Batarian Section:

Biology Overview

1. While batarians are currently omnivores, their history cycles between plant-based diets and the more modern meat diet. The presence of both flat-topped molars and cuspids seems to verify this view (see Batarian – dental history).

2. Due to the low-light conditions of Kar'Shan (1.45 AU from its star), all batarians have exceptional vision. The body language of batarian society uses all four eyes (see Kinesics – Batarian), and the loss of one or more is considered tantamount to the loss of a limb. Contrary to rumors, no batarian is able to see the ultraviolet or infrared.

3. The eye is a uniform color, differing on the sub-phenotype of the species. Red eyes were once common, but were apparently held to indicate demonic influences. Consequently, the coloration is now either hidden by optical enhancements, or enforced removal from the gene pool. However, there have been multiple sightings of red-eyed batarians in recent years. The majority of these sightings have probable cause, but are unconfirmed at present.

4. Olfactory receptors reside in a symmetrical anterior ridge on the face. A quirk on their development ensures that while a quaternary arrangement is on each side of the ridge, there are only four nasal passages in total.

5. Batarians cannot tell the difference between sweet and sour via the nerve endings in the oral cavity. Tests using saccharine elements seem to indicate a complete inability to differentiate between various such flavor-infused substances.

6. By classical definition, batarians are mammals. This includes facial hair on both genders that grow longer and thicker around the oral cavity. It has been suggested this trait is analogous to the tactile-sensitive vibrissae common among felis catus of Earth. Most batarians will vehemently deny this, however.

7. Batarian skin tones range from deep brown to pale yellow. Certain sub-groups also possess striped coloration on the cephalic region, and have been recorded as being common in the forested areas of Kar'Shan.

(note: drawing similarities between batarians and quadraped predators is considered uncouth among Hegemony elite.)

8. The sexual dimorphism between the male and female genders is similar to that of quarians and humans. Females bear live young after a pregnancy duration approximating 11 months. Behavior in each gender is comparable, but the major family orientation seems to gravitate to a patriarchal society.

Addendum I: While history also records matriarchal societies in batarian history, this behavior is not seen outside of close family groups. Women are seldom seen outside the confines of the home, but whether this is due to chauvinistic tendencies or a desire to maintain security is unknown. The few sources known to not be subject to Hegemony propaganda claim a similar hierarchy among females, separate from that of the males.

Addendum II: female batarians have been cited outside the stronghold, but almost never in combat roles. The perceived ratio is such that one would scarcely believe the race capable of surviving.

9. Biologically, batarian reactions and responses are more similar to vorcha. Advanced regeneration abilities – although not on par with krogan or vorcha – allow their rugged physiology to recover from significant injuries. As may be guessed, the 'fight-or-flight' response stimulates an epinephrine release, and tends to result in aggressive action.

10. Batarian blood is red, but has been observed to attain a pale hue when under duress. Chemical analysis indicates a batarian under stress absorbs a significant percentage of the oxygen in the blood, rendering it the pale shade.

Additional characteristics:

Vija: a rare occurrence of striated pattern on the eyes. Individuals with this characteristic are considered to be destined for greatness.

Shërim: analogous to thyroid in humans, or the tangret (tangareta) found in turians (see turian entry: Biology Overview, tangret). This organ combines an immune-response center with reflex coordinating nerve clusters. While the full function is unknown, the loss of this organ has been noted to cause batarians to suffer increasingly reduced peripheral vision and poor health.

Batarian Lexicon – abridged

Gominus: Usually used in reference to an individual of superior social standing. Literal translation – 'one who owns.'

Mjeshtër: Is understood to be the position of authority, if not of the local societal echelons. Literally translated as 'head of my body.'

Torfan: Commonly referred to as the 'forge of the gods,' a mythological place where weapons were created. Literal translation – 'anvil,' or 'crucible of victory.'

Pjesë: city district where a caste is allocated space. Common only in the largest of cities, the segregation of city-space permits the various castes to interact without fear of offending someone of a higher caste. Literal translation – 'dwelling place.'

Robst: the lowest caste, typically occupied by disgraced criminals, oathbreakers and enemies of the State. Literal translation – 'worthless.'

Fshatar: The second lowest caste, normally the position held by the unskilled laborers such as farmers and dock laborers. Literal translation – 'he who serves.'

më i madh: This is the second-most populous caste, with the business operators and soldiers alike. Well-respected in many areas, but subservient to the two higher castes. Literal translation – 'Respected elder.'

Madhi: abbreviation for më i madh

Fisnik: The nobility caste, from which the leadership used to solely arise on Kar'Shan. After The Dying, the last King was overthrown and an Oligarch-Republic was formed, later named the Hegemony. This is the smallest caste. Literal translation – 'strong hands.'

Sundoj: The highest caste, respected as intercession between the immortal and mortal. In more modern times, this has become a role relegated to political infrastructure, as the Sundoj were initially advisors to the zot-mbret (lit. god-king), and were trusted to continue the role in a more secular manner (see 'Batarian History: government transitions'). Literal translation – 'They who Speak.'

Fitore: The practice of being elevated from a lower caste to a higher rank. Literal translation – 'ascension as reward of the gods.'

Disfatë: The opposite of fitore, losing caste status. Literal translation – 'to sink, burying ones ignominy in the depths of correction.'

Çmimi i nuses: the process of obtaining a mate; interchangeable between genders. 'Literal translation – the good hunt.'

Çmimi i gjakut: A blood feud resulting from a poorly offered betrothal contract. Can also refer to a business dealing gone awry, or potent threats by formerly negligible opponents. Literal translation – 'Insult to my ancestors.'

Nga zotat: oath of surprise and/or anger. Literal translation – 'by the sky-dwellers.'

Bubullimë: Mythological deity in early batarian pantheons. Master of the sword and judgement. Literal translation unavailable – see Batarian History: Mythology.

Blasfemues: Mythological deity opposed to Bubullimë. Known to be a drinker of blood, and for giving that trait to his followers.

(note: there are multiple instances in batarian mythology where Bubullimë and Blasfemues agreed on an arbitrator to decide conflicts of interest. These entities were untouchable by conventional combat, and were known as fantazmë gjak [see Ghost Vampire, disambiguation – Batarian Mythology] to the lay people.

Batarian Traditions:

History – abridged:

The Hegemony arose to power at approximately 700 BC (Systems Alliance Calendar), following the period of The Dying. While originally a true Oligarch-Republic where any notable citizen could rise to positions of power, the harsh existence required by Khar'shan made the caste system prevalent. Such a strict division of labor was seen as unfair however, and upward mobility (formerly a rare occurrence) became common.

As technology advanced and laborers for agriculture became in lower demand, financial status became more and more significant to the average citizen. Earning financial standing, for advancing social status, became an obsession, requiring increasing vigilance. Following the Vdekje and Perëndeshë riots of 432 BC, a state of military law was enacted, and has never been removed.

When the Council made First Contact in 200 BC, they discovered an aggressive society fully willing to push what they viewed as unfair legislation to the utmost. Incidents like the Mannovai Bombing (1785 AD), the Esan Annexation (1913) and various skirmishes across Council space have ensured the Hegemony's poor reception in many areas. Ironically, the insistence of the Hegemony to continue in this manner has kept its social status in low regard.

After the Harsa Incident (2156 AD), Khar'Shan satellite security suffered a severe blow when a Systems Alliance engine core was accidentally released (the intention of which is still hotly debated), the Department of Information Control suffered a breach due to the destruction of nearly forty percent of its monitoring satellites. Without the watchdog systems in place, looting sprees broke out across Khar'Shan, leading to a near full loss of control. To this day there are unaccounted billions of credits still missing from Hegemony coffers.

Following the incident, the Hegemony discovered the origins of their attackers and managed to convince a turian patrol fleet that an alien society was attempting to circumvent Council Law. This of course, lead to the Relay 314 Incident (aka First Contact War) and the subsequent shunning of batarian interests in Council Space.

After the Council refused to censure the Alliance for its role in the Harsa Incident, the Hegemony withdrew its embassy on the Citadel in protest. Since then, information from the reclusive society has been infrequent, and almost entirely involuntary.

Government – abridged:

The governing body of the Hegemony consists of wealthy batarians, generally of the Sundoj caste, although it is not uncommon to see members of the Fisnik caste in good standing. The governing body conducts business from the Palace (see Batarian Royalty – Architecture) on Khar'Shan, the Homeworld, with one of the galaxy's most effective information-gathering services. This system is limited to Hegemony Space however, but allows those in power to control almost everything within their realm in a fist of iron. Dissent is allowed, only to the point of detracting from business.

Government officials range generally come from the Fshatar caste, providing a modicum of equality. Those present in the Palace have limited opportunity to run businesses from their posts, but are frequently privy to information. Members of the caste outside the Palace are able to conduct business more easily; consequently, there are frequently monetary exchanges with government officials.

Society – abridged:

Batarian religion centers around the Pillars of Strength (see Theology, history). The Pillars consist of four Truths: Pray, Protect, Tithe and Respect. There is some difference of opinion as to the importance of order. The general consensus holds the most important to be the last term stipulated, granting a basis for the current system of government. This also holds true in other areas of batarian life; the most important position is chosen last for military ventures – although this has become more of a formality.

The mythologies of pre-Hegemony rule still hold sway in certain parts of the empire. While the Pillars retain the majority of adherents, the more pagan individuals are free to do as they wish – provided their actions do not harm business. Consequently, the old fears are still present, and taken advantage of by multiple sources.

The various castes take care to never overstep bounds. In this case, a Fshatar would never seek to perform the tasks done by a Robst. In the same respect, a Fisnik caste member would not seek to conduct business in the fashion of a Fshatar; and instead do business only with those of his caste or higher. This would create a dilemma, except that the upper and lower strata in each caste are permitted to retain contacts, and therefore be able to conduct business.

Larger cities are separated into pjesë, segregating the castes into different parts of the city. The higher castes – due to lower population counts – generally live near the center of the city, while the lower castes occupy the geographical majority. Most cities with this division employ a hemisphere design, with a center sphere for the higher castes. Main roads are considered 'casteless' to a certain point, allowing traffic in and out with minimal scandal.

It should be noted that business is considered an almost sacred right, and the procurement of financial independence is held in reverence. To impugn a superior of having no right to his position is equivalent to insulting his social/financial status. Social rankings are tied very closely to financial means; caste can be purchased on a regular basis.

Many cannot purchase a higher caste, and are therefore locked into their caste. They can, however, pool resources and assist another of their caste to elevate himself.

Addendum: This leads to an often overlooked trait of the batarians: Sheer determination. A batarian with a goal is someone that will do literally anything to achieve it. Ruthless behavior, rewards and punishments, every resource is brought to bear to accomplish the end point.

Art – abridged:

Batarian art is a study of contrasts. Statements can be made with a stroke of a brush, indicating a move to the left – and therefore respect – as opposed to a contrary meaning in one perceived movement. The batarian physiology allows for incredible depth perception, and a wider range of colors. Statues are popular, many commissioned by higher castes to commemorate events and occasions.

Music holds a low place in batarian society. This is partially due to the dominance of the visual arts, and a lack of organic material to create instruments during the developing eras. However, some batarians acquire a taste for music, and in the tradition of their culture, purchase or hire sufficient talent to feed their desires.

Food is a surprisingly serious endeavor for batarians. The scent is more important than the taste, and of course the visual component cannot be overstressed. Batarian physiology prevents them from differentiating between sweet and sour, which forces them to rely on their sense of smell to acquire high-energy nutrition. A good chef slave can fetch the same price as a squadron of crack commandos, and a free chef is able to demand the same wage equivalent as royalty.

Domestic Habits – abridged:

Unfortunately, very little is known of current batarian connubial habits. Their histories have been purged, and only copies of records obtained centuries ago remain outside of Hegemony space. It is theorized that marriage opportunities are based on caste and financial standards, based on the few clues about blood feuds and contractual obligations.

Please see: (Speculation – Batarian courtship rituals) for more information.

A/N:Base language is Albanian, and the format is similar to that used by Calinstel and Admiral Zaal'Koris. Many thanks also to Logical Premise, for an admirable demonstration of logic-in-action. Also thanks to Profartburger for a few key reminders on batarian behavior, and F13D for his enthusiastic discussions on the Hegemony.