Civilizations - milky way
Vulcans
The Vulcans have turned introspective and have begun to question their role in the Galaxy.
They have been involved heavily in trying to help the Romulans that were left stranded and homeless after the fall of the Romulan Empire, but many Romulans refuse their help, blaming Vulcans for their downfall.
Some Romulans have resettled on New Vulcan and have formed pocket communities there. Vulcans have had limited success in teaching these transplanted Romulans their ways of total logic. These Romulans are allowed to live by their own native ways as long as it causes no one harm.
There is a movement that has begun recently on Vulcan that believes Vulcans should not be in Starfleet. They see Starfleet as an increasingly military institution (especially after the heavy military build-up during the Borg Wars). This group believes Vulcans should not be involved in war or violence - that there are plenty of other civilizations willing to partake in such things. They believe Vulcans are more useful to the Galaxy in the fields of science and should take a vow of nonviolence. This movement does not have the backing of the Vulcan government yet, but it is being widely debated in depth. It is gaining wider acceptance each year and could become the dominant diplomatic stance within time.
The Vulcans have turned introspective and have begun to question their role in the Galaxy.
They have been involved heavily in trying to help the Romulans that were left stranded and homeless after the fall of the Romulan Empire, but many Romulans refuse their help, blaming Vulcans for their downfall.
Some Romulans have resettled on New Vulcan and have formed pocket communities there. Vulcans have had limited success in teaching these transplanted Romulans their ways of total logic. These Romulans are allowed to live by their own native ways as long as it causes no one harm.
There is a movement that has begun recently on Vulcan that believes Vulcans should not be in Starfleet. They see Starfleet as an increasingly military institution (especially after the heavy military build-up during the Borg Wars). This group believes Vulcans should not be involved in war or violence - that there are plenty of other civilizations willing to partake in such things. They believe Vulcans are more useful to the Galaxy in the fields of science and should take a vow of nonviolence. This movement does not have the backing of the Vulcan government yet, but it is being widely debated in depth. It is gaining wider acceptance each year and could become the dominant diplomatic stance within time.
Klingons
A series of disasters and economic turmoil left the Klingon Empire weak and fractured. They entered a period of rebuilding which was, for the most part, successful. However, political infighting between the Great Houses threatened to undermine the Empire. The Klingon Empire had not had a "good war" in 20 years. Many Klingons felt they would not get into Sto-vo-kor without the opportunity for glorious deaths in battle. Ultimately, their Chancellor was assassinated which led to a string of short-lived pretenders to the throne.
When the Galactic War broke out, it was at an inconvenient time for the Klingon Empire, fractured and weakened by its internal divisions. However, a war with the Romulans and Federation was exactly what the Empire needed to settle its internal problems and turn its energies outwards. The Klingon Empire rebuilt its fleet and modernized its weapons. When the Klingons did finally enter the Galactic War, it made a major difference and helped turn the tide of the conflict.
After several major victories, the Klingon Empire helped bring the ultimate defeat of the Romulan Empire, but at great cost. They knew they could not fight the Federation as well, but would never surrender. The Federation offered a truce. The Klingons agreed, calling it a "temporary cessation of hostilities". The Vulcans tried to invite the Klingons to be an equal member of the new Galactic Federation - formed to help end the War and prevent future wars. This was controversial amongst Klingons, and the best they would agree to was a treaty, a non-aggression pact. Even now, 20 years after the end of the Galactic War, the Klingons have honored their treaty with the Galactic Federation. That they still a powerful fleet and they will be the first to go into battle if any new wars break out.
There are factions within the Klingon Empire that see weaknesses and divisions in the Galactic Federation and tire of the now 20-year "Pax Galactica". The Klingon Empire is growing restless, again, and this is a warning sign for the Federation. They do not know how long the Klingons with be content as allies of a largely peace-keeping organization where all of the major enemies have either been defeated or allied with. The Federation believes if the Klingons have no enemies left to fight, they will turn allies into enemies.
Soon after the Spacefold Gate becomes available for use by other vessels, the Klingons send a warship into Andromeda looking for a glorious battle with unknown aliens.
A series of disasters and economic turmoil left the Klingon Empire weak and fractured. They entered a period of rebuilding which was, for the most part, successful. However, political infighting between the Great Houses threatened to undermine the Empire. The Klingon Empire had not had a "good war" in 20 years. Many Klingons felt they would not get into Sto-vo-kor without the opportunity for glorious deaths in battle. Ultimately, their Chancellor was assassinated which led to a string of short-lived pretenders to the throne.
When the Galactic War broke out, it was at an inconvenient time for the Klingon Empire, fractured and weakened by its internal divisions. However, a war with the Romulans and Federation was exactly what the Empire needed to settle its internal problems and turn its energies outwards. The Klingon Empire rebuilt its fleet and modernized its weapons. When the Klingons did finally enter the Galactic War, it made a major difference and helped turn the tide of the conflict.
After several major victories, the Klingon Empire helped bring the ultimate defeat of the Romulan Empire, but at great cost. They knew they could not fight the Federation as well, but would never surrender. The Federation offered a truce. The Klingons agreed, calling it a "temporary cessation of hostilities". The Vulcans tried to invite the Klingons to be an equal member of the new Galactic Federation - formed to help end the War and prevent future wars. This was controversial amongst Klingons, and the best they would agree to was a treaty, a non-aggression pact. Even now, 20 years after the end of the Galactic War, the Klingons have honored their treaty with the Galactic Federation. That they still a powerful fleet and they will be the first to go into battle if any new wars break out.
There are factions within the Klingon Empire that see weaknesses and divisions in the Galactic Federation and tire of the now 20-year "Pax Galactica". The Klingon Empire is growing restless, again, and this is a warning sign for the Federation. They do not know how long the Klingons with be content as allies of a largely peace-keeping organization where all of the major enemies have either been defeated or allied with. The Federation believes if the Klingons have no enemies left to fight, they will turn allies into enemies.
Soon after the Spacefold Gate becomes available for use by other vessels, the Klingons send a warship into Andromeda looking for a glorious battle with unknown aliens.
Romulans
The Romulans grew bold with the stagnation of the Federation and the misfortunes of the Klingon Empire.
Emboldened by their enemies' weaknesses, the Romulan Empire became aggressive and began expanding rapidly, claiming Federation and Klingon territories as their own. Smaller, less powerful neighbors of the Romulans fell quickly and some other civilizations quickly joined them as allies in an attempt to capitalize on the power and ambition of the Romulan Empire.
This conflict quickly escalated into what became known as the Galactic War. Nearly every known star system was involved to some degree and every major civilization chose sides. Ultimately, though, the Romulan Empire made too many enemies and its allies were too quick to abandon it when the tide of the war turned after the Klingons joined the War against them. The once-impervious Romulan Empire was defeated and it collapsed quickly and spectacularly. Its home planet was devastated and its people fled throughout the galaxy in fear of reprisals.
After the fall of Romulus, the Empire fell apart and never reformed. Romulans split into several tribes and their territory fell into regional wars. Many Romulans attempted to start a new empire, but never amounted to more than regional warlords.
Most Romulan tribes carried on the old culture. Some reunited with Vulcan. A couple joined the Federation and operated under their protection.
Viin’s Romulan tribe declared themselves to be peaceful scientists, dedicated to their old religion and hypermathematics. They also developed their mental abilities, becoming telepaths like Vulcans. This tribe came in close, every-day contact with Humans as the tribe needed to be protected from the many enemies the Romulans had made around the Neutral Zone where they settled. Many former “subject-planets” of the Empire sought revenge on Romulans for their hundreds of years of oppression. Due to this closeness with Humans, Viin’s tribe picked up and adopted much of Human culture and most of her tribe can speak both Federation Standard and traditional Romulan (though more like Old Romulan, which is used in their ancient religious texts). They are very friendly with Humans.
Due to the loss of their homeworld and aggressive neighboring civilizations eager to carve of the former empire, many Romulans have a desire to travel far from their former sector in search of a new home. There is some hope among many of the tribes that a "New Romulus" can be staked out in Andromeda. A home far from old hostilities where they can start over and rebuild their civilization from the ground up.
The Romulans grew bold with the stagnation of the Federation and the misfortunes of the Klingon Empire.
Emboldened by their enemies' weaknesses, the Romulan Empire became aggressive and began expanding rapidly, claiming Federation and Klingon territories as their own. Smaller, less powerful neighbors of the Romulans fell quickly and some other civilizations quickly joined them as allies in an attempt to capitalize on the power and ambition of the Romulan Empire.
This conflict quickly escalated into what became known as the Galactic War. Nearly every known star system was involved to some degree and every major civilization chose sides. Ultimately, though, the Romulan Empire made too many enemies and its allies were too quick to abandon it when the tide of the war turned after the Klingons joined the War against them. The once-impervious Romulan Empire was defeated and it collapsed quickly and spectacularly. Its home planet was devastated and its people fled throughout the galaxy in fear of reprisals.
After the fall of Romulus, the Empire fell apart and never reformed. Romulans split into several tribes and their territory fell into regional wars. Many Romulans attempted to start a new empire, but never amounted to more than regional warlords.
Most Romulan tribes carried on the old culture. Some reunited with Vulcan. A couple joined the Federation and operated under their protection.
Viin’s Romulan tribe declared themselves to be peaceful scientists, dedicated to their old religion and hypermathematics. They also developed their mental abilities, becoming telepaths like Vulcans. This tribe came in close, every-day contact with Humans as the tribe needed to be protected from the many enemies the Romulans had made around the Neutral Zone where they settled. Many former “subject-planets” of the Empire sought revenge on Romulans for their hundreds of years of oppression. Due to this closeness with Humans, Viin’s tribe picked up and adopted much of Human culture and most of her tribe can speak both Federation Standard and traditional Romulan (though more like Old Romulan, which is used in their ancient religious texts). They are very friendly with Humans.
Due to the loss of their homeworld and aggressive neighboring civilizations eager to carve of the former empire, many Romulans have a desire to travel far from their former sector in search of a new home. There is some hope among many of the tribes that a "New Romulus" can be staked out in Andromeda. A home far from old hostilities where they can start over and rebuild their civilization from the ground up.
Ferengi
The Ferengi were not well-known to the Federation at the onset of the Galactic War and they were one of the few major civilizations that did not join the Federation during war. They did not contribute any ships to the fighting, insisting that they were merely merchants and not warriors (despite the fact their their ships are quite large and powerful). Instead, they attempted to profit off the war, and were fairly successful at it, charging exorbitant mark-ups for necessary supplies.
After the Galactic War ended, many in the Federation remembered and resented the Ferengi activities in the war and began to boycott trade with them. Seeing their profits drop, the Ferengi Alliance went into "damage-control" mode and made a very public gesture of joining the Federation (though in closed-door negotiations, they made it clear their economy was to remain separate from the highly socialized and regulated Federation economy). However, people saw this as "sunshine patriotism" and so the Ferengi "celebrated" the event with a 10% discount on all Ferengi sales (for one year). The publicity stunt was transparent, but eventually people forgave them and it was back to business as usual for the Ferengi Alliance.
The Ferengi are very eager to get into the Andromeda Galaxy as soon as possible to exploit whatever new items can be found there and bring them back to the Milky Way to sell for obscene profits.
The Ferengi were not well-known to the Federation at the onset of the Galactic War and they were one of the few major civilizations that did not join the Federation during war. They did not contribute any ships to the fighting, insisting that they were merely merchants and not warriors (despite the fact their their ships are quite large and powerful). Instead, they attempted to profit off the war, and were fairly successful at it, charging exorbitant mark-ups for necessary supplies.
After the Galactic War ended, many in the Federation remembered and resented the Ferengi activities in the war and began to boycott trade with them. Seeing their profits drop, the Ferengi Alliance went into "damage-control" mode and made a very public gesture of joining the Federation (though in closed-door negotiations, they made it clear their economy was to remain separate from the highly socialized and regulated Federation economy). However, people saw this as "sunshine patriotism" and so the Ferengi "celebrated" the event with a 10% discount on all Ferengi sales (for one year). The publicity stunt was transparent, but eventually people forgave them and it was back to business as usual for the Ferengi Alliance.
The Ferengi are very eager to get into the Andromeda Galaxy as soon as possible to exploit whatever new items can be found there and bring them back to the Milky Way to sell for obscene profits.
Andorians
Andorians had once agreed to reign in their militaristic tendencies to become senior members of the Federation, though they had a brief resurgence in the Galactic War. Their deep-seeded cultural aggressiveness always lies underneath the surface and will be one of the main catalysts for the forthcoming Federation Civil War, inciting conflict and being one of the first to strike. They also have agreed to stop honor duels in favor of one-on-one sporting competitions such as fencing, martial arts or chess. The Imperial Guard technically does not exist anymore as there is no Andorian Emprire, but there is still a ceremonial title that is the remnant of such duty.
Andorians had once agreed to reign in their militaristic tendencies to become senior members of the Federation, though they had a brief resurgence in the Galactic War. Their deep-seeded cultural aggressiveness always lies underneath the surface and will be one of the main catalysts for the forthcoming Federation Civil War, inciting conflict and being one of the first to strike. They also have agreed to stop honor duels in favor of one-on-one sporting competitions such as fencing, martial arts or chess. The Imperial Guard technically does not exist anymore as there is no Andorian Emprire, but there is still a ceremonial title that is the remnant of such duty.
Queen Vallux
Orions
Orion was once the seat of a great interstellar civilization, one that had conquered the Vulcans in the distant past. But they fell into ruin thousands of years before humans first ventured into space. By that time, they had descended into lawlessness, piracy and slavery.
The criminal Orion Syndicate held the most power in the Orion civilization for the past few hundred years. But in the past decades, a movement has begun to restore their once rich, affluent civilization. Young Orions, tired of being the "lower class" of the Alpha Quadrant, rallied behind a charismatic new leader, a woman named Vallux. She and her followers have led a revolution on Orion that has resulted in a restoration of the ancient Orion matriarchy, with her as the first new Queen of Orion in over 3,000 years.
Queen Vallux has enacted several changes to Orion culture and governance.
She has legitimized the Orion Syndicate, making it a legal arm of her government. She intends to build the wealth of the new Orion Empire on the strength of its space fleet, it's political and trade connections and its infamous espionage activities.
Secondly, she has declared an end to the charade of women supposedly being the "weaker" sex, allowing men to believe they are in charge. She has enacted a strict and open matriarchy where she and a council of Orion women form the ruling council of the government. Her word is absolute law. Men are not allowed to serve in government due to their extreme susceptibility to suggestion under the influence of Orion women's strong pheromones. Men serve as soldiers and enforcers, but all Orion ship captains are women. Other species are affected by the pheromones of Orion women to various degrees, though some are immune (Vulcans and, due to their unusual sense of smell, Ferengi - Orions smell awful to Ferengi).
Thirdly, she has declared that the Orion Empire will reclaim its ancestral territories - a position that puts the Empire directly at odds with the Ferengi, Andorians and the remnants of the former Romulan Empire. She has not declared outright war on these civilizations, however. She simply claims that they owe her fealty and taxes. The Ferengi see the Orions as competition for business and oppose them the strongest. Andoria chooses to largely ignore the Orions, believing they have the might of the entire Federation to protect them. Only the Romulan territories seem the most vulnerable to Orion imperialism. Indeed, in the past 80 years since the destruction of Romulus, many of their outlying territories and planets have fallen under the control of the Orions. Romulans, unlike Vulcans, are susceptible to Orion pheromonal influence.
The infamous slave trade that Orion was known for has officially vanished, though Orion women are still sold. They have become an extremely rare commodity and are highly profitable to the seller. some believe Queen Vallux's ban on slave trade was cynical - that she has intentionally cut back on the supply of slaves in order to raise prices to exorbitant levels.
Never a member of the Federation, the Orion Empire is now even more unlikely to be allowed to join due to its disputes with several longstanding member planets. The new Orion Empire, while still young, is seen more and more as a potential threat to peace in the Alpha Quadrant. The Federation is watching them cautiously, but for now are taking a tolerant stance. They see that the reforms are working to improve the lives of Orions and criminal activities are down. The Federation doesn't want to be the ones to put a halt to social progress.
Orion was once the seat of a great interstellar civilization, one that had conquered the Vulcans in the distant past. But they fell into ruin thousands of years before humans first ventured into space. By that time, they had descended into lawlessness, piracy and slavery.
The criminal Orion Syndicate held the most power in the Orion civilization for the past few hundred years. But in the past decades, a movement has begun to restore their once rich, affluent civilization. Young Orions, tired of being the "lower class" of the Alpha Quadrant, rallied behind a charismatic new leader, a woman named Vallux. She and her followers have led a revolution on Orion that has resulted in a restoration of the ancient Orion matriarchy, with her as the first new Queen of Orion in over 3,000 years.
Queen Vallux has enacted several changes to Orion culture and governance.
She has legitimized the Orion Syndicate, making it a legal arm of her government. She intends to build the wealth of the new Orion Empire on the strength of its space fleet, it's political and trade connections and its infamous espionage activities.
Secondly, she has declared an end to the charade of women supposedly being the "weaker" sex, allowing men to believe they are in charge. She has enacted a strict and open matriarchy where she and a council of Orion women form the ruling council of the government. Her word is absolute law. Men are not allowed to serve in government due to their extreme susceptibility to suggestion under the influence of Orion women's strong pheromones. Men serve as soldiers and enforcers, but all Orion ship captains are women. Other species are affected by the pheromones of Orion women to various degrees, though some are immune (Vulcans and, due to their unusual sense of smell, Ferengi - Orions smell awful to Ferengi).
Thirdly, she has declared that the Orion Empire will reclaim its ancestral territories - a position that puts the Empire directly at odds with the Ferengi, Andorians and the remnants of the former Romulan Empire. She has not declared outright war on these civilizations, however. She simply claims that they owe her fealty and taxes. The Ferengi see the Orions as competition for business and oppose them the strongest. Andoria chooses to largely ignore the Orions, believing they have the might of the entire Federation to protect them. Only the Romulan territories seem the most vulnerable to Orion imperialism. Indeed, in the past 80 years since the destruction of Romulus, many of their outlying territories and planets have fallen under the control of the Orions. Romulans, unlike Vulcans, are susceptible to Orion pheromonal influence.
The infamous slave trade that Orion was known for has officially vanished, though Orion women are still sold. They have become an extremely rare commodity and are highly profitable to the seller. some believe Queen Vallux's ban on slave trade was cynical - that she has intentionally cut back on the supply of slaves in order to raise prices to exorbitant levels.
Never a member of the Federation, the Orion Empire is now even more unlikely to be allowed to join due to its disputes with several longstanding member planets. The new Orion Empire, while still young, is seen more and more as a potential threat to peace in the Alpha Quadrant. The Federation is watching them cautiously, but for now are taking a tolerant stance. They see that the reforms are working to improve the lives of Orions and criminal activities are down. The Federation doesn't want to be the ones to put a halt to social progress.
Avunari Concubine
Avunari Orions
In Orion’s ancient past, before even the First Orion Empire, the Avunari were revered and were often the priests and leaders of their kind, believed to be created by their god in its own image – the male and female united. The birth of their kind was seen as a sign of fertility and was celebrated. These leaders would join newlyweds on their first night to copulate with them so as to bless them and ensure their fertility. Their firstborn would be held in higher regard than the subsequent children sired without the aid of the Avunari.
But the old ways were lost and instead of being seen as “the original form” as they once believed, her kind were labeled “the third kind” and were shunned. They were hidden from outsiders. They would sometimes be killed, but many of the still religious felt this was a bad omen and even cited how far the Orions had fallen since the time of their ancient, great empire. So the Orions instead began exiling them. However, fertility rates quickly dropped among the males and females and Orion quickly learned that the Avunari were essential to their species’ reproduction. They were secreted away and kept in captivity, raised and trained to breed. But some would refuse and those that did faced becoming an “unknown” – permanent exile.
Orion Regenerative Ability: The accelerated regenerative ability of the Orions is an unusual phenomenon. It is believed animal life bonded early with plant life on Orion, leading to a crossover of traits between the animal and plant kingdoms on the planet. As a result, there are vaguely intelligent, marginally mobile plant lifeforms on the planet and the Orions, themselves (as well as some other animal species native to the world) have inherited some plant traits. One of these is absorbing energy directly from radiation via a very rapid process similar to photosynthesis. This "super-chlorophyll" also imbues them with their distinctive green hue. As plants are able to grow and heal from wounds, so are the Orions, though at highly accelerated rates due to their increased animal metabolisms. How this process works is still not entirely understood. All Orions possess this ability to regenerate, but to widely varying degrees. The gene runs much stronger in some family lines than others. It is said those that have a very strong regenerative ability are descended from the first Empress of Orion who reigned 10,000 years ago.
Exile Scarring: Exiled Avunari are ritually scarred on the face and body as a sign to all other Orions who may encounter them. This marks them as an exile, an undesirable and one who should be shunned by all. Any Orion who sees an exile breaking the terms of their exile (total isolation) is within their rights to report the errant exile. Often this results in Orion Honor Killers being sent after the Avunari to kill them. (Exiles are not killed outright in the hope that their isolation will drive them back home to Orion where they will fulfill their duties).
In Orion’s ancient past, before even the First Orion Empire, the Avunari were revered and were often the priests and leaders of their kind, believed to be created by their god in its own image – the male and female united. The birth of their kind was seen as a sign of fertility and was celebrated. These leaders would join newlyweds on their first night to copulate with them so as to bless them and ensure their fertility. Their firstborn would be held in higher regard than the subsequent children sired without the aid of the Avunari.
But the old ways were lost and instead of being seen as “the original form” as they once believed, her kind were labeled “the third kind” and were shunned. They were hidden from outsiders. They would sometimes be killed, but many of the still religious felt this was a bad omen and even cited how far the Orions had fallen since the time of their ancient, great empire. So the Orions instead began exiling them. However, fertility rates quickly dropped among the males and females and Orion quickly learned that the Avunari were essential to their species’ reproduction. They were secreted away and kept in captivity, raised and trained to breed. But some would refuse and those that did faced becoming an “unknown” – permanent exile.
Orion Regenerative Ability: The accelerated regenerative ability of the Orions is an unusual phenomenon. It is believed animal life bonded early with plant life on Orion, leading to a crossover of traits between the animal and plant kingdoms on the planet. As a result, there are vaguely intelligent, marginally mobile plant lifeforms on the planet and the Orions, themselves (as well as some other animal species native to the world) have inherited some plant traits. One of these is absorbing energy directly from radiation via a very rapid process similar to photosynthesis. This "super-chlorophyll" also imbues them with their distinctive green hue. As plants are able to grow and heal from wounds, so are the Orions, though at highly accelerated rates due to their increased animal metabolisms. How this process works is still not entirely understood. All Orions possess this ability to regenerate, but to widely varying degrees. The gene runs much stronger in some family lines than others. It is said those that have a very strong regenerative ability are descended from the first Empress of Orion who reigned 10,000 years ago.
Exile Scarring: Exiled Avunari are ritually scarred on the face and body as a sign to all other Orions who may encounter them. This marks them as an exile, an undesirable and one who should be shunned by all. Any Orion who sees an exile breaking the terms of their exile (total isolation) is within their rights to report the errant exile. Often this results in Orion Honor Killers being sent after the Avunari to kill them. (Exiles are not killed outright in the hope that their isolation will drive them back home to Orion where they will fulfill their duties).
Deltans
The Deltan race is are native to the Beta Quadrant. They are much older than Humans, with brains much more finely evolved in areas of art and mathematics. All Deltans are completely hairless except for the eyes. Esper abilities are common to the Deltans living on their homeworld and that, in their culture, virtually everything (i.e. all social interaction) is sex-oriented, with sexual foreplay consisting largely of lovers placing images in each others minds.
Older, more worldly Deltans, at first impression, may seem to be proudly aloof. However, a quick-eyed observer becomes immediately aware that Deltans actually retain the splendidly developed sense of humor and fun of their youthful years - still lying immediately beneath that poised exterior. Their graceful carriage has lured many a Human into believing them cool intellectuals, only to discover that the Deltan is enjoying a good-humored joke at that Human's expense. Unlike the Vulcan race, Deltans value and delight in emotion – they see emotion as one of the myriad delights of being a life form. They are a sensual race – they enjoy the sensation of feeling hunger and fulfilling appetite in every form from satisfying their palates with exquisite foods, to the caress of a warm breeze or the bite of a bitter wind, the touch of an infant's hand, and especially all the shared communications and physical sensations of acts of love. Along its path to individual awareness, all the five (perhaps six) senses of the Deltan become highly acute and sensitive. Their taste buds, the rods and cones of their inner eyes, even their smallest epidermal nerve ending, all are sensitive far beyond the human norm. There are historical similarities between the civilizations of Earth and the Deltan homeworld and the Deltans long ago lost their interest in space voyaging (concentrating on their own inner-space). There are relatively few Deltans who have joined Starfleet, even though the highly evolved Deltan intelligence can handle the most complex spherical trigonometric complexities of astrophysics as easily as a Human learns simple multiplication tables. Those that do venture from their home planet tend to be the younger, more adventuresome ones.
Deltans are great jewelry makers. Their jewelry is sold throughout the galaxy and is very popular.
The defining characteristic of the Deltan culture is an artistic introspection. Every aspect of life is done with a sense of aestheticism and maximizing the actualization of the potential for beauty and pleasure. The most prestigious professions are those of artists, musicians and performers. Science and engineering, while important to Deltans, are seen as more utilitarian. Deltan technology, though, tends to be very sleek and pleasing to the eye.
Sex is considered an art form on Delta, a deeply spiritual and beautiful experience. Similar to the Neotantric movements on Earth, Deltans ascribe great spiritual meaning to sex and see it as much more than a bodily experience. As with all of their arts, Deltans have sought to perfect the art of sex through meditation, experimentation and scholarly study. It is said that Deltans regularly have "full body orgasms" and experience residual orgasmic effects for hours after a proper session. It is likely that these effects only occur during sessions with other Deltans trained in the ways of meditative, spiritual sex practices and who share the same pheromones and empathic abilities.
Even the presence of a Deltan affects other species strongly due to their hyperactive pheromones and subconscious telepathic presence. Only Vulcans have shown a resilience to their affects. This strong affect on other humanoids can drive them insane if they actually visited the Deltan homeworld of Delta IV unprotected and it is therefore off-limits to non-Deltans with rare exceptions. One case where the tables are turned on them in this respect is in interactions with Orion females. Orion females have very potent pheromones that give them control over their males and affect most other species as well. But Deltans (of both sexes) are even more highly susceptible to the effects of Orion pheromones due to their own enhanced sense of smell and their sensitivity to pheromones.
Delta IV is a water-covered planet with several islands and archipelagos. Deltans are natural swimmers, aided by their sleek figures and hairlessness. Their bodies are adapted for the cold waters and are very comfortable being lightly dressed or nude.
Deltans are fairly new to the Federation, having joined during the Galactic War. While they did not fight in the war, having no battle fleet of their own, they provided scientific and logistical support. Only now are Deltans beginning to enroll in Starfleet, though it is becoming apparent that they are a distraction for many of the other species.
The Deltan race is are native to the Beta Quadrant. They are much older than Humans, with brains much more finely evolved in areas of art and mathematics. All Deltans are completely hairless except for the eyes. Esper abilities are common to the Deltans living on their homeworld and that, in their culture, virtually everything (i.e. all social interaction) is sex-oriented, with sexual foreplay consisting largely of lovers placing images in each others minds.
Older, more worldly Deltans, at first impression, may seem to be proudly aloof. However, a quick-eyed observer becomes immediately aware that Deltans actually retain the splendidly developed sense of humor and fun of their youthful years - still lying immediately beneath that poised exterior. Their graceful carriage has lured many a Human into believing them cool intellectuals, only to discover that the Deltan is enjoying a good-humored joke at that Human's expense. Unlike the Vulcan race, Deltans value and delight in emotion – they see emotion as one of the myriad delights of being a life form. They are a sensual race – they enjoy the sensation of feeling hunger and fulfilling appetite in every form from satisfying their palates with exquisite foods, to the caress of a warm breeze or the bite of a bitter wind, the touch of an infant's hand, and especially all the shared communications and physical sensations of acts of love. Along its path to individual awareness, all the five (perhaps six) senses of the Deltan become highly acute and sensitive. Their taste buds, the rods and cones of their inner eyes, even their smallest epidermal nerve ending, all are sensitive far beyond the human norm. There are historical similarities between the civilizations of Earth and the Deltan homeworld and the Deltans long ago lost their interest in space voyaging (concentrating on their own inner-space). There are relatively few Deltans who have joined Starfleet, even though the highly evolved Deltan intelligence can handle the most complex spherical trigonometric complexities of astrophysics as easily as a Human learns simple multiplication tables. Those that do venture from their home planet tend to be the younger, more adventuresome ones.
Deltans are great jewelry makers. Their jewelry is sold throughout the galaxy and is very popular.
The defining characteristic of the Deltan culture is an artistic introspection. Every aspect of life is done with a sense of aestheticism and maximizing the actualization of the potential for beauty and pleasure. The most prestigious professions are those of artists, musicians and performers. Science and engineering, while important to Deltans, are seen as more utilitarian. Deltan technology, though, tends to be very sleek and pleasing to the eye.
Sex is considered an art form on Delta, a deeply spiritual and beautiful experience. Similar to the Neotantric movements on Earth, Deltans ascribe great spiritual meaning to sex and see it as much more than a bodily experience. As with all of their arts, Deltans have sought to perfect the art of sex through meditation, experimentation and scholarly study. It is said that Deltans regularly have "full body orgasms" and experience residual orgasmic effects for hours after a proper session. It is likely that these effects only occur during sessions with other Deltans trained in the ways of meditative, spiritual sex practices and who share the same pheromones and empathic abilities.
Even the presence of a Deltan affects other species strongly due to their hyperactive pheromones and subconscious telepathic presence. Only Vulcans have shown a resilience to their affects. This strong affect on other humanoids can drive them insane if they actually visited the Deltan homeworld of Delta IV unprotected and it is therefore off-limits to non-Deltans with rare exceptions. One case where the tables are turned on them in this respect is in interactions with Orion females. Orion females have very potent pheromones that give them control over their males and affect most other species as well. But Deltans (of both sexes) are even more highly susceptible to the effects of Orion pheromones due to their own enhanced sense of smell and their sensitivity to pheromones.
Delta IV is a water-covered planet with several islands and archipelagos. Deltans are natural swimmers, aided by their sleek figures and hairlessness. Their bodies are adapted for the cold waters and are very comfortable being lightly dressed or nude.
Deltans are fairly new to the Federation, having joined during the Galactic War. While they did not fight in the war, having no battle fleet of their own, they provided scientific and logistical support. Only now are Deltans beginning to enroll in Starfleet, though it is becoming apparent that they are a distraction for many of the other species.
Xians
Xians are very long-lived and traditionally mate for life. They are very patient and see the taking of life as a terrible crime (birth rate is low on Elysia IV and lives are long – making each life more precious). They are virtually immune to all disease and seem to age very slowly, if it all. Outside of the Xian culture, it is unknown what the upper limit of their age is, and they are a very secretive race. They avoid medicine altogether, finding it suspicious and barbaric and refuse more than just the cursory medical scan. Most avoid Starfleet duty due to their isolationist and secretive culture.
Xians are generally xenophobic and isolationist – most Xians live in homogenous communities. They are not traditionally religious (they do not worship a supernatural entity), but they are highly philosophical and claim to carry extremely ancient wisdom and knowledge that they feel most other species are too young to know yet. Many other species view the Xians as a cult, though a relatively harmless one as they keep to themselves and never try to push their beliefs on others. Xians have never developed warp capabilities of their own, but reached out to the first Starfleet vessel that entered their system, saying they have been watching them, observing their progress and to leave them be. Their exact level of technology is unknown, but it is assumed to be equal to or more advanced than the general Federation level of technology.
Xian Precognition: Xian brains send a small amount of their alpha waves backwards in time – imbued with tachyon particles. So they have a sense of their immediate future and can sense if something feels “right” or “wrong” and can “sense” their own death coming when the alpha tachyons stop coming. They sense the absence of the normal feeling they have and they know that they will soon cease to be. They are a bit fatalistic in this way, but since it is such a short-term future sense, they do not obsess over it. Rather than believing they have a fate that they must strictly stick to, they often have a “go with the flow” attitude, believing they are where they’re “supposed” to be. More advanced practitioners of this skill are capable of detecting tachyon alpha waves from multiple possible futures, navigating the quantum pathways to optimal effect. It is rumored that very old Xian masters of this art are capable of seeing far into the future and beyond just their own experiences. But no proof of these "oracles" exist to back up this likely exaggerated rumor.
Xians are very long-lived and traditionally mate for life. They are very patient and see the taking of life as a terrible crime (birth rate is low on Elysia IV and lives are long – making each life more precious). They are virtually immune to all disease and seem to age very slowly, if it all. Outside of the Xian culture, it is unknown what the upper limit of their age is, and they are a very secretive race. They avoid medicine altogether, finding it suspicious and barbaric and refuse more than just the cursory medical scan. Most avoid Starfleet duty due to their isolationist and secretive culture.
Xians are generally xenophobic and isolationist – most Xians live in homogenous communities. They are not traditionally religious (they do not worship a supernatural entity), but they are highly philosophical and claim to carry extremely ancient wisdom and knowledge that they feel most other species are too young to know yet. Many other species view the Xians as a cult, though a relatively harmless one as they keep to themselves and never try to push their beliefs on others. Xians have never developed warp capabilities of their own, but reached out to the first Starfleet vessel that entered their system, saying they have been watching them, observing their progress and to leave them be. Their exact level of technology is unknown, but it is assumed to be equal to or more advanced than the general Federation level of technology.
Xian Precognition: Xian brains send a small amount of their alpha waves backwards in time – imbued with tachyon particles. So they have a sense of their immediate future and can sense if something feels “right” or “wrong” and can “sense” their own death coming when the alpha tachyons stop coming. They sense the absence of the normal feeling they have and they know that they will soon cease to be. They are a bit fatalistic in this way, but since it is such a short-term future sense, they do not obsess over it. Rather than believing they have a fate that they must strictly stick to, they often have a “go with the flow” attitude, believing they are where they’re “supposed” to be. More advanced practitioners of this skill are capable of detecting tachyon alpha waves from multiple possible futures, navigating the quantum pathways to optimal effect. It is rumored that very old Xian masters of this art are capable of seeing far into the future and beyond just their own experiences. But no proof of these "oracles" exist to back up this likely exaggerated rumor.
Transhumanists
The Transhumanism movement has gained ground over the past 20 years. However, their practice of rampant and relatively unregulated technological enhancement of their own biology was seen as too extreme for most people of Earth. Considered unethical, they were put under legal and political pressure and subjected to intense prejudice not seen on Earth for many centuries.
To avoid this persecution, they left Earth forming their own communities on outposts in the Sol system. (On Titan, Vesta and Charon). Here they they could do as they wished and push the limits of human potential without being fettered by Earth's regulations and societal norms.
Unlike androids or AI trying to become human, Marcus Daystrom and other Transhumanists are Humans who wants to be less human - rejecting some aspects of their humanity to be more perfect, more perfectly logical and machine-like. They find humanity biologically limited and wish to improve upon their design using their intellectual gifts to boost their mental and physical capabilities. The cognitive enhancements spurred even more advanced implant technology in a sort of feedback loop. Their technology has advanced extremely rapidly as a result and they are far ahead of Earth (and many other planets) in the science of cybernetics and cognitive enhancement.
The Transhumanist approach to the human-machine interface comes from the opposite approach of Borgism - it should be seen as benign, genuinely helpful and acceptable. Though, as Daystrom continues to add more augmentations, some people may become uncomfortable with it and begin to think of it as slipping into inhuman tendencies.
Many distrust Daystrom due to his excessive amount of influence over to the ship, his unfettered and access to the ship’s systems, his willingness to divorce himself from his humanity, his “closeness” to the NOMI AI and even question his allegiance to the Transhumanist movement when it becomes more aggressive in later seasons. He sees their suspicion as simple fear of change, resisting the future. Daystrom is, however, unwittingly an agent of Starfleet Intelligence (Section 31) - his implants have been compromised and the data he collects is sent back to them, without his knowledge.
The Transhumanism movement has gained ground over the past 20 years. However, their practice of rampant and relatively unregulated technological enhancement of their own biology was seen as too extreme for most people of Earth. Considered unethical, they were put under legal and political pressure and subjected to intense prejudice not seen on Earth for many centuries.
To avoid this persecution, they left Earth forming their own communities on outposts in the Sol system. (On Titan, Vesta and Charon). Here they they could do as they wished and push the limits of human potential without being fettered by Earth's regulations and societal norms.
Unlike androids or AI trying to become human, Marcus Daystrom and other Transhumanists are Humans who wants to be less human - rejecting some aspects of their humanity to be more perfect, more perfectly logical and machine-like. They find humanity biologically limited and wish to improve upon their design using their intellectual gifts to boost their mental and physical capabilities. The cognitive enhancements spurred even more advanced implant technology in a sort of feedback loop. Their technology has advanced extremely rapidly as a result and they are far ahead of Earth (and many other planets) in the science of cybernetics and cognitive enhancement.
The Transhumanist approach to the human-machine interface comes from the opposite approach of Borgism - it should be seen as benign, genuinely helpful and acceptable. Though, as Daystrom continues to add more augmentations, some people may become uncomfortable with it and begin to think of it as slipping into inhuman tendencies.
Many distrust Daystrom due to his excessive amount of influence over to the ship, his unfettered and access to the ship’s systems, his willingness to divorce himself from his humanity, his “closeness” to the NOMI AI and even question his allegiance to the Transhumanist movement when it becomes more aggressive in later seasons. He sees their suspicion as simple fear of change, resisting the future. Daystrom is, however, unwittingly an agent of Starfleet Intelligence (Section 31) - his implants have been compromised and the data he collects is sent back to them, without his knowledge.
Suvani
Suvani come from the planet Lambda Mensa III (dubbed “Sapphos” by the first human vessel that discovered it due to its exclusively female population). Their native word for their planet is Oran'taku, which is also the name of the creator Goddess in their ancient mythology/religion. Most Suvani find the concept of multiple sexes repulsive and find men, in particular, very alien and offensive (often complaining about how ugly, hairy, smelly and aggressive they are). Joli is more open minded, however, being a scientist. She finds all kinds of people fascinating. Though she does like to joke about men now and then, calling them “vestigial” and “non-essential”.
Suvani can exert their mental powers over another non-telepathic entity to such a great degree that it can be considered mind control. They prefer not to do this, however, as they find it unethical to force anyone to do anything against their will. They can even exert their will over the other person’s entire nervous system, causing them to feel whatever sensation they wish (pain, pleasure, etc) and even to affect bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, voluntary muscles, metabolic rate, healing, etc.
Very old, experienced, well trained Suvani healers can even spur healing in their patients on touch.
Some less ethical Suvani have plied their skills for profit, having been exiled from their own culture. Removal from their community tends to have an adverse affect on them, making them cold, lack empathy and cruel. They use their skills as interrogators, captors and even assassins. They tend to be sadistic and lack morality. Some of these “lost souls” have formed a guild of assassins that hide in the Galaxy, keeping their existence and location secret and hire out their skills for profit. Their leader is one of the master assassins for hire in the Galaxy.
Others still have turned their abilities to profit by exploiting the sexual side of their talents. Combining their telepathy with their ability to make people feel whatever they want and do whatever they want, they make excellent dominatrixes and will often run brothels full of other desirable races (Deltans, Orions, Humans, Klingons, Romulans pretending to be Vulcans, etc.)
Firela is Dr. Joli’s chosen name, Zan is her birth community and Joli is her chosen community. All Suvani must find a different community than their birth community before their reproductive age to ensure maximum genetic diversity. Before this age they are known by their given name and their birth community name (Firela’s given name was Amona, making her Amona Zan). At the age when they leave to join a new community, they choose their new name and take their new community name. She chose the name Firela and joined the Joli community, making her now Firela Zan Joli.
The Suvani never developed an SRY gene, and therefore no Y chromosome. The original progenitors/preservers were highly variable genetically, and subject to rapid mutation, especially in new environs. They were unisexual as well, but their seed species gave rise to 2, 3 and even more sexes throughout the Galaxy.
Examples in nature:
Suvani come from the planet Lambda Mensa III (dubbed “Sapphos” by the first human vessel that discovered it due to its exclusively female population). Their native word for their planet is Oran'taku, which is also the name of the creator Goddess in their ancient mythology/religion. Most Suvani find the concept of multiple sexes repulsive and find men, in particular, very alien and offensive (often complaining about how ugly, hairy, smelly and aggressive they are). Joli is more open minded, however, being a scientist. She finds all kinds of people fascinating. Though she does like to joke about men now and then, calling them “vestigial” and “non-essential”.
Suvani can exert their mental powers over another non-telepathic entity to such a great degree that it can be considered mind control. They prefer not to do this, however, as they find it unethical to force anyone to do anything against their will. They can even exert their will over the other person’s entire nervous system, causing them to feel whatever sensation they wish (pain, pleasure, etc) and even to affect bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, voluntary muscles, metabolic rate, healing, etc.
Very old, experienced, well trained Suvani healers can even spur healing in their patients on touch.
Some less ethical Suvani have plied their skills for profit, having been exiled from their own culture. Removal from their community tends to have an adverse affect on them, making them cold, lack empathy and cruel. They use their skills as interrogators, captors and even assassins. They tend to be sadistic and lack morality. Some of these “lost souls” have formed a guild of assassins that hide in the Galaxy, keeping their existence and location secret and hire out their skills for profit. Their leader is one of the master assassins for hire in the Galaxy.
Others still have turned their abilities to profit by exploiting the sexual side of their talents. Combining their telepathy with their ability to make people feel whatever they want and do whatever they want, they make excellent dominatrixes and will often run brothels full of other desirable races (Deltans, Orions, Humans, Klingons, Romulans pretending to be Vulcans, etc.)
Firela is Dr. Joli’s chosen name, Zan is her birth community and Joli is her chosen community. All Suvani must find a different community than their birth community before their reproductive age to ensure maximum genetic diversity. Before this age they are known by their given name and their birth community name (Firela’s given name was Amona, making her Amona Zan). At the age when they leave to join a new community, they choose their new name and take their new community name. She chose the name Firela and joined the Joli community, making her now Firela Zan Joli.
The Suvani never developed an SRY gene, and therefore no Y chromosome. The original progenitors/preservers were highly variable genetically, and subject to rapid mutation, especially in new environs. They were unisexual as well, but their seed species gave rise to 2, 3 and even more sexes throughout the Galaxy.
Examples in nature:
- The Y chromosome in humans has gone from having 900 to 1400 genes 200-300 million years ago to having only 80. It was originally a copy of the X chromosome.
- Birds: males have two Z chromosomes, females have W and Z (opposite from mammals)
- Turtle gender determined by temperature of egg incubation (< 86 degrees = male, else female)
- Clownfish born male. If female dies, dominant male becomes female and juvenile male becomes dominant male. Genes can switch on and off, changing your gender.
- http://science.kqed.org/quest/2008/07/07/why-no-y-gender-bending-transcaucasian-mole-voles/
- http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask28
