Virilian Culture

Viritail society is very similar to the average capitalistic human experience. Go to school to learn how to work, and work till you die. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The only major difference is that Virtail Society is female dominated. A female Viri’s hormones when gravid or nursing makes them more aggressive, dominant, and stronger; the origin of the female dominance. While this is not legitimately important to their modern society, culturally it still holds significance.

Gender is not as rigid in Virilian society as it is in human society, but there are still some shortcomings. Trans Virtail’s are common and medically supported, but only if you have the money to afford it. This idea extends to almost everything. “If you have enough money, we don’t care” could basically be considered a motto for Viritails. While being medically supported, sexism and transphobia does still exist, but it’s not nearly as bad as it is in our world. There aren’t any restrictions to being trans, but trans viris may get dirty looks or off comments by those who don’t understand the concept. Ftm viris experience judgement for “wanting to be male”. Commonly, they are questioned for why they would want to be “the weaker” of the two sexes. Mtf viris experience the opposite, being told that they will “never be a real viret”. Despite all of this, they don’t have a “trans viris in sports” argument, as sports are classed by skill level, not sex.

The Virilian monarchy’s rules also include stipulations for what happens if the next ruler is trans. The rules are as follows:

The first born daughter will be queen.

If the first born is male, his next sister will be queen.

If the first born is male and an only child, he will be king.

If the first born is a trans viret (mtf), then she will be queen

If the first born is a trans viran (ftm), then his next sister will be queen.

Sexuality is something that isn’t even questioned. Viritails do not discriminate against sexuality like humans do. Gay marriage is legal, along with polyamorous marriages. If a Viri was confronted with how humans discriminate against homosexuality, they would simply ask “why should I care?”. The only time that homosexuality may be met with disappointment is in situations like the royal family, where the bloodline is expected to continue indefinitely, as it has been for over 3,000 years. A viri within the Adeleye family will still be expected to have offspring, even if it must be with someone they aren't married to.

Viritails and all of their subspecies are omnivorous animals, needing similar nutrition as humans. Their diet is skewed to be slightly more carnivorous than ours, requiring a higher percentage of protein than we do. Much of the packaged and processed food found across Hysia is actually composed mostly of fish proteins and synthetic flavorings. Veniscis, one of the Virilian exoplanets, is the main proprietor of meat across their system, sending processed fish proteins to each planet across the system. The second biggest meat producer is Hysia itself, processing meat from animals that have been farmed there for centuries. Citrios is the largest grower of produce for the Virilian system, growing vegetables, tubers, grains, and more to be exported. Each exoplanet has a slightly different diet, with Hysia having the most mixed diet of them all.

Androlla’s diet includes mostly fruit, fish, and fungi, most of which is farmed locally. Fungi that is farmed here is also used in processing protein alternatives for the rest of the system. Vegetables are imported from Citrios, along with grains, nuts, and more.

Ignit utilizes the local insectoid, crustacean, and reptilian populations for consumption, putting to use the bodies of hostile creatures that the soldiers stationed there slay. None of the creatures on Ignit can be domesticated for their meat. The only plants that can be farmed here are fruit producing cacti, but they are difficult to grow and harvest, and thus are an Ignit exclusive delicacy. Foods imported here are often dry, stale, or pumped full of preservatives.

Veniscis, as mentioned previously, exclusively farms fish and crustaceans. There are some species of wild fungi here that are edible as well and are routinely harvested. All other nutrients must be imported. Fruits must be dried or frozen to make the trip, and other foods must be preserved too.

Citrios’s workers have the highest fresh fruit and vegetable intake of any other Viritails. As mentioned, this is a farm planet that grows the most produce. Domesticated animals from Hysia have also been imported to be farmed for their meat and other products. Despite having easy access to fresh meat, culturally, there are more vegetarian or mostly vegetarian Viritails here. In addition, there is some unrest around the farming of Hysian domesticated animals here, as it has destroyed the local ecosystem.

A great percentage of the food found across the Virilian system is highly processed or even synthetic. Sugar and sweeteners are used in a similar fashion to how we use them, and they are just as addictive to Viritails as they are to us. If you can think of a food that humans have, Viritails probably have some sort of equivalent to it.

Audience beware, this content covers parallels to real world discrimination and violence!

Bigotry exists between subspecies of Viritails. Subspecies that are considered “lower” are treated very poorly by society. They don’t have as many job opportunities as employers are less likely to hire them in high class areas. Systemic oppression is used to keep Canis Viris the dominant subspecies.

Dusty Viris in particular are more likely to experience poverty and homelessness than any other subspecies. Because of this, they are also more likely to have a criminal record, which the Canis Viris use to continue to mistreat them. They are stereotyped as uneducated, untrustworthy criminals who don’t ever want to work their own way in life. “Dust dog” is a derogatory name for Dusty Viris, poking fun at how this subspecies often works in mining or other labor intensive jobs. It also is in reference to their planet of origin, Ignit. The aggression from the Canis Viris towards the Dusty ones comes from a few different factors. Firstly, the Canis subspecies is the original Viritail species, leading to a cultural feeling of superiority. Secondly, it’s feared that pure canis individuals will become effectively extinct, having mixed with the other subspecies.

Wooly Viris are also discriminated against, being thought of as alluring but untrustworthy. The wooly fur morph is considered very attractive, and to feel superior, the Canis Viri culture started to look down on those with it. Because of their origins on Androlla, and the fact that many populations on Hysia live in the Verdan Rainforest, they are also stereotyped as stupid jungle savages. Individuals of this subspecies are frequently catcalled and insulted in public spaces, and Wooly Virans are susceptible to being trapped in the adult entertainment industry. For a parallel to something in our world, think Esmeralda from Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Capritaur Viris are thought of as nothing more than uneducated farmers who are stuck in their ways. It is rare to see Capritaur Viris doing anything other than farm work or manual labor, as they are the strongest subspecies. Due to this strength and their larger than average horn size, there is also a stereotype that Caprituars are more violent and aggressive than other subspecies. Pseudoscience claims that the increased strength is from heightened hormonal balances, and that this balance leads to anger issues and violence. However, this has never been proved under clinical research, and there is no solid evidence to suggest that this is true.

Whisker Viris are the least discriminated against, and face no systemic oppression. They are stereotyped as being tricky self centered liars, but have pretty much equal opportunities as Canis Viris.

Viritails partake in many of the same activities that we do. Being a highly advanced species, they have an internet with social networks that are practically identical to ours. Video media is commonplace, on tvs, phones, and computers. Any Viri can pick up a phone or camera and make content for others online. Both a blessing and a curse, this means that any Viri can become famous. Studies show that young virilets should not be exposed to social media at a young age, and while many parents still will allow their pups to run wild online, that is very frowned upon. Social and singleplayer video games are popular pastimes, with online communities centered around them. The rise of gameplay videos and short form content led the job of content creator to be one of the most sought after and oversaturated markets.

The biggest social phenomenon by far are the Moontail Documentaries. Four different Tersca related programs are broadcast: Terscan Explorers, Surviving Tersca, Secret Lives of Moontails, and Moontails After Dark. After 200 years of existence, every Viri knows what they are. Moontails are an astronomically large brand name. Viris often make “Moonsonas”, characters or personifications of themselves as Moontails, or even other animals that live on Tersca. The creation of Moonsonas also led to Faunsonas, characters based off of animals that live on Hysia, and has since expanded into a massive community. Merchandise for specific individual Moontails are sold in stores and online, from clothing to figurines to themed snacks. Conventions are held to celebrate this community, with costumes being crafted of these sonas. Antennae headbands are also commonly worn, especially by young virilets. These headbands may be themed or be generic.

Art and music are just as important for Viritails as they are for us. Viris utilize a mirror version of every way that we make art. Digital, traditional, 3D, 2D, anything you can think of. Generative artwork however does not exist, as Viris saw no practical use in training ais to do leisure activities for them. Instead, ai was made to do menial or difficult tasks, mainly being used in healthcare to identify dangerous cells with its exceptional pattern recognition software. As for music, many earthly instruments have Virilian counterparts. String instruments in particular are wider to allow for paws to play them effectively, and are often played with bows, metal finger caps, or gloves to avoid snapping strings with the user's claws. Any instrument with keys is fit for wider, 3 fingered paws. Bands hold concerts, large and small. Some bands are virtual, being comprised of characters instead of real viris. Voice bank singers are highly popular, holding holographic concerts with a live band playing their songs as the holo character dances and sings onstage.

Another form of art is tattoos, fur dying, and makeup. Special non-toxic washable fur dyes are used as makeup, with eyeshadow being especially common, either coming as a powder or a fast-drying liquid for a stronger look. Most Viris have cheek patterns, so they will use dyes to accentuate their natural markings. Those born without cheek marks may choose to draw on their own, or get them permanently tattooed. Tattoos are a more permanent version of a dye job, affecting the hair follicles directly to change what colour they produce. Many tattoos lead to early grey fur, however a simple black tattoo does not have any adverse side effects and lasts until the fur naturally starts to grey. A tattoo can not be applied with fur in the way, so the area must first be shaved. An embarrassing task, but a necessary one. Once the fur grows back, it will grow with the applied pattern. Fur dying is the middle ground, something that lasts for multiple days without washing out, but is not permanent. With dyes you can also achieve a wider range of colours safely.

Political unrest and rebellion has come to a boiling point in modern times. Lower class Viritails demand better treatment, as many places (especially the Horror) are practically unlivable and inescapable. Backlash against systemic oppression and discrimination lead to anything from peaceful protests to riots in the streets. Graffiti and other art is used to express these ideas and spread the message.

In 2979, Queen Dixiana was shot by a whisker viri named Knox. Knox was the leader of a massive rebel group located in the Horror. This group persists to this day, being led by Knox’s granddaughter Hijinx. The group's main goal is to overthrow the current system, abolish systemic oppression, reduce price inflation, and increase wages. For many years before Knox, it was led in an unorganized but more peaceful fashion. Knox’s belief was that being nice wouldn't cause any actual change. The higherups needed to be forced to listen. Unfortunately, the grief he caused to Calixa, Dixiana’s daughter, led her to make the system even more oppressive. Her rule is centered around pressuring the working class even more to attempt to strongarm them into falling in line. The question becomes: will Minx, the next in line for the throne, choose to be the start of change, or the continuation of abuse? No one was expecting her to choose the third secret option of running away.

Viritails have a complex body language with naturally unspoken rules. Similar to how we view a smile as intrinsically positive, while another animal may see it as a threat display, this language comes naturally to most Viris and is reinforced over time. Below is a list of notable motions and what they mean

An upwards tail indicates confidence. A stiff upwards tail with the point towards the sky may indicate a sense of dominance, while a more relaxed position with a curled downward end is a relaxed, happy, and friendly Viri.

During times of excitement or happiness, a Viri will wag their tail. However, a flicking or lashing tail means the individual is aggravated or focused.

A low tail is a submissive position. One that is tucked near the legs is highly submissive, possibly scared, while one that is low but curled towards one side is prepared to defend itself. A tail that is dragging on the floor is a very bad sign, and can either mean exhaustion, depression, or illness.

When startled, all of the fur on a Viri’s body will stand on end, but specifically their tail will puff up to appear much larger than it already is. A defensive or angry Viri may also puff up their tail to appear even more threatening.

Tail thumping is when a Viri very quickly smacks the end of their tail on the ground. This is a threat display, a warning that you’re about to get clobbered. However it can also be a startle response, or a nervous tick in the case of rapid small thumps.

A tail that is curled upwards in a spiral towards the individual's body is a highly dominant display. This position requires a lot of strength and flexibility to hold comfortably for a long time, as it bends the vertebrae backwards unnaturally. Queens always hold their tails in this position when in public.

Ears turned backwards show discomfort either mentally or physically, while tightly pinned ears show anger, distress, or pain. Ears flattened outwards instead of backwards show fear, nervousness, or sadness.

Viris will rotate and wiggle their ears in the direction of sound, so ears that are uneven means they are paying attention to their surroundings.

Ears that have been brought as far forward and as far up as they can be are intensely interested in whatever is directly in front of them. Also can mean they are very shocked.

Baring one's teeth is a sign of hostility, along with growling and hissing.

Barking isn’t often heard, as it’s loud and disruptive, but is a sound made when startled, frightened, or to intimidate. Most often heard when Viris get into petty squabbles.

Whining is a sound of fear or submission, however can sometimes be heard as a pathetic sound of weakness.

The rarest vocalization is howling. This ancient long range communication method is now pretty much only used by young virilets to cry out for assistance. However, couples will sometimes romantically howl together to display their love for one another. But don’t try doing that in a city, unless you want to get something thrown at your windows.

When relaxed and happy, Viris can purr and chuff.

As with pretty much everything else, Virilian holidays mirror a lot of our own, but have their own meanings and cultural significance. Below is a list of the different holidays, listing their in-universe date, gregorian date, and if applicable, the earthly holiday they are meant to mirror.

Novus 45th (Feb 14th)

The Virilian version of Valentine's day. It was Queen Anoxi's birthday. Instead of wanting gifts for herself, she insisted on giving gifts to her people, and encouraged them to give gifts to each other. Anoxi was a very sweet romantic, so most of the gifting was between couples. They would give each other bouquets of anoxi flowers, to symbolize their queen and a love that lasted through winter. Anoxi flowers are the first to bloom in the year, being perfect for the occasion. The tradition continues to this day, and Queen Anoxi is regarded as one of the best queens in Virilian history.

Frigor 40th (Dec 25th)

The Virilian version of Christmas. Under the light of the moon, Viris are encouraged to give gifts to their loved ones and spend time in their homes. Families will buy or find a Gifting Tree, a pine tree that presents will be placed under. This is symbolic of ancient viris using pine trees to locate prey, as the low branches of the trees make for perfect areas for all sorts of critters to hide under. This tree will be decorated with ornaments and lights. Lights are also strung up around one’s home. This holiday has a heavy lunar influence, with a “Full Gifting Moon” being cause for similar celebration as a white christmas.

This Holiday’s story is a work in progress!

Frigor 33rd (Dec 18th)

Queen’s Gift is the start of the time off that Virilets get off of school and non-essential workers get paid time off before the Gifting Moon. This started as a holiday to raise the spirits in preparation for the Gifting Moon, and to allow families to spend the holiday together. It quite literally was a queen’s gift to her people. It is exactly one week before the Gifting Moon, and one day before the winter solstice.

This Holiday’s story is a work in progress!