Races of the Empire
Humans
Rear Admiral Helena Cain, a Human woman
Humans are sometimes referred to as "Earther" Occasionally the term "Earther" was used to distinguish Humans living on Earth from those resident on colonies on other planets and moons. Some people used the adjective "Earther" to refer to subjects or institutions associated with Humanity (Earther cuisine, Earther literature, Earther art, etc.).
A founding member of both the now-extinct Holy Empire of Treksylvania, and the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon. Human society had changed from what it was for most of recorded history. On Earth, hunger, disease, famine, and poverty had largely been eliminated, largely due to the improvements in technology, medicine, and various forms of agriculture. (though small wars have occurred, no major war has occurred within the empire since World War III, in the Age of the Nation-States). The acquisition of wealth is no longer the primary driving force in the lives of many Humans. An economic system, nonetheless remains in place. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the importance of continued social, personal, technological, and industrial development.
Bilaterally symmetrical bipedal primates, Humans are a warm-blooded humanoid species. They have two hands and two feet, each of which have five digits. The Human hand features an opposable thumb and their fingers have multiple points of articulation. Humans are known to live as long as 160 years. They evolved from the australopithecines. Several related species of humanoids, including the Neanderthals, co-existed on Earth some thirty-five thousand years prior to the birth of the first civilizations, in the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Huang He river valleys. Evolutionary pressures led to the extinction of these other species.
They have two sexes, as is common to many humanoid species. The female of the species is fertile once a month after she reaches puberty until the onset of a biochemical stage known as menopause. Human gestation is significantly longer than the Bajoran five months. The make-up of Human DNA structure is significant, as, with some modifications, it allows them to crossbreed successfully with a wide range of other races across the galaxy, including Vulcans, and Klingons. The average Human is not as physically strong as some species such as Klingons and Vulcans. They are, however, resilient in other ways. They are more adaptable to incarceration than Klingons. They can survive with one lung or kidney, despite having two of both of these organs initially. Humans can also go days without water and weeks without food due to their bodies' ability to conserve water and live off stored fat. Their bodies' efficient temperature regulation allows them to resist and survive cold temperatures that would adversely affect other species such as Cardassians and Klingons, or high temperatures that would be uncomfortable for an Andorian. They also possess more acute hearing than Cardassians. Humans have iron-based hemoglobin in their blood. Each's individual's blood can be one of eight blood types, which includes AB-positive, O-negative and B-negative.
A founding member of both the now-extinct Holy Empire of Treksylvania, and the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon. Human society had changed from what it was for most of recorded history. On Earth, hunger, disease, famine, and poverty had largely been eliminated, largely due to the improvements in technology, medicine, and various forms of agriculture. (though small wars have occurred, no major war has occurred within the empire since World War III, in the Age of the Nation-States). The acquisition of wealth is no longer the primary driving force in the lives of many Humans. An economic system, nonetheless remains in place. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the importance of continued social, personal, technological, and industrial development.
Bilaterally symmetrical bipedal primates, Humans are a warm-blooded humanoid species. They have two hands and two feet, each of which have five digits. The Human hand features an opposable thumb and their fingers have multiple points of articulation. Humans are known to live as long as 160 years. They evolved from the australopithecines. Several related species of humanoids, including the Neanderthals, co-existed on Earth some thirty-five thousand years prior to the birth of the first civilizations, in the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Huang He river valleys. Evolutionary pressures led to the extinction of these other species.
They have two sexes, as is common to many humanoid species. The female of the species is fertile once a month after she reaches puberty until the onset of a biochemical stage known as menopause. Human gestation is significantly longer than the Bajoran five months. The make-up of Human DNA structure is significant, as, with some modifications, it allows them to crossbreed successfully with a wide range of other races across the galaxy, including Vulcans, and Klingons. The average Human is not as physically strong as some species such as Klingons and Vulcans. They are, however, resilient in other ways. They are more adaptable to incarceration than Klingons. They can survive with one lung or kidney, despite having two of both of these organs initially. Humans can also go days without water and weeks without food due to their bodies' ability to conserve water and live off stored fat. Their bodies' efficient temperature regulation allows them to resist and survive cold temperatures that would adversely affect other species such as Cardassians and Klingons, or high temperatures that would be uncomfortable for an Andorian. They also possess more acute hearing than Cardassians. Humans have iron-based hemoglobin in their blood. Each's individual's blood can be one of eight blood types, which includes AB-positive, O-negative and B-negative.
Klingons
Drex, son of War Minister Martok. Klingon male
The Klingons (Klingonese: tlhIngan) are a humanoid warrior species. One of the major races of the empire, the Klingons are a proud, tradition-bound people who value honor and combat. The aggressive Klingon culture had made them an interstellar military power to be respected and feared. Klingons believe that they have the instinctive ability to look an opponent in the eye and see any intent to kill.
The Klingon hierarchy was founded some time in the 9th century by Kahless the Unforgettable, who performed many heroic feats including the unification of the Klingon people when he killed the tyrant Molor. Kahless came to be revered in Klingon society to the point of near-deification, and many aspects of Klingon culture have come to revolve around an emulation of Kahless' life. The warrior ethos has been an important aspect of Klingon society since the time of Kahless.
Klingon society is extremely complex. Klingon society is based on a feudal system organized around traditional Great Houses of noble lineage, to which various parts of the population owed fealty. The Great Houses are traditionally represented in the Klingon High Council, which in turn supply representatives to the Imperial Parliament. Males traditionally dominate public life in the Empire, assuming the leading roles in politics and the military with only rare exceptions. Women, in turn, traditionally dominate the household and the management of the family's affairs. Klingon women are treated as equals except in politics and matters of inheritance. They are prohibited by law from serving in the High Council and cannot take control of their Houses unless they have the money and no male successors of the lineage. Otherwise, Klingon women are expected to exhibit the same physical prowess and lust for blood and honor as the men.
Klingon society functions through a system of family reputation and honor. Tradition is an integral part of their lives and breaking from observances is considered a grievous insult to society, an insult that is not forgotten easily. An offense usually brings shame to the offender's name for several generations. The highest shame is discommendation, an action by the High Council to officially strip a Klingon of his personal or family honor. Bloodlines and relations are also taken very seriously by any "true" Klingon. An integral part of tradition is the various rituals that mark milestones in a Klingon's life or the history of the Empire. Most notable of the rites is the Rite of Succession, which a future leader of the Empire must complete with a valid Arbiter of Succession overseeing the proceedings (Michael I underwent a Rite of Succession for his acknowledgement as leader of the Klingon people. Future War Minister, Martok, acted as Arbiter). Individual Klingon warriors are expected to go through the Rite of Ascension to be recognized as a full adult. If the house that an individual Klingon belongs to is dissolved or falls into dishonor, he can be adopted into another house through the R'uustai or alternative ceremonies that symbolically mark the joining of kinship and allegiance. Klingons are extremely territorial, which makes them perfect for administering the periphery of Imperial space closest to the Cherokee, whom the Klingons regard as "blood-warriors".
The most distinctive feature of Klingon anatomy is a sagittal crest, beginning on the forehead and often continuing over the skull. The cranium is encased in an exoskeleton, which possesses a feature known as the tricipital lobe. On average, Klingons are larger and physically stronger than Humans, though they possess a much lower tolerance for cold weather.
Internally, Klingon anatomy is markedly different from that of Humans. There is a great deal more multiple redundancy in their organs, a principle they call brak'lul. This allows Klingons to survive severe injuries in battle. They have twenty-three ribs, two livers, an eight chambered heart, three lungs, and even redundant neural function and multiple stomachs. Some geneticists believe that the extra organs, notably the third lung, evolved to give Klingons greater stamina on the battlefield. Surprisingly, Klingons have relatively little knowledge of their own biology and their medicine is very poorly developed. This is largely due to their warrior traditions – a Klingon who is wounded is expected to be left to survive through his own strength, die, or to undergo the hegh'bat, a form of ritual suicide.
Klingon pregnancies normally run thirty weeks, but with mixed species, gestation times are shorter. The odds against Klingon-Human conceptions are rather high; however, when successful, Klingon and Human metabolisms sometimes clashes, causing biochemical fluctuations in the mother, which may lead to fainting. Klingon traits remain dominant for several generations, even with a single ancestor; therefore, a child even ¼ Klingon still possesses forehead ridges if he or she carries the gene. Klingon children mature far more quickly than Human children. At the age of only one Earth year, a Klingon child has the appearance a Human child has at about four. By the age of eight Earth years, a Klingon attains the maturity a Human doesn't reach until about age sixteen. When Klingon children begin growing into adults, they go through jak'tahla, a Klingon form of puberty. Like other mammalian species, Klingon females are capable of lactating to breast-feed infants. Klingons tend to live for over 150 years, but even into advanced old age, they tend to still be strong enough for combat.
Once a Klingon died, the spirit was considered to have exited the body, leaving behind a worthless shell to be disposed of. In the Klingon death ritual, it is traditional for those on hand to howl into the sky as a warning to the afterlife that a Klingon warrior was about to arrive. In some cases a funeral dirge is sung in memory of the deceased, or friends sit with the body to protect it from predators, a practice known as ak'voh.
Furthermore, a Klingon who is unable to fight, and hence is unable to live as a warrior anymore, has the traditional obligation of committing the hegh'bat, which is the Klingon ritual suicide. Tradition dictates that the eldest son or a close personal friend must assist. That person's role is to hand the dying Klingon a knife so that he can plunge it into his heart, remove it, and then wipe the blood on his own sleeve.
If a Klingon warrior strikes another Klingon with the back of his hand, it's interpreted as a challenge to the death. Klingon warriors speak proudly to each other; they don't whisper or keep their distance. Standing far away or whispering are considered insults in Klingon society.
When going into battle, Klingon warriors often sing the traditional warriors' anthem, which is essentially an invocation to Kahless and a pledge to win a good death in battle. When choosing a mate, it is traditional for a female Klingon to bite the male's face, allowing her to taste his blood and get his scent. Klingon daughters traditionally are given a piece of jewelry called a jinaq when they become old enough to select a mate.
The Klingon hierarchy was founded some time in the 9th century by Kahless the Unforgettable, who performed many heroic feats including the unification of the Klingon people when he killed the tyrant Molor. Kahless came to be revered in Klingon society to the point of near-deification, and many aspects of Klingon culture have come to revolve around an emulation of Kahless' life. The warrior ethos has been an important aspect of Klingon society since the time of Kahless.
Klingon society is extremely complex. Klingon society is based on a feudal system organized around traditional Great Houses of noble lineage, to which various parts of the population owed fealty. The Great Houses are traditionally represented in the Klingon High Council, which in turn supply representatives to the Imperial Parliament. Males traditionally dominate public life in the Empire, assuming the leading roles in politics and the military with only rare exceptions. Women, in turn, traditionally dominate the household and the management of the family's affairs. Klingon women are treated as equals except in politics and matters of inheritance. They are prohibited by law from serving in the High Council and cannot take control of their Houses unless they have the money and no male successors of the lineage. Otherwise, Klingon women are expected to exhibit the same physical prowess and lust for blood and honor as the men.
Klingon society functions through a system of family reputation and honor. Tradition is an integral part of their lives and breaking from observances is considered a grievous insult to society, an insult that is not forgotten easily. An offense usually brings shame to the offender's name for several generations. The highest shame is discommendation, an action by the High Council to officially strip a Klingon of his personal or family honor. Bloodlines and relations are also taken very seriously by any "true" Klingon. An integral part of tradition is the various rituals that mark milestones in a Klingon's life or the history of the Empire. Most notable of the rites is the Rite of Succession, which a future leader of the Empire must complete with a valid Arbiter of Succession overseeing the proceedings (Michael I underwent a Rite of Succession for his acknowledgement as leader of the Klingon people. Future War Minister, Martok, acted as Arbiter). Individual Klingon warriors are expected to go through the Rite of Ascension to be recognized as a full adult. If the house that an individual Klingon belongs to is dissolved or falls into dishonor, he can be adopted into another house through the R'uustai or alternative ceremonies that symbolically mark the joining of kinship and allegiance. Klingons are extremely territorial, which makes them perfect for administering the periphery of Imperial space closest to the Cherokee, whom the Klingons regard as "blood-warriors".
The most distinctive feature of Klingon anatomy is a sagittal crest, beginning on the forehead and often continuing over the skull. The cranium is encased in an exoskeleton, which possesses a feature known as the tricipital lobe. On average, Klingons are larger and physically stronger than Humans, though they possess a much lower tolerance for cold weather.
Internally, Klingon anatomy is markedly different from that of Humans. There is a great deal more multiple redundancy in their organs, a principle they call brak'lul. This allows Klingons to survive severe injuries in battle. They have twenty-three ribs, two livers, an eight chambered heart, three lungs, and even redundant neural function and multiple stomachs. Some geneticists believe that the extra organs, notably the third lung, evolved to give Klingons greater stamina on the battlefield. Surprisingly, Klingons have relatively little knowledge of their own biology and their medicine is very poorly developed. This is largely due to their warrior traditions – a Klingon who is wounded is expected to be left to survive through his own strength, die, or to undergo the hegh'bat, a form of ritual suicide.
Klingon pregnancies normally run thirty weeks, but with mixed species, gestation times are shorter. The odds against Klingon-Human conceptions are rather high; however, when successful, Klingon and Human metabolisms sometimes clashes, causing biochemical fluctuations in the mother, which may lead to fainting. Klingon traits remain dominant for several generations, even with a single ancestor; therefore, a child even ¼ Klingon still possesses forehead ridges if he or she carries the gene. Klingon children mature far more quickly than Human children. At the age of only one Earth year, a Klingon child has the appearance a Human child has at about four. By the age of eight Earth years, a Klingon attains the maturity a Human doesn't reach until about age sixteen. When Klingon children begin growing into adults, they go through jak'tahla, a Klingon form of puberty. Like other mammalian species, Klingon females are capable of lactating to breast-feed infants. Klingons tend to live for over 150 years, but even into advanced old age, they tend to still be strong enough for combat.
Once a Klingon died, the spirit was considered to have exited the body, leaving behind a worthless shell to be disposed of. In the Klingon death ritual, it is traditional for those on hand to howl into the sky as a warning to the afterlife that a Klingon warrior was about to arrive. In some cases a funeral dirge is sung in memory of the deceased, or friends sit with the body to protect it from predators, a practice known as ak'voh.
Furthermore, a Klingon who is unable to fight, and hence is unable to live as a warrior anymore, has the traditional obligation of committing the hegh'bat, which is the Klingon ritual suicide. Tradition dictates that the eldest son or a close personal friend must assist. That person's role is to hand the dying Klingon a knife so that he can plunge it into his heart, remove it, and then wipe the blood on his own sleeve.
If a Klingon warrior strikes another Klingon with the back of his hand, it's interpreted as a challenge to the death. Klingon warriors speak proudly to each other; they don't whisper or keep their distance. Standing far away or whispering are considered insults in Klingon society.
When going into battle, Klingon warriors often sing the traditional warriors' anthem, which is essentially an invocation to Kahless and a pledge to win a good death in battle. When choosing a mate, it is traditional for a female Klingon to bite the male's face, allowing her to taste his blood and get his scent. Klingon daughters traditionally are given a piece of jewelry called a jinaq when they become old enough to select a mate.
Romulans
Admiral Haakona, a Romulan male
The Romulans are a humanoid race from the planet Romulus, just outside the borders of the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon. The Romulans are biological cousins of Vulcans, as they are descended from those who rejected Surak's reforms during the Time of Awakening.
When Surak's reforms of embracing logical principles and rejecting emotions spread rapidly across Vulcan in the 4th century, a minority rejected Surak's ideals. Those who marched beneath the banner of the raptor, which became the symbol of the Romulan Star Empire, departed Vulcan in the 4th century. At some point, the group settled on twin planets that became known as Romulus and Remus. While Romulus was a Class M planet, Remus was a harsh planet notable only for its dilithium deposits. These two worlds were the foundation of an interstellar power which eventually joined the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon (though the Twin Worlds remain, for now, outside the border of Imperial space. Plans have been finalized to incorporate the Twin Worlds, which would give the Romulans the distinction of being the first race whose home planets are part of the empire).
Due to their shared ancestry, Vulcans and Romulans possessed very similar physiology. Romulans had pointed ears, eyebrows that were arched and up-swept, and copper-based blood that appeared green when oxygenated in the arteries, or copper or rust-colored when deoxygenated in the veins. Most Romulans have two brow ridges above the bridge of their nose, forming a V-shape on the forehead. However, a minority of Romulans lack these ridges, making them outwardly indistinguishable from Vulcans. Despite their common ancestry there are also many subtle internal physiological differences between Vulcans and Romulans. This was evidenced in Dr. Beverly Howard's failed attempt to treat a Romulan, Patak, who had suffered advanced synaptic breakdown, with the methods used to treat Vulcans. In fact, it was later determined that the genetic similarities between Romulans and Klingons allow for the two species to have a compatible ribosome match to effect treatment. There are numerous instances of Romulans successfully mating with other species, as evidenced in Sela (Romulan/Human), Ba'el (Romulan/Klingon), and the father of Simon Tarses (Romulan/Human). Romulans lack the rigorous mental disciplines developed by the followers of Surak. They are a passionate people, easily moved to extreme emotions. However, like their biological cousins, Romulans possess greater physical strength than that of a Human.
When Surak's reforms of embracing logical principles and rejecting emotions spread rapidly across Vulcan in the 4th century, a minority rejected Surak's ideals. Those who marched beneath the banner of the raptor, which became the symbol of the Romulan Star Empire, departed Vulcan in the 4th century. At some point, the group settled on twin planets that became known as Romulus and Remus. While Romulus was a Class M planet, Remus was a harsh planet notable only for its dilithium deposits. These two worlds were the foundation of an interstellar power which eventually joined the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon (though the Twin Worlds remain, for now, outside the border of Imperial space. Plans have been finalized to incorporate the Twin Worlds, which would give the Romulans the distinction of being the first race whose home planets are part of the empire).
Due to their shared ancestry, Vulcans and Romulans possessed very similar physiology. Romulans had pointed ears, eyebrows that were arched and up-swept, and copper-based blood that appeared green when oxygenated in the arteries, or copper or rust-colored when deoxygenated in the veins. Most Romulans have two brow ridges above the bridge of their nose, forming a V-shape on the forehead. However, a minority of Romulans lack these ridges, making them outwardly indistinguishable from Vulcans. Despite their common ancestry there are also many subtle internal physiological differences between Vulcans and Romulans. This was evidenced in Dr. Beverly Howard's failed attempt to treat a Romulan, Patak, who had suffered advanced synaptic breakdown, with the methods used to treat Vulcans. In fact, it was later determined that the genetic similarities between Romulans and Klingons allow for the two species to have a compatible ribosome match to effect treatment. There are numerous instances of Romulans successfully mating with other species, as evidenced in Sela (Romulan/Human), Ba'el (Romulan/Klingon), and the father of Simon Tarses (Romulan/Human). Romulans lack the rigorous mental disciplines developed by the followers of Surak. They are a passionate people, easily moved to extreme emotions. However, like their biological cousins, Romulans possess greater physical strength than that of a Human.
Remans
Colonel Xiomek, a Reman male
The Remans were the slave labor caste of the Romulan people and were forced to work in the extremely hazardous dilithium mines of their world, until their emancipation by the Intergalactic Empire of Holy Trek as a condition of Romulan citizenship status. Some Remans, if not all, possess telepathic abilities similar to those shown by Vulcans.
the Reman language is "a most complex language" that utilizes pictographs representing certain verb roots. Among the Romulan people Remans have historically been known as great warriors, as such Romulan senators often have Reman bodyguards in their employ to intimidate possible opponents. Remans were used by the Romulan Empire as "cannon fodder" and were often deployed in the fiercest engagements. After the founding of the now-defunct Holy Empire of Treksylvania, the Remans gained equality status and Imperial citizenship, which inevitably freed them of their Romulan masters. Remans today still view His Intergalactic Imperial Majesty Michael I as their "Sole Master" despite the fact they are legally and officially free citizens of the empire.
the Reman language is "a most complex language" that utilizes pictographs representing certain verb roots. Among the Romulan people Remans have historically been known as great warriors, as such Romulan senators often have Reman bodyguards in their employ to intimidate possible opponents. Remans were used by the Romulan Empire as "cannon fodder" and were often deployed in the fiercest engagements. After the founding of the now-defunct Holy Empire of Treksylvania, the Remans gained equality status and Imperial citizenship, which inevitably freed them of their Romulan masters. Remans today still view His Intergalactic Imperial Majesty Michael I as their "Sole Master" despite the fact they are legally and officially free citizens of the empire.
Bajorans
Ilara Naprem, a Bajoran woman
The Bajorans (also known as the "Bajora") are a humanoid species. The Bajorans have one of the oldest and richest cultures in the quadrant. They were among the main founders of the now defunct Holy Empire of Treksylvania, and its successor, the Intergalactic Empire of Holy Trek.
Bajorans resemble Humans in appearance, and are distinguished by a series of four to seven horizontal creases across their noses. Bajorans also feature light and dark skinned variants, although the dark skinned Bajorans appear to be a very small minority. The Bajoran heart is mirrored along a horizontal axis, unlike the Human heart, which is mirrored along a vertical axis. A puncture in the lower ventricle of the heart would cause instantaneous death. Bajoran women gestate for only five months, forming an intricate network of blood vessels between the mother and the fetus. During the pregnancy, Bajoran women are frequently afflicted by bouts of uncontrollable sneezing. Bajorans had a lifespan of at least 100 years, but some have been recorded as living longer.
Bajoran civilization stretches back more than half a million years. The ancient Bajorans were renowned for their accomplishments in science, mathematics, philosophy, and the arts. The greatest of these early Bajoran civilizations was the First Republic, which flourished between 25,000 and 20,000 years ago. During this time, magnificent cities such as B'hala were built. The next great phase of Bajoran civilization began approximately 10,000 years ago, when the first of the Tears of the Prophets were discovered above Bajor. These artifacts ushered in a new era of spiritual connection with the Bajoran gods, the Prophets. By the 16th century (Earth time), the Bajorans had developed sublight space travel and were exploring their home star system with solar-sail spacecraft. Prior to the founding of the Holy Empire of Treksylvania (now defunct), Bajorans followed a strict system of castes known as D'jarras. Bajoran politics is balanced between the secular Chamber of Ministers, led by the First Minister (who also serves as the Bajoran representative to the Imperial Parliament), and the religious Vedek Assembly, led by the kai (who also holds the role of Spiritual Minister for the empire). It is possible for one individual to be both the kai and the first minister simultaneously, though this has yet to happen. Despite their pacifist culture, many Bajorans serve in the Imperial Military and the Imperial Starfleet.
Bajorans resemble Humans in appearance, and are distinguished by a series of four to seven horizontal creases across their noses. Bajorans also feature light and dark skinned variants, although the dark skinned Bajorans appear to be a very small minority. The Bajoran heart is mirrored along a horizontal axis, unlike the Human heart, which is mirrored along a vertical axis. A puncture in the lower ventricle of the heart would cause instantaneous death. Bajoran women gestate for only five months, forming an intricate network of blood vessels between the mother and the fetus. During the pregnancy, Bajoran women are frequently afflicted by bouts of uncontrollable sneezing. Bajorans had a lifespan of at least 100 years, but some have been recorded as living longer.
Bajoran civilization stretches back more than half a million years. The ancient Bajorans were renowned for their accomplishments in science, mathematics, philosophy, and the arts. The greatest of these early Bajoran civilizations was the First Republic, which flourished between 25,000 and 20,000 years ago. During this time, magnificent cities such as B'hala were built. The next great phase of Bajoran civilization began approximately 10,000 years ago, when the first of the Tears of the Prophets were discovered above Bajor. These artifacts ushered in a new era of spiritual connection with the Bajoran gods, the Prophets. By the 16th century (Earth time), the Bajorans had developed sublight space travel and were exploring their home star system with solar-sail spacecraft. Prior to the founding of the Holy Empire of Treksylvania (now defunct), Bajorans followed a strict system of castes known as D'jarras. Bajoran politics is balanced between the secular Chamber of Ministers, led by the First Minister (who also serves as the Bajoran representative to the Imperial Parliament), and the religious Vedek Assembly, led by the kai (who also holds the role of Spiritual Minister for the empire). It is possible for one individual to be both the kai and the first minister simultaneously, though this has yet to happen. Despite their pacifist culture, many Bajorans serve in the Imperial Military and the Imperial Starfleet.
Jem'Hadar
Ilan'itan, Jem'Hadar First
A genetically engineered humanoid race, the Jem'Hadar are the military arm of the empire and one of the most powerful military forces in the galaxy. Jem'Hadar are bred in "birthing chambers." Their growth cycle is accelerated, such that they reach full maturity only three days after emergence. They do not interbreed, and so their species has no females. As infants, Jem'Hadar strongly resemble mammalian species, with a complexion resembling that of Humans; within a day of maturation, Jem'Hadar children already have advanced language skills and cognitive reasoning; as they age, their skin pales to a bluish-white, and becomes scaly and reptilian in appearance. Adolescent Jem'Hadar require food for nourishment. Adult Jem'Hadar do not require sleep, and their sole source of nourishment is the compound ketracel-white, which provides the Jem'Hadar with all necessary nutrients (unlike their kinsmen outside the empire, these Jem'Hadar are NOT addicted to the white as the isogenic enzyme is genetically added to each Jem'Hadar embryo). Jem'Hadar are designed to have excellent vision and strength several times greater than Humans. They also have the ability to "shroud" themselves, a form of camouflage that acts as a personal cloaking field, effectively hiding them and their weapons from both sensors and the naked eye. However, they must drop this effect when attacking. Jem'Hadar have extremely resilient bodies, such that phaser beams on "stun" intensity have no effect on them.
Jem'Hadar are engineered to be soldiers, ship crewers, and bodyguards, nothing more. Their culture shuns all forms of relaxation and recreation, on the belief that such things make them weak. For the same reason, Jem'Hadar fighters, and probably other classes of Jem'Hadar starships, are not equipped with chairs. The Jem'Hadar are genetically engineered to revere the emperor as a god and to be unquestioningly loyal to him. Most Jem'Hadar died young in battle; as such, it was rare for them to live past 15 years of age. Few ever lived to the age of 20, and those who did were awarded the title "Honored Elders." To date, no Jem'Hadar has ever lived to the age of 30. Although the glory of the emperor means everything for the Jem'Hadar, they also show a strong sense of honor for themselves.
Jem'Hadar are engineered to be soldiers, ship crewers, and bodyguards, nothing more. Their culture shuns all forms of relaxation and recreation, on the belief that such things make them weak. For the same reason, Jem'Hadar fighters, and probably other classes of Jem'Hadar starships, are not equipped with chairs. The Jem'Hadar are genetically engineered to revere the emperor as a god and to be unquestioningly loyal to him. Most Jem'Hadar died young in battle; as such, it was rare for them to live past 15 years of age. Few ever lived to the age of 20, and those who did were awarded the title "Honored Elders." To date, no Jem'Hadar has ever lived to the age of 30. Although the glory of the emperor means everything for the Jem'Hadar, they also show a strong sense of honor for themselves.
Tholians
Iskene, a Tholian
The Tholians are a xenophobic, non-humanoid hermaphroditic race with a propensity for precision. A living Tholian is approximately the same height as a Human. It is principally a reddish color, in varying shades, and there is the suggestion of fluid or field motion within the body. Tholians have a hard carapace that is chiefly mineral. There are six thin legs that make it possible for the being to move in any direction quickly; the legs are articulated with joints roughly corresponding to the knee and ankle of humanoid species. Each leg ends in a multi-toed foot. The legs are attached at the base of the torso and are radially symmetric. There are two arms; each have joints analogous to the humanoid elbow and wrist, and each arm ends in a multi-fingered hand. There is a slightly visible neck that is covered on a semitransparent dome membrain that shields the head. Tholians have two glowing spots near the top of their torso. They turn these to face individuals with whom they interact, which suggests they have some sort of information-gathering organ(s). Tholians did have two sexes, but each individual has both sets of sexual organs.
Tholian biology requires high temperatures – in excess of 450 Kelvin (177 °C, 350 °F). They can tolerate lower temperatures for a brief period of time; if they are exposed to too low temperatures, their carapace could crack. In temperatures even lower, a Tholian could freeze solid and shatter. This is pointing to highly exoskeletal anatomy that shields the inner body that has fluidical circulatory system. Tholians are naturally able to emit various forms of radiation, which they could modulate. They can communicate over short distances in this fashion.
Tholian behavior can best be described as aggressive and territorial. Tholians are also renowned for their punctuality. Tholians rarely advance very far from their home system, and are known to kill outsiders caught trespassing in their territory. They are also known to frequently annex surrounding systems outside of their administered portion of the empire, to further isolate their colonies (currently, there is a Class-N moon of Crelm, a Roman controlled world, which the Tholians hope to make their new home).
Tholian biology requires high temperatures – in excess of 450 Kelvin (177 °C, 350 °F). They can tolerate lower temperatures for a brief period of time; if they are exposed to too low temperatures, their carapace could crack. In temperatures even lower, a Tholian could freeze solid and shatter. This is pointing to highly exoskeletal anatomy that shields the inner body that has fluidical circulatory system. Tholians are naturally able to emit various forms of radiation, which they could modulate. They can communicate over short distances in this fashion.
Tholian behavior can best be described as aggressive and territorial. Tholians are also renowned for their punctuality. Tholians rarely advance very far from their home system, and are known to kill outsiders caught trespassing in their territory. They are also known to frequently annex surrounding systems outside of their administered portion of the empire, to further isolate their colonies (currently, there is a Class-N moon of Crelm, a Roman controlled world, which the Tholians hope to make their new home).
Kinshaya
Kinshaya are mammals, and so endothermic. They differ from Earth mammals in sporting six limbs rather than four, this being typical of vertebrate life on their homeworld. The limbs consist of four legs upon which they walk, and a pair of folded wings growing from the back. In an ancestral race, these wings were used for flight, but the modern Kinshaya are too heavy and they’re now retained for display purposes only. The colours on the wings signify family lineage, and when they’re flared these patterns become highly visible. Kinshaya flare their wings as a show of respect; military officers use it to salute their superiors. Kinshaya prefer cooler temperatures.
Soldiers drop to their knees and elbows when in the presence of higher ranking officers, and may offer a bow. This behaviour is especially prominent when they meet with those who are also of higher class, or prominent station. The shrieking call “Aya” is also used on such occasions, signifying deference or respect. Using the term is not required, but failure to do so will certainly be noted, and likely taken as a sign of pointed insubordination.
The Kinshaya are the dominant species of an interstellar political body somewhere in the Beta Quadrant. While they have little contact with the empire, they were known to border the Klingon Empire and have had numerous conflicts with the Klingons dating back at least to the early 23rd century.
The Klingons first discovered Kinshaya near the T'Dakka star system, finding a race that perhaps surpassed them in their war-like nature, which is described as near berserker-like qualities. (The name 'Kinshaya' means 'demon-possessed' within the Klingon language.) Their homeworld is unknown as not even the Klingons now of its name or location. But, according to Kinshaya sources-recently verified by their archenemies-the Breen attacked and destroyed it so thoroughly the surviving Kinshaya were forced to abandon their world and wander. The Holy Order of the Kinshaya is the Kinshaya state. The Holy Order is located a great distance from Federation space and has been a traditional rival of the Klingon Empire for centuries. In the last days of their stay on their homeworld, the Holy Order of the Kinshaya conquered the Kreel. Then, its homeworld was destroyed by a Breen force.
The Kinshaya are nightmarish beings, even by Klingon standards. The average warrior is covered with short, greenish-black fur, stands over two meters in height, and outweighs two Klingon soldiers. Kinshaya have no discernible head, except for a bony swelling atop their shoulders. Their 'faces' consist of two twin-lensed sight organs between the shoulders in front, a flap-covered breathing orifice, and a round mouth ringed with three rows of sharp teeth. There is a rudimentary sight organ in back, capable of discerning moving objects without much resolution or color vision. Their organs of hearing are completely covered by skin, and seem to be vibration sensors more than anything else, though they do communicate by a spoken language. The Kinshaya stand upright, with two arms and legs, but their legs are covered with sharp-edged plates of horn, and loose folds of skin that resemble dark wings hang from their massive arms. They are of two sexes. Both sexes fight in combat, but show no immediately obvious physical differences. To a Human, Kinshaya would most resemble the medieval representation of the mythic griffins. To a Klingon, they resemble demons of their ancient legends.*
Kinshaya seem to wear no clothing or armor, except utility belts and straps from which hang their hand weapons. They are fond of blaster-type hand weapons {similar to those used by the Gorn) and bladed gauntlets that strike as large daggers (some with three or four blades).
Despite their brutish appearance, the Kinshaya are serviceable technologists. The warp drive ships appear as black globes, with their matter-antimatter drives completely enclosed in the hull. (Kinshaya are far less radiation-sensitive than Humans or Klingons.) Weapons systems are of the same type as the Romulans. Unlike the Imperial Starfleet or the Romulan Defense Fleet, Kinshaya ships lack holo-technology of any significance (which puts them behind even the Tholians, who use a rudimentary holo-imaging system when they wish to meet non-Tholians in a neutral setting without the fear of 'ambush'.
Soldiers drop to their knees and elbows when in the presence of higher ranking officers, and may offer a bow. This behaviour is especially prominent when they meet with those who are also of higher class, or prominent station. The shrieking call “Aya” is also used on such occasions, signifying deference or respect. Using the term is not required, but failure to do so will certainly be noted, and likely taken as a sign of pointed insubordination.
The Kinshaya are the dominant species of an interstellar political body somewhere in the Beta Quadrant. While they have little contact with the empire, they were known to border the Klingon Empire and have had numerous conflicts with the Klingons dating back at least to the early 23rd century.
The Klingons first discovered Kinshaya near the T'Dakka star system, finding a race that perhaps surpassed them in their war-like nature, which is described as near berserker-like qualities. (The name 'Kinshaya' means 'demon-possessed' within the Klingon language.) Their homeworld is unknown as not even the Klingons now of its name or location. But, according to Kinshaya sources-recently verified by their archenemies-the Breen attacked and destroyed it so thoroughly the surviving Kinshaya were forced to abandon their world and wander. The Holy Order of the Kinshaya is the Kinshaya state. The Holy Order is located a great distance from Federation space and has been a traditional rival of the Klingon Empire for centuries. In the last days of their stay on their homeworld, the Holy Order of the Kinshaya conquered the Kreel. Then, its homeworld was destroyed by a Breen force.
The Kinshaya are nightmarish beings, even by Klingon standards. The average warrior is covered with short, greenish-black fur, stands over two meters in height, and outweighs two Klingon soldiers. Kinshaya have no discernible head, except for a bony swelling atop their shoulders. Their 'faces' consist of two twin-lensed sight organs between the shoulders in front, a flap-covered breathing orifice, and a round mouth ringed with three rows of sharp teeth. There is a rudimentary sight organ in back, capable of discerning moving objects without much resolution or color vision. Their organs of hearing are completely covered by skin, and seem to be vibration sensors more than anything else, though they do communicate by a spoken language. The Kinshaya stand upright, with two arms and legs, but their legs are covered with sharp-edged plates of horn, and loose folds of skin that resemble dark wings hang from their massive arms. They are of two sexes. Both sexes fight in combat, but show no immediately obvious physical differences. To a Human, Kinshaya would most resemble the medieval representation of the mythic griffins. To a Klingon, they resemble demons of their ancient legends.*
Kinshaya seem to wear no clothing or armor, except utility belts and straps from which hang their hand weapons. They are fond of blaster-type hand weapons {similar to those used by the Gorn) and bladed gauntlets that strike as large daggers (some with three or four blades).
Despite their brutish appearance, the Kinshaya are serviceable technologists. The warp drive ships appear as black globes, with their matter-antimatter drives completely enclosed in the hull. (Kinshaya are far less radiation-sensitive than Humans or Klingons.) Weapons systems are of the same type as the Romulans. Unlike the Imperial Starfleet or the Romulan Defense Fleet, Kinshaya ships lack holo-technology of any significance (which puts them behind even the Tholians, who use a rudimentary holo-imaging system when they wish to meet non-Tholians in a neutral setting without the fear of 'ambush'.