Talk:Nephatsu

To Review

The below is further information submitted by Drew that I need to review.

CULTURE

Nephatsu culture is derived from the four major influences of their nature: Water world origins, longevity, emotional sharing, and telepathic acumen.

The Nephatsu have strong emotional ties to the Sea. Even in modern times, careers associated with the sea are held in high regard, and boatwrights, fisherman, and seaman are held with the same high regard as scientists and government officials. With the Nephatsu home planet consisting of mainly islands, the only historical military of the race was a Navy, occasionally augmented by marines.

Much of Nephatsu city life is designed to prevent synchronized mass emotions. Cities are divided into distinct quadrants, and all media transmissions are varied throughout the city to prevent a large portion (greater than 10%) of the city population from seeing the same transmission, and sharing in a city wide emotional response. Large public gatherings are typically prohibited, so that even political candidates and popular media stars must be satisfied with small venues. The one common exception to this tendency is sporting events, where the emotional involvement of the crowd is anticipated and expected. Nephatsu participation in interstellar sporting events is typically restricted to off-world matches, as few non Nephatsu athletes and teams can endure the emotional pressure of a crowd of Nephatsu bearing down on them.

Nephatsu trade practices are among the most colorful aspects of their society. Sales pitches and advertising, whether it involves a megacorporation or the corner store, try to stir strong emotions in potential customers, and bargaining between a customer and proprietor can be a long and grueling match of stories and pleas designed to gain an advantage in the trade. Many Nephatsu corporations employ non Nephatsu trade agents for dealing with races that find Nephatsu bargaining practices disturbing.

OTHER INFORMATION:

CULTURAL FACTIONS: Nephan Lysolida (Nephatsu High Council) - The elected members of the executive branch of Nephatsu government over Nephatsu Prime, and the entire region of Nephatsu space. Nephan Lysolida members are sextarians from throughout Nephatsu space, although a strong prejudice exists for members to have spent at least 100 years on Nephatsu prime. Elected members remain on the council for the rest of their lives. In spite of the great age and experience of Council members, all governmental processes tend to be highly emotional, and contended issues can be debated on and off for years.

Nethpa (Brotherhood) - An independent priesthood that specializes in both emotional detachment, and emotional immersion at the control of the practitioner. Government officials often keep Nethpa advisors to utilize the calm detachment of the acolyte in highly emotional issues. Nethpa lay and ordained practitioners shave their heads.

Holsta (Undertow) - A xenophobic group that insists on the racial superiority of the Nephatsu race. Although a minority in Nephatsu politics, they remain a faction of some power.