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Batarian Hegemony Chapter 2: Culture

The Caste and Ranking System

Before any real examination of Batarian culture can be examined, the rigid dual system of castes and rankings must be explained and examined.

When a Batarian is born, they are entered into the societal rankings as their parents. Thus, a Batarian born to a lowborn family will remain a lowborn for their entire life unless some extreme circumstances occur. As a result, there are really are no riches-to-rags stories in the Hegemony, as even the most capable lowborn merchant will, at best, rise to manage a small business or perhaps help organize trans-planetary shipping. This does mean that families are always of the same ranking, even if they may not be of the same caste.

Castes are determined differently, once a Batarian has graduated their basic schooling (usually around fourteen or fifteen years of age). The teenagers are subjected to a battery of tests over the course of a year, with the goal of determining which caste they would best be suited for. After that they may either apply to join the Hegemony's military, or accept their caste and begin receiving additional training for their new place in life.

While there are methods of advancement or to shift one's caste, in practice they rarely occur. A member must petition his family head for permission, and then pass examinations from both their current caste's, and their desired caste's, councils. As said councils usually have better things to be doing, one must either pay significant fees or be well known as a potential member in order to have a chance.

The only place where this is bucked is in the military. Batarian history is rife with nations whose armies or navies were defeated because they were led by Highborn that were utterly incompetent at actually waging war, lessons that they have taken to heart even after their unification. Even Highborn who join or are born into the warrior caste may only join as the lowest officer rankings, and work their way up from there. Midcaste generals and admirals are not unheard of, and lowborn with exceptional talent have risen to lead brigades or captain warships. This has made the warrior caste and military in general exceptionally beloved by the population in general, and accelerated the fall of the merchants from their once dominant position in society.

The Rankings

The Highborn: The peak of Hegemony society, the Highborn are the Batarian one percent. Each caste has its own roles for them, and they are always in positions of power.

The Midcaste: Essentially the middle-class of society, the midcaste bridge the gaps between the Highborn rulers and the lowcaste workers.

The Lowborn: The bulk of the Batarian population are the lowborn, who most resemble the general population of other species.

The Castes

The Warrior Caste: Every member of this caste is in the Hegemony's military or their homeworld's militia. The only caste that can be voluntarily joined by any member of society, their inclusion policies are incredibly restrictive to limit the applicants who succeed in joining. Currently the politically strongest caste.

The Merchant Caste: Historically the most dominant caste, though their power has waned since the Hegemony's isolation. They still control the vast majority of the wealth, with lowborn merchants living better than midcaste of most other castes.

The Science Caste: Responsible for both the education of the Hegemony's population, as well as research and development. Though unmistakably vital to the nation's life, they are not always held in the best regard by the Warriors and Merchants.

The Artisan Caste: The jack-of-all-trades caste, Artisans are given the widest ability to pursue their passions but also are the caste who sees the most exiles as its members overstep their societal positions. Musicians, artists, and authors are predominate, though there are a sizable number of priests within the Caste as well.

The Laborer Caste: While mechanical and slave labor has removed much of the need for the traditional jobs of the laborer-caste, it remains the largest group by population. In modern times it consists mostly of what humans would consider minimum-wage type employees, with the higher rankings serving as technicians and the like.

The Slave 'Caste': Not technically a caste, slavery is practiced in every level of the Hegemony. Rather than prisons, Batarian criminals whose crimes aren't worth exile are sentenced to 'terms' of slavery. They at least may one day rejoin society, the aliens enslaved in the Hegemony are less lucky. This is much of what causes the tensions on the topic. Hegemony citizens react to groups demanding the release of all slaves in much the same way a human would react if someone proposed throwing open every prison. If pressed, erudite Batarians will occasionally admit that the same 'terms' should apply to alien slaves as well, but the few serious talks on the subject were all dropped when it was pointed out that it wouldn't effect external prejudice in the slightest.

Unique Positions:

There are a few notable positions that exist outside of the typical rank and caste structure. As inscribed upon the Pillars, they were created as a means to allow advancement to those who were worthy. It was strictly upon an individual basis, as the ancient Batarians had no method for raising or lowering entire families as the modern Hegemony does (although it is rarely used).

Harath'krem – 'The Noble Warriors'. Originally given to lowborn or midcaste warriors who either risked their lives to save a highborn, or proved themselves uniquely insightful. Traditionally their role was that of a bodyguard or adviser, and occasionally as the polite means of keeping a lover. In more modern times it is used as the only manner to induct an alien into the caste system, or to promote a female to a place of power. A Harath'krem is considered somewhere in between a midcaste and a highborn, though most are politely considered to be amongst the latter.

Reyja'kem – 'The Exiled Warrior'. A Harath'krem whose lord was killed, or who was removed from their house for failing them in some way, becomes a Reyja'krem. Much like a landless knight or ronin samurai, they are still considered high members of society but still lack any real measures of support or protection. Most become mercenaries, hiring themselves out as advisers or soldiers.

Kachan – 'Wanderer'. A Batarian who has given up their place in society to become a wandering priest. They leave extremely austere lives and devote themselves entirely to the teachings of the Pillars. Even Highborn typically treat them with respect and deference, and eagerly listen to whatever advice the Kachan might give before departing. Unique in that women are allowed to devote themselves in such a way.

Szhoc'tinnan – 'Desert King'. A title once given to the merchants who braved Khar'shan's deserts to lead caravans from one nation to another. They were openly regarded as heroes for making the harrowing treks, and during Khar'shan's nation-state's era it was considered a requirement that a Merchant highborn become a Szhoc'tinnan before he could rule a kingdom. It was briefly revived during the Hegemony's early years as an awarded position to the leaders of the great trade fleets sent out into the galaxy, but fell out of use as the political situation changed.

Hieth'sham – 'Worthy Soul'. The Pillars speak of the Hieth'sham as a talent elevated above their station. Only midcaste, lowborn, and women of any caste may be declared Hieth'sham by a highborn above their social standing, in conjunction with a Highborn priest who has dedicate his life to the Pillars. The individual must then be approved by the three ranking priests who sit on the Artisan Council, who usually subject the individual to weeks to months of brutal testing before accepting the declaration. When Hieth'sham is declared, it is imperative that the talent is allowed to develop. Those who stand in the way of this are subject to punishment. For example, a military officer actively hindering the development of - or worse, the enlistment of - a Hieth'sham warrior, may at best lose his rank, and at worst his life.

Ha'diq – 'War Leader'. Originally a military title for a temporary leader of a conglomerated formation, in more modern times there are essentially planetary governers although their power is essentially total over their system. A Ha'diq is appointed by the Hegemon pending approval of three of the five highborn councils, and serves for life. They govern a planet or star system in accordance to their own designs and control the local warrior caste's defense force (but not the Hegemony military assets proper). While most at least listen to the powerful houses on their worlds to ensure a smooth working relationship, others are more dictatorial. Regardless, a motion to dismiss them can only come from the Hegemon.

Houses

Every Highborn family constitutes a 'House', lead by the eldest male from the main line who takes the title of Patriarch. He is essentially the lord of his home and family, with very broad discretion when it comes to his affairs.

A House is an extremely unusual organization when looked at from the outside. Part family, part corporation, party army, part political movement, particularly large Houses are nearly mini-nations unto themselves. Many have had centuries to accumulate wealth and followers, and are thus heavily entrenched in Batarian society.

Typically the 'core' of a House are those individuals related within two degrees to the Patriarch, though some are more expansive than others, going out to three or even four degrees of separation. This is more common in poorer houses or those who have been devastated by some calamity.

Females can become Matriarchs, but the term better translates as 'temporary female leader'. Such a woman is only in power until she marries and produces a male heir, at which time her husband would become regent until his son's coming of age. It is not uncommon for females who find themselves in such a position to never marry or produce children specifically so that they can hold onto power for as long as they can.

Cadres

Highborn too removed to be a member of a house, or if they are a Harath'krem or Reyja'krem, are allowed a limited number of followers called a cadre. Always of a lower caste, or exiles, such followers are expected to swear oaths of loyalty to their leader. Essentially they become the Patriarch (or Matriarch) of their own very small House.

Typically Harath'krem won't have more than a handful of followers, and will request their Tarath'shan's permission before taking any. Reyja'krem will vary wildly between having very large numbers of exiles serving as their own private army, to one or two companions who are extremely loyal to them.

Members of a Cadre are considered, essentially, as living weapons by Batarian law, making them little more than extensions of their Tarath'shan's will.

Cultural Notes

The Patriarchy

The Hegemony is a strictly Patriarchal society, with females not allowed to join the frontline military or to sit on the various councils. Notably this is often the most broken taboo by exiles, who often find that their small enclaves do not have the luxury of turning women away from helping to defend their homes.

Sexism is, however, still largely rampant in the Hegemony proper. This lead to more cultural clashes than any other issue, including slavery, as the various Hegemon had great difficulty in taking the Asari (who appear female) and Salarians (who are matriarchal) seriously. Relations would also noticeably worsen during years when the Turian Councilor was female.

Warrior caste women have more power than their sisters, a legacy of ancient days when the female mates of warriors were tasked with defending their homes and keeps while the army was away. While not allowed to serve in the military proper, females do dominate the support infrastructure (cooks, tailors, armorers, etc). Amongst the other castes, the concept that the females should remain at home and take care of the family so that the men do not have to be bothered to do so is a fairly predominate way of thinking.

Despite this, Batarian women are just as proud and powerful as their male counterparts. Actions that might flatter human women or Asari, such as trying to protect them, would only cause them anger. The only things that Batarian females consider themselves inferior to is Batarian men, and often then only those of a higher caste.

Power

Batarian culture places immense emphasis on power, ownership, and position.

A contented Batarian is one who has the power to affect the galaxy around them in such a way to achieve their goals, has the ownership of what they desire, and has reached a position of authority in whatever group they are in. What defines 'power' differs heavily between the various castes and rankings. Warriors obsesses heavily about promotion, Laborers strive to control every aspect of their task and subordinate others to themselves, Merchants seek to amass tremendous wealth, and so on.

Batarians, particularly highborn, can become absolutely vicious in the defense of their power, to the point of seeming to be suicidal to other species. It shows itself in different ways, and can often be misconstrued by other species. For example, during the Blitz it was often observed that Batarian commanders would fight ruthlessly to leave none of their people behind, and would become enraged at their subordinate's deaths. Many humans thought it was a sign of extreme camaraderie and loyalty, when in reality it was simply the officers refusing to surrender lives that they believed belonged to them.

In a less militant fashion, office politics takes on an entirely new meaning when it comes to Batarians, as they absolutely will sabotage or even attempt to kill rivals if it means advancement.

Those who do lose their power, either through their own mistakes or if it was taken by force, can quite often lapse into extremely deep depressions that can be difficult to shake. Suicide is extremely rare but it can take months or even years to recover if the they were badly 'hurt'.

Relationships

As one might expect from their culture, Batarians place a high degree of attraction on those either above or beneath them. Much of their concepts of physical perfection remain from their ancient days when females would be tasked with defending the family homes while scavenging, while the males performed their hunts.

Dedicated mates are rare at any level of Batarian society. 'Marriage' is more or less a business transaction intended to produce heirs for a family line, with love playing little to no part. Love does happen, but is usually found with Harath'krem or lovers on the side, but even then such relationships are rarely exclusive.

In regards to erogenous zones, a person placing their hand on the small of a Batarians back or on their neck would likely be struck in the same manner as if you had touched a human's breasts or groin. The small patches of skin between the cartilage ridges on their spines are highly sensitive to the touch, and like Turians, biting their partners on the neck to mark them is highly common. As always with Batarians, which side on is marked on matters. For example, biting a social superior on their dominant side would likely mean an immediate, and violent, end to intercourse unless first invited to do so.

Males – Batarians look for males with strong legs and cores. Scars are an additional turn-on as they provide evidence that he has fought and won. Females typically prefer males above their ranking. The farther up she has gone, the larger her pride at being able to claim him even temporarily.

Females – Long, elfin ears are a significant point of interest. Strong ab muscles and thick arms show that she is capable of defending herself, while height is considered another attractive attribute. Males are more divergent in terms of which societal direction they go. Some enjoy the submission of 'lesser' females, while others lust for the challenge of seducing a societal superior.

Relationships - Alien Species

While Batarians in general are not prone to dalliances with other races, they do happen from time to time. Below is a rough breakdown by the few species known to have relations with Batarians on a somewhat common basis.

Asari – Despite similarly casual attitudes towards sex, neither species often finds the other attractive. Asari lack a second set of eyes, and are usually too short for Batarian tastes. Their faces also slide into the uncanny valley thanks to their nearly similar structure, but without the cartilaginous ridges, eyes, or ears they seem somehow deformed. That said, experimental flings are not uncommon in the Terminus and Traverse, but lasting relationships are extremely rare.

Turian – Their vastly differing body types aside, there are Batarians and Turians who have become entangled with one another. Neither species is averse to rough sex, and both prize strength as an attractive attribute. Turian mandibles also give the Batarians's extra eyes something to focus on, and their subtle movements can be read much like a fellow Batarians' might be. The Turian's fixation on dedicating themselves to their mates is something that the more open Batarians do have issues with, resulting in few long-term pairings.

Human – At first considered closer to Batarian than the Asari, in an equally bad way given that our lack of a second pair of eyes made us look half made, Batarian interest grew when they realized that human hair continued to grow and was not limited as the Alliance's fashions made them believe. It was enough to shift us from the uncanny valley into something exotically alien. Female humans with waist-length hair and strong bodies are considered highly desirable by Batarian men, while human males with groomed beards and at least shoulder length hair are found equally attractive by Batarian females. This has lead to high prices on the slave markets for human 'product', as well as unusual (and often short-lived) relationships in the Terminus.

Religion: The Pillars of Strength

The primary religion of the Hegemony, and the Batarian population in general, is living by the tenants inscribed upon ancient pillars on Khar'shan. Whatever society originally carved their teachings has been lost to time, but transcriptions of what they say quickly made their way to every nation upon their world.

There are fifteen pillars in total, though collectively they are usually reduced to five groupings of three. Most Batarians treat the groupings as one and the same, resulting in most outsiders believing there to be only five in total. All fifteen are placed precisely in a pentagram around an open courtyard, where ancient kings were once believed to have held court. The tallest pillars are nearest to the center, with their smaller brethren laid out in lines radiating out from there (Forming three concentric pentagrams).

Each of the five groups describes a concept, with each pillar in that group also covering a caste and its rankings as the ancient culture defined them. Set into the stone floor between the pillars are additional heavy tiles that cover the practices of slavery and exile, and for which crimes either may be allowed as punishment.

Belief in life after death is vague, but the Pillars do speak of uplifting those worthy souls after they have passed on, though what those spirits do for eternity is open to interpretation. Anecdotal stories of damned spirits being crushed beneath the Pillar's weight have made their way into Batarian culture, though the priests who heavily study and debate the meaning of the Pillar's ancient words have never committed to such things.

Pillar of Power

"Fearing an enemy's strength gives him that strength, and with it, victory."

Cornerstone of the warrior caste. These Pillars go into great detail about the proper ways of demonstrating strength and power, both as individuals and as a collective nation. Its sayings remain amongst the most popular amongst both Hegemony citizens and exiles.

As can easily be gleaned from general Batarian battle tactics, they feature heavily on both the actual power and the presentation of power. A Batarian who isn't powerful but is able to convince others that he is is as well regarded as one who actually has that strength. Terror tactics are popular because of their effect as a force-multiplier, not because every member of the Warrior Caste is an unfeeling butcher (though there are those who quite enjoy it).

Pillar of Knowledge

"Knowledge grants us strength, for it banishes fear through understanding"

Cornerstone of the science caste. They describe the proper ways to both pursue and then disseminate knowledge for the good of society, as well as the accepted manners in which to determine a Batarian's caste. Batarians are firm believers in knowledge and power being synonymous, and many go out of their way to accumulate information even if it doesn't seem relevant at the time.

Pillar of Heart

"There is power in affection, for it builds bonds not easily shattered."

Cornerstone of the artisan caste. Its inscriptions cover how family members should treat one another, regardless of their castes. There are also passages on the proper methods of courting dependent upon the rankings involved. Notable in being the only Pillar to speak of love and long-term mating, and encourages Batarians to form attachments where they happen regardless of caste (provided it is done in a proper fashion of course).

Pillar of Kin

"A lone man is easily defeated, stand with your kin, and they will stand with you."

Cornerstone of the merchant caste. Giving the merchants their power for millenia, these Pillars describe how, through trade, all Batarians might one day share one culture and become one people. The least spoken of Pillar in modern times, as much of its sayings relate directly to the responsibilities of the midcaste and highborn to the castes beneath them.

Pillar of Unity

"A realm divided will find the desert waiting to reclaim what once belonged to it."

Cornerstone of the laborer caste. They teach that even the humble farmer and miner are critical to the survival of society, and that there is power in a unity of purpose. It also covers the method by which lowborn and midcaste might remove highborn who have abused their positions for the good of society.

Credit to BJ Hanssen for the Hieth'sham title, and Tusken1602 for the Ha'diq title and saying for the Pillar of Power.

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