Skrell Culture
Culture
Main articles: Skrellian Cuisine, Skrell (Factions & Politics)
Naming System
Every Skrell is born with two names, both of them being made up by the Skrell caring for them. These names are not inherited or transferred on marriage - if a Skrell chooses to acquire a surname, they would technically have three names.
Name additions are a common facet of Skrell culture. It is common for a Skrell to add a name or a word to their name at some point in their lifetime. Name additions are added to the end of either name. Skrell traditionally only add one addition to the end of each name. Adding more than one addition to the end of a name is seen as breaking of an almost sacred tradition, as it lowers the significance of all other name additions, and is never authorized by Jargon bureaucrats. However, some Skrell outside Jargon may choose to do so anyway out of spite, simple ignorance, or other reasons.
The significance of such name extensions varies greatly, but the most basic rule governs pronunciation and helps to suggest the connotation of the addition.
Typically a “-” before an addition denotes a feeling of respect. This is often used with names that are meant to pay remembrance to figures, events, or locations. In spoken Skrellian, the presence of a - is pronounced by allowing a moment between the Skrell’s original name and the addition. In other words, the dash is treated as if it were a space between two words.
The use of “‘“ before an addition signifies a more personal connection to whatever the addition means to the named Skrell. This is pronounced by simply treating the addition as if it were just a part of the name’s root. It is said as if it were one word. This can be positive or negative.
If a Skrell considers their addition notable enough, they may choose to translate it to Tau Ceti Basic for their work IDs and records in places where Nral'Malic is not widely spoken. This has only been picking up recently, and is somewhat uncommon.
Idols
Skrell place great importance on social and scientific development, and idolize valuable members of those communities, called Idols. Idols are often propped up by the Federation on government run social media, encouraging average Skrell to seek personal glory and recognition, as well as rewards. They gain rewards for simply giving a good face to the Federation; Research grants, private shuttles, high-class housing, there are thousands of different rewards for being an ideal citizen that follows laws and regulations, and an even higher pressure to remain that way. If an Idol becomes less-than-ideal for the reputation of the Federation, their rewards can be taken away as well as being given a gag-order on their social media account. Dead Idols often try to reclaim their popularity, but end up shunned for being an inconsistent source of media.
Idols can be from almost any career, as long as they are models of the Federation utopia. Idols are selected for advertisement based on their popularity: An moderately popular Idol would be shown to a town or region, while an extremely popular one would be given a busy city, planet, or system - maybe even the whole Federation! Idols have even begun to have reputation outside of Federation space, with Skrell musicians that play human-made songs being one of the most popular on Solarian and Frontier holonetworks.
A “well-known secret” of the Jargon Federation is that Idols are comprised exclusively of very well Wake-attuned individuals with strong outer influences. Due to the Genophage, however, they seem to dwindle, creating a shortage of idols - prompting Jargon Federation to look into similarities between the Wake and Vaurca’s hivenet - so far with little results; although some C’thur serve as propaganda pieces in an experimental fashion.
Work Ethic
Skrell life is highly dependent on contribution of less-valued but highly crucial manual labor workers, although Skrell rarely ever want to work in these roles. These undervalued Skrellian workers are often pampered by the government to encourage them to keep working these jobs, giving a max 25 hour work week and complimentary pools in the workplace. Before other species were capable of taking the menial labor, the Skrell were in a serious depression due to the lack of workers and fears of automation, however, in 2320 Skrell found the first Dionae pod in space, and after years of study, began incorporating them into workplaces in the late 2360's. This integration has allowed for at least one Dionae to be found in almost every factory, and Skrell co-workers usually give them the less mentally-required tasks to complete. Lately, Skrell have begun outsourcing some of their manual labor to other species such as Humans, Tajarans, and Vaurca.
One of the main sources of workers being tested on planets outside Jargon is the C'thur hives' bound workers. The Federation requests bound workers on commission from the hive, although rations it to disallow more than 3 Vaurca per workplace, and they must all be constantly monitored and researched.
In the past, Skrell valued synthetics for they simply took all this out of their hands and let them live in the perfect society where any Skrell could commit to whatever career they wanted. Now, however, if a Skrell feels they could complete the job that a synthetic is trying to, they will try.
Pop Culture
It's an open secret that media has been influenced by the government ever since the First Federation. Officials use money, influence, and government policy to steer the direction of The Federation's pop culture. Because of this, Skrell rapidly consume media and are constantly on forums, chat rooms, holonet, or sharing funny political and scientific jokes. In film and cinema, the Federation offers production studios huge subsidies if it includes some sort of moral message. The largest grossing films always include quirky, ambition filled heroes defying the odds using family and friend support structures, self esteem, and personal growth in the pursuit of fame and intelligence. The hero's journey arc is very popular in Skrellian storytelling, as well as comedy, specifically satire and deadpan sarcasm that are hard for non-Skrell to pick up on. Imagine modern memes.
Music
Originally, when Skrell were in their primitive stage, their music was primarily vocalization. Water, being a convenient medium for noise, served well for long-distance singing and harmonization. These songs were typically featuring very short notes (similar to human plainchant), due to sound traveling faster. Eventually these vocalizations began to be accompanied by percussion, various seascapes around the waters of Qerrbalak offering a great range of noises to accompany this. As their songs traveled far through the water, overlapping different vocal performances became quite difficult; Skrellian choruses eventually merging together and reaching very large numbers of vocalists and percussionists, synced up quite well through a combination of pure skill and the Nlom. Many centuries later, this trend would still continue, with long songs featuring bands with tens of numbers, each member having a very specific, yet very crucial role.
In the modern age, Skrellian music had not changed in structure much, however the process of creating it, and displaying it, had become far more complex. Members of the top contemporary Skrellian bands would train for years to have the best voices, the best moves, and the finest outfits and implants. These songs would typically preach Skrellian values, conformity, relying on ones’ social structures, but would include massive audiovisual elements. In some concerts, one receives a tab lulling them into a half-awake state where the music would be accompanied by a big, shared, psionic hallucination. Lasers, special effects, and holograms would be common sights. This would be where Idol groups would begin. Musical subcultures in typical Skrell society are very homogenous, a Skrell must stick to the styles and behaviors of their subculture, or be seen as ‘only here temporarily.’
For every-day pop music, Skrellian artists have taken big inspiration from human trends, some artists sampling chopping and screwing human music to create catchy Sol Common hooks, others taking human genres and putting them through a Skrellian lens. Other homemade genres have sprung up, such as moisturewave, currently rocking the alternative scene. This genre is typically denoted by a low-resolution, electronic production, with a relatively fast tempo. Shorter songs are generally popular in the right-now, a combination of sound traveling faster through water and electronic music being simple to create leading to higher-tempo and higher-pitch 'sound bites' lasting no longer than two minutes. Imagine nightcore.
Skrell also possess a notable counterculture, one similar to human punk rock circles. These circles are typically out of the way of polite society, concerts generally staying in underground places. Listeners tend to enjoy these musical circles more, receivers generally not straying far from the pop. These are rife with hallucinogens being passed around, strange alien liquors splashed on fans’ gills, and heavy audience participation. These songs are typically in extremely vulgar Nral’malic, retaliating against Federation values and urging their generally young audiences to find their own voices; fans typically being listeners or listener-leaning receivers. This can lead to very 'unsightly' outfits and even some venues demanding the audience be blindfolded Despite their ironic, often sarcastic and even humorous messages, they tend to be quite provoking. Many former idols end up in this counterculture, such as the former Idol group Nral'akk Deluxe 1597, now known as ‘GLORSH YOU ASSHOLE.’ Fans of the music generally live in a perpetual state of anxiety owing to the existential dread of Receivers finding a band. A group a Skrell has been listening to for well over 200 years can disappear into the vast sea of 'ooh what’s this' before they even know it, either completely changing or disappearing into nothingness. Many former Idols end up here, and many band members are accidentally made into them. It used to be the case that possession of a data crystal containing these songs alone was a crime, however the Federation government has elected to assimilate these groups and attempt to 'socialize' as many fans as possible, knowing banning them will only fuel it. To prevent this, a few bands have sternly refused to make any public announcements about tours or gatherings, relying entirely on word of mouth and guerilla t-shirt stands.
Cuisine
Food and drink for Skrellian cuisine varies wildly depending on the planet you're on, especially because of the sheer amount of planets. On average, Skrellian dishes are largely made up of aquatic creatures and plants. While some flora and fauna can be successfully transplanted to different worlds, the process is carefully monitored so as to not upset local ecosystems. Because of this, hydroponics and animal farming techniques are used to minimize the expensive imports and keep planetary environments safe.
For more information, see Skrellian Cuisine
Relationships
Skrell society has always placed a special significance on the bonds between an individual and the people they interact with. The shift from regional dialects to Nral’Malic saw a change in the words used to describe these ties, but the feelings they convey have remained the same for much of history. The concept of partnerships whether fraternal, platonic, or appreciative carry with them a weight that has only grown over the recent centuries.
The Nral’Malic language begins each name for a partnership with the same root word, Qu. This word signifies a partnership or a shared bond with another person, with correlations to gravitational orbits. Qu often means Star, and when followed by qualifiers can mean many things in orbit. These qualifiers specify the nature of the partnership which the phrase is describing. The following are a few of the more commonly used utilizations of Qu, however you are free to create any to fit a relationship if these don't work.
On the other hand, Skrell also hold relationships with a negative bond, each name beginning with the root word Lu. This often means Void, Vacuum, or Abyss signaling a near-complete lack of light in the partnership.
Qu'Poxii - Starlover, Starlight
The Skrell term for a person who is a chosen partner, friend, and mate. The romantic love Skrell feel can be rather unpredictable, comparable to the tides of the sea. Typically, the formation of Qu'Poxii heavily depends on the feelings of the Skrell in question. Some Skrell can spot their Qu'Poxii within a week of meeting someone, others may take several decades to fully probe every aspect of the person before calling themselves ready. Likewise, these bonds can have members temporarily or even permanently bow out depending on the 'tides of the heart' as well, this carrying no shame at all. Those who choose to become Qu'Poxii are not restricted to only two Skrell, a group of Qu'Poxii being known as a romantic union, or Quya Polyamory is commonplace with those who have had strong connections with each other for years, often best friend groups will eventually elevate their relationship to this level simply out of necessity to reproduce and how close they have come to each other. Quya often involve deciding to create children with the others involved, where those in the relationship will raise the child until they leave for school.
Lu'Poxii - Abysslover, Voidlight
Lu'Poxii is a term for a person who is a rival, and potent arch-nemesis. This is not just any hatred, it's a special non-platonic form. A Lu'Poxii thrives on rivalry, and the purpose of this relationship, when healthy, is to grow, as well as one-up each other. Admiration of the others' positive aspects and abilities is required, not only annoyance at their negative qualities. Lu'Poxii often fail when one partner is frequently better than the other, and gets no challenge out of it. Tormenting, taunting, and terrorizing ones' Lu'Poxii is fully acceptable in this dance of antagonism, but doing irreversible harm to them is unwanted, least of which because one would be much less happy without a rival to challenge them. Oddly enough to other races, Lu'Poxii are just as capable of living under one roof as a Qu'Poxii, the same affectionate gestures often being used. It is somewhat complicated for multiple Lu'Poxii to come together in a relationship like this, but it is not unheard of.
Qu'Kaax - Stardancer, Satellite
The term most commonly used to refer to a valued or treasured coworker. In sharing common goals, proximity, and interests, many Skrell come to feel a special connection with the people they work with closely.
Lu'Kaax - Abyssdancer, Vacuum
This is a term for workplace rivalries, often more of a pact than a one-sided dislike. A Lu'Kaax would be a coworker you care nothing for, only for outdoing, surpassing, or jockeying for their position. Sabotage, only if it happens to be discovered, is highly taboo.
Qu'Nioh - Moon
This word is used most in junction with the Human word “friend” but denotes a very specific form of friendship. Oftentimes, a person who is referred to as one’s “Qu’Nioh” is someone who the speaker did not expect to form a bond with but has come to value highly. This can be for a number of reasons ranging from an initial mutual disdain to a simple perceived lack of convenience or statistical unlikelihood. This expression was especially prevalent shortly after first contact as Skrell referred to their new acquaintances of the previously unknown Human race. Among the most common literal translations: “A dear friend who was earned” and “An unexpected friend.”
Lu'Nioh - Stardust
This sort of relationship is an unexpected dislike. Oftentimes, a Lu'Nioh is someone one expected to be fond of, perhaps even a budding Qu'Nioh, but something about their life has proven abhorrent/reprehensible/disgusting enough to where reconciliation or a deeper relationship is impossible. This does not typically feature any hatred or opposition but does not have an ounce of support.
Qu'Pluux - Comet
This phrase refers to a bond one has formed due to situational circumstances. The word “Pluux” in this context conveys a temporary partnership, but this not always meant to be negative. This situation is seen as transitional, leading to longer-lasting bonds after sufficient time has passed. This could refer to a business partner one is currently working with, a former rival one is patching things up with, a relative stranger one is becoming acquainted with, or a valued friend one feels distanced from.
Lu'Pluux - Singularity
This bond is also born of situational circumstances, but this is a temporary hatred. Humans would consider this much like a grudge, though in a Lu'Pluux it is much deeper. While this relationship is just as temporary as its' positive counterpart, the long lifespans and keen memories of Skrell can mean a Lu'Pluux can last decades, if not hundreds of years. It is characterized by not angry outburst hatred, but a continuous stream of resentment. It can develop to the point of hating everything associated with them, even their lineage.
Qu'Draa - Starchild, Starblood
This is a bond by resemblance or familial love. “Draa” in this case refers to one’s family foundations, like mother, father, siblings, caretaker, etc. “Qu’Draa” is a broad catch-all term that applies to both near and distant relatives, as well as those like family.
Lu'Draa - Abysschild, Voidblood
Familial love is nearly the default for Skrell, especially in times where there's a shortage of children. However, there are cases of Lu'Draa, which is not a hatred, but simply a complete lack of empathy or positive feelings towards a family member. Some call this a 'brown dwarf', named after a stage stars undergo where the planets around them do not even rotate.
For more information, see Skrell Families
Dating
Being prolonged breeding amphibians, Skrell romance in their early stage was not much different. Primitive Skrell would gather in the thousands at a suitably aesthetically-pleasing, and suitably damp, location to reproduce. The most brave and romantic would lounge about on the highest places they could, advertising themselves, their skills, and their achievements to anyone whom would listen.
This behavior has changed in the modern day, becoming an official Federation-sponsored holiday that occurs every year, as it used to, typically in moist environments with plenty of natural scenery. These are called Starlight Gatherings. Skrell on a given continent/world meet up at these, partaking in food, games, but primarily looking for a potential Qu'Poxii. Existing Starlovers and their Quya also come to these, whether for fun or to strengthen their bonds with each other. It is known for even the most reclusive scientists to occasionally appear at these, normally under the guise of ‘searching for suitable lab assistants.’ Some Listeners are known to appear here, whether pressured enough by their Receiver counterparts, or coming all on their own whether biological reasons or otherwise. In the end, hardly anyone refuses to show up, the intense romantic feelings rippling through the Nlom in planet-spanning proportions.
Skrell sexuality is unique amongst the saptient races in that it is completely separate from their romantic lives, leading many other species to refer to Skrell as asexual. In truth, Skrell sexually reproduce externally, as amphibians. They are driven to fertilize viable Skrell eggs by an innate desire to reproduce, but gain no pleasure from it.
Romantically, physical affection is hugely important to Skrell. It is typical of Skrell families and friends to cuddle, hug, and otherwise be very affectionate without romantic intent. Coworkers will often work in extremely close proximity, which can make other species working with a large group of Skrell uncomfortable. As affection shifts from platonic to romantic, psionic affection bolsters physical affection. Intimate moments are very emotionally stimulating for the species, particularly with other psychics; it is known for individuals in a Quya to mutually, telepathically share the sensation of warmth, comfort and safety with each other to amplify the emotional feedback from physical bonding to often overwhelming levels.
The dating of other species is notoriously difficult for a Skrell to deal with. While they have no inbuilt qualms about dating outside of their species, it is comparable to singing opera to a man deaf in one ear. It is difficult for Skrell, with their highly keen emotions and psionic communication, to connect meaningfully to other races in a romantic capacity. As well, being aware of current medical technology, they would outlive three or more humans in one Skrell lifespan. However, this has not stopped many Skrell from trying to make the best of it anyway. Skrell typically do not place much importance on physical appearance, or other such biological aspects, mostly caring about emotions and personality when selecting a partner. However, it has been somewhat difficult for Listeners to find romance with Receivers, being seen as somewhat shifty.