Hassarian Caste Culture

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Hassarian Caste Culture

Across the five planets of the Hassaria System, Hassarian Culture is divided into the three separate and distinct castes of the Ancient Sith.

Kissai

Description

The Kissai caste is comprised of the noble and intelligent scholars, diplomats, and priests of house Arkoh. Dedicating themselves to the pursuits of the mind, the Kissai are often seen gathered around their ancient texts, long robes gathered up as they trace line after line with their practiced fingers. The most intelligent of the three castes, they use their knowledge to advance the House and the Hassaria system. Among their varied disciplines they dedicate themselves wholly to their field seeking perfection through the mind.

Daily Life

The Kissai answer to a higher calling than their brothers in the other two castes. They do not exercise the body, but train the mind. To the Kissai, knowledge is power, and a more potent weapon than the swords and starships the Massassi use, and longer lasting than the structures of the Zuguruk. Kissai life is broken up into three distinct disciplines, in which a Kissai may dedicate themselves. While there are those who practice several of the disciplines, many choose to dedicate their lives to one.

Kissai scholars are those who find themselves responsible for all knowledge in the Hassaria system and House Arkoh.


Staffing the libraries and record halls throughout the system, the chiefest amongst their study seek access to the great Library of Veeshas Tuwan. There they compete amongst each other to gain access to the Libraries greatest resources. Those who succeed are guaranteed great positions of power amongst their caste, while those who fail, are often forced to the fields, to work out their shame in physical labor until they can compete in the next years trials.

Kissai priests do not seek the knowledge of the Scholars, but rather the enlightenment of the Darkside. In the great temples found throughout the system Kissai can be seen preaching the philosophies of the darkside, and recounting the ancient mantras and spells. The greatest of the Kissai priests are those with weak connections to the force. Their devotion to the darkside rewarded when after hours and days of ceremony, chanting, and spell casting are rewarded by a whisper from the darkside. Their own powers amplified when in the presence of their Lord Prince Semper, and other force sensitive members of the Royal family.

Kissai diplomats are masters of speech and state craft. From the lowliest city official stamping mount permits, to the head Kissai in charge of each world, it is the diplomats who fill their ranks. Daily life is tedious, filled with paperwork, and exactly to their liking. The more red tape the better, and with every argument a sense of fulfillment. Amongst each other they lobby for the allocation of the systems resources. Each planetary group hopping to improve their already excellent situation. Like true Sith no blackmail is too small or insignificant to be used, and infighting between diplomatic families is common. With their silver tongues they lobby with the Trade Federation for greater profits from Hassaria’s agriculture worlds, and ensure Hassaria’s importance in the Federation.

Very few Kissai ever leave the Hassaria system, or for that matter join the Trade Federation Government. Their skills and eccentricities are things that can only ever be truly appreciated at home.

The Young

Kissai caste members attend early education classes alongside the other two castes. There they learn the basics of their culture, its history, and its importance in their everyday lives. Their families at this point impart on them the importance of knowledge, and share with their children the families chosen discipline. After early education classes, when most sentients are at the verge of exiting their teen years, those of the Kissai caste are enrolled into one of the Hassaria system's numerous universities. For the next four years they will study under their Kissai professors, Choosing a discipline in which to dedicate their lives. Upon graduation they are assigned to role a befitting their chosen discipline and quality of their course work.

The Old

“A lasting career is based on a sound mind”.

This is a principle which governs the work ethic of all Kissai. Unlike the Massassi or the Zuguruk, the Kissai rarely strain their bodies and do not suffer the same physical exhaustion in old age as the other two castes do. For this reason many Kissai continue working long past the onset of old age, and those venerable few continue up unto their death beds. Old Kissai are respected and seen as having mastered their particular discipline. Serving as examples for their caste, venerable Kissai are often looked to by younger generations to share their wisdom and knowledge, and to impart advice on all matters concerning the system.

Families

While separated into three disciplines, the families of the Kissai caste do not marry based on discipline or even caste. For the Kissai, marrying into a different group ensures diversity in their family, and therefore makes them more knowledgeable. As a well respected caste, they are desired as mates by the other castes. Often seen as a boost in social statues, a family bearing even one Kissai can be guaranteed a more favorable position for their children when it is time for them to progress into their chosen profession. Battlefield commanders and expert craftsmen are often born from families containing a member of the Kissai caste.


Every Day Attire

Hooded robes, ornate cloth and jewelry are the main fashion statement of the Kissai.

Without the concern of protection or practicality that the others castes have, the Kissai are free to dress in a fashion that reflects their personal tastes. This freedom of choice makes the Kissai the largest customers of the Zuguruk silk spinners. Small pouches are often sown into a Kissai’s garment to protect the documents they may carry with them on any given day. Like the other castes, their dress is a reflection of their identity and the adoption of a simpler life in an ever advancing galaxy.


Ranks

-Kissai Ari-The Kissai Ari is hand picked by the Prince of House Arkoh to represent his will among the Kissai. The Kissai Ari embodies all three disciplines of his caste. He is charged with the education of the Hassaria system, as well as any and all diplomatic matters with the Trade Federation, and the proliferation of the houses religion and worship of the Darkside. The Title of Ari is not lightly given, and those who bear this title are considered to be the embodiment of the Kissai ideals.

-Won Kissai-A Won Kissai is a learned scholar, a head priest, or a planetary representative. Through years of disciplined study the Won Kissai has moved themselves into an honored position within their field. Reporting directly to the Kissai Ari, they are responsible for the Kissai beneath them, and for training the future generations that will replace them.

-Kissai-Priests, diplomats, and scholars, the Kissai are responsible for the culture of House Arkoh.


Reclamation Corp.

Members of the Kissai caste who have proven to be exceptional are reassigned to the Reclamation Corp. There they work alongside the other two castes to secure ancient relics, explore long forgotten tombs and to ensure the survival of House Arkoh. They bring to the table years of lore based knowledge, and an understanding of Darkside rituals which are indispensable when exploring the ancient worlds of the Sith.


Notable Members

Kissai Ari

Won Kissai Ethan Travis

Kissai Areagla Loomis


Massassi

Description

The Massassi caste is comprised of the fearsome, loyal and formidable warriors who devote their lives to the ancient arts of combat. They are bred to blindly follow orders given to them by their keepers and loyal to the dark side and its messenger, the Massassi Ari who leads the caste of warriors to victory. Feeding off the dark side, their urge to surpass their greatest feats is insatiable. This trait creates a vacuum in their lives, never feeling satisfied, ever striving for improvement. Their lethality makes them an example of the greatest weapon the galaxy has ever known. They serve as the Royal Guard of the House Arkoh and are the hammer where the Sith masters are the sword. They give the house teeth and man the ships in the fleet.

Each Massassi warrior answered to a Saarai Massassi who was the voice of the Massassi Ari. The Saarai would be their direct first line officer, keeping them in line and in control. He would answer to the Massassi Ari who ultimately answered to the Prince, playing out his will to the letter.

Daily Life

All members of the Massassi caste choose a life of war and conflict. While others waste their days with the commonality of life chosen by so many, the Massassi live to fight and spend their days honing their skills to create a better warrior.

Those members of the Massassi caste who choose to serve in the Royal Guard live a structured and rigid lifestyle. Patrols are performed regularly across all five worlds. The safety of the Hassaria system and the citizens of House Arkoh is the sole goal of the Royal Guard. When not on duty many choose to perfect their martial skills at their local garrisons. Many live without the luxuries of standard galactic life, preferring to center themselves on their craft. When duty is done and the body has been trained, the Massassi turns to the mind, reading and re-reading battlefield tactics, equipment manuals, and lectures by the Massassi Ari. This is not to say that one won't find a Massassi at their local market, or even off on a leisurely stroll.

Not all members of the Massassi caste serve in the royal guard. Many choose to serve in the Trade Federation fleet. Their penchant for war makes them excellent soldiers, and many serve in the vanguards of boarding parties and planetary invasions. However this penchant also makes them hard to get along with others in their unit. To a Massassi, strengthening the body and mind come before relaxation and what others deem as "fun".

The Young

Massassi caste members attend early education classes alongside the other two castes. There they learn the basics of their culture, its history, and its importance in their everyday lives. Like Mandalorians, fathers often train sons and mothers their daughters. From them they learn the basics of physical training, making themselves strong and durable. After early education classes, when most sentients are at the verge of exiting their teen years, those of the Massassi caste are enrolled into the Hassaria system's military academy. For the next four years they will train with veteran Massassi to perfect the art of war. Upon graduation they are assigned to the Royal Guard, usually serving on their home planet and along side fellow family members and friends.

The Old

It is a widely believed and shared view that any warrior who lives to old age is one to be respected. The Massassi tend to retire before members of the other castes. This is in part due to what they put their bodies through for the majority of their lives. Many Massassi who live to retirement have not only piles of honors and ceremonial ribbons, but also a fine compliment of scars and at times debilitating injuries. Though after a life of constant training and combat many choose to "retire" to one of the several training facilities in Hassaria to teach the next generation.

Families

The Massassi tend to marry within their caste. They appreciate their fellow warrior families, and families of a different caste find it hard to acclimate to a warrior addition to their family. Though it is not unheard of for a Massassi to marry outside of their caste.

Every Day Attire

While on duty or off, Massassi tend to dress in the ancient styled battle armor of the Sith.



Without the use of modern alloys or ceramics, Massassi armor tends to be extremely heavy, the lightest of which being heavier than its bearer. Its use off duty is seen as yet another way to train the body. Like the other castes, their dress is a reflection of their identity and the adoption of a simpler life in an ever advancing galaxy.


House Arkoh Royal Guard

Rank structure

Massassi Ari The Massassi Ari is hand picked by the Prince of House Arkoh to represent his will among the warrior caste. The Massassi Ari is charged with the defense of the Hassaria system and the continued training and maintenance of the Royal Guard. The Title of Ari is not lightly given, and those who bear the title are considered to be the caste's greatest warriors in both body and mind.

Saarai MassasiA Saarai Massassi is a captain among his people, having learned from years of experience the skill of command. Reporting directly to the Massassi Ari, the Saarai are responsible for the garrisons across the Hassaria system and are immediately responsible for the safety of those worlds.

Massassi A Massassi is the epitome of a warrior. Highly trained, adaptable, loyal, and obedient.

Battle Dress Uniform

While the Massassi love their traditions, they are not foolish enough to fight a modern army without modern technology.






















Based on the style of the Sith Troopers under Darth Revan, this Sith armor is meant to evoke a faceless and emotionless warrior. While lighter than the everyday dress of the Massassi, it offers greater protection and mobility.

Reclamation Corp.

Members of the Massassi caste who have proven to be exceptional are reassigned to the Reclamation Corp.














Considered the special forces of the Royal Guard, they work alongside the other two castes to secure ancient relics, explore long forgotten tombs and to ensure the survival of House Arkoh. When not on assignment, Massassi of the Reclamation Corp. act as the personal guard of Prince Semper.

Fleet

The Sith fleet is the naval branch of the Royal Guard. Manned by specialized Massassi, the fleet is Hassaria's first line of defense. Monitoring the system around the clock to ensure the safety of the system. Unannounced ships are met by several Veltraas and their full compliment of Sith Fighters

Ships

Veltraa-Class Curiser

Herald-Class Shuttle

Sith Starfighter


Notable Members

Massassi Ari Jaxik Seko

Saarai Massasi

Massassi Flash Drea Caos Vend'etta


Zuguruk

Description

The Zuguruk Caste houses in its ranks engineers, architects, and builders of universal renown. Responsible for the infrastructural needs of House Arkoh, those belonging to the Zuguruk caste are known for their ingenuity and architectural prowess. Drawn to the fields of mathematics, science, and economics, the Zuguruk are analytical in nature and possess an innate curiosity that lends itself to innovation. Whether their field of specialty is building battle ships, creating monuments, or simply patching up the city streets, the Zuguruk fall under the leadership of the Zuguruk Ari who oversees structural and economic development.

Work produced by the Zuguruk caste strives to follow three basic principles: style, sensitivity, and stability.

Striving to achieve architectural perfection with each design, the Zuguruk employ a consistent style, rich in the aesthetics of ancient Sith architecture. Utilizing modern techniques when suited, the Zuguruk architects can boast of a wide array of accomplishments, from the monumental library Veeshas Tuwan to the colossal halls of the House Arkoh Museum of Natural History. In creating their masterpieces, the Zuguruk are very sensitive to the flow of the Force throughout the lands under House Arkoh’s stewardship and build in a way that compliments the natural energies of the landscape. This is a vital step in the process. A Sith temple built on land with little connection to the Force would prove irrelevant, whereas as community plaza established over a dark side nexus could have disastrous results. Finally, ensuring structural soundness and stability is of utmost importance to the Zuguruk caste. Although the safety and soundness of House Arkoh citizens is important to the Zuguruk, it is the fear of disgrace and embarrassment that truly drives them to uphold this principle.

Daily Life

Members of the Zuguruk class are naturally proficient in skills of logic, mathematics, and reason. However, talent in the fields of art and design is also desirable in order to achieve aesthetic perfection and new innovations.

Life for the Zuguruk is both structured and free. They take pride in finishing their work on time and exceeding any deadlines set for them. However, when it comes to creating new designs and developing transportation and weaponry, the Zuguruk are given the freedom they need to create perfection. Though most Zuguruk serve the needs of House Arkoh, some are highly prized members of the Ministry of the Interior, engineering structural work for the Trade Federation.

Those in the Zuguruk caste tend to be highly social and enjoy working together with the citizenry they serve. One will often find the local bars packed with the boisterous Zugurk who built them, turning in and socializing after a long days work.


The Young

Zuguruk caste members are enrolled in early education from a young age and learn alongside their fellow Massassi and Kissai caste members. The basics of life and culture under the rule of House Arkoh are taught and important life lessons and skills are instilled. After their general education, Zuguruk youth are individually assessed to determine where their proficiencies lie. Once the results of the assessment are obtained, the Zugurk youth are assigned to different sectors within their caste including, conceptual design, engineering research, architectural drafting, masonry, general labor, ship design, or weapon facilities. Once a Zuguruk is assigned to a sector, they are expected to stay within their field for at least two years, after which an additional assessment is made and the option to try a new field, or even join one of the other castes with special permission, is available.

The Old

The elderly among the Zuguruk caste are revered and respected. It is unusual for a Zuguruk to retire. Normally, upon passing middle age, a Zuguruk moves into an advisory role for future caste members. Transitioning into the role of Forman, the elderly Zuguruk are respected and revered for their years of knowledge and experience.

Families

It is common for Zuguruk families to marry outside of their caste as they tend to get along with others well and see diversity as the primary producer of creativity. When choosing if their children will follow the Zuguruk path or become a member of their spouses caste, it is generally up the the parents to decide based on their observation of the child's natural skills and disposition.

Every Day Attire

Members of the Zuguruk caste generally adorn themselves in the common attire of House Arkoh, but modify their flowing white robes and golden accruements for practical uses that suit their profession. Fine crafted leather tool belts, satchels, and armored hand fastenings are common additions to their every day attire. Conforming to the style of the ancient Sith, the Zuguruk caste heavily embellish their craftsman tools with gemstones and filigree. Though highly decorative and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the common attire worn by the Zuguruk is also highly functional and worn for both work and leisure.

House Arkoh Architectural Association

The highest honor a member of the Zuguruk caste can receive is an invitation to join the House Arkoh Architectural Association. Membership is closed to the general public and new admittance is based on invitation only from the current Association members. The Architectural Association is normally composed of the elderly Zuguruk caste, specifically those who have contributed significantly to the House in terms of conceptual design, engineering ingenuity, and structural improvements.

Reclamation Corp.

Members of the Zuguruk caste who show skill and interest in ancient architectural design and structure are given the option of joining the Reclamation Corp.

Zuguruk of the Reclamation Corp. are tasked with inspecting ancient ruins and forgotten tombs, gauging their structural soundness to determine if safe entry is permissible. Once the structure is deemed enterable, they work alongside the Kissai using ancient knowledge and their understanding of Sith architecture to navigate the ancient ruins and avoid its many traps and obstacles. They also utilize their knowledge of design periods and architectural methods to date and catalogue their findings.

Ranks

Zuguruk Ari The Zuguruk Ari is chosen by the Prince of House Arkoh to oversee all of the Zuguruk caste. The Zuguruk Ari is expected to pay special attention to large projects and to ensure that the monuments and cities that span House Arkoh’s territory follow the three principles of style, sensitivity, and stability. The Zuguruk Ari is also responsible for maintaining economic growth and development through the production of relevant infrastructure.

Zuguruk Overseer Those granted the title of Overseer have shown excellent qualities of leadership and have expertise in conceptual design, engineering, or construction. The Zuguruk Overseers are tasked with updating the Zuguruk Ari on the many projects taking place throughout the Hassaria System.

-Zuguruk Those belonging to the Zuguruk caste are curious and creative in nature with proficiencies in mathematics, science, engineering, masonry, and construction.

Notable Members

Zuguruk Ari Paul Luz

Zuguruk Overseer

Zuguruk


Visual Guide to Everyday Attire

House Arkoh’s vision of the revival of Arkanian culture is observable through the style of dress worn by house members. Following the ancient Sith traditions, members of House Arkoh adorn themselves in various garments according to status and caste system. Notable features for most styles include decorative embellishments on the armored pieces and long flowing robes.


Lordly Attire

The Lordly Attire adorns the wearer in intricate layers of plated armor and silken cloth. Decorative jewels of immeasurable worth are embedded into the armor, accenting the ornamental adornments present in the craftsmanship. The color and style of gemstone used to decorate the armor is normally unique to the recipient so as to properly reflect his or her character. Woven from the finest Ottegan silks, the robes are dyed in regal colors to symbolize the royalty they were made for. Traditionally reserved only for elite nobility, Lordly Attire it is worn regularly by the House Arkoh Royal Family as well as high ranking house members. Also notable is the unique decoration of the shoulder pauldrons, the fine golden talons reaching up from either side represent the strength and influence of the one they rest upon.


Massassi Attire

Similar to the Lordly Attire in basic shape and form, the Massassi Attire is worn by the warriors of House Arkoh who choose to serve the Royal Guard. As the primary purpose of the Massassi Attire is to be worn in battle, its design is more functional in nature and less regal and ornate than its royal counterpart. The armor pieces are extremely heavy and provide great protection, while still allowing for a full range of mobility. The silken robes are worn over the right shoulder in uniformity and fastened with a pin bearing the crest of House Arkoh. The Massassi prefer to wear their traditional attire even when off duty, seeing it as a direct reflection of their unique identities and also as an endurance and training tool.


Common Attire

Common Attire can be classified as everyday clothing worn by House Arkoh and its citizens. It differs from its counterparts in that it is more simplistic and lacking in armor pieces and ornamentation, though ordinary gemstones are still used sparingly as embellishments. The traditional white robes are normally made of cloth rather than silk as it is more affordable and easier to take care of on a daily basis. Many variations of Common Attire can be found, each suited to the needs of the individual and the caste they belong to. The diplomats and scholars of the Kissai are allowed more freedom in their style of dress than the other castes. They are known for their decorative jewelry and long hooded robes of ornate cloth with pockets often sewn on the inside to protect the literature and documents they carry with them. The Zuguruk are forced to dress in a more uniform fashion out of the pure practicality of their profession. Wearing the simplest style of Common Attire to allow for mobility while working, they are often seen with the addition of tool and equipment pouches clinging to their belts. Despite the variations of Common Attire, the dress is still reflective of a simpler life style amidst the rapidly advancing universe.


Facial Piercings

In addition to adhering to the dress of the ancient Sith, many members of House Arkoh also mark themselves with gold or silver facial piercings and black tattoos. Piercings are commonly placed on the eyebrows, ears, lips, and the bridge of the nose, and are seen as a further extension of the outward display of ornamentation in Sith apparel.

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