Reference Guide for Project Zero [Read on AO3]
Pidge’s People/The Quvari
Population: approximately 300 million
General Information: The Unilu are known traders, merchants, and upon occasion, pirates or mercenaries who sell their skills to the highest bidder. Their homeworld was destroyed generations ago and most Unilu live as part of large migratory fleets that wander through the galaxy.
It is believed that the Unilu homeworld was destroyed by an asteroid strike almost a thousand years ago. Survivors evacuated their planet and adapted to a migratory life in space. Although often scattered throughout the galaxy, the Unilu hold tightly to their traditions and their past, placing great emphasis on maintaining what makes them “truly” Unilu. Their population is divided into several dozens of fleets made from ships purchased, scavenged, or stolen. Most live in large civilian ships with the best and brightest rising to the rank of fighter pilots, manning the fleet’s smaller offensive ships in times of combat. All fleets are governed by a Captain who has proven not only their skill as a pilot and a leader, but also dedicated to upholding the Unilu way of life. When significant decisions must be made that affect the entire Unilu population, the fleets converge on the ruins of their old homeworld for the Gathering, where Captains argue (and sometimes physically fight) for their opinions.
Appearance: The Unilu are a bipedal humanoid species with four arms and pointed ears. They have several sets of organs, including multiple hearts and reproductive organs. These multiple systems give the Unilu a heightened reaction time, allowing them to become some of the most skilled, agile pilots in the known galaxy.
Sex and Reproduction: While committed monogamous and polyamorous relationships are common among the Unilu, casual relationships are also extremely common. Children are raised in groups with multiple members of the society sharing the responsibility, especially for children of pilots whose biological parents may need to focus most of their time on serving the entire fleet rather than an individual.
The Gatherings are the single most important event in the Unilu culture. Captains must navigate through the asteroid field of their ruined homeworld to the Gathering place as a show of piloting skill. The Gathering place on the largest intact asteroid is made from the hulls of former Unilu ships and is considered to represent the bones of their ancestors.
During the Gatherings, civilian ships are held as hostages to ensure the peaceful intentions of all fleets.
Unilu are not as inventive or technologically inclined as other species, but they are masters of adapting technology for their own needs. And acquiring it through whatever means necessary.
They greatly respect warriors of any species, valuing bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
Hats are often a sign of status. The bigger the hat, the more important an Unilu’s position!