i did this at like 4 in the morning and it took way too long because i was half asleep ———— 1: Ardennians 2: the planet is separated into three points, in a triangle-like form. sheltered cities take up the north, where metallic and glass dome structures reside above-ground. the southeast consists of the most populated and bustling area of the planet - fully subterranean and heavily shielded underground sanctuaries. the rest of the landscape is covered with dangerous, usually unpopulated regions, where Ardennians call “The Expanse”. most of the region is permanently overcast with clouds, except at the northernmost, which is home to rolling mountains, flora, and rocky cliffs under golden light. air toxicity is altitude dependent, where inhalation begins to become dangerous at an altitude of 200-300m above the Expanse. this such area is named “The Veil”. 3: the Ardennians are mainly humanoid, born with pallid skin, elongated limbs, and ash-colored stripes along their forearms and lower legs. their eyes appear rather large and glossy with a light purple iris, an evolutionary adaptation towards low light that provide excellent night-vision. physiology-wise, some possess secondary organs. 4: Ardennians typically live up to eighty to one-hundred years, but it mainly depends on the area they mainly reside in. the expectancy of Expansers is usually towards twenty to thirty. 5: Ardennian survival is extremely ritualistic; all but a few receive bioluminescent tattoos created with a purple mineral ink tell the stories of hardships throughout the environment. they also strongly believe in unity, purpose, and endurance. the young are taught the phrase, “mutation is honor.” 6: they do follow a hierarchy; one that’s not followed by bloodline. at the top, beings that have believed to have persevered or created the most throughout the society are elected to become what is called “The Concord”. just below that, elders who have lived past ninety are welcomed to share their experiences, decide punishments, and resolve disputes. 7: The Veil is an extremely important aspect of the Ardennian identity - it is considered the space between worlds, and many try to speak to it, whether to find answers to omens or to offer themselves in sacrifice towards their own society. it has protected Ardenthien for centuries, and therefore, it is respected immensely. The interpreter of the Veil is called the Aethryn. They are able to translate celestial murmurs and dream signals in guidance for the Concord. 8: only one, but remember; “mutation is honor”. 9: it began with five massive empires; all taking up separate locations within the planet. they all lived a rather glorified existence, until unknown opponents started ravaging the environment by crashing their ships into beautiful locations. in return, leaders were believed to create something that could hold them back, leading towards The Veil’s uprising. this sense of unity merged the empires into one loyal group of Ardennians that would do anything to protect their only home. 10: Ardennians mainly follow a democracy by electing those that have suffered or experienced the most to lead. The Concord guides speech, law, and civic rituals, in addition to overseeing city growth and creating technology. however, The Veil succeeds all; if a spiritual message for election is sent, then the chosen will be selected immediately. 11: see thumbnail (drawn by me) 12: i was chosen to represent my planet as the Aethryn of Ardenthien. i tell the many stories of the Veil, choose legacies, and retell the creation of not laws, but the prophecies all must follow to prove loyalty. 13. i am a humanoid female with mainly the same features of regular Ardennians - though instead of the traditional ash-colored stripes, they shimmer subtly with a hue of purple. it is also customary for Aethryns to bear a Veilmark - a sigil in tattoo form across my back. 14: conventionally, i am called the Aethryn, but before naming, i was known as the name of seren (meaning still-light in Ardennian dialect).
