Diemsei

"'Beautiful, isn't it?'""-- Common Diemsei phrase" The Diemsei (dee-ehm-saeh) are a Humanoid species from the planet Dreharuta [Eta Catana]. Their culture is mostly known for expressive dedication to art and beauty, or their strange philosophies on balance and life. During an age of materialistic progression, the Diemsei also developed extremely efficient automated factories, a format that was later copied by modern-day fabricators.

QUICK INFO
Height Range: 6’2” - 8’5”

Avg. Weights: 200 - 360 lbs.

Avg. Body Type: Curvy or muscular

Avg. Lifespan: 1100 years

Species Homeplanet: Dreharuta [Eta Catana]

Key Physiology: Thick horns protrude from head, ears are typically pointed, a long thin prehensile tail. Rarely (but can) have wings that are either feathered or leathery. May exhibit hooves instead of feet. Due to extreme genetic diversity, the Diemsei have the largest ranges of height and weight.

Official Language(s): Pathlea, Andahlos, Qintralia

Common Dialects: Tuvlou (Dreharutan), Andahstavi (mix of Andahlos and Galactic Universal), Ruruji (Diemsei-Liska)

Common Occupations: Artisans, Counselors, “Entertainers”,

Common Traits: Wise, Idealist, Artistically minded, Ambitious

Common Flaws: Superstitious, Overconfident, Proud

Common name schemes: Flowers, stars, concepts (“Brave”), colors, anything that could be metaphorical or symbolic. Traditional Diemsei names were entire phrases, such as “Kellansandares Usoto Pelinguina Delavore '' which poorly translates to “Flowers bloom where blood was once spilled under twilight”, and is usually written as one word (and spoken all at once). This proved difficult for other species, so most Diemsei have a second “short” name. Example:

Full name: Atraiusviemtellasedsumnundra (“The striking flames of summer’s comet”)

Short name: Atraius Viem

Xenophobic Terms: Beauty-freak, Infernal

Visual References: Tieflings, Demons, Draenei, Angels/Fallen Angels/Aasimar

PHYSIOLOGY
The Diemsei are very tall Humanoids easily distinguishable by horns that protrude from the skull, long fingernails, pointed ears, and colorful skin pigments. Their horns can come in many varieties. While most come from the forehead, some have ones that grow from the temples or the top of the skull. Size, curvature, and amount of horns all differs from person to person. The Diemsei have the highest chance of hybridization with other species (and their own), leading to strange evolutions such as wings being added to the many features of their race. Sometimes these wings were large and leathery, others have sprouted feathers. Many consider having wings a detriment in modern day, as many vehicles and furniture were never meant to accommodate these things. While some keep theirs with pride, it’s quite common for Diemsei to purchase wing removal surgery.

With so many variable traits (like Fins-Diemsei offspring having semi-functional gills), it’s hard to fully list everything. The most common skin tones are blue, red, and purple, but other hybrids have Aslali-Trio pigments (light and dark browns), or even green and pink. Tails vary in thickness, some having thin spade-tipped tails and others having thick counterbalances. Some Diemsei experience extreme sensitivity to light, a type of blindness that can be identified by extremely bright irises that can even glow in the dark; called Vestarra's Syndrome. In complete darkness these Diemsei can see as if under normal or dim light. Those who live in large cities usually wear special sunglasses or get cybernetic optics for ease of life. This syndrome is genetic and is usually passed from kin to kin. Some Diemsei also exhibit digitigrade legs that end in hooves, rather than feet.

There are two primary Diemsei body types, natively called (in short name) Lhasha or Tikyul. The Lasha produce extra fat cells (regardless of gender), which leads to unusually soft skin and ample body mass. The Tikyul produce less fat and build muscle easier, resulting in lanky mesomorphs.

SOCIETY
The most popular Diemsei philosophy states that everything is made of a ‘prime material’, that material being the space around us. According to their scripture, space is the prime material for it never changes. They believe that to be as close to the prime material as possible, one must find harmony with themselves. Their culture melded harmony and unity together with beauty, and thus it became the norm to try and become as beautiful as possible.

Many Diemsei wear jewelry, makeup, tattoos, piercings and horn engravings with pride. Being skilled with an instrument is seen as taking closer steps towards harmony. Before they had even reached space, an obsession with material objects grew rapidly. Their culture had become a competition to reach serenity; a class system had started based on a family’s beauty standards.

Most Diemsei bend to one major split of this primary philosophy, those being the Exposists, the Novostats, the Haoic or the Shakal.

The Exposists believe that beauty is in all things natural, and are the least materialistic of their people. They make art of the naked form and garden worlds most often, and similarly wear revealing clothing (or in extreme cases, no clothes at all). They embrace their environment, usually straying away from cities to enjoy countryside and exotic environments. Some exposists consider large cities as a new kind of nature, however, instead choosing to soak in the ‘atmosphere of life’.

The Novostats are explorers at heart, believing that beauty comes from the unknown and the innovative. This philosophy is similar to Liskan or Madran, as it encourages the soul to see the sights of life and seek new experiences. The Novostats are usually trend-setters in Diemsei society, daring to make statements where other philosophies fail. Their art is normally very abstract and always garners attention, positive or negative as it may be.

The Haoic believe that beauty and pleasure are the same thing, a philosophy met with scrutiny and praise alike. Haoics tend to be very extroverted, seeking thrills and highs with minimal downtime. Some criticize this philosophy as a means of excusing addiction, sex and partying, but this is only half true. The other Haoics see it as a means of boosting self-love, self-improvement and indulgence of hobbies.

Lastly are the Shakal, a belief that beauty comes in cycles and is immune to the influence of outside forces. Whether it’s from a great victory or a terrible defeat, beauty is not something to seek, but to observe and relish. The Shakal are known to be advisors and sages in Diemsei society, acting as diviners in even ancient texts. Though they can be superstitious, and are nowhere near as present in modern-day, they’re an iconic pillar of Diemsei beliefs, and make up the majority of famous Diemsei poets and writers to boot.

TRIVIA

 * First contact between Diemsei and Humans nearly ended in war when a squad of the latter claimed the former were demons from ancient Human religion. This diplomatic incident resulted in several small skirmishes before peace was brokered a few months later. Needless to say, many Diemsei dislike Human religions since this incident.


 * Alcohol: The Diemsei are best known for their flavorful liqueurs that contain the special ingredient "Cosmic", which is a fluffy, whipped-cream-like substance. Due to its sweetness, the influence has a tendency to "sneak up" on people, usually around two drinks in. Examples of these Diemsei cocktails are Cosmic Dream, Cosmic Shower, Cosmic Crisis, and Cosmic Gypsy.


 * Stereotype: The Diemsei stereotype is a melodramatic, over-expressive artist. Dedicated to beauty and passion, they'll stop at nothing until their voice is heard and their ways accepted; berating critics with the notion that they simply aren't old enough to understand.


 * IRL Equivalent: The Diemsei are based on French, Italian and ancient Greek (Athens) culture.