Elvari

The Elvari are a Near-Human species native to Elvara, a lush and ancient world in the Galaxa universe. Their name literally means "One from Elvara," with the suffix "-i" denoting origin—just as "Terri" is their term for Humans from Terra Prime. The Elvari bear a close resemblance to the archetypal Elves found in other Universes, and are recognized as a precursor species, their lineage stretching back millions of years. As one of the oldest sentient species in Galaxa—second only to the Valdian—the Elvari are renowned for their remarkable longevity, living upwards of five thousand Galaxan-Years.

Overview

The Elvari are a custodian civilization: they broker peace between warring civilizations, nurture pre-FTL species, and act swiftly against Galactic Threats. They are joined in this mission by the Zurkanian, Galaxan Human, and others. As galactic mediators and peacemakers, their influence pervades interstellar law, ethics, and diplomacy. While their ancient homeworld, Elvara, remains sacred, the Elvari are now cosmopolitan, with enclaves in nearly every major galactic hub.

Most species view the Elvari as venerable and wise, while the Pureblood Valdians—particularly after the Imperial Civil War and the end of the Valdian Golden Age—find them meddlesome, opposing their policy of uplifting "immature" species. Nonetheless, the Elvari remain steadfast, believing all sentient life deserves a chance to evolve and contribute to the wider galaxy.

Relationship with Other Species

The Elvari are famous for uplifting both the Human and species such as the Umtari and Larkathan. The latter two were already advanced at first contact, but struggled to achieve FTL capability due to their inability to attune to Teleka, Astral (Galaxa), or Magicka (Galaxa). The Elvari not only provided the Teleka Mark 3 Drive, but also shared genetic code to enable Teleka attunement. Many now credit the Elvari for opening the stars to hundreds of previously isolated civilizations.

Not all uplift attempts were smooth; some societies resisted, resulting in tension or cultural misunderstandings. Still, the Elvari are often sought as mediators, though a few, such as certain Sefarian and Grelian factions, regard their presence with suspicion.

Culture and Philosophy

Elvari culture is highly spiritual and ritualistic. They pray daily to Esmerelea and Theadrid, with multiple holidays and festivals honoring these deities and the existence of the spirit and afterlife. Their worldview embraces a symbiotic balance between nature and technology, striving for harmony in all things.

Elvari are champions of art, music, and storytelling, often serving as the inspiration for younger species. They teach that all consciousness is woven together by a "Luminous Weave," and that civilizations thrive through empathy, creativity, and stewardship. Dissent is seen as a path to wisdom, and open, respectful debate is central to every important decision.

Most Elvari weaponry is non-lethal, designed for defense or subdual, but their rare lethal weapons are devastating—rivaling even the Sefarian in efficiency, able to vaporize or atomize targets. The advanced Teleka Mark 12M Drive powers their ships, enabling travel between neighboring galaxies within just a few months.

Government and Society

The Elvari played a pivotal role in forming the Pentarin Federation, guiding the Intergalactic Community toward alliances for the safety and well-being of millions of species. However, they do not belong to any single governing body, valuing their neutrality as brokers of peace.

Elvari governance is managed by a Senate, with one elected representative per sector. Representatives serve for a single term of 100 Galaxan Years and must attend every Senate session or face removal. Each is sworn to uphold the will of the people and the laws of Elvari civilization.

Major traditions include a great celebration every 100 years for the change of representatives, and a coming-of-age "test of wits"—successful initiates receive a crown of flowers.

Biology

Elvari have a unique life cycle: they mature rapidly in early years, but then age extremely slowly, remaining vigorous for centuries. Their immune systems are robust due to millennia of genetic refinement, allowing them to safely eat flora and fungi poisonous to most other species (though they also consume lab-grown meats).

Elvari are entirely hairless. Their eye colors include Color:Amber (Eye), Color:Gold (Eye), and the rare noble Color:Red (Eye) (often with a Color:Dark Gray or Color:Black sclera). Skin tones vary from Color:Lavander (Skin), to Color:Dark Violet (Skin). Elvari were pioneers in artificial womb technology.

Females can reproduce only once per Galaxan Year, and twins are almost unknown due to anatomical constraints (any second fetus is moved to an artificial womb). Males have extremely low libido—a trait bred out in the era of widespread Artificial Insemination. Males are only driven to reproduce by the scent of a fertile female's pheromones.

Technology and Achievements

Elvari are pioneers in Teleka-based science, medicine, and starship engineering. Their ships—powered by the Teleka Mark 12M Drive—set the standard for intergalactic travel. Elvari are credited with inventions like the artificial womb, advanced terraforming, and genetic therapies, and have constructed wonders such as the Starlit Archive—a legendary library and galactic cultural treasure.

Myths and Legends

Many believe the Elvari to be immortal, or to be the fabled Unknown Advanced Civilization that uplifted millions of species. The Elvari themselves call this mysterious race the "Old Ones," believed to be possibly the first civilization in Galaxa, crafted by the very hand of Esmerelea and Theadrid. All that is known is that they are not from the Kutar Spiral Galaxy.

It is theorized that an Elvari transport ship crashed on Terra Prime millennia before first contact, sparking myths of elves among ancient pre-FTL civilizations.

Trivia

• Elvari call humans "Terri," after their homeworld.
• Hybridization between Elvari and other species is rare but highly significant, as with Lewa Kotak.
• The celebration of Senate transition every century is a time of planetary festivity and renewal.
• Some believe the Elvari still maintain secret enclaves on supposedly uninhabited worlds.

Faster-than-Light