Atorikem-Dha

The Medensatona is a rite of passage in Vurg culture. It is known as the "ritual of pain."

In order to make the transition into adulthood, all Vurg must endure an intensely painful rite of passage called the Medensatona (meaning "ritual of pain" in Virian). The first portion of the rite involves plucking every hair from the body to make way for the removal of the natural skin (although this is done on a regular basis from birth), which is later replaced with a synthetic. The eyes, nose, ears, and nails are also removed prior to the installation of the new skin, and they are fitted with special sensory devices to replace the natural sensory organs, along with a vocal transmitter that enables them to communicate. The mouth is permanently wired shut. Prior to this, any alignment or deformities in the teeth are corrected so the mouth is aligned properly. They are also fitted with a special port which is used for feeding. Most of their feeding is done through this external port, but other nutrition is administered intravenously. Included in this special compound is a chemical that prevents hair and nails from growing.

Since humans do not go through this rite -- it is forbidden for anyone outside the race to undergo the ritual -- they do not fully understand pain (the only known exception to this rule happened when Commander Sleika, who is a torturemaster, skinned Doctor Talmage alive and installed yellow synthetic skin as punishment for betraying the Emperor).