The Neimoidianity Report
The "Neimoidianity" Report is a project I have been working on since mid-2011: a expansive, extensive, and in-depth report on the biology, history, culture, and social customs of Neimoidians. The full name of the report is "Neimoidianity: A Companion to Encyclical on Historical Greatness" (playing on the title of the work written by the great Chal Haan), and quite simply it is the vision of Neimoidians I have developed using any canon source I can get my hands on, information from a number of real-world scientific reports and facts, and my own deductions based on biology, psychology, and even observations I made during my time in Tallinn, when I frequently attended diplomatic receptions, dinners, and the like.
So far, the project is primarily a personal one. I keep the work to myself, with the exception of a handful of people, whom I trust completely. Frankly, I'm afraid of having my ideas stolen, as it is my eventual goal to have some of it (if not all of it!), made canon, one day. I've had a Neimoidian named after me, so who knows what could happen in the future. It's a long shot, but I remain hopeful. When the report is complete, it will cover everything one could ever want to know (or not know!) about Neimoidians: clothing, ettiquette, symbols, holidays, and even complete anatomy charts and descriptions, biological functions, and breeding processes. As of now, it is over thirty pages long, and nowhere near completion. Again, while I will be keeping the majority of it private for now, I have set up this particular page to display a few of the sections. I would like to have it written completely in scientific prose one day; however, for now, with the report still being built, the writing is much more informal, so do bear with me, for now, on that front.
So far, the project is primarily a personal one. I keep the work to myself, with the exception of a handful of people, whom I trust completely. Frankly, I'm afraid of having my ideas stolen, as it is my eventual goal to have some of it (if not all of it!), made canon, one day. I've had a Neimoidian named after me, so who knows what could happen in the future. It's a long shot, but I remain hopeful. When the report is complete, it will cover everything one could ever want to know (or not know!) about Neimoidians: clothing, ettiquette, symbols, holidays, and even complete anatomy charts and descriptions, biological functions, and breeding processes. As of now, it is over thirty pages long, and nowhere near completion. Again, while I will be keeping the majority of it private for now, I have set up this particular page to display a few of the sections. I would like to have it written completely in scientific prose one day; however, for now, with the report still being built, the writing is much more informal, so do bear with me, for now, on that front.
Sections Currently Featured:
Meeting a Neimoidian
Evolution from Duros
Grub Hatcheries/Childrearing
Neimoidians and Homosexuality
Meeting a Neimoidian
Evolution from Duros
Grub Hatcheries/Childrearing
Neimoidians and Homosexuality
Meeting a Neimoidian
-Any meeting with a Neimoidian, outside of an exceptionally close friend, will be an entirely formal occasion.
-The acceptable greeting is a respectful bow, and a formal salutation, along with any titles (Doctor, Governor, Viceroy, etc). Handshakes are rare; physical contact among Neimoidians, or between Neimoidians and outsiders, is extremely rare and highly discouraged.
-The Neimoidian culture revolves around rank and influence; the greeting one receives in return will often depend upon the rank of the Neimoidian, with respect to oneself, or even on the mood or atmosphere he or she wishes to convey ( perhaps as means of security, false or otherwise)for the meeting. A higher ranking Neimoidian may only offer a small bow or nod of the head in return, if anything, whereas a Neimoidian closer to one’s own rank may respond in kind. To a Neimoidian, this is not considered rudeness, but rather custom.
-Neimoidians enjoy displaying their wealth and prominence; expect to be offered extremely fine wines and delicacies. It is impolite and disrespectful to refuse; however, caution is advised with regards to intentional poisoning in higher-risk meetings, in which the Neimoidian has much to gain.
-Always allow the Neimoidian to speak first, unless he or she offers or demands otherwise.
-Neimoidians are logical beings. It is not advisable to use threats in order to convey one’s message or finalise a deal (however often it occurs), but rather to convince the Neimoidian that collaboration, a deal, etc is in their best interests, using logic, fact, and confidence.
-Conversation with a Neimoidian is almost an art form, in itself. There is a constant cycle, even battle, of underhanded meanings, submission and dominance, and ostentation in Neimoidian dialogue. Coming to an agreement or conclusion is a long and laborious process, which can often be exhausting; do not expect to finalise any sort deal in a matter of minutes.
-Respect is a confusing subject within Neimoidian society, and Neimoidians are almost ashamed to give it; however, a successful, and non-threatening, meeting with a Neimoidian may label one as a potential ally or asset, with whom the Neimoidian may be eager to work again.
-While a degree of submissiveness to higher-ranking Neimoidians is necessary, it is essential that one make clear their worth and value, especially to that Neimoidian. Loyalty passes easily from one thing to another in Neimoidian culture, and if one’s perceived value as an asset decreases, they will be let go of without much thought.
-One will almost never be invited to a Neimoidian’s home. In most cases when this does happen, one will be invited only as a part of a formal or social gathering or event.
-On these occasions, it is necessary and expected to bring an elaborate or expensive gift or offering. Fine wines or truffles are an ideal choice. Some guests have been known to even bring pylat birds.
-Families are introduced without much attention, if at all. Note that same-sex couples are acceptable and normal in Neimoidian society. A Neimoidian may introduce their mate, spouse, or partner, male or female, as a co-worker or business partner, and according to their business position, even if it has nothing to do with their own
-Any meeting with a Neimoidian, outside of an exceptionally close friend, will be an entirely formal occasion.
-The acceptable greeting is a respectful bow, and a formal salutation, along with any titles (Doctor, Governor, Viceroy, etc). Handshakes are rare; physical contact among Neimoidians, or between Neimoidians and outsiders, is extremely rare and highly discouraged.
-The Neimoidian culture revolves around rank and influence; the greeting one receives in return will often depend upon the rank of the Neimoidian, with respect to oneself, or even on the mood or atmosphere he or she wishes to convey ( perhaps as means of security, false or otherwise)for the meeting. A higher ranking Neimoidian may only offer a small bow or nod of the head in return, if anything, whereas a Neimoidian closer to one’s own rank may respond in kind. To a Neimoidian, this is not considered rudeness, but rather custom.
-Neimoidians enjoy displaying their wealth and prominence; expect to be offered extremely fine wines and delicacies. It is impolite and disrespectful to refuse; however, caution is advised with regards to intentional poisoning in higher-risk meetings, in which the Neimoidian has much to gain.
-Always allow the Neimoidian to speak first, unless he or she offers or demands otherwise.
-Neimoidians are logical beings. It is not advisable to use threats in order to convey one’s message or finalise a deal (however often it occurs), but rather to convince the Neimoidian that collaboration, a deal, etc is in their best interests, using logic, fact, and confidence.
-Conversation with a Neimoidian is almost an art form, in itself. There is a constant cycle, even battle, of underhanded meanings, submission and dominance, and ostentation in Neimoidian dialogue. Coming to an agreement or conclusion is a long and laborious process, which can often be exhausting; do not expect to finalise any sort deal in a matter of minutes.
-Respect is a confusing subject within Neimoidian society, and Neimoidians are almost ashamed to give it; however, a successful, and non-threatening, meeting with a Neimoidian may label one as a potential ally or asset, with whom the Neimoidian may be eager to work again.
-While a degree of submissiveness to higher-ranking Neimoidians is necessary, it is essential that one make clear their worth and value, especially to that Neimoidian. Loyalty passes easily from one thing to another in Neimoidian culture, and if one’s perceived value as an asset decreases, they will be let go of without much thought.
-One will almost never be invited to a Neimoidian’s home. In most cases when this does happen, one will be invited only as a part of a formal or social gathering or event.
-On these occasions, it is necessary and expected to bring an elaborate or expensive gift or offering. Fine wines or truffles are an ideal choice. Some guests have been known to even bring pylat birds.
-Families are introduced without much attention, if at all. Note that same-sex couples are acceptable and normal in Neimoidian society. A Neimoidian may introduce their mate, spouse, or partner, male or female, as a co-worker or business partner, and according to their business position, even if it has nothing to do with their own
Evolutions from Duros
Neimoidians give birth to large clutches of offspring, which are then sent to grub hatcheries to weed the weaker from the stronger. Duros, by contrast, raise their offspring as humans do. There is no indication that Duros give birth to as many offspring as Neimoidians; it is possible that they would not have to. Neimoidia was a far harsher world than Duro, with a heavier gravity and darker atmosphere. Even today, the planet is reviled by the Neimoidians themselves. It is possible that Neimoidians evolved to give birth to large clutches of young JUST SO that at least one would survive to adulthood, due to the harshness of the planet. It was clear that the survivors were relatively strong and capable. As the planet developed, the advantage for large broods would have become a liability: more mouths to feed, more funds towards childcare, when most of these offspring would have been relatively weak or incapable anyway. Simply, large broods were a waste of time and money. The grub hatcheries may have emerged to counteract this, and provided a mechanised system of weeding out the strong offspring from the weak, in order to have a successful and controlled species, without having to put the adults in danger. On that note, it might also be argued that all the “problems” associated with the Neimoidians, such as greed and cowardice, emerged when the grub hatcheries did.
Neimoidians give birth to large clutches of offspring, which are then sent to grub hatcheries to weed the weaker from the stronger. Duros, by contrast, raise their offspring as humans do. There is no indication that Duros give birth to as many offspring as Neimoidians; it is possible that they would not have to. Neimoidia was a far harsher world than Duro, with a heavier gravity and darker atmosphere. Even today, the planet is reviled by the Neimoidians themselves. It is possible that Neimoidians evolved to give birth to large clutches of young JUST SO that at least one would survive to adulthood, due to the harshness of the planet. It was clear that the survivors were relatively strong and capable. As the planet developed, the advantage for large broods would have become a liability: more mouths to feed, more funds towards childcare, when most of these offspring would have been relatively weak or incapable anyway. Simply, large broods were a waste of time and money. The grub hatcheries may have emerged to counteract this, and provided a mechanised system of weeding out the strong offspring from the weak, in order to have a successful and controlled species, without having to put the adults in danger. On that note, it might also be argued that all the “problems” associated with the Neimoidians, such as greed and cowardice, emerged when the grub hatcheries did.
Grub Hatcheries/Childrearing
Wookieepedia appears to individualise “Grub Hatchery” and “Communal Hive,” allocating the former to Cato Neimoidia and the latter to Pure Neimoidia. Given this fact alone, I think it possible that this may reflect a difference, particularly in quality, between the two. Neimoidia is described as a particularly unpleasant planet that the majority of Neimoidians leave as soon as they are able and prefer not to return to, whereas Cato Neimoidia is where only the wealthiest Neimoidians are allowed to live. It would seem to me that the majority of Neimoidia’s population is of poorer, perhaps more labour-oriented Neimoidians (perhaps stragglers left behind from their broods or simply those who are down on their luck), who cannot afford more luxurious accommodation for their offspring; it would then make sense that a “communal” hive would be available for them. It is just as it describes, however: communal. I like to imagine a large cave-like structure that the Neimoidians have customised into something just about suitable for keeping younglings in – in fact, it would even make sense that they utilise natural structures as a cost-cutting measure. Multiple families would be able to dump their offspring here, for a fee. Since, especially for a poor Neimoidian, a surviving strong child that would later go to the Trade Federation or a similar venture would be a great investment for the future, I would imagine that there is some form of identification in order to tell their children apart from others, as it is highly likely that they would be living among other offspring, and not just their own brood. Given this, I would also imagine that the death rate in these communal hives would be considerably higher than in a more private establishment, which means that some families may not be left with any children at all, after the seven years.
Grub hatcheries, by contrast, probably have much better and cleaner facilities. In fact, Episode III even shows them in buildings (where Plo Koon crashes), which suggests to me that perhaps they may be allocated into rooms or spaces that families can rent for their offspring. The cost would be substantially higher; however, the families would be almost certainly assured a survivor after seven years, given that their offspring need not be in contact with anyone else’s.
-In both cases, I like to imagine that there are either workers or droids who somewhat “supervise” the offspring. They are never in contact with them and never have anything to do with them; however, they would be in charge of updating the parents of any progress, especially towards the end of the seven years, as the parents, or a representative of them, would be require to visit often and supply food for the offspring. This would be in order to allow the parents time to plan bringing a child or children into their homes, such as a room or rooms for their offspring, food, allocating costs towards childcare, perhaps even making arrangements for them to enter a vocational school.
-The idea of the grub hatchery is to weed off the weak from the strong, preferably leaving only the strong alive; however, more often than not, I would imagine that there are multiple survivors, both strong and weak. In the Official Fact File 6, when Nute Gunray’s time in the hatchery is discussed, it recalls how he was able to organise a cadre of weaker, subservient offspring to work for him. He obviously survived, and, since he was effectively paying them in food, I would assume they survived as well. In such a case, I would imagine that, while the strong offspring go home, the weaker ones are possibly sold to the state as a source of labour. Chances are, labour is all they know; if they had spent seven years serving another, they would be unfit in a position of leadership. These Neimoidians would do menial labour on fungus farms or elsewhere, or, if they were particularly fortunate, would work in the office of a high-ranking Neimoidian. It works for the best – the Neimoidians are never unemployed, there is a steady source of labour, and, although their lives would not be luxurious by any means, they still have their lives and the chance to breed.
-In the Official Fact File 6, it states that Nute was “adopted” into a clan and even given the clan name: Nute. This leads me to wonder if perhaps offspring, or a majority of offspring, particularly on Neimoidia, are supplied by state-owned communal females, as it were. The broods that they supply are put into hives or hatcheries, and then wealthy or wealthier families then pay (or even bid) to adopt the strongest survivors. This would save a tremendous amount on the cost of renting a space or using a hive for seven years, as well as the cost to feed offspring. The money used to buy the offspring would go, in part (and probably a small part), towards the female, making this, effectively, a means of survival. This would also explain the frequently used term of “hive mother.”
Wookieepedia appears to individualise “Grub Hatchery” and “Communal Hive,” allocating the former to Cato Neimoidia and the latter to Pure Neimoidia. Given this fact alone, I think it possible that this may reflect a difference, particularly in quality, between the two. Neimoidia is described as a particularly unpleasant planet that the majority of Neimoidians leave as soon as they are able and prefer not to return to, whereas Cato Neimoidia is where only the wealthiest Neimoidians are allowed to live. It would seem to me that the majority of Neimoidia’s population is of poorer, perhaps more labour-oriented Neimoidians (perhaps stragglers left behind from their broods or simply those who are down on their luck), who cannot afford more luxurious accommodation for their offspring; it would then make sense that a “communal” hive would be available for them. It is just as it describes, however: communal. I like to imagine a large cave-like structure that the Neimoidians have customised into something just about suitable for keeping younglings in – in fact, it would even make sense that they utilise natural structures as a cost-cutting measure. Multiple families would be able to dump their offspring here, for a fee. Since, especially for a poor Neimoidian, a surviving strong child that would later go to the Trade Federation or a similar venture would be a great investment for the future, I would imagine that there is some form of identification in order to tell their children apart from others, as it is highly likely that they would be living among other offspring, and not just their own brood. Given this, I would also imagine that the death rate in these communal hives would be considerably higher than in a more private establishment, which means that some families may not be left with any children at all, after the seven years.
Grub hatcheries, by contrast, probably have much better and cleaner facilities. In fact, Episode III even shows them in buildings (where Plo Koon crashes), which suggests to me that perhaps they may be allocated into rooms or spaces that families can rent for their offspring. The cost would be substantially higher; however, the families would be almost certainly assured a survivor after seven years, given that their offspring need not be in contact with anyone else’s.
-In both cases, I like to imagine that there are either workers or droids who somewhat “supervise” the offspring. They are never in contact with them and never have anything to do with them; however, they would be in charge of updating the parents of any progress, especially towards the end of the seven years, as the parents, or a representative of them, would be require to visit often and supply food for the offspring. This would be in order to allow the parents time to plan bringing a child or children into their homes, such as a room or rooms for their offspring, food, allocating costs towards childcare, perhaps even making arrangements for them to enter a vocational school.
-The idea of the grub hatchery is to weed off the weak from the strong, preferably leaving only the strong alive; however, more often than not, I would imagine that there are multiple survivors, both strong and weak. In the Official Fact File 6, when Nute Gunray’s time in the hatchery is discussed, it recalls how he was able to organise a cadre of weaker, subservient offspring to work for him. He obviously survived, and, since he was effectively paying them in food, I would assume they survived as well. In such a case, I would imagine that, while the strong offspring go home, the weaker ones are possibly sold to the state as a source of labour. Chances are, labour is all they know; if they had spent seven years serving another, they would be unfit in a position of leadership. These Neimoidians would do menial labour on fungus farms or elsewhere, or, if they were particularly fortunate, would work in the office of a high-ranking Neimoidian. It works for the best – the Neimoidians are never unemployed, there is a steady source of labour, and, although their lives would not be luxurious by any means, they still have their lives and the chance to breed.
-In the Official Fact File 6, it states that Nute was “adopted” into a clan and even given the clan name: Nute. This leads me to wonder if perhaps offspring, or a majority of offspring, particularly on Neimoidia, are supplied by state-owned communal females, as it were. The broods that they supply are put into hives or hatcheries, and then wealthy or wealthier families then pay (or even bid) to adopt the strongest survivors. This would save a tremendous amount on the cost of renting a space or using a hive for seven years, as well as the cost to feed offspring. The money used to buy the offspring would go, in part (and probably a small part), towards the female, making this, effectively, a means of survival. This would also explain the frequently used term of “hive mother.”
Neimoidians and Homosexuality
Homosexuality would be not only completely legal in Neimoidian society, but regarded no differently than heterosexuality, and thus there would be no reason to even consider restricting it’s legal status.
First off, let’s all agree that a very large part of the reason homosexuality is frowned upon on so much of Earth, particularly in the past few centuries, is because of religion. I’m not bashing faith or religion (I do separate the two), I’m a Christian myself, but it’s an undeniable fact that some of the worst things in history have been done for religious reasons. That’s why I said “in the past few centuries;” historically speaking, homosexuality was actually considered a norm in places such as ancient China, where there were, I believe, ten Emperors who were either homosexual or practiced homosexuality (one of the most famous being Emperor Ai of Han), and even sacred in certain Native American (you could also argue the Two-Spirit, but that’s more of a trans topic (which, btw, would also be fine in Neimoidian society), African, and Tongan tribes. Let’s also not forget Ancient Greece and Rome.
Secondly, I frankly don’t care what your belief systems are…it’s a natural occurrence. It happens in hundreds of animal species, including humans, and did so long before humans set about spreading religion (and even during!). There are countless scientific reports and journals on the subject, including some species, such as male giraffes, where homosexual encounters occur with a far greater frequency than heterosexual encounters. Denying it is akin to denying gravity. And by the same logic, it would surely have occurred during the evolution of Neimoidians, including the evolution of Duros (who, if you don’t know, are the ancestors of the Neimoidians).
Neimoidians are not the most religious of beings to begin with and, by that fact, wouldn’t have found any impediments from religion, particularly those which have swayed our own views. In addition, Neimoidians see themselves as already physically-, mentally-, and culturally-perfect, and above others, and by that definition, would not see fault in themselves Secondly, if wealth and prominence is born from involvement with another, regardless of sex or gender, why, in Neimoidian terms, should that be a bad thing? Thirdly, one can deduce that a successful Neimoidian would probably have a successful mating history and/or successful partners…again, regardless of sex or gender. I argue that in the case of the Trade Monarch (a title devoid of gender, to begin with), he or she, for a female would be just as likely and just as respected as a male, would be permitted multiple spouses, even from multiple genders/sexes, depending on his or her preference.
I will admit that I don’t think homosexual relationships would be flaunted anymore than a heterosexual relationship would be (but Neimoidians are not emotional, anyway, as they regard the display of emotion as a weakness (which is a canon fact)), nor would they be quite as common as heterosexual relationships, simply by design; however, I don’t think Neimoidians would frown upon them, nor see them any differently to a heterosexual relationship. For lack of a better analogy, it’s a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation for all, regardless of sex, gender, or orientation. To reveal something so personal, including emotion or feeling, is to reveal weakness and even go so far as to evoke a social taboo.
Homosexuality would be not only completely legal in Neimoidian society, but regarded no differently than heterosexuality, and thus there would be no reason to even consider restricting it’s legal status.
First off, let’s all agree that a very large part of the reason homosexuality is frowned upon on so much of Earth, particularly in the past few centuries, is because of religion. I’m not bashing faith or religion (I do separate the two), I’m a Christian myself, but it’s an undeniable fact that some of the worst things in history have been done for religious reasons. That’s why I said “in the past few centuries;” historically speaking, homosexuality was actually considered a norm in places such as ancient China, where there were, I believe, ten Emperors who were either homosexual or practiced homosexuality (one of the most famous being Emperor Ai of Han), and even sacred in certain Native American (you could also argue the Two-Spirit, but that’s more of a trans topic (which, btw, would also be fine in Neimoidian society), African, and Tongan tribes. Let’s also not forget Ancient Greece and Rome.
Secondly, I frankly don’t care what your belief systems are…it’s a natural occurrence. It happens in hundreds of animal species, including humans, and did so long before humans set about spreading religion (and even during!). There are countless scientific reports and journals on the subject, including some species, such as male giraffes, where homosexual encounters occur with a far greater frequency than heterosexual encounters. Denying it is akin to denying gravity. And by the same logic, it would surely have occurred during the evolution of Neimoidians, including the evolution of Duros (who, if you don’t know, are the ancestors of the Neimoidians).
Neimoidians are not the most religious of beings to begin with and, by that fact, wouldn’t have found any impediments from religion, particularly those which have swayed our own views. In addition, Neimoidians see themselves as already physically-, mentally-, and culturally-perfect, and above others, and by that definition, would not see fault in themselves Secondly, if wealth and prominence is born from involvement with another, regardless of sex or gender, why, in Neimoidian terms, should that be a bad thing? Thirdly, one can deduce that a successful Neimoidian would probably have a successful mating history and/or successful partners…again, regardless of sex or gender. I argue that in the case of the Trade Monarch (a title devoid of gender, to begin with), he or she, for a female would be just as likely and just as respected as a male, would be permitted multiple spouses, even from multiple genders/sexes, depending on his or her preference.
I will admit that I don’t think homosexual relationships would be flaunted anymore than a heterosexual relationship would be (but Neimoidians are not emotional, anyway, as they regard the display of emotion as a weakness (which is a canon fact)), nor would they be quite as common as heterosexual relationships, simply by design; however, I don’t think Neimoidians would frown upon them, nor see them any differently to a heterosexual relationship. For lack of a better analogy, it’s a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation for all, regardless of sex, gender, or orientation. To reveal something so personal, including emotion or feeling, is to reveal weakness and even go so far as to evoke a social taboo.