Download Political Overview

Dodec
Non-Canon - Borderlands Trek PBEM RPG Original race
The Dodec are an old, old race, very tightly controlled, rigid social structure and culture.
They had claimed the region of space Phoenix now sits in as part of their domain, but
that was thousands of years before, and they'd ignored it for a long time. They are
currently at a technological level roughly equal to the Fed, but better in some things,
and worse in others. Their culture and technology is based on high levels of modularity
and scalability. Everything is based on the number 12. One of their fleets/clans is called
a Domus, made up of 1,728 small ships (slightly larger than runabouts) each carrying
12 beings. These ships can dock and combine with each other, scaling up their power
and weapons capabilites, and do so as needed for different military applications.
Phoenix was, with great difficulty, able to defeat this domus, and all 20,736 members of
its 'crew.' The problem is, there are another 20,735 domi (fleets) scattered about in their
'territory,' and sooner or later some will come looking to see what happened. As for the
map, you could put a 'rough' territory blob out away from Phoenix in an unoccupied
direction, but realized that it's not an 'active' territory. These domi tend to wander
around, occupy a system for a while (12 cycles), and then move on.
Johvan
Non-Canon - Original Borderlands Trek PBEM RPG Race
Only sentient species found (so far) within the Dyson Sphere, and currently recognized
as the rightful inhabitants and sovereign species.
Click for Additional Information +/-
STAR FLEET INTELLIGENCE
The Johvan Confederacy
Xenograph: Johvan (see biological report “Xeno#559873”)
Recognized Government: True Democracy with Senatorial Representation
Military Organization: None at this time.
Political Overview:
The Federation has been able to learn much about the political process of the Johvan
through the alliances we share. While a mistrust of outside forces exists, the Johvan are
a peaceful and friendly people who value the sharing of ideas.
The political landscape of the Johvan is based on a deeply rooted disdain of “Tepes.”
(See Society) While the Johvan do not believe in the forced imposition of others, they
do value the sharing of ideas. Hence the Johvan have developed a true democracy.
Each Johvan has an equal and inalienable vote which they can exercise from their
homes with the press of a button. Early attempts at this form of government failed due
to the fact that in order for a public policy to be enacted, it needed the approval of 100
percent of the voting population in order to protect the minority from Tepes. The Johvan
then adapted the idea of majority rule. The rationale being that the wants and ideas of
the minority may not be represented, but if 100 percent of the population agreed to live
by a majority vote then the act of Tepes had not taken place.
Each Johvani province elects a representative to the Senate. The duty of a Johvan
senator is to be the public spokesperson for their region, negotiate inter-provincial trade
and commerce and to lobby for the needs and concerns for their province. It is also the
Senate’s responsibility to present legislative resolutions to be voted on by the populace.
The Johvani Senate is presided over by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is
responsible for presiding over political debate and ruling on points of order. The Prime
Minister may also contribute to the legislative agenda provided that the proposed
resolution affects all Johvan. The primary role of the Prime Minister since first contact,
however, has been figurehead of the Johvani people and representative of the Johvan
as a whole.
The capitol city of Hern’Gal (see Hope One Geo-map 787.12) serves as the staging
ground for political activity.
Note: For more information on Johvani Provinces and elected representatives see
Johvani Constitution [appendix A(i)]
Society:
Roughly translated “Tepes” refers to the forced imposition of one’s personal ideals or
beliefs on another, but also refers to the total subjugation of one race by another. Tepes
is considered a high crime by the Johvan. The punishment for such an act depends on
the severity of the occurrence. Publicly and intentionally misrepresenting someone
else’s religious beliefs may warrant a fine, while the suppression or elimination or an
entire religious sect may be punishable by death. Such extreme cases are quite rare in
modern Johvani history and most mild cases of Tepes are settled through public
apology.
This fear of subjugation is a result of the oppression of the Johvani people by the
Builders and then by the Kharians. It has also resulted in an inherent mistrust of
technologically superior societies. While evidence that the relationship between the
Johvan and the Builders was in fact peaceful and voluntary has recently surfaced, fear
of Tepes has not diminished. The Johvani people value personal freedom above all else
including their very lives.
The familial structure of the Johvan is quite similar to that of most Humans. A life bond
is formed between two adult Johvan and from this union comes offspring which stay
with their parents until adulthood.
The Johvani are fast learners who value knowledge and have even allowed their
students to study abroad. Thus a majority of the Johvani people are polyglots and can
speak Federation common. Several have even mastered other Earth languages.
Until recently the Hope One dyson sphere had no night-day cycle. Saepio, the star
enclosed by the sphere, never “set.” Hence their dependence upon and reverence for
Saepio is astonishing. Their clothing is multi-colored and bright to glorify Saepio’s power
and light. Their buildings are mono-leveled and sprawling in order to maximize the
energy output from their roof mounted solar panels, and their agricultural season is year
round. Sexual intercourse, while private, almost always takes place in the out of doors,
usually in private gardens.
Saepio also plays a large part in the dominant religion of the Johvan people. The
Saepiotic Church believes there are two Gods: the cold and punitive Builders and the
warm and forgiving Saepio. Saepiotics believe that the Builders created the sphere in
an attempt to imprison and rule over the mighty Saepio much like they did with the
Johvan people. Saepio drove the Builders from the sphere and took pity on the Johvan
people. Saepio gave the Johvan the power to cast aside the chains of the Kharians, and
devoted all of his power to the care and love of the Johvan. Unlike most known
religions, there are no public Saepiotic temples. Reverence for Saepio is private with
single rooms within Johvani homes dedicated only to that pursuit. These rooms are not
roofed by solar panels and if they have ceilings at all they are made of glass or a
primitive force shield. No artificial forms of light are allowed inside these rooms. Until
recently this has been almost a moot point since the need for artificial light sources was
rare before the night-day cycle came into being.
In addition to their reverence for Saepio, they also fear a reappearance of the Builders
in one form or another during which the Johvan will once again be shackled and
subjugated. This obviously augments their fear of Tepes, their general mistrust of other
species and the slow development of relations between the Johvan and the Federation.
Due to their love of light and color, the Johvan’s artistry is geared more towards visual
arts rather than language arts. While they do have a unified language it is used to
express concrete ideas. In fact when conducting a conversation with a Johvan it is easy
to get the impression that they are a polite but emotionless people. This, however, has
changed with the introduction of outside languages to the sphere. Abstract subjects
such as emotions are generally expressed through the ever changing color of their
eyes, or through painting or sculpting. Johvan artwork is exquisite. The few works of art
that have found their way onto the open market have received enormously high bids.
Despite this, artistry is not practiced as a profession. While works of art may be given as
gifts, the Johvan do not buy or trade the artwork of others. Each Johvan studies art and
color before they can even speak and is expected to create their own artwork to show
their love and devotion to Saepio. When a Johvan dies his or her artworks are sealed
with them in their burial tube before they are jettisoned to Saepio.
Since it is used to convey abstract ideas, their artwork is abstract as well. Due to the
visual rather than literary or aural tradition of their artwork, the history of the Johvan is
subject to interpretation as well. There are, of course, popularly held beliefs which have
been documented in writing.
Appearance:
The Johvan are a small, frail appearing people. Few Johvan grow taller than 5’6” or
weigh more than 160 pounds. Their pinkish complexion, sunken in facial features, and
smooth skin only add to their innocent frailty. The Johvan do possess hair follicles on
their scalp, face, and pubic region and usually grows in shades similar to that of
Humans. There are rare cases of Johvan albinoism in which the hair is a shiny white
color. The lifespan of these individuals seldom reaches adulthood. In all cases, the hair
on their head never grows more than three centimeters, and is often subject to male
pattern baldness. Many men elect to dye their hair rich, vibrant colors. Most Johvan
women elect to shave their heads completely bald.
Despite their appearance the Johvan people are far from frail. Their small slender
bodies hide a highly efficient muscular and skeletal system. The proportionally
speaking, the average Johvan has nearly twice the strength of an average Human.
The appearance of the Johvan has changed throughout their history. Remains retrieved
from mass graves sites dating back to early Age of Construction shows that the skeletal
structure was similar to modern day Johvan. Their upright posture and bone structure
were highly conducive to their efficient musculatory system. Within a matter of a few
generations of being transplanted to the sphere, however, certain bones became
delongated and their posture became hunched and low to the ground. The very short
period of time in which this took place, and the asymmetricality of this change suggests
that this was not a result of evolution, but a change specifically engineered by the
Builders in order to specialize their anatomy to the task of building the sphere, while at
the same time reducing their ability to fight. This theory is supported by the fact that
within a few generations of the Builders leaving the sphere, the Johvan returned to their
original anatomical structure. It was this sudden change that allowed them to overthrow
the Kharians.
By far the most distinctive trait of the Johvan is their eyes. Their eyes change color with
the particular emotion they are feeling. If they are feeling several emotions at once, their
eyes flash between the corresponding colors. These colors coincide with the colors they
use in their artwork to express the same emotions.
The following is a basic list of the interpretation of colors:
• Red - danger, stop, negative, excitement, hot
• Dark Blue - stable, calming, trustworthy, mature
• Light Blue - youthful, masculine, cool
• Green - growth, positive, organic, go, comforting
• White - pure, clean, honest
• Black - serious, heavy, death
• Gray - integrity, neutral, cool, mature
• Brown - wholesome, organic, unpretentious
• Yellow - emotional, positive, caution
• Gold - conservative, stable, elegant
• Orange - emotional, positive, organic
• Purple - youthful, contemporary, royal
• Pink - youthful, feminine, warm, love
• Metallic - elegant, lasting, wealthy
Since their feelings are broadcast through their eyes, the Johvan rarely lie. However
there are a relatively high number of Johvan sociopaths who can control the colors their
eyes emit much like a Human sociopath could fool 20th century polygraphs. It is a
commonly believed by all those who have not made a serious study of the Johvan or
even truly met a Johvan that they emit visible auras around their person which radiate
colors which correspond to their emotional state. This is not true. It is believed that
these assertions are the result of written correspondence from Johvani leaders. The
correlation between the color spectrum and the Johvani emotional spectrum even
permeates their language. Hence when they proclaim themselves as red, or green, they
are not actually physically changing that color. They are merely describing their
emotional state to those who lack the means to see their eyes.
Technology:
The Johvani are perhaps the most technologically disadvantaged race ever to be
offered membership in the United Federation of Planets. This is quite surprising
considering the technological marvel of the Dyson sphere in which they live. Separatist
tendencies combined with hundreds of millennia of peaceful habitation have resulted in
little need for advanced propulsion and weapons systems. Their dependency on solar
power has also slowed technological advance. It should be noted, however, that no
other known race has made more advances in the use of solar power. They have even
created a type of solar powered warp drive.
While the Johvan seem to have mastered space travel millennia ago, their dependence
on solar power has, of course, limited their warp drive technology. Their warp capacity
is comparable to the first human warp drive invented by Dr. Zefram Cochrane. Due to
this restriction of speed and warp duration, their travel outside the sphere is limited.
Johvan space vessels are used as transportation within the sphere as opposed to
exploration beyond and never for offensive or defensive means.
Most of their spacecraft are no larger than the average Federation shuttle. The largest
Johvani ship is a class of vessel called the Sae’Tral or “Saepio’s Touch.” It is primarily
used as a freighter with no tactical systems to speak of including shield generators.
Since first contact, however the Sae’Tral class has been modified for diplomatic
purposes. Presently there is no Johvani class of ship which can survive the trip through
the worm hole and there are no plans on developing such a ship.
Before the arrival of the Federation the Johvan had no knowledge of transporter
technology. With the help of Federation engineers they have developed a solar based
transporter beam. This has primarily been used as a form of public transportation but
recently Sae’Tral class ships have been updated with transporter technology.
Weapons development is non-existent due to the lack of conflict since the uprising
against the Kharians. The weapons they do possess are derived from tools dating back
to the Age of Construction and are used solely for sport and ceremony. They are
energy-based but produce only a fraction of the output of Federation grade phased
energy sidearms.
At this time it is unknown the effect the night-day cycle will have on their solar power
dependent technology. They have the capability to store collected solar power in highly
efficient batteries and generators so if they do not presently have the ability to operate
their instruments during the night hours they soon will. It is apparent that the
development of a night-day cycle will hinder further advancement in solar based
technology. Whether they will seek alternate sources of energy or whether their
reverence for Saepio will forbid such a thing will undoubtedly have a huge impact on
future Johvani technological advance.
Due to the terms of the Prime Directive, Federation weapons systems, matter-antimatter
warp core technology as well as most other advanced Federation technologies have not
been introduced to the Johvan until such a time as they become full-fledged members
of the United Federation of Planets.
History:
As stated previously, Johvani history is vague and vastly open to interpretation. All
Johvani historians agree that their chronology can be defined by four periods:
The Pre-construction Era refers to the period of time prior to the arrival of the Johvani to
the sphere. While little is truly known about this period evidence has been found to
support many theories put forth by Johvani historians. Trace fragments of organic
matter found both inside and outside the sphere support the belief that the sphere is not
the original home of the Johvan and that their original home world was destroyed by the
Builders for use as raw materials to build the Dyson sphere. In addition several Johvan
possess highly prized pebbles and vials of soil they claim are from the Johvani home
world and were passed down from their ancient ancestors. While many of these claims
have been proven fraudulent, several have proven plausible (see Johvani Relic
Examinations #771-779, 841, 856, and 870).
Virtually nothing is known of Johvani culture and society prior to their arrival in the
sphere. It is assumed that Johvani heritage was intentionally stamped out by the
Builders in order to enslave the Johvan. This took place during The Age of Construction.
This refers to the Johvani historical period in which the Dyson sphere was being built. It
is believed that the Johvan served as manual labor while the Kharians served as
overseers of the construction and implementers of the Builder’s will. There are some,
however, that believe the relationship between the Johvan and the Builders was one of
cooperation and that the Kharians (Xeno#336765) spread the belief that the Builders
were evil in order to subjugate the Johvani once the Builders left the sphere. This belief
is considered heresy by the Johvani religious community.
It is agreed by all Johvani historians that the animosity between the Johvan and the
Kharians originated during The Age of Construction and culminated in a revolt by the
Johvani to overthrow the Kharian’s oppressive rule. What is not agreed is how this
animosity began. Here are two separate accounts:
The origin of the hostilities between our two races are speculated to have been traced
to the time of the Builders where the ancestors of the Kharians were used as overseers
of the Builder’s work force and the Jovhans were considered by the Builder's as
expendable workers. The Kharian overseers were cruel, brutal and vicious which made
them very effective and this is said to have pleased the Builders. Sociologists speculate
that the war like and aggressive nature of the Kharians may have developed because of
their position during the Age of Construction. After the disappearance of the Builders,
we Jovhan took arms and started a violent revolt. A couple of millions of death from
both sides were inflicted before the Kharians were overthrown and we gained our
independence. At this point, it was recorded that the Kharians left the Sphere in
generation ships and eventually settled in an isolate space they now consider as their
home world and grew to become a small empire known for their warriors and skill on the
battlefield. (For further reading see Jovhan-Lit#755495)
Compare this to another account, also given by the Jovhan, but in a historical
manuscript mainly dealing with semantics and the development of the Jovhan language:
According to the ancient Jovhan language, the word Kharian means, "Great Teacher."
Legends of the ancient Kharian race also seem to point to them as Great Teachers.
They are said to have traveled across much of the galaxy spreading the vast knowledge
their race had acquired over many millennia. There is also much scientific evidence to
support these legends, which seem to show the ancient Kharians as a Great Society of
Thinkers and Teachers. However, something happened to change all that some
thousand years ago. Exactly what happened is not known, and may never be known.
The only thing that is known is that around that time the ancient Kharians turned from
using their knowledge to help and teach, to destruction and war. This is known because
it was this time, some thousand years ago, that the Great Kharian War began. This war,
which involved the Kharians and another ancient people known only as The One,
forever changed the far reaches of the galaxy. Many believe that the ancient Kharians
had not only accumulated great knowledge and wealth, but also a great pride. It may
have been this great pride that led to the war. Could the Kharians have seen the society
known as The One becoming a threat to their dominance? No one knows much about
Kharian Society after the time of the Great War. Since then all contact with them has led
to only one thing . . . destruction. Because of this, according to the modern Jovhan
language, the word Kharian now means, "Destroyer." (For further reading see JovhanLit#777645)
Even though construction of the sphere was finished several thousand years before the
Great Kharian War, The Age of Construction ends with Johvani winning their
independence from the Kharians.
With the end of The Age of Construction comes The Age of Reconstruction. This period
is named such because it begins the reconstruction of Johvani society and culture.
Villages formed from the various work camps the Johvan were once forced to inhabit.
Villages became cities and begat more cities and the Johvan people flourished with the
building skills they adapted during their subjugation. It is this period in which the Johvan
built the civilization that is known today. It is also the period of Johvani history where
concrete historical data is available. Hence The Age of Reconstruction also differs from
the previous periods because we know precisely when it began, 4998 years before the
writing of this report (2405.01.07). The successes and failures of the Johvani people in
rebuilding their cultural, political and geographical landscape are well documented in
historical records and through the artwork of the period (for more information see
Johvani Archives).
The fourth and (debatably) current stage of Johvani history is called The Age of Saepio.
This age is characterized by peaceful existence and a flourishing society. Some Johvani
scholars say that the development of the night-day cycle is the mark of the end of the
Age of Saepio and the beginning of a new age called The Age of Darkness.
Federation Relations:
First Contact was established with the Johvan people in the year 2389 by the USS
Andromeda. While they are not yet official members of the United Federation of Planets,
they are recognized as the rightful occupants of Dyson Sphere Hope One. In exchange
for allowing the establishment of a Federation outpost in the sphere, the Federation has
assured the military protection of the Johvan. This military protection of the Johvani is
currently the charge of Outpost Hope One, which consists of the Starfleet installation
SENTINEL STATION the 21st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 26th Marine
Aerospace Forces.
The relationship between the United Federation of Planets and the Johvan Confederacy
remains peaceful.
Current Situation Overview:
Though relations between the Johvan Confederacy and the Federation remain peaceful,
the alliance between the two has recently become strained with the election of Prime
Minister Tanden Sorr. Sorr has played on Johvani fears of tepes to vehemently reject
the adaption of the Federation constitution and the consequent membership in the UFP.
Sorr has gone one step further and is calling to have the Federation remove itself
forever. Thus far his attempts to implement this agenda have failed, but he has
succeeded in the Federation abandonment of Marine Base Camp Gor’Vosh.
The Johvani government is still allowing us to research the scientific and engineering
aspects of the sphere, however, and this is currently the highest priority of Outpost
Hope One.
Personal Notation:
It is this officers opinion that the Johvani Confederacy is in an extremely dangerous time
in their political development. It is obvious that Prime Minister Sorr has designs for his
office that are not totally in line with the best interests for the future of the Johvani
people. Time will tell what these designs are and whether the Johvan will see through
Sorr’s righteous façade and choose to make their mark on the galactic community as
full fledged members of the United Federation of Planets.
Major Quincy Traswell
COMMARFORHOPEONE
Federation Outpost Hope One.
Klim
Non-Canon - Original Borderlands Trek PBEM RPG Race
Discovered by a Phoenix science team circa 2396ish: Near the Gerosh Wormhole,
there was a dimensional rift, inside of which was found a planet wherein the occupants
had learned how to live in a 4Dimensional environment - and had, through their own
actions, practically bombed themselves into a never ending temporal cycle. While the
Klim themselves no longer exist, they left behind two key pieces of knowledge: (1)
information regarding the temporal nature of the asteroid field where Phoenix is located,
and (2) information regarding what not to do when living in a 4D society. It was due to
this exploration that the 4D syndrome broke out on Phoenix, to which Dr. T'Sing,
Phoenix CMO at the time, was able to find and manufacture a cure.
Kharian Empire
Non-Canon - Original Borderlands Trek PBEM RPG Race
Aggressive protagonist race, ex colonial power that ruled over the Johvan and the
Sphere. Currently they are technically "at war" with the UFP, but an uneasy truce has
been in effect for some time.
Click for Additional Information +/-
STAR FLEET INTELLEGENCE - RESTRICTED ACCESS
KHARIAN EMPIRE
Xenograph: Kharian _ (see biological report “Xeno#336765”)
Recognized Government: Triumvirate, supported by the Imperial Senate.
Military Organization:
- Kharian Imperial Army - Size Unknown - ranked as “Formidable”
- Kharian Imperial Navy - Size Unknown - ranked as “Formidable”
(AAR’s and other military reports are available on a N-T-K basis only. Some brief details
are however included below under “Recent Contact”).
Political Overview:
Reliable intelligence concerning the Kharian Empire is scant and very hard to come by.
In essence, the Empire has a closed border and the Senate strictly controls all access
to the Empire from outside. Most intel is therefore either of dubious quality due to the
speculative nature of its suppositions, or else may be considerably outdated and only
available due to seismic shifts in the Empire’s sphere of influence.
Regardless of these facts, some aspects of the Imperium can be recorded with a
degree of certainty. In essence, the Empire is made up of a system of provinces, each
of which is ruled by a governing Clan, appointed to that position by the Imperial Senate.
The Senate itself is made up of representatives from the Major and Minor Clans, who in
turn represent the diverse extended “families” from which Kharian society is made up. A
complex system of political ties is engendered by the strategic alliance of houses, but
rarely between actual Clans.
The Senate reports to a Triumvirate ruling body, made up of the head of the three most
influential Clans. At the time of our last reliable intelligence (2392.11.) the Clans of
Brin'ak, Turg'ak and Gret'ak were in control, although clan Brin'ak was rumored to be in
decline and several potential rivals from the other Major Clans were positioning in order
to usurp their role within the Triumvirate.
Within the realm of government, the majority of the functions of the Empire are
controlled through various “Ministries” responsible for the day to day running of the
Empire. Control of these agencies is highly sought after, and is granted by the Senate,
much like provincial governorships. The most influential Ministries are those of “Trade”,
“War” and “Acquisitions”. The first two are self explanatory, the third, Acquisitions, is a
little more vague, and appears to represent a combined Intelligence and offensive
capabilities role. Regardless of role, Chief Ministers for any department have almost
absolute authority in regards to their individual spheres of influence, subject only to
oversight by the Senate itself.
On a more fundamental level, Kharian society is very clearly structured and almost
every aspect of political life is formally arranged by class. From the Triumvirate, to the
Senate, to the patriarch of the clan, to the heads of the minor clans, to the heads of any
“subject” clans, to the extended families, to the individual family, to the individual. From
top to bottom, the success of each part is connected to, and intrinsic with the whole.
Outside of this system their exists three other classes:
- Slave: Either a conquered species that has been enslaved or members of a Kharian
clan that has been condemned by the Senate as renegade and striped of it’s rights
within the system. In this case ALL members of the clan are subject to the same fate.
- Subject Race: Non Kharian species that have been conquered and subjugated. Over
time a species can gain this “elevated” status through exemplary service to the Empire,
mainly through the provision of shock troops for the Imperial Army.
- Criminal: Any Kharian who has been convicted of a criminal act (either by his clan or
the Imperium) but who has not warranted death as a punishment. Although criminals
are branded and stripped of all their rights as citizens, they can regain some semblance
of position within society through outstanding acts of bravery or intelligence (such as
scientific discovery for example). The Imperial Army is thought to have a cadre of
criminal recruits trained for “suicide” missions, which would ensure the restitution of the
individual’s rights should he survive, but this is only speculation and has not been
verified through any hard data.
Society:
What is known about the modern Kharian has been taken from various fragmented
accounts. Because of the origins of this information, no one is sure how accurate it
actually is. As discussed above, the Empire is organized as a clan based society. The
origin of this system is unknown, but speculation based upon the limited historical data
available suggests that the major "clans" are made up of the descendent of ancient
founding families. Those who are not descended from one of these families work all
their lives to be adopted by one. As a member of a clan, a Kharian is trained and drilled
from early childhood to assume a role within the clan upon entering adulthood. Early
training is basically the same for all clan members. Around the age of thirteen however,
each individual begins down their own "path."
There are three known paths:
- Path of the Warrior
- Path of the Thinker
- Path of the Leader
Each clan has a particular path that they specialize in, and have come to be known for.
What each of the paths actually consists of is not known, but due to anecdotal evidence
and a limited number of literary references in fragments of Kharian poetry, the primary
clan of each is known. The Clan of Gret'ak is known as a Clan of Great Warriors and its
members are often found in command of primary vessels. Clan Turg'ak are the primary
leaders of the Kharian society, and are believed to have been in power for over 500
years. Clan Brin'ak are believed to be the ancestors of the primary families in ancient
Kharian society, and the protectors of thought and knowledge in the modern society.
Kharian tradition dictates that the part of the body that is strongest be displayed as a
symbol of honor. This has led to the distinctive clothing and uniform style worn by
members of the Empire.
Those who have completed the "Path of the Leader" show their heart. This is because
the heart is said to be the part of the body where leadership flows. Accordingly the
uniform of a Kharian of the Leadership Path is often low across the chest with a narrow
opening from the neck to just below the heart.
Kharians who have taken the "Path of the Thinker" appear to wear a conservative
uniform, exposing only the area above the neck and the hands. We believe this is done
because the head is the source of all knowledge and the hands the workers of
knowledge.
Followers of the "Path of the Warrior" wear a uniform of armor. However, the armor
exposes both arms, the neck and upper chest area, and the head entirely. The Armor is
also made of a tight fitting material which closely fits its wearer, done ostensibly
because the body is the tool of a warrior. The armor material is tight fitting and thin, but
has a soft quilted padding appearance. Warriors carry a slim, but strong and flexible
“sword” strapped to their back, in addition to any energy/phaser weapons that might
have. This sword appears to be a relic of ancient times, and is believed to be highly
prized. Evidence suggests that these items are passed from warrior to warrior within the
clan as a mark of respect and filial duty.
It should be noted that, whilst these three paths are recognized as directing a Kharian
youth towards obvious goals, they are not hard and fast (as far as we can ascertain).
For example, one of the greatest leaders from known Kharian mythology was the
Warrior Denew of the clan Ruel’ak (now thought to be extinct – see “Kharian-Lit#878”).
In essence, whatever path is chosen for the individual, it is always subject to the idea
that what is most needed for the clan is what will be done.
Appearance:
In physical appearance all Kharian bare a striking resemblance to one another, which
has led many Federation Scientists to believe that their may have been some sort of
selected breeding program during some point in Kharian history.
Kharians have a bronzed skin color, which grows darker as they age. Because of this it
is very easy to tell the elder members of each Clan. It also has been reported that the
darker members are also the higher ranking members. Their hair is a silky black, with
small spots of white as they age. The speckles of white in their jet black hair are said to
resemble a clear night sky. Reports show that the eldest of each Clan has hairs the
color of the Terran spice known as black pepper.
Kharian eyes are the only known of their type. The eye has a double pupil, although this
is barely visible without close inspection. This double pupil gives them a 270-degree
field of view. It also gives them an uncanny ability at the detection of movement,
distance, depth, and other properties of sight. Coupled with an apparent ability to
partially see into the infrared and ultraviolet ends of the spectrum, the eyesight of a
Kharian is believed to be peculiarly acute. Mythos would suggest that great Kharian
warriors can predict an opponent's movements by "seeing" muscle contractions and
heat buildup from blood flow.
Both the Males and Females have very athletic bodies. This does not suggest that
individuals are especially strong, due to the wry frame and muscle structure of their
species. However, they appear to be remarkably agile and toned, and not inclined to
indulging to excess, as a rule.
Kharian males have a small strip of hair tracing the bottom edge of their skull. The
males carry their clan markings, a black tattoo, in a narrow band around the head. This
is thought to denote position within the clan, or possibly professional status, although
this is not reliably known.
Kharian females have a full head of flowing hair, which often reaches to their waist. The
Female clan markings are carried in a small band around their left wrist. One strange
quality of females is that a small percentage are born with deep emerald eyes. Since all
others, both males and females, have black eyes only, the few with emerald eyes are
considered treasures of beauty.
Clan markings are thought to be administered upon reaching maturity.
(For further biological data see report “Xeno#336765”)
Technology:
Kharian technology is remarkably diverse, as is to be expected from an Empire that has
spanned so many years and light space. Most of the intelligence we have concerning
current technical abilities is of a military nature, which appears to be indicative of
Kharian society in general, the Military being a driving force in most things (to the best
of our knowledge).
Warp technology has apparently been available to the Empire for a considerable time.
In fact, some of the legends concerning the origins of the Empire itself suggest that
many things, including warp core engineering, were bequeathed to the Kharian by an
older, more advanced race. Certainly, the Empire already encompassed a number of
star systems only practicably accessible by warp drive long before the equivalent
technology was in use by the Federation.
It is worthy of note that, up until very recently, almost nothing was known about the
specifics of Kharian engineering. Whenever an ex-colony or province has been
removed from the Empire, so has virtually ALL aspects of Kharian influence including
infrastructure, buildings, landscaping, literature, machinery, and in many case even the
complete extinction of indigenous life forms. This is one reason why so little is known
about the inner workings or history of the Empire.
One interesting exception to this is the recent discovery of the Delta Quadrant Dyson
Sphere (Designated “Hope One”). Whilst it is not suggested that the Kharian built this
technological wonder, we know for a fact that they dominated the inner surface of the
structure for a number of millennia, enslaving the Jovhan (see biological report
Xeno#559873), the current dominant species within the sphere, discovered to date.
When a popular revolt occurred, and the Jovhan rose to throw off Kharian hegemony,
for some reason not yet known the Empire withdrew from the Sphere, leaving behind a
(relative) wealth of information and even a number of structures and buildings used in
the administration of the province (although, they did appear to remove all records and
advanced tech, as was their regular custom). Why the Empire did not mount an assault
and re-capture the Inner surface is unclear. The Jovhan have no technical ability to
match that of the Kharians, or to fight off such an attack.
By far the most distinctive thing about Kharian engineering is their Star Ship design.
They are not thought to have any separate scientific, transport, or military class vessels,
but appear to have only one, adaptable design. However, no two ships are ever exactly
the same. The hull material has a deep blue-black color and is perfectly smooth. There
are no flat planes anywhere on the exterior of their vessels, but rather a series of
flowing curves. One of the distinctive features of this design approach is that there are
no obvious hatches, doors or loading bays designated on the hull. Electro-magnetic flux
within the structure appears to re-arrange the molecular integrity of the hull, allowing for
openings to appear and then seal again. Whether this happens at designated places, or
is possible throughout the ship is unknown.
Very little is known about Kharian weapons systems or propulsion. One of the main
problems being that the Empire rarely leaves anything behind after an engagement. In
the last 25 years there has only ever been one captured KIN vessel (See Marine Intel
Report on the capture of KIN “Temor” by Lt. Cloud Avian - 2401.10.21). Even when
sustaining heavy casualties, the Kharian Navy never leaves a ship behind, preferring to
open fire on it’s own vessels rather than leave them to the enemy. At the same time,
they rarely, if ever, leave any wreckage of enemy ships, so very little intel can be
gleaned from analysis of the pulverized scraps of debris that their weapons leave
behind them.
There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the Kharian use a cloaking device similar to
that in use by both the Romulan and Klingon Navy’s, although that is still currently
purely speculative.
The capture of the KIN “Temor”, during the renegade attack on Hope One has been a
vital opportunity for Star Fleet intelligence to gather data on Kharian Tech. So far,
however, it has proved to be a difficult task, with the Temor refusing to give up much in
the way of secrets. The further investigation of this vessel is listed as “Highest Priority”
by Star Fleet command, and is currently being carried out under the auspices of Col.
William Ferrell of the Intelligence Corps. (For further information see ***restricted*** )
Recent Contact:
The majority of Federation interaction with the Kharian Empire is due to the expansion
of Federation interests into the Delta Quadrant, and our subsequent contact with the
Jovhan within the Dyson Sphere “Hope One”. The enmity between these two races is
palpable, and quite understandable given the history between the two. Jovhan records
have provided a lot of what we know about the Kharians, although it is worth noting that
their histories appear to be somewhat biased. Here, for example, is the Jovhan
description of the origins of the Kharian Empire, as recorded in an account of the revolt:
The origin of the hostilities between our two races are speculated to have been traced
to the time of the Builders where the ancestors of the Kharians were used as overseers
of the Builder’s work force and the Jovhans were considered by the Builder's as
expendable workers. The Kharian overseers were cruel, brutal and vicious which made
them very effective and this is said to have pleased the Builders. Sociologists speculate
that the war like and aggressive nature of the Kharians may have developed because of
their position during the Age of Construction. After the disappearance of the Builders,
we Jovhan took arms and started a violent revolt. A couple of millions of death from
both sides were inflicted before the Kharians were overthrown and we gained our
independence. At this point, it was recorded that the Kharians left the Sphere in
generation ships and eventually settled in an isolate space they now consider as their
home world and grew to become a small empire known for their warriors and skill on the
battlefield. (For further reading see Jovhan-Lit#755495)
Compare this to another account of the Kharian origins, also given by the Jovhan, but in
a historical manuscript mainly dealing with semantics and the development of the
Jovhan language:
According to the ancient Jovhan language, the word Kharian means, "Great Teacher."
Legends of the ancient Kharian race also seem to point to them as Great Teachers.
They are said to have traveled across much of the galaxy spreading the vast knowledge
their race had acquired over many millennia. There is also much scientific evidence to
support these legends, which seem to show the ancient Kharians as a Great Society of
Thinkers and Teachers. However, something happened to change all that some
thousand years ago. Exactly what happened is not known, and may never be known.
The only thing that is known is that around that time the ancient Kharians turned from
using their knowledge to help and teach, to destruction and war. This is known because
it was this time, some thousand years ago, that the Great Kharian War began. This war,
which involved the Kharians and another ancient people known only as The One,
forever changed the far reaches of the galaxy. Many believe that the ancient Kharians
had not only accumulated great knowledge and wealth, but also a great pride. It may
have been this great pride that led to the war. Could the Kharians have seen the society
known as The One becoming a threat to their dominance? No one knows much about
Kharian Society after the time of the Great War. Since then all contact with them has led
to only one thing . . . destruction. Because of this, according to the modern Jovhan
language, the word Kharian now means, "Destroyer." (For further reading see JovhanLit#777645)
What is not in dispute is the fact that Empire appears to still harbors designs upon the
Dyson Sphere, as has been evidenced by their recent aggressive activities in the area.
Within the past 20 years the Empire has established a military outpost on one of the
planets of the nearby Anvyd'Nemyss system. Despite complaints filed by the Jovhan
government, the Kharian Empire refuses to dismantle their outpost, claiming that it is a
precautionary measure against the alliance between the Federation and the Jovhans.
The Triumvirate also declared that anyone aiding the Jovhan would be considered an
enemy of the Empire.
We have, in fact, subsequently been designated as an official enemy of the Kharian
Empire for a second time as a result of the conflagration that erupted during the
invasion of the Delta Quadrant by the life form designated “Species #8472”, in Galactic
Stardate 2399. A fierce battle erupted around an inter-dimensional gateway controlled
by the Kharian Empire, and the ensuing hostilities for control of **Restricted –
Authorized Secure Personnel Only** resulted in a formal state of war being declared
against the Federation. To date, that status has not officially been rescinded, although
open hostility is currently avoided.
The exception to this uneasy status quo appears to be the Dyson Sphere however. Two
separate attacks have taken place against Star Fleet instillations and personnel in the
past 5 years.
In 2401.10 a renegade Usteg (Captain) of the KIN named Tokhr (of the clan Gret'ak)
launched an assault on Star-Fleet outpost “Hope One’, the “Sentinel” orbital space
station and her support vessels, the USS Hunter and the USS Francis Drake. Usteg
Tokhr commanded the KIN Koral, with support from KIN Rekar, KIN Deral and KIN
Temor. Details concerning the audacious attack were transmitted to the Federation by
elements within the Kharian Empire, most notably Chief Minister Thak (of the clan
Turg’ak) from the Ministry of Acquisitions, as this had not been a sanctioned military
operation. In the ensuing battle the KIN Temor was captured, and extensive damage
was inflicted upon the other three KIN vessels, all of which returned to Kharian space.
The subsequent trial of Usteg Tokhr was reported to Star-Fleet via official channels, but
no confirmed reports as to the ultimate sentence has ever been received. It is worthy of
note that the clan Gert’ak, whilst dishonored by Tokhr’s actions, did not appear to suffer
as a whole for his disgrace.
As a result of the capture of the KIN Temor, a diplomatic channel (of sorts) was opened
between the Federation and the Empire. Naturally, the Kharians demanded their ships
return immediately. Star-Fleet obfuscated for as long as possible, but ultimately were
required to acquiesce to their demand, and a “diplomatic envoy” was dispatched to
“Hope One’ to facilitate the return of the vessel.
This group was led by Minister Freylatt (no clan or Ministry were acknowledged by the
Minister, although one of his titles was “Arbiter of Imperial Justice” which suggests the
Ministry of Law) and he arrived with a small entourage in 2403.05.
Opinion is divided as to the Minister’s role in the following sabotage, kidnapping, torture
and eventual all out assault that then took place (see Marine and Fleet reports
**Restricted** for further details). What is not disputed is that another “renegade” Usteg,
by the name of XXXXXXXX subsequently assaulted the Federation ships within the
area and an all out battle ensued. Once again, the Kharian Navy was forced to retire,
and formal objections were lodged with the Imperial Senate by Star-Fleet command. It
has been reported that Usteg XXXXXXXXX was subsequently executed, although that
cannot be confirmed. No information has been received concerning the fate or
whereabouts of Minister Freylatt.
The Captured vessel KIN Temor was not returned, and is still currently under scientific
investigation.
Current Situation Overview:
Tension between the Federation and the Kharian Empire is, at present, quite apparent.
Although technically a state of war exists between our two groups (as declared by the
Kharian Senate) an uneasy truce currently holds true. In regards to the KIN assaults
upon the Dyson Sphere, the Empire officially claims to have no prior knowledge of
either action, and has publicly declared the KIN personnel involved to be renegades and
traitors. It has not, however, disavowed any claim to the Sphere, and to the contrary
continues to regard the Sphere as a renegade province, with the Jovhan as a rebellious
slave species.
Personal Notation:
It is this officer’s considered opinion that the Empire is in a state of gradual decline, and
has been for a number of generations. Although details are always sketchy, it appears
that some of the iron will that forged the Kharian Empire in the distant past has started
to dissolve. I find it remarkable that a full-scale invasion of the Sphere has not taken
place, and I can only assume from this that the will to undertake such a venture has
been lacking within the Triumvirate and Senate. This would account for why the Sphere
appears to be such a hot button topic for the disaffected Military Officers of the KIN/KIA,
who hark back to a more aggressive and dominant attitude of the past. I believe that it
may be seen as a rallying cry to the new generation of up and coming Officers who are
looking to make a name for themselves by reinvigorating the glories of the past.
More extensive study should, of course, take place, and every effort should be made to
learn as much as possible about the structure and political stability of the Empire, along
with it’s available military and industrial/scientific abilities, as a matter of some urgency.
In short, the Empire reminds me of a wounded Lion. A little old in the tooth, but
experienced and strong all the same. And very, very dangerous.
Lt. Cmdr. Morris Northwood
Commanding Officer – Sentinel Station
Federation Outpost “Hope One”
Nebulans
Non-Canon - Original Borderlands Trek PBEM RPG Race
Stoneage technology race living on the planet supported by the nebula near Phoenix.
They are a touch telepathic race, whose DNA contains the natural core ingredient to
ketracel white - which is used in both the Lust Drug production, and for Jem'Hadar
maintenance. Twice, Federation forces have had to rescue the Nebulans from invaders
- first, a mercenary camp of Jem'Hadar had set up shop, using the Nebulans to fuel their
white addiction, while staying independant of the Founders; second, Lust runners had
set up a manufacturing site, where they used the natives to source their product. In the
second instance, Horizon forces aided Phoenix forces in the raid that put the Lust
operation out of business. An interesting side effect of the Nebula itself, is the telepathic
energy that seems to meld with the sentient brain. A microscopically thin web develops
around the brain tissue, creating an artificial, telepathic 'antenna' within the individual.
The first visit to the nebula is the interaction that prompts the brain to create the web.
On second and subsequent visits, the web acts as storage for memories of heightened
emotions or times of stress. The more emotions involved, the more stress, the more the
web stores - and feeds back to the brain, causing a memory feedback loop that, with
most sentient species, rapidly shuts down the conscious mind. Dr. Raynor, a previous
CMO on Phoenix, developed an immunization to the web, which is now a required
immunization for anyone knowingly going into the nebula. Nebula One (the planet) is
considered off limits to all but scientific study teams, due to the primitive nature of the
indiginous species.
Rey'lek
Non-Canon - Original Borderlands Trek PBEM RPG Race
The other half of a symbiotic pair of races. The Rey'lek are the smaller but more
intelligent half of the Rey'lek/Elknar pairing. The Rey'lek once staged an attack on
Starbase Horizon.
Solimenti
Non-Canon - Original Borderlands Trek PBEM
RPG
The Solimenti are a highly mysterious
and xenophobic race located near Rebel
space in the Delta Quadrant. Running
into a Solimenti is not a good thing.
Click for Additional Information +/-
Physical Characteristics:
From casual study, Solamenti appear to be hairless, earless, large-eyed humanoids.
Only upon more careful examination do they reveal their reptilian origins. Their olive
skin is slightly shiny, from micro-scaled skin; their earless, hairless skulls are oddly
wedged shaped, with lipless, slightly beaked mouths (like a truncated turtle's mouth),
small, sharp teeth, lidless, wide-set eyes. Their bodies are compact and muscular, with
nearly palmless, 4-fingered, taloned hands, and splayed feet. Average height for a
male: 5'0" to 5'9"; average female height: 5'3" to 6'0". Men tend toward a whipcord
physique; women are a bit larger and heavier. All Solamenti are incredibly strong,
fabulous climbers and astonishing jumpers.
The Solamenti seem somnolent in their movements normally: slow, cautious, graceful.
When at rest, they seem unnaturally still, like a statue (or a predator). Their voices are
hissing whispers. But when in attack, they move with blinding speed, preferring to leap
high into the air, and land on their targets with their razor-sharp talons.
Culture:
It is a curious blend of matriarchal and patriarchal society. The females own all property,
even the clothes the men wear. They are the center of the culture, the motive force
behind every action. Every action is designed to protect and impress these females. But
the females take NO active part in Solamenti government or military life; they seldom
leave their fiefdoms at all. They rule their households with ajealous strength,raising their
babies, accepting or banishing men -- including their own children -- as suits them. It is
not uncommon for them to destroy their own daughters, to prevent rivalries.
In theory, the men are in thrall to their females, doing only what they are told to increase
the demesne and power of that female; a male's surname is actually the given name of
his primary female (mother or mate). But in practice, it is much more complicated. Men
do EVERYTHNG: they are the warriors, the policy-makers, the active force of Solamenti
culture. Every action they do is motivated by a complex structure of relative rank and
ascendancy.
Each House (female line) is in absolute, bloody rivalry with every other House; there is
NO compromise. Within each House, all the men are in absolute, bloody rivalry with
every other male, trying to gain primacy, and therefore gaining the right to be consort to
the ruling female.
These deadly rivalries are subtle, however; political machinations, assassinations, and
paranoia are the order of the day, not necessarily dueling and blood feuds (though that
does happen, too). This paranoia is extended to alien races, in the form of a rabid
xenophobia. Aliens are the ultimate rival, a threat both to the men's primacy,and the
women's absolute power.
Technology:
The Solamenti are highly advanced, in some ways more advanced than the Federation
or the Romulan Empire, particularly in the subtlety and sophistication of their weaponry
and military hardware. Their ships are NOT as advanced, though they have colonized a
significant portion of their sector of the RNZ. Personal weapons (guns, swords, etc),are
on a level with our own. But they have made incredible leaps in nanotech, mind
manipulation, computer development, and sabotage techniques.
The curious thing is that the Solamenti will NOT openly attack interlopers or those they
consider threats; that is dangerous, and counter to the subtle nature of their own
culture. Instead they will attack by subterfuge, trying to hide their hand in various vicious
attacks.
Solamenti Homeworld:
Star: Salome Spectral :
Class: F0
Mass: 1.5 solar masses
Luminosity: 4.9
Planets: 6
Planet: Haven
Distance from Star: 2.18AU
Satellites: 3
Mass: 1.7 Earth masses
Gravity: 1.5 Earth normal
Radius: 1.1 Earth normal
Axial Tilt: 15 degrees
Day: 19 Earth hours
Year: 2.14 Earth years (781.1 days)
Salome is a hot, blue-white star, deep in the Romulan Neutral Zone. It is part of a binary
system, its partner being a protostar that never reached critical mass and 'ignited.' This
unequal pairing is orbited by 6 planets: four terrestrial, and two gas giants. The two
outermost terrestrials both support life.
The Solamenti originated on the SM3, the inner of the two habitable planets, called
Haven, by the inhabitants. Haven is hot by human standards. It most closely resembles
Cenezoic era Earth, with shallow, hot seas, and low, landmasses stirred by much
tectonic activity.
The atmosphere is much like Earth's, with a slightly higher oxygen content. Due to the
high gravity, that atmosphere feels thick and hard to breathe for a human, with a lower
average humidity. The high revolution rate of the planet, (and the high insolation of the
star) means that much of the time, that atmosphere is boiling with high winds, and fierce
storms.
The oceans are similar to prehistoric Earth as well, being warm, shallow seas, covering
4/5 of the planet's surface. The seas teem with life, as does the land.
Vandicans
Non-Canon - Original Borderlands Trek PBEM RPG Race
The physical appearance of this species is the most obvious difference from that of
most other humanoids. A mane of blue fur covers their neck-line while flecks of red
spots mark their entire body. They arrived at Devu II in a colony ship and numbered
only five thousand of their people. After a tragic accident in which their ship was
destroyed because of long-term damage suffered, those numbers dropped to just over
three thousand. Their homeworld, Vandi, was destroyed by an unknown alien race. It is
uncertain where the Vandicans came from, for all they know is that they have travelled
very far for a very long time. Currently, the Vandicans reside on Devu II in a reservation
just outside of Camp Hunter.