is that until the First Contact with the salarians, the asari tended to have understated, stoic weddings, save for royalty and other important personages. Tradition recorded in texts downloaded to archives long-buried for millennia describe the somewhat apathetic attitude – and several 'heretical' works attributed to 'rogue priests' of Athame give strident messages against furthering the 'false prophet's lies.'

Tenuous support for a bi-gendered civilization aside, provenanced data indicates a lack of emotion. A far cry from the 'Eat, drink and be merry' lifestyle seen so often in current times.

After First Contact, more extravagant affairs became common, until 1000 AD when the recordings for stoic, traditional weddings became less than ten percent of the total number. Today, over a thousand years after that, the general approach is with almost wild abandon. Individuals appear to be competing for expressions of endearment. One recent incident made the news for a pirate hijacking a luxury cruise liner for two months, as an expression of fondness for a chosen mate (note: the Tinta Liner Incident resulted in fifty-three arrests, twenty fatalities, and a divorce).

The typical modern arrangement is widely varied, from contractual arrangements to elopements and military-style weddings. As stated, very few human women have engaged in this activity – again for reasons any student of history should know – but the number of male participants has been slowly increasing over the past ten years. General types exist, from the traditional changing of names to a formalized pre-nuptial agreement and signing.

It is without fear of contradiction that we say this will be a continually changing situation for at least the next century.

(1) One of the names is taken from voice actress Jan Alexandra Smith, whom voiced Tevos in Mass Effect.

A/N: Language based on Malay, and latin/greek for anatomy. Helpful advice and permission provided by LogicalPremise. Special thanks to Nightstride for his tireless beta work, and F13D for his creative criticism.