The Poku Saeruo Degonjo are not a dying race, but rather a race who have survived a devastating loss, and have reshaped their culture. The Vonaijyaon people rules are the foundation of the Poku'vonai society.
A Poku'vonai baqli (child) stays with its Pialoi (mother) until weaned, about six luai (months) During this time the Pialoi remains on World Station. The first four years of a baqli are spent with family. These early formative years the baqli learns basic social etiquette, and language. Baqlii (children) are encouraged to be curious and inquisitive. Trips away from the ruo (home) are often both educational and recreational.
At age 5 the young Poku'vonai's life changes. They begin formal education at the Ruohui Giba'te (Academies). A regimen of meditation, physical fitness, classroom sessions, social and team activities as well as unarmed and armed combat training. Students spend about nine hours a day at Academy. All academies are co-ed, with Poku'vonai of both sexes receiving the same training.
During the 14th and 15th year of their life a Poku'vonai will participate in 3-4 Kâbo'kai Ojme (Internship). These last 3 luai (months) and are spent exploring various occupations. Students are free to explore occupations in other sects as well.
Education continues until the baqli turns 16 and takes the Baqnor (move from youth).
The Baqnor (move from youth) marks the start of adulthood. The typical Poku'vonai seeks out a position/occupation within their chosen sect. They spend their first several years of service seeking to earn distinction. This is important when the young Poku'vonai's mind turns to romance.
Poku'vonai normally do not get married until their mid-twenties. This give them approximately ten years to establish themselves, and find a mate. While rare it is not unheard of for Major Houses to arrange a marriage between influential families. The ritual for is called Sumanâpa Punla (Making Family).
Poku'vonai become sexually mature between 16-17 years of age. Poku'vonai young adults are placed on anti-conception drugs to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Creating a child is an important responsibility, and typically does not happen outside of wedlock. In fact unbound couples will normally get 'married' to avoid any stigma. Generally as a people the Poku'vonai are open minded about sex between bonded members or even unbound mature individuals.
In a culture were population control was a common factor same sex pairings are accepted as a normal option within the clan.
Like all sentient beings the Poku'vonai have a need for recreation. The forms available vary depending upon the location the individual is at. Obviously those at Sotâka Ruomâqi (World Station) have more options. The following are some of the common forms of recreation.
Most of the sports played by Poku'vonai are team sports.
The members of the Poku Saeruo Degonjo enjoy a variety of card games, some are for solitary play, others for group, with and without gambling.
Dancing for the Poku'vonai is almost an athletic event and is done to Trance music. Poku'vonai give themselves over to the music and dance until they need to rest. This activity is common with all age groups, but establishments usually are created for a target audience.
The Poku'vonai have an extensive collection of Art and Literature. In fact all members of the culture are exposed to these things during their education. They are also encouraged to explore a form of these. Many members of the hunts are noted artists within the clan.
Prior to the Norka (The Exodus), the Poku'vonai had many Poku or clans, which presented some unique aspect of their life, it could be where they lived, or the predominant means of making a living. They retain this concept but in a different form, the former Poku are now the Jaeli (Sects).
Sou or death is not something that Poku'vonai fear. They accept that death is inevitable, but that does not mean that they do not want to postpone it as long as possible. Most Poku'vonai accept that they may have to die for House or Clan, it is preferred to make ones enemy die for theirs.
Poku'vonai classify deaths into two categories.
The Souibâ or bright death. Literally means that the individual died well, and with a purpose. Individuals who have been killed killed in battle while fighting bravely, or sacrificing themselves in combat for the good of the people. Poku'vonai who die of old age after a successful career of service also fall into this category. Lastly persons who perform the Sou Fofi (Cleansing Death) ritual are considered to have died well.
The Souâbi or dark death. This refers to dying badly. It could mean that the person's death had no meaning, or that the individual died in cowardice or disgrace. Individuals who have experienced a Souâbi are seldom spoken off by members outside of the family. Family members typically will go to the temple to intercede on the person's behalf.
View information on how the Poku Saeruo Degonjo sees other Kâurvonai (Cultures).