information that will help you learn to be Klingon

[HoD Du'Ralle]

This thread will be decited to those learning and developing thier Klingon characters. If you need additional information leave a PM for me.

[HoD Du'Ralle]

To understand the Klingons knowledge from various sources is required. The Klingon mind and culture is illustrated in the following sayings and proverbs. A few moments thought on them will provide a weath of understanding.

Your welcome to use these in your signature.


We are Klingons

Real power is in the hearts.

Klingons fight to enrich the spirit.

The memory of you sings in my blood.

A Klingon conquers what he desires.

Klingons are born, live as warriors, then die.

A Klingons honor is more important to him then his life

There is no honor in attacking the weak.

The Klingon who kills without showing his face has no honor.

No Klingon warrior would leave a comrade behind while he goes off to battle.

A Klingon would rather die than be taken prisoner.

One cannot gain honor by acting dishonorably.

In war, there is nothing more honorable than victory.

You salute the stars.

Without his word, a Klingon is nothing.

To understand life, one must endure pain.

Victory must be earned.

A warrior is not concerned with comfort.

Celebrate, for tomorrow we may die.

You have water for blood.

Even the best blade will rust and grow old unless it is cared for.

The used kut'luch is always shiny.

A Klingon does not run from his battles.

Mercy is weakness.

Always it is the brave ones who die.

A Klingon is always prepared to die.

May you die well.

Today is a good day to die.

Today is not a good day to die.

Only a fool fights in a burning house.

A fool deserves to die.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

None of you are worthy of my blood or my life.

Coward didn't have the courage to face us.

Your blood has no fire. You are weak, like them. I don't care what you look like, you are no Klingon.

They traded our birthright so they could die in their sleep.

This is a peace that makes the Klingon hearts in my chest wither and die.

4,000 throats may be cut in the night by a running man.

It is your death!

You have no idea how much I have looked foward to killing you in battle.

I will teach you a lesson... one you will not soon forget.

I hope pain is something you enjoy.

Your blood will paint the way to the future; remember this day.

You fight like a Ferengi.

I do not like your smile. Perhaps I shall cut you a new one.

You are like a toothless old Grishnar cat, trying to frighten us with your roar.

You are nothing more then a Cardassain lapdog.

You are a stubborn, tiresome Qu'vatlh.

Perhaps you would prefer an Earth beverage. A glass of root beer with a lump of ice cream?

Are you a Klingon warrior or an Alverian dung beetle?

You never could handle your bloodwine. You sound like a sniveling Ferengi, crying about lost profit.

A sharp knife is nothing without a sharp eye.

Death is an experience best shared.

Today I am a warrior.

Act and you shall have dinner. Think and you shall be dinner.

A Klingon does not postpone a matter of honor.

[HoD Du'Ralle]

Klingon

Once Qo'noS was a lush planet until an asteroid accident changed the course of the planet and its rotational axis. While this was slight it was enough to create dramatic changes which in turn caused the original path of its evolution to alter. If one looks at the planet they find a world that seems inhospitable to support life. But it seems any toehold life can gain it will not be extinguished that easy.

Today if one looks at the planet they will find ranges of colossal volcanoes across the landscape, flooding the lowlands with periodic cascades of deadly molten lava. While many of these are dormant today they still erupt suddenly. Don't expect the gentle soft round curves found on most worlds instead expect sudden drops, sharp banks, jagged rocks. There is little rain and water. The planet is hot, dry, and frequent blocking of the sun rays cause them to become light sensitive, evolving eyesight more accustomed to twilight sky conditions. Hence the darkened ships.

Plant life

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Plant life on Qo'nos had to find ways to adapt to the harshness. They developed armored shells to protect the softer fleshly parts from the acid rain which falls after a major volcanic incident. The soil on Qo'noS is hard and baked resulting in the plants developing spikes which grow out of the soil to hold them in place.

Animal life

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The major split in animal life that's found though out the Star Trek universe takes place here as well. The first group is the herbivores or plant eaters. In response to the plants survival techniques they developed razor like teeth to punch through plant armor, and thick hides to protect them from the inevitable punctures made by botanic spear, spikes, and serrations. Even the ordinarily mild herbivores should be regarded with caution.

The second group is the predators. Predators evolved armored scales of their own to reduce the effects of the teeth of its prey. Redundant organs allowed them to reduce the effects off being gorged, tail lashings, head butts, and slashing bites.

Finally the first Klingons evolved within the harsh extreme environment. In order to eek out a living they became among the most successful hunters known. They copied many of the successful strategies employed by the plant and animal kingdoms. Such as having redundant organs. The proto Klingon literally tore its way up the food chain to take its place as the dominant species.

Adding to this the stereoscopic eyesight, speed, strength, enhanced ability to locate its prey by scent , the enlarged brain and opposing thumb allowed them to develop tools increasing their ability to kill its prey. Because of the occurrences of acid rain their corneas became thick and scratch-resistant. Their bodies became efficient in its use of the limited water supply, they don't have tear ducts and other adaptations best covered under medical.

Only the strongest and most hardy would survive this environment.

[HoD Du'Ralle]

Aggressive tendencies

Once Spock was quoted as saying the more harsh the planet, life evolved on the harsher the culture, and its people will be. Few places typify this more then Qn'onS. As we saw Qn'onS is extreme in its harshness, as a result, the dominate species would need to develop an aggressive nature that was always alert, aware of its surroundings.

To ensure this the Klingon developed a substance called Qul'Iw, a hormone chemically similar to Human testosterone. Both males and females have this in large quantities. Their brains have large areas devoted to receptors to identify and process this once detected in the blood stream.

A number of things can trigger the release of large amounts of Qul'lw, causing or triggering aggressive behavior. Some of the triggers are, threat of physical danger, sexual arousal, the visual image of a predatory animal, failure to succeed at a task, sensory experiences of combat, or close proximity to another Klingon producing the hormone.

In order survive the Klingon needed to learn how to channel or control the response to this release. Thus in the beginning becoming a better hunter, swifter runner, more calculating in the pursuit of his prey. The effects of Qul'Iw last a long time in the brain, making them slow to forgive or overlook slights. At times never reaching the point of forgiveness or overlooking a slight.

Presence of the hormone in the brain not only sharpens reflexes, ramps up the veK'tal response, and shuts off pain receptors; it increases by 13.9% the brain's ability to reason and process sensory input. Thus a Klingon mathematician benefits as greatly from a surge of Qul'Iw as a warrior would, provided he's sufficiently angry and frustrated.

Early on Klingons saw the benefits to mastering a control over this response. The more efficiently he could control this, the better hunter he became allowing him greater access to the protein rich animals, better mates, more control over the land. Allowing them to become tribal leaders, and its benefits. The weak were fed poorly, if at all, and died off, their inferior genes dying with them. Aggression meant survival. To suggest to a Klingon that he'd do better without it would be like telling Humans to abandon their ingenuity.

Things which can cause a Qul'wl response

Their are certain behaviors that will trigger this response and its a good idea to know what they are.

1) Whispering a Klingon does not whisper in public whispering leads to concerns that one is insulting another one nearby, or repeating things best left unsaid.

2) Avoiding eye contact. Only one who lacks honor, or lies will avoid eye contact to make sure they are not discovered.

3) Eavesdropping to a Klingon this is more then merely being rude it means you are invading personal and private matters that do not concern you.

4) Spying on someone Again this is seen as lacking honor and invasion on matters you have no place being in

5) Expressions and behaviors that are associated with weakness. As stated in the entry in sickbay, weakness in klingons can not and would not be tolerated.

As a Klingon it is best that you speak your mind, with strength behind your words. Straight forward and to the point. A Klingon walks a tightrope between boldness and discretion, choosing words carefully but speaking without hesitation.

In an aggressive society where arguments can easily lead to fights, phrasing an opinion correctly increases the chance of survival. While Klingons do not shirk from battle, it is important that not every disagreement or divergence of opinion lead to bloodshed. Klingons hone their skills at rhetoric, to stay out of pointless fights. Like other species, Klingons treat honesty as a cardinal virtue and seldom lie. Rather, they leave thoughts unspoken.

[HoD Du'Ralle]

Psionics

The Klingon race doesn't produce telepaths or anyone who has ESP of any kind. The reason for is this the production of Qul'lw which stops the Klingon mind from being able to focus enough to ulitize it. But without the amounts of Qul'lw they have, survival would not be possible and thier evoluation would have been halted before it happened.

Finally, if there are any who are, they would find the violence contained within the society, and other klingons too overwhelming. And prolonged exposure would lead to neural degradation, violent hallucinations, and death. Life would be short and extremely hellish for them.

In addition to a cultural belief that having that ability would reduce the mystery of battle. And what would the point be if you knew what your enemy would do and how it would be accomplished. Hence, it is said and completely agreed that the use of telepathy or any other mental ability is cowardice and dishonorable.

So while the appeal to have such abilities may be something you considered it will not be allowed on this sim which will be as faithful to the Klingon race as possible. Within the guidelines of the ECF

[HoD Du'Ralle]

House

Klingon society in this area closely resembles mid-evil European models. A person born into a house of nobility has certain advantages, such as recognition and on the flip side has expectations placed on them. Unlike many worlds in the Trek universe, if one becomes a warrior and excels at this he/she can gain entrance into the army of a house of warriors. Then as they prove themselves more they can eventually build their own. General Motok proved this. For the female it will give her greater access to males who before who would be beyond her reach.

General classifications

We will look at this from the highest to the lowest. Remember when making you character not everyone is in a house of warriors. You many want your character to be from a house that is closer to what you want to do on the sim.

chuQun (Noble)

These are the true Nobles, and make a very small percentage of the total population. They are at the top by virtue of the lands they own and the large house armies they command. It is presumed they are the most honorable. But if proven to be the opposite they can fall.

Suvwl' (warrior)

This is where the largest houses are from. And those who walk the path of the Suvwl or warrior seek to belong to. For those who are born into a house of warriors it is expected they will continue the family tradition. And many show a natural ability to be one. Whether that is a natural predication or is fostered by the hearing the stories and seeing warriors as much as they to is debated by many.

Having a house affiliation is vital to a warrior, he will fight in the name of the house, bringing honor to it. Thousands will apply to the well know houses. The Lord of the house will choose who will be accepted into his army. Once accepted he/she is expected to fight according to the standards and demands of the Lord.

Unless one is adopted into the house they will not enjoy the same privileges, or power since they are NOT of the house. They stay on as retainers, giving them purpose and a sense of belonging to such a house. And also give them a chance to earn honor. Few are adopted.

When they die, their spirits journey to Sto-Vo-Kor, and the House celebrates their deeds at Ty'gor

Legally a warriors word carries weight in a dispute, and has more privileges. Clearly giving an advantage.

vumwl'

These are the accountants, weapon-smiths, nursemaids, and thousands of other second-rate professions needed to keep society functioning. Generally members of these houses are not accepted into a house army. Since its commonly accepted they don't have the mantle. On the flip side to this it should be noted that most don't apply to the military, opting to go into the family business.

Without belonging to a house they have few opportunities to gain honor or respect though battle. They have no songs to sing, stories to tell, no deeds to celebrate. They are still Klingons and expected to adhere to the code of honor, obey the laws. In addition they have the right to legal redress under Kahless code. They enjoy freedom of movement, and protection under the law. They may bring complaints against other Klingons, no matter their rank, and officials must have reason to enter a Klingon home. Their property may be seized, but with just cause and due process.

Ha'Dlbah

This is the lowest house ranking and is found on those worlds that are conquered by the Empire. They are expected to support the Empire by providing taxes, goods, and services that further the Empires needs. They are allowed to keep their culture, traditions and political structures, as long as they don't cause any problems for the Empire. They are kept under the authority and accountability of Klingons while enjoying the above.

They are not considered property and have no standing in Klingon society. They must have permission to move from the area they are in, can't own weapons, or serve in the military. They can't bring grievances against a Klingon, and any crime against a Klingon is treated severely. Lands can be seize with no compensation, and have no protection against unreasonable search and seizure. They can not climb the social ladder.

As the name of this class implies they are, dog, cur, inferior person, and if Ha'Dlbah is said to a Klingon it is a grave insult. One would be wise to never use this word against a fellow Klingon.

[HoD Du'Ralle]

Cuisine

The digestive tract of Klingons differ from Humans in several ways. The first is the jaw pressure used in a bite this exceeds humans. Various sources list this at between 10 - 25 pounds of pressure. For the purposes of this sim its important to note that they have a greater bite per pound or pressure which will help in understanding some of the foods that will be listed which they enjoy.

There teeth are pointed and some are jaggered in appearance. This was required to priece the skin of many fruits, vegetables and other food stuffs. Which if you recall from an earlier posting most were covered by many deterrents to being eaten.

Since the food on their home world had evolved into having extensive and elaborate defenses. Which caused stomach to contains various acids which are stronger then found in humans.

The stomach and intestines are heavily lined with thick muscles to aid in the movement of the food thought out the digestive tract. This has a negative result, which is a less efficient system for the absorption of nutrients.

To counter this Klingons ate live foods, as time progressed they added raw food. From there they added a few cooked foods, but most of these are prepared so the meat is mostly raw. Or just marinated in various spices.

I will list many of the foods Klingons enjoy to help with your enjoyment of the sim, development of the sim, knowledge of the species.

Please note: No one is required to use the Klingon names of the foods listed

List

Beverages

tlhIngan HIq.......Klingon ale
wornagh.......warnog
romuluS HIq.......Romulan Ale
baqghol.......bahgol Served boiling hot, just the way you like it!
'Iw HIq.......bloodwine Served porgh Hat (body temperature) or warmer.
chechtlhutlh.......chech'tluth extremely potent alcoholic beverage that looks to be smoking.
ra'taj........(raktaj)
Firewine
Raktajino.......Klingon coffee

Meats and seafood

pIpyuS pach.......pipius claw
qa'raj pach........ ka'raj claw
bIreQtagh......... bregit lung
targh tIq.......... heart of targ
raHta'.......... racht
tlhImqaH....... zilm'kach
Qaj tlhuQ........ kradge tail
tlhatlh........ gladst
teghbat....... teg'bat
qagh ghevI'....... gagh in thick sauce
wamwI' mIl'oD........ hunter's sabre bear
qul DIr............ fire skin
Rokeg blood pie
Krada leg......only known part thats eaten from the Krada

Others

Zilm'kach........Klingon fruit which looks like a small apricot.
qettlhup.........thickened marinade for dipping
ghew.......... bugs/insects usually an appetizer or snack
toqvIr lung........Tokvirian stink eggs eaten whole with the shells still on
naHletmey........... nuts
naHjejmey............ sharp fruits, thistle and the like
qurghmey............beans
'oQqarmey.......... tubers