Drell Section

Biology Overview

1) Drell are a bipedal anthropomorphic species, similar to asari in general shape, but with soft scale-leather integumentary covering and durable ridges on the cephalic region. Their lifespan is (on average) 85 years.

2) Coloration is variable, often two-toned on one individual. The majority of colors include dark green, yellow, and variations of both tan and red.

3) While Drell can be technically classified as mammals, but have the appearance of reptiles. However, they do possess hair (inside olfactory cavities), and the female gender bears and cares for live young.

4) Drell eyesight is very sharp, even in comparison to batarians and quarians, and is protected by an inner eyelid in addition to the standard external protection. This is a result of their survival on their homeworld Rakhana, a desert-filled planet. The internal eyelid is semi-transparent, but occludes vision to a certain extent (see Culture: visual-based cues).

5) In addition, Ocular Enhancements are a popular genetic modification, allowing Drell to see into the Ultraviolet spectrum, although removing visual acuity in the dark red/black differential range.

6) The hands are unique among the known species. While the five-digit metacarpals are fully present, the middle two digits are connected by a tough integumentary membrane.

7) A hyoid bone in the trachea makes it extremely difficult for drell to succumb to choke-holds. This has lead to the development of an entirely different martial art, known as Lembut Senah (see Drell: Culture).

8) Drell physiology compartmentalizes learned actions in a fashion unseen in any other species. After an action is learned, it becomes a 'muscle memory' similar to habitual movements used by other species (see Human Section – Biology: Procedural Memory). In Drell however, both the voluntary and involuntary systema nervosa are able to coordinate as a single entity. This trait permits the Drell conscious mind to 'hibernate,' avoiding mental exhaustion.

9) Mental exhaustion is almost unknown among Drell. Due to their unique physiology, Drell are capable of holding conversations, perform tasks and even complex problem solving without engaging their forebrain. To acquire the full attention of a Drell is a sign of respect.

10) Pregnancy duration for Drell is variable, depending on resources available. The average maternity period ranges between six to fifteen months, with the majority now occurring within seven months on Kahje (see Hanar Section – Drell partnership).

11) Contrary to popular media, Drell blood is green, with no exception.

12) Drell skin contains mild toxins, capable of inducing hallucination in most mammalian-based individuals. Asari share this reaction with humans; some asari even going so far as to seek out various drell for unique differences in hallucinogenic properties. Turians and quarians, however, do not react at all, likely due to their reverse chiral protein structure.

Tenggorokan: the hyoid bone found in the trachea. This bone is semi-rigid, similar to cartilage but far more durable. The effect is twofold: reduced moisture loss, and enhanced durability. A side effect creates a buzzing quality to vocal communication.

Mata: A protective layer in the eye, covering both the pupil and iris. The mata is present at birth, usually a bright blue, and does not change to match the sclera until physical maturity. This change is known as Kedewasaan, and is celebrated by the entire family-clan.

Drell Lexicon – abridged

Akad: A contract, promise or agreement. If in reference to The Compact, lift the chin slightly during pronunciation.

Buta: Sightless, literal and figurative.

Ingat: To remember. Emphatic command is pronounced with a guttural 'g.'

Jiwa: The soul.

Kepala: Leader, typically of a clan. Also used for owner/main CEO of businesses.

Melindungi, (plu) Melindinginan: To protect.

Pertarungan tidur: A state of mind attained by elite Drell combatants. Literal translation: 'Battle Sleep.'

Sangan: Lifemate, spouse.

Sere: Honorific term for adult male Drell. Similar to English 'Lord.'

Siha: Term of endearment, referencing the warrior-angel of the goddess Arashu. Can also be translated as 'fierce in wrath' and 'tenacious protector.'

Tu-fira: The inability to forget an individual. Literally translated – 'lost in someone.'

Tertawa: Laugh.

Samudra: The ocean, alt. the Deeps (see Hanar – death).

Drell – History and Culture

Terms– abridged

Amon'Kira: Drell deity, the Lord of Hunters. Patron for soldiers, warriors and wilderness specialists.

Arashu: Goddess of motherhood and protection. Patron for the same; often invoked for combat-related situations.

Drala'fa: The unfortunates, people without social standing and are ignored. Can also be translated to indicate indifference, usu. Generalization. Literal translation – 'the ignored.'

Memilih untuk mengikuti: Subordinate to a leader by choice. Literal translation – 'mind's selection.'

Jatuh: A partnership of interests, with no emotional investment.

Kedewasaan: When a drell achieves physical maturity, and is considered ready for adult responsibilities. Literal translation – 'joining the elders.'

kematian datang untuk semua: Direct translation impossible; nearest form comes to mean: 'All embrace death.'

Kalahira: Goddess of oceans and the afterlife. Considered to be the patron for assassins, closely associated with Amon'Kira.

Lembut Senah: Drell martial art that focuses on pressure points and joint locks. Considerably dangerous for asari, quarians and humans, due to the lack of a tenggorokan in the throat. Literal translation – 'Gentle Hands.'

Men'gahi: General term for a priest. Men'gahi'a is associated with Amon'Kira, while a Men'ga refers to an intercessor for souls lost from their body.

Pergi ke lantai: A command to die, dismissive attitude. Literal translation – 'go to the Deeps.'

Pesawaten: A funeral, multiple meanings depending on intent. The pejorative form pesa indicates a justly deserved death. Pesawa, however, indicates a worthy end.

Tidur: The process of performing actions without conscious thought. Sufficient training allows more gifted Drell the ability to even do creative works while not concentrating on the subject at hand. Examples include the famed Matching Pyramids, the Floating Gardens of Belan, and Rothan's Awakening (see Hanar Section – Culture). Literal translation – 'sleep of motion.'

Thalma: meditation aids, created in memory of Rakhana, the drell homeworld. Each can be as minimal as a single paper-weight sized object, or as complex as a complete recreation of a section of Rakhana's surface. The gift of a Thalma stone indicates respect; while size is important, the personalization of the gift is key to attributing importance. A generic purchased Thalma is casual, while a custom-designed model indicates the highest esteem. A Thalma created by the giver is indicative of personal attachment, bordering on romantic interest. Literal translation – 'lost, not forgotten.'

Terbang: a partnership of mutual interest, furthering a common goal.

History – abridged

The history of the Drell can be said to be a tale of sorrow. Their homeworld of Rakhana, a desert planet, began their existence with a heavy paucity of resources. It is theorized that Drell possess an eidetic memory for this very reason, the better to recall points of resources.

Unfortunately, much of Drell history on Rakhana is unknown. The world itself has undergone environmental upheaval, due to unsustainable industrial practices. When the Hanar made First Contact with the Drell (1983 AD, Alliance Calendar), the population had already begun a destructive war over the remaining resources. Acting quickly as a non-Council race (at the time), the Hanar were able to rescue 375,000 individuals before exhausting their own resources. As the Drell were not a true space-faring civilization, the Council refused to intervene in the matter. The Hanar, as a prospective Associate race, were not restrained by the same rulings.

At the time of this publication, the Drell send a reconnaissance fleet to Rakhana every year, watching their less-fortunate brethren, so as to not forget their roots. It is believed that there are no survivors, but it is also known that new genetic branches appear from time to time without explanation. On a completely unrelated note, the Hanar ensure a protective escort for the Drell reconnaissance fleet, which happens to include freighters and surveillance countermeasures. As Rakhana is in a particularly exposed portion of space, minimal observation has been available.

After their uplifting by the Hanar, the Drell entered the Compact with their rescuers. In gratitude for saving their species, the Drell agreed to give the Hanar first choice of volunteers, especially for services the hanar were, and are, unable to perform for themselves. This includes serving as advocates, construction assistance, combat and security aid, and more. The greatest distillation of the term breaks down to nigh anything requiring opposable thumbs. As this is quite a large field, the Drell have gained an enormous amount of influence within the Illuminated Primacy.

In recent times the relationship between Drell and Hanar has achieved what can be seen as a symbiotic level. Within only several centuries, the Drell are already undergoing near-permanent physical changes to better interact with the Hanar (see Biology: ocular adjustments). They do not consider themselves to be Hanar, but rather a separate race with a mutual goal.

Government – abridged:

Drell government is under the Hanar's Illuminated Primacy. As such, they exercise collective bargaining rights with the Council as an Associate Race. This includes travel guarantees, various economic rights, individual voting privileges and an independent review, should sanctions become required.

For further details on Hanar governing bodies, please see: Hanar – Government

Society – abridged:

Drell are considered to have one of the most unique societies in the galaxy. The Compact, their agreement with the Hanar Illuminated Primacy, is the only example of voluntary servitude on the scale of an entire species. It is understood that individuals desiring release from the Compact are granted manumission without question. Such a topic is, of course, very personal.

Drell form tight social bonds, similar to the quarians. Like the quarians, drell consider family to be of paramount importance, and have often expanded that definition to include the hanar that employ them.

Religious expression among the drell has shifted in the past three centuries. The original beliefs in such deities as Amon'Kira and Arashu have become less important as time progresses. However, such beliefs still exist, and are important to a significant percentage of the population. Over fifty percent of the drell society states adherence to the Old Ways; less than the seventy-five percent seen in the previous century, but significant nonetheless. Major secondary religions include salarian 'Wheel of Life,' and the asari 'Siari' faith.

This leads to the drell view on mortal affairs, which can be encapsulated by a batarian saying. 'If you ever wish to insult a Drell, be certain of two things: that your descendants are cared for, and your affairs are in order.' ~El'gar the Wise, circa 1996, AD Systems Alliance Calendar

Drell have exceptional memories, and never forget an insult. Conversely they never forget a benefactor, and hold to an almost archaic code of honor. Insults to their patrons are met with deadly force, while assistance is returned to an equal or greater percentage. However, the psychological makeup of drell is not overtly that of servility. They simply are incapable of reaching an emotional apex without a prolonged stimulation.

Note: If a subject about which a drell feels strongly is affected, the normal analysis period drell require is null and void.

Art – abridged:

Drell art is heavily represented in the sculpture disciplines. Thalma stones are considered an art form by most civilizations, achieving popularity as a minority culture. A brief period of some seventy years during the post-Recovery period saw these sculptures achieve incredible popularity in asari culture.

One of the hallmarks of drell art is the photogenic qualities it contains. When a drell perceives something he or she wishes to capture in art form, it remains embedded in their memories. They can revisit the image time and time again, observing it as often as needed. This makes the production times rather long, but the end result is exquisite. Most asari treasure a true Drell masterpiece; often paying massive sums to obtain truly rare works. One can only speculate at the prices demanded for works a full three centuries after their creator has passed on.

Domestic Habits – abridged:

Courtship rituals within drell society are similar to that seen in asari or turian society. With a reasonable amount of sexual dimorphism, the usual conditions apply. There are no stages of connection as there are with quarians, and there is no mental connection as with the asari.

However, Drell can sometimes be physically incompatible. This is due to the low-grade toxins inherent in their integumentary layer, and capable of – in a bad reaction – inducing allergic reactions ranging from a skin condition to cardiac arrest. To avoid issues such as the latter, drell that are seriously considering a long-term partnership must associate with each other as often as possible if incompatible. Over an average period of eight months, they adjust to the toxins in their partner's skin layer, until there is no reaction.

If, however, the two separate after having been together for more than two years, they will lose the resistance after a period of six months. Partners that are separated after more than two years will lose their resistance at a slower rate; the longer the period they are together with periodic contact, the longer it takes to lose the resistance. The maximum timespan always peaks at an average seventeen months.

A/N: I used Indonesian as the base language. It's been nice to get back into writing lore updates. This is what I use for writing my other Mass Effect tales.