The Dead

## Overview

The Dead is not a formal government but rather a very loose, unofficial faction or group of factions consisting of species and individuals who have left the Mission, Union, and Red Mission space or those who never belonged to those governments in the first place. They often engage in lawless activities such as scavenging, smuggling, and piracy. The two main species associated with the Dead are the Kendis and Feneran, both known for having almost their entire populations in Dead space. Members of other species are also found within the Dead, including renegade Tellia, a few Ledev D'sahn, and the occasional Bedonite or Xian.

## Species in The Dead

### The Kendis

The Kendis are a violent and aggressive species, often employed as mercenaries despite the risk of friendly fire. They are characterized by their terrifying appearance, which includes huge mouths, many rows of sharp teeth, and long, wicked-looking claws. Kendis are wiry but quite strong. Their homeworld, Kendii, lies deep in Union space but was abandoned due to a severe nuclear winter caused by the Kendis themselves. Denied Union membership due to their violent society the Kendis still harbor resentment. Near the end of their time in Union space, it was revealed that their FTL capabilities were stolen from a developing species they invaded.

### The Fenerans

The Feneran, on the other hand, are small, timid, and slow of speech. Their mysterious decision to join the Dead intrigues and confuses many people, as they were once a typical Mission species. Fenerans are roughly the size of Haplings, making the salvage from Happa particularly useful for them. Seeing a Feneran officer in full Happa regalia is not an uncommon sight. They reproduce slowly and sporadically, meaning there are generally more Kendis among the Feneran/Kendis groups. Fenerans have snouts, which some find oddly cute, and they originally hail from Mission space. However, they are now barred from re-entry by the Mission. Their homeworld, Fenn, is also located in Mission territory.

### Kendis-Feneran Relations

The Feneran and Kendis, despite their contrasting nature, maintain a surprising and symbiotic relationship marked by cooperative undertakings within **the Dead**, a puzzling alliance that baffles the galactic scene. Their unique collaboration extends to their ship operations, including piracy, and incorporates interactions with other species such as Tellia and Ledev who have joined the Dead.

## Key Figures in The Dead

### Ringa, the Ledev Pirate Captain

One of the few Ledev D'sahn found in Dead space. Ringa is an infamous pirate captain. She is strong and heavyset and commands an imposing black and gold vessel known as the Zombie. Manned by a small, loyal crew of mostly Tellia, Feneran, and Kendis, Ringa is feared and respected. She typically only pirates against those she dubs to be "vile" among the Dead, including rapers, torturers, and kidnappers. She has a strong command of the Gift, which she uses effectively in her exploits. Unlike most Ledev, she is Created.

### The Vicious, Bandit Lord

Gerah Tem (aka "The Vicious") is a fearsome Kendis bandit lord known for his merciless treatment of enemies and sometimes even members of his own crew. His aggressiveness is extreme, and yet he keeps it in check just enough to effectively lead his organization, known as the Vicious Victors. Perhaps three hundred ultimately answer to him, mostly Kendis and Feneran. He has a permanent fortress on a large asteroid deep in Dead space. He has been known to be the mastermind behind raids in Mission space and is a highly wanted criminal in the galactic scene.

### Findley Roque Pouldon

Findley Roque Pouldon, a Feneran money changer and loan shark, has a calm, almost cheerful demeanor but has slowly become one of the most feared figures in Dead space. He uses mercenaries quite effectively and has only a few permanent figures in his employ. Several prominent Mission figures are said to owe him money or favors.

## Religion Among The Dead

Marauder Mysticism, a syncretic belief system, unites bandits, pirates, and mercenaries within the Dead, merging elements from Venomism, Tokenism, Created, and Ledev Mysticism. At its core lies the worship of the enigmatic Shrouded One, a deity believed to manipulate realities and destinies. Marauder Mysticism values personal strength, adaptability, and cunning, with followers using tokens as reminders of their achievements in the harsh landscape of the Dead.

## Economy and Trade

The economy of The Dead is largely based on scavenging, smuggling, piracy, and mercenary work, with few formal trade agreements in place. The Dead often trade with each other and occasionally with the Mission or Union when opportunities arise. The Red Mission largely refuses to do business among the Dead. Many of their transactions are conducted through a network of black markets, where one can find everything from weapons and salvaged technology to ancient artifacts and stolen goods. The Dead also make use of barter, as well as currencies from the Union and the Mission, with figures like Findley Roque Pouldon acting as intermediaries to facilitate transactions.

## The Court

Thanks to the tight security there and the Court Rules enforced by the sentinels, there is virtually no Dead presence on the Court.