Some Tal'darim headcanons I typed out while I was watching the eclipse with my family.
Nuroka is old. For a Tal'darim, anyway. He was in mid 600s when he fought his duel with Ma'lash, and was one of the oldest Ascendants the Tal'darim ever had
furthermore, he's a former priest of Amon, which is partially why he reached such advanced age, for he spent quite a few centuries within the temples. He was one of his most devoted followers and it was also where he carved Amon's words into his skin, as a sign of devotion and absolute loyalty to him and his cause. He only re-entered the Chain about a few decades before the events of the game, because he believed he will serve Amon better as a soldier and commander than a priest
similarly to Ma'lash (who we will talk about later), Ji'nara's sight is severely damaged as well. Hers was actually due to a Rak'shir duel that she took part in, and since then, she was only able to recover partially. The helmet she wears helps her see, just like with Ma'lash
Ji'nara is Alarak's daughter, an oopsie little mistake he made when he was in his like 60s or 70s and still barely a votary. Both of them are aware that they're parent and child, but neither knows the other knows
Prosthetic limbs and other mechanical aids are frowned upon and shamed by the Tal'darim. It is seen as a travesty against Amon, because how dare you surrender the flesh that rightfully belongs to him, that was so graciously given to you? That which he intends to ascend the Forged into hybrid with, and you just allowed someone to carve a piece of you away and waste it? Disgrace. Cringe
for this reason, Alarak is covered head to toe in armour. All of his limbs are cybernetic and he really doesn't want anyone staring at him, due to the deeply imbedded sense of shame he has over them.
Meanwhile Ma'lash wears the equivalent to metal bikini for the opposite reason. He's flexing. He's showing off his undamaged, fully organic limbs to other Tal'darim, a feat that is rare for a Highlord, not to mention one that kept up the position for as long as Ma'lash had. It is also a warning at the same time. You think he's managed to remain whole this entire time due to dumb luck and a prayer? Exactly. So think twice before you decide to challenge him to a duel, you fool
Tal'darim colonies are majorly found on worlds that have sources of terrazine. You see Taldies somewhere? There's a 90% chance the gas is present. This is because of the way it alters their brain chemistry, so they're easier to control. It's also easier to push Amon's agenda that way. Later, after the war, their presence has become indication to groups of outsiders (like the Spectres) that they may drop is for a limited time to harvest some of this resource before they have to dip to avoid a patrol
Alarak is very tall and built like a brick shithouse. Ji'nara is tall as well, but lean, almost like a ballet dancer. Nuroka is also tall, but tends to slouch. Ma'lash is slightly bellow average, and is lean, rather than heavily muscled.
Ma'lash is blind and has no eyes, although it's not because he lost them in a Rak'shir, as many believe. He lost them during a dive into the Void, the very same one where he discovered Amon's true plans for the Tal'darim. He simply went way too deep, dove so far into the Void that his body wasn't able to withstand the connection and the energies that flowed through him, and the surge severely damaged his eyes, ears and destroyed his nerve cords
