Zen
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
From Varn
The depths of space offer many wonders and anomalies the human mind can only dream of; and some that are beyond its reasoning entirely. Varn is one such anomaly. Located several hundred light years from earth orbiting a nameless star, it is home to a species which shares their name with the planet. Reclusive and enigmatic, the Varn have made little effort to establish formal contact with any of their planetary neighbors, which has paved the way for rumor and misinformation to dominate much of what other species know about them.
But what makes Varn special is not its people, mysterious as they are. The planet itself exhibits a phenomenon unlike any other that has so far been observed. Approximately every 86.3 human years, like clockwork, Varn simply vanishes. It leaves nothing behind; no dust, no radiation, no trace of its existence at all. The time of its absence is variable, but what is truly remarkable is that it never reappears in the same place twice. The only measurable constant is its distance from the star it orbits. It is unknown if this is a natural phenomenon or one created by some kind of bizarre and absurdly advanced science. Either way, it has baffled the scientists of neighbor worlds since the planet's discovery, and any expeditions sent to establish contact have returned empty handed.
I am Varn
Despite the Varn's reclusive nature, there have been sightings and interactions with them recorded by other species over the centuries. One of these was the Illunians. Their planet has apparently been visited by the Varn three times in the past 300 or so earth years, making them the most frequently contacted out of anyone. As such, they are likely the only race to have even a slight idea of who the Varn are.
According to information compiled, the Varn are a race of peaceful monks. Their entire society is devoted to the purpose of "understanding and knowing" the universe. They have no military, no merchants, no workers, and seemingly, no government. The acquisition of knowledge is paramount in their culture, and comes before all else, including a Varn's own life. While this quest is universal for all Varn, the method by which they obtain the knowledge varies and is often hotly debated.
