Planet Zar: Nexus



Spemomac

BONDED TO LEPTOGOR

BASICS

Name Spemomac Gender Agender
Species Hanar Pronouns they/them
Age Adult Height ~9'
Residence Sails Between Stars Occupation Colonial Primocrate
Origin Kahje

Appearance

Abnormally tall (or long, if they're in water) for a hanar, Spemomac towers above most people in their wake. The common presence of dragons that one might have to look up to was a great surprise when they reached the Nexus. They are a particularly fetching shade of bubblegum pink, off-set only when they speak via bioluminescence. Despite their immense height, they don't possess a powerful build (in-so-far as hanar can be physically "powerful").

Personality

Passion guides Spemomac's life - they are highly emotional and romantic in all things. Once they've set their mind to something, they are impossible to dissuade, but they have a tendency toward shortsightedness for consequences. Spemomac's denies themself none of life's many pleasures.  Spemomac is hedonistic to a fault, but despite their power and wealth they are effortlessly generous in sharing their gains. They're always willing to try new experiences and have a lust for exploring the unknown. Spemomac feels most at home when they're on the road. They hate being tied down to one place, one set of experiences, for long. Their wanderlust is legendary.

Hanar are known in their home-galaxy for tending toward xenophobia and traditionalism, but Spemomac defies this to the point of scandal. They are gregarious and sociable, especially in the company of aliens. They were an obvious choice for interstellar diplomatic relations and took smoothly to the post. They adjust to alien cultures with ease and giddy excitement.  To the shock of many other hanar politicians, Spemomac has left a trail of alien lovers behind them of all species and sexes. They make no attempt to hide this and feel no shame in their scandalous smorgasbord of relationships. Spemomac loves quickly and deeply. No matter the number of people they've loved, they've loved them all with passion and infinite kindness.

They want desperately to fix everything in the world, and their altruism can lead to being stretched thin and paralyzed to make any real changes. They rely on their family to keep themself in check of over-extending their reach, but Spemomac is a stubborn hanar and has difficulty admitting their limitations. They are petrified of making decisions that will result in loss on either side of the equation, one of the few faults Spemomac is aware of, even if they're unwilling to admit this to a third party. They've deliberately set up their circle of friends with people capable of making that decision without their input, for them. The guilt they feel (which is immense) is carefully hidden behind an ever-cheerful persona. They have a strong sense of justice but often feel that they don't stand up to their own ideal.

History

Infancy

Hanar biology is distinctly alien. Creches of eggs turn into polyps which can spend years maturing until the individual infant hanar are ready to strobilate and become their own identities. Infants from the same polyp can take weeks or months between strobilation. Spemomac was the second in his polyp to strobilate ~ and they immediately determined to get themselves in trouble. Infant hanar are kept in nurseries and carefully tended to, but from birth, Spemomac was adventurous and pushed the limits of safety. They drifted to the farthest edges of the nursery, putting themselves in danger of being swept off into dangerous currents.

Iselexon - their immediate polyp-sibling, forced themselves to strobilate and raced after Spemomac, pulling them back from the brink of being sucked into oblivion.

Like many hanar, Spemomac's relationship with their parents was inconsequential, but their bond with their polyp siblings remained as strong as if they were still affixed to one another.

Youth

Spemomac's adventurous streak continued throughout their life. While their eldest sibling, Tutnael, took up an important position in politics as a diplomat and Iselexon determined to be a protector for their people, Spemomac was unmoored and interested in devouring experiences. They excelled in educational circles but had no interest in religion or stuffy, stationary positions, and spent much of their time travelling - through Kahje, the hanar colonies, and beyond.

Exposure to the universe beyond Kahje opened Spemomac's eyes to more than just the joys and pleasures of life. They also discovered the hurt. Wars between races and factions, the genophage, the battle for spots on the citadel council. All the cruelties the world possessed and lashed out at one another with. Spemomac hated seeing anyone in pain. Their empathy and compassion grew with each heartache they witnessed (or experienced).

After years of dalliances across the galaxy, Spemomac returned to Kahje to ask their eldest sibling - the politician, the diplomat -  how to make a difference in the world. 

Adulthood

Spemomac's entry into politics was shaky and sordid. While they had excellent skills at relating to alien species, they were an eccentric oddity among other hanar, and their lack of religious zealotry for the enkindlers was near akin to blasphemy. Which is not to say Spemomac was areligious. They believed in the Enkindlers and worshiped quietly, but their countenance among the normally zealous hanar was... odd. Spemomac did not have an easy time making a name for themselves, but they were determined, charismatic, and most importantly opportunistic.

Most Hanar despite the arid environments of other planets, partially the reason they had so few planetoid colonies. Most of these colonies were created for the purposes of acquiring minerals and wealth, not expanding their population. Few hanar wanted jobs abroad in these places, but they were necessary. Spemomac was assigned a minor position on Rough Tide, where they were responsible for cultural affairs. "Keeping the peace" as much as one could between the krogan who wanted to claim the little moon, and the hanar who wielded their drell associates like an army. While their position was minor, Spemomac managed to arrange a series of negotiations that brokered a comfortable peace on Rough Tide. 

This was the first of many successes Spemomac would achieve as a diplomat. The hanar primocracy sent them to several worlds and Spemomac's easiness with aliens helped them immensely with international affairs. They enjoyed the attention the position granted them. Being in the spotlight was exhilarating, the schmoozing and socializing were Spemomac's forte, and any chance to travel set their blood alight. Spemomac earned a reputation beyond their scandal and eccentricities.

Tragedy occurred within Spemomac's third century. Their eldest sibling held the position of colonial primocrate for decades at this point. They were kind, but strict and organized, often uncompromising. An excellent leader with a mind for numbers and resources, if not the same easy charisma with aliens that Spemomac did. Spemomac served directly under their sibling as a diplomat of off-world affairs and they admired and love Tutnael fiercely.

But Tutnael was assassinated. Likely by a crime syndicate for shutting down back-alley trade routes  between colonies and implementing stricter policies that choked their fortunes.  The assassin was never caught. Mourning for the loss of their sibling, Spemomac was surprised when they were offered newly vacant position of colonial primocrate. One of the highest offices in hanar politics. Blinded by an ache of loss that could never be fully healed, Spemomac accepted the position without much thought.

In the wake of an assassination, taking over as Colonial Primocrate was difficult and Spemomac struggled to juggle the peacetalks they'd accomplished over their career.

Following the death of their sibling, Iselexon - the youngest sibling, always concerned for Spemomac's safety - official assigned themself and their team of drell enforces as Spemomac's personal protection service. 

The Compact

Rough Tide's stability and peace disintegrated shortly after Tutnael's death and Spemomac's promotion. Vicious wars broke out between krogan and hanar once more, but Spemomac's attentions were drawn in dozens of directions, limiting their ability to fix the situation.

Always a bleeding heart for the injustices in the milky way, Spemomac found themself interfering in multi-species politics on the industry planet Anhur, where batarians were blatantly enslaving other races. During one such peace talk, Spemomac had set up a clandestine meeting in hopes of making strategic compromises to take down the slave trade on Anhur. They were escorted by a trio of Iselexon's carefully selected enforcers. The meeting was revealed to be a trap and Spemomac found themself confronted by a small batallion of heavily armed batarians. Their security team fought valiantly but were outnumbered and vanquished - leaving Spemomac vulnerable to interrogation... and worse...

But then their savior appeared.

A drell with no business walking down this empty side street, very young and undersized for his species. Completely unassuming. Spemomac was terrified for him and willed him to leave. But the little drell did not. He approached the batarian and asked them to leave, all quiet confidence despite the situation. He didn't understand what was happening and Spemomac ached to keep him from harm. Everything changed in a flash. This tiny unassuming drell, barely into adulthood, turned the tides on the batarian and slaughtered them. Perhaps slaughter was too crass a word. It was simple, elegant, impersonal, efficient.  He offered mercy which was rebuked, and dispatched his enemies with calm calculation. And, as soon as it was done, he returned to shyness and awkward charm around Spemomac.

Spemomac understood immediately what they were looking at. As formidable and well-trained as Iselexon's security team were, they were no match compared to a Compact Assassin. Taken from their parents in early childhood and taught to turn their bodies into weapons, wielded by their hanar masters. Even young, this drell was deadly as a living knife. Spemomac asked for one thing before they parted ways; his name, Viltaltos.

Once safely returned to Kahje it was simple enough to track down the origins of the name. Always one to toss off the chains of tradition, Spemomac had never had much interest in the Compact. The unspoken similarities to slavery made them uncomfortable, no matter if the compact was honored freely and willingly. To strip anyone of their personhood and identity was abhorrent. Spemomac had never accepted a compact and had no intention to do so, but their curiosity was piqued.

War reached its zenith on Rough Tide and Spemomac had to turn their thoughts to diplomacy once more. Rough Tide became deadly for anyone of import to visit, but Spemomac needed to. They couldn't fix the problems without be present on the colony. Iselexon warned them of the dangers and wanted to increase Spemomac's security tenfold. But there were places guns wouldn't be allowed for fear of inciting further war. Spemomac needed to show faith to achieve peace. And they remembered an unassuming drell who'd saved their life and most certainly was bound by the compact.

'Viltaltos' turned out to be a family name which had produced generations of drell that served the compact. It wasn't difficult from there to track down the little drell. He had a pair of handlers, wealthy traders, who were honored by an appearance from the Colonial Primocrate and were eager to let Spemomac borrow their assassin. Spemomac gave him an undercover moniker: "Miros Kaul"

Spemomac became unexpectedly attached to young Miros and encouraged him to remember he was a person. They doted on Miros and helped him develop his own interests. Miros adored Spemomac, plain as day, compounded by the compact and the rules of his devotion. Miros proved to be more than effective at his job, thwarting anything that threatened Spemomac. It was the choices Spemomac needed to make that were the true hurt. Things Miros couldn't save them from.

Rough Tide was in the clutches of Clan Rutarok, a krogan family of formidable force, run by a rare highly fertile female. A matriarch. Rutarok Vexa. Without her, the krogan would likely fall to infighting and the hanar could gain control over Rough Tide once more. Spemomac is torn until the war results in Clan Rutarok bombing a civilian center, causing thousands of causalties. Spemomac's inaction allowed this to happen. They ask Miros if he's willing to clean Rutarok Vexa, the first time Spemomac has asked Miros to kill anyone. This is not self-defense and no matter how softly Spemomac asks his request, the compact means it's a demand, and Miros must follow it.

Rutarok Vexa is dead by morning. Peace doesn't come to Rough Tide, but the violence quiets and redirects. Although it breaks their heart and shatters Miros', Spemomac sends Miros- no, Viltaltos - back to his handlers. They tie up loose ends in Rough Tide and leave for the other colonies.

Nearly a year later Spemomac receives an encrypted video of the Viltaltos' Handlers meeting with Anhur batarians for an arms deal. Through this information, Spemomac is able to shut down some crime syndicates on Anhur and help aid the bid to end slavery.

Not long after this, Spemomac is approached by an envoy from the Viltaltos' Handlers, desiring a meeting. Nothing good can come of this, but Spemomac accepts, increases security, and makes certain the appointment happens in their own office. What they do not expect is to see Miros accompanying his  handlers. Hanar are not capable of wielding weapons themselves, relying on drell associates or dell bound by the compact to do so for them. After a brief discussion and veiled pleasantries, throughout which Spemomac is terrified - the handlers ask Miros to kill Spemomac. They inform Spemomac that Miros is the one that sent him the videos.

Miros is bound by the compact to obey. Disobedience is only possible if he asks to be absolved of the compact, but he was born and raised through generations to serve the compact. His handlers have been present at every moment of his upbringing. There may not be love between them, but there is conditioning that should supersede any emotional bond. Miros points his pistol at Spemomac. Neither draw a breath.

Miros turns, drops the gun, and falls to his knees - supplicant before his handlers - and begs to be released from the compact.

There are only two ways to be released from the compact: death or accepting the dishonor is asking to be freed. And there are rules - any drell who wishes to be released, is. A handler may try to convince their charge to stay, but ultimately if the drell no longer wishes to serve the compact, they are free. The position is voluntary. This is the sliver of difference that divides it from the slavery Batarians practice on Anhur and throughout the Terminus System.

Spemomac's heart breaks at the gravity of Miros' love for them. They know how much serving the compact means to him. Spemomac decides to make a sacrifice of their own - they offer to destroy the videos sent to them and arrange a weapons contract away from Anhur, that might prove as valuable.  In exchange, Spemomac will take over Miros' compact contract, as his sole handler. It's not ideal, it puts people in danger, but Spemomac desperately wants to show Miros the same loyalty. With some grievance, but unwilling to turn down a financial advantage, Miros' previous handlers accept. 

Rough Tide

Spemomac freely encourages and permits Miros to develop himself as a person and dotes on him with gifts and activities. Miros is, on paper, a personal assistant and has a host of duties that rarely include assassination. Their life together is an adventure and their bond grows. Spemomac is uncomfortable with the power they hold over Miros, but there's no way to fix this without destroying Miros' sense of pride and identity with the compact. Their love is platonic, but fierce and passionate.

Years pass. Things get worse at Rough Tide, as they are ought to do, and Spemomac takes the blame. There were repercussions to Rutarok Vexa's assassination they hadn't considered. Spemomac and Miros go to Rough Tide to attend peace talks. Hinzale, the hanar politician that governs Rough Tide, asked for Spemomac's presence personally.

Unbenkownst to Spemomac, Hinzale developed a plot to have Spemomac kidnapped. They were double-crossing both sides in order to bring the full might of Kahje's forces onto the krogan of Rough Tide. Their plan was excellent executed and the embassy attacked. Many lives were lost and Spemomac was taken, brought to the remains of Clan Rutatork's fortress. As much as Hinzale had planned to double-cross his tentative krogan allies, the krogan themselves had personal vengeance to exact. Spemomac's captivity was the first time in years they'd been separated from Miros for any length of time.

Spemomac held hope that they'd be rescued, hoping Miros would work quickly and carefully enough to avoid Hinzale's trap of igniting an all out intergalactic war.

Miros proved single-minded in his mission to rescue Spemomac. Spemomac handled the grief of interrogation and solitude for barely a week before... not Miros, but a drell Miros had befriended, rescued him from the Rutarok's prison, explaining that Miros was taking care of old enemies to keep Spemomac safe. When they were reunited, Miros was battered and bloodied, shaken by something more than his physical injuries, but the things haunting him abated when he saw Spemomac.

After a short reprieve and finally achieving peace talks on Rough Tide, Miros and Spemomac left for Kahje once more. 

Sails Between Stars

Rumors of an ancient evil encroaching on the Milky Way flittered through the upper echelons of the council and beyond. It wasn't long before Spemomac got word of Reapers - bogeymen or true harbringers? Spemomac was unwilling to risk the chance. They, along with politicians of many species, were invited to partake in the Andromeda Project to preserve life in case these reapers were real. While most had a particular destination in mind, Spemomac remained eager to explore all the options of the universe.

Thus, Sails Between Stars was constructed. A massive habitation vessel capable of deep space travel for eons if necessary. Equipped with altered, experimental mass effect relays that might allow it to traverse entire realities.

Spemomac gathered a hoard of people from all species and planets that wanted change and a chance to survive the potential reaper invasion.

In ~2186 CE, Sails Between Stars set sail while thousands of people succumbed to cryosleep.

They would awake in the Nexus, a world of aliens, magic, and dragons. 

Abilities

BIO-LUMINESCENT SPEECH

Hanar native language is "spoken" via bio-luminescence presented over the carapace. The light spectrum is beyond most humanoid eyes and requires surgical alteration or physical aids for non-hanar to fully comprehend.

VERBAL SPEECH

The ability to speak vocally. Hanar have wispy, ethereal voices. Hanar use impersonal third-person pronouns to refer to themselves. They only use the personal "I" for dear friends and family.

CONTRA-GRAVITIC LEVITATION

Spemomac has a device embedded in their skin that allows them to support their own weight outside of water.

VENOM

Hanar tentacles can secrete a natural toxin when the individual is threatened.

Stories

(In)Security

Bonding dragons seems to be the thing to do in this new universe and Spemomac is always eager to experience new things. Miros is tow, they travel to Lantessama and handle some relationship misgivings along the way.

Click to Read

Connections

Miros


PERSONAL ASSISTANT

An in-joke between them, Miros is much more than just a "personal assistant" but the title looks good on paper. Miros is a life-bound friend and found family, who acts as Spemomac's bodyguard.