Chapter Text
History (Collective trauma): Viltrum is located near a supermassive black hole, requiring the indigenous humanoid population to develop significant technology to counteract the devastating gravitational force to control both their planetary atmosphere and their own bodies. The Viltrumites refer to their black hole and the nearby cosmic strings collectively as the Maw.
The Purge: The Purge was the systematic response to overpopulation resulting from 100% effective fecundity combined with extreme longevity.
Physiology: While convergent evolution due to similar planetary surface conditions resulted in a string resemblance between Viltrumites and humans, the former began with a far more gravity-resistant baseline in response to the selective pressure of the Maw's proximity. Over time, their bio-enhancing technology advanced to the nano and eventually to the atomic level, to the point where biological and synthetic fused into an inheritable genome capable of physical feats such as immense strength, durability, anti-gravity suspension powerful enough for prolonged aerodynamics (flight), and longevity due to the perpetual production of telomeres. When a young Viltrumite first presents with abilities, this means that the synthetic and biological facets of their genome have merged for presentation. These highly adaptive atoms that have emerged as the foundation of this combined nano-scale biomech functionality are likely powered by gravity itself, manipulating the presence and lack of gravity as needed. The manifestation of these abilities tends to take a while with human hybrids, as human DNA - despite being ultimately overridden by Viltrumite DNA - is fairly complex and robust. For individuals of 3/4-100% Viltrumite ancestry, infants can hold their breath for extended periods prior to the manifestation of other abilities. The Scourge Virus functions by targeting and ionizing the specialized atoms fueling these abilities, similar to the mechanism behind a nuclear reactor meltdown.
Anatomy/biology: Viltrumites and humans are virtually identical in terms of organ function, barring the obvious discrepancy in durability and longevity as well as a more robust autonomic nervous system providing a decreased need for breathing, blinking, sleep, and nourishment. From a reproductive standpoint, Viltrumites are also quite similar to humans. Exceptions include perpetual fecundity among females rather than adherence to a reproductive cycle. Another difference is the lack of placenta during pregnancy, with the fetus instead forming inside a fluid-filled sac composed of the mother's flesh attached to the uterine wall which grows along with the fetus, eventually expanding to cushion the journey through the short birth canal until bursting and retreating within to dissolve naturally. Gestation is similar to humans, albeit a bit shorter on average at approximately six months and with newborns on the smaller side compared to humans. Pregnant females show little or not at all, a trait developed to prevent potential predators from recognizing the female's "vulnerability". The other, more cosmetic difference is the lack of a clitoris on females, stemming from a hyper-specialized design rendering a penetratable orifice the only required means for conception. Similarly, males have retained nipples as an adaptive trait to feed an infant in the absence of a lactating female.
Culture:
Coming of age: Young Viltrumites must pass two trials to enter adulthood:
The Tropics: Survive a night in the dense foliage of Viltrum's tropical region, the territory of the ag-rahs, the only surviving non-humanoid indigenous species. These creatures resemble hairless, silent hyenas and can hold their own against Viltrumites unfamiliar with the jungle terrain, often by using their imitative cull, a bio shield that reflects the face of a prey/predator as a method confusion, allowing the ag-rahs time to strike.
The Maw: Anchor themselves near the Maw without succumbing to its gravitational force for the equivalent of one day on Viltrum
Societal symbol: The symbol of Viltrum represents three Viltrumites hovering before a claimed planet, as warriors are traditionally dispatched in trios (as seen with Thula, Lucan, and Vidor on Thraxa). An archaic version included only one pillar which indicated a unified Viltrumite people who conquered the threat of their local black hole.
Aesthetics: Viltrumite males wear mustaches as a representation of their ability to grow controlled (no beard) facial hair, demonstrating a combination of learned discipline and natural traits. Facial hair is valued, as both male and female Viltrumites have evolved beyond the need for much body hair (except for head hair, because that seems like it could be slower to lose and just looks cool), thanks to their highly effective metabolism which allows for perfect thermoregulation. However, their facial hair remains as protection against minor physical blows (as with humans).
Intimacy: Verbal intimacy rarely extends beyond an acknowledgment of a successful mission. Physical intimacy is also highly discouraged in Viltrumite society, including between family members and mates. The only, very occasional exception is the forehead touch, considered the only form of non-hostile physical contact. This act is thought to avoid the threat of getting one's face bitten off which a Viltrumite would consider a risk with human kissing.
Language (Vilmat) Glossary
Ahn - The stars/void of space
Nohl (Nel) - Destiny
Sah - Bound for
Nahl - Wave
Ahg - Final (also the name for the Scourge Virus)
Ter - Battle
Rahg - Bite
Taha - Leader
Luk - Guide
Rahs-Ahn - Conqueror/Conquest (Bite of the Void)
Tera-g-ahk - You are here. (Battle final you)
-i- to (prepositional)