Arkadian

# History

**Planet Arkadia, Civil War, Evolved Species**

* Once home to a population of billions, spread out over three distinct species: Farendian, Toistoren and Velanturian. The planet is located in the Urgur-System at the very edge of the Yontasa-Sector, Delta-Quadrant.
* The planet had diverse biomes that caused the species living on it to evolve very differently, but all have one thing in common: Due to the close proximity of the systems sun to the planet, they developed a higher than usual resistance to solar radiation.
* Driven by thoughts of conquest to establish a Star Empire and planning to enslave the other species as servitors, the Velanturians began to wage war on the Farendian and Toistoren. After a devastating civil-war that ravaged the population for decades, the Velanturians eventually committed attempted genocide by deploying large quantities of torpedoes with biochemical-warheads, loaded with a toxin that affected all living tissue. The result was the almost immediate death of every living being that hadn't been warned in advance and was protected accordingly with hazard-suits. This did include the Velanturian population as well, which suffered horrendously for hours - before succumbing to the toxin.
* Only a very small amount of Farendian and Toistoren escaped the onslaught, whereas it is believed the Velanturian population was wiped out entirely.
* Nowadays Arkadia is a barren rock devoid of life of any kind, due to the toxic cloud that still covers the planet. (**Note**: The planets location has not yet been confirmed and the Vec'ta has proven to be not forthcoming in narrowing it down. Starfleet discourages researchers of all species to try and find the system due to the dangers involved! There is a 10 LY no-fly-zone in effect around the Yontasa-sector since in which message buoys send a warning into the immediate area not to approach any closer.)

# Arkadians Today / Current Governmental System / Religion

(this part is regularly updated)

* Today what is left of the Arkadian Nation resides on Penthax IV in the Penthax Systems, located in the Arucanis Arm. Only consisting of Farendian and Toistoren, the colony called 'Faroist' (in honor of both surviving species' former capitals) has approximately 6000 inhabitants currently. Perhaps close to 500 are in their last cycle, meaning at or above the age of 400 years.
* Religiously, they believe in rebirth. It can be brought down to the point that the Wind itself is the 'Breath of Life'. Because it causes movement, activity and can be beneficial or destructive, it is considered to be balancing. The saying "May the winds protect you" is as common as "Winds strip the flesh of your bones" (rough translation). Generally it can be said that neither Farendian, nor Toistorens are overly religious and that any remark by them using variations of the above mentioned sayings for example, is more traditional than rooted in religion. It is fair to assume that at an earlier stage, there once were deep believes and a true religion of the Winds, but these faded over the centuries into what it is now.
* The colony is ruled by Vec'ta Cassandra Maran, who is described as a distant, cold, calculating and very determined leader that puts her own people almost always first. She is being advised by 2 members of the Science, Economics, Military and Research Departments each. Over the course of the last couple years the governmental system changed in certain aspects considerably. Century-old traditions were suddenly abandoned, while other changes were made subtly and slowly. There are those of the population that claim the Vec'ta to be too close to the Federation, saying she'd be giving up their identity as a species and betraying who they are as individuals, but the majority seems to approve of the aforementioned changes. (**Starfleet Note:** The latest changes give the Vec'ta the power to not just control civilian aspects, but now also the entire military as well. This has been reason for some concern and is monitored closely by the Diplomatic Corps)
* According to Starfleet records, the current military assets of the Arkadians consist of round about 50 small to medium-sized vessels, mainly of Coalition design. There are also 3 Capital Ships in operation in the form of Carriers. Beyond that, there is a fair amount of transports and freighters of various sizes and configurations. They currently don't have the ability to produce Starhips themselfs, despite being able to construct facilities necessary and possessing the knowledge needed as a warp-capable species. Reasons unkown.
* With the help of Ambassador Toprill of the 26th Fleet, the Arkadian Nation finally became a member of the Federation in 2416.
* Their main export goods nowadays consist of precision-focussing lenses, power-distribution-relays, bio-neural relays and a variety of other products. In turn, food and basic building materials are still being imported while the colony grows to become more independant.
* Arkadian engineering is sleek and elegant in design, yet very complicated. After help provided by members of the 26th Fleet, Vec'ta Maran sent Engineering Teams lead by her daugther to SB-381 to upgrade the fleets existing production facilities after the Iconian War. Admirals Nearea and Alenis were instrumental in the decision-making process during the negotiations. These upgrades enable the use of less resources for a slightly higher production output (~2-4%), due to the unique miniaturization technology the Arkadians use. In turn, regular ore deliveries from the resource-rich dwarf-galaxy known commonly as the Outback were agreed upon. (To date, the 26th facilities are the only ones that received this upgrades and were shared the technology with.)

* **Stardate 97108.83**, the existant trade agreement between the 26th and the Arkadian Nation was changed to a 2-year renewal period (in favor of the previously 6-months period). In addition, the Arkadians were granted the opening of a mining outpost on OB-101/III to operate with their own people and freighters for transporting the mined resources to their colony. There are assumptions this marks only a 1st step for expansion into the Outback.

* **Stardate 97123.05** a first 350 volunteers were sent to the Outback, to establish a small Outpost in the OB-101 Sai Hossuku System.

* **Stardate 98572.55**, Vec'ta Cassandra Maran stepped down as the ruler of Faroist and announced the governmental reformation into a republic with Chancellor Mirini Dakou as the new ruler. Cassandra Maran retains her title of Vec'ta, though it was changed into a purely advisory role to the chancellor. It remains to be seen, if these changes will lead the Arkadians into a golden future, or split them up for good.

* **Stardate 98880.25**, in an effort to become a more integral part of the Beta Quadrant community, Chancellor Dakou offers settling rights on the second continent to a contingent of their new friends from the Garden of Ravenea, including naming them Friends of the Arkadian People. Following the Ravenean's help in achieving a stable and ample supply of food to grow on Penthax-IV, in exchange for several vital parts needed for the construction of their starships the two minor nations move closer together and begin exploring cooperation on a new level previously unknown by either.

* **Stardate 99190.72** - Following events on Penthax-IV, former Vec'ta Cassandra Maran is declared a traitor and wanted, dead or alive. Arkadian Intelligence Services inform Starfleet Intelligence (SFI/OFI) as well as the Romulan counterpart (RIO) of the decision and send along what little evidence was found thus far. Ambassador Maran, Cassandra's ex-husband residing on SB-381, informs Admiral Amalei Neraea about this in a direct message suspecting his ex-wife could potentially turn up in the Outback and warning the 26th about her. Though no evidence supporting this assumption was found thus far, the possibility persists that the threat that is Cassi, is out there, somewhere in the Outback. More concerningly, it is unknown what her intentions are.

# List of Species / Traits

**Farendian**

* Ruled by a governmental system similiar to an Earth Monarchy with a Vec'ta (Religious and Political Leader, always the female of the Royal Family) and a Bre'tal (Military Commander, chosen from the Honor Guard of the current Vec'ta), advised by a council consisting of 2 of each primary and 1 of each secondary caste.
* Society with a caste system, in which civilians were the lowest, while royality remained the highest. Three primary castes: Military, Science/Engineering and Religion. A couple secondary castes existed as well: Traders, Teachers.
* On Arkadia their capital was „Farendir“ and (driven by necessity) the society focussed on engineering (i.e. new and stronger protective shields) as well as improving living conditions for the entire population by finding a way to adjust athmospheric conditions and weather pattern comparitively in technology to worlds like Risa. Biome consistant with Earths Amazonian region. Lush, vast rainforests, access to the Ocean, vastly diverse wildlife

**Appearance**

* Skin in various shades of purple, facial markings primarily white or greyish in coloration and glowing / pulsating depending on mood. Embarrassement, extensive stress, love, anxiety for example will likely cause the markings to glow brighter (max. intensity comparetive to a candle in the dark) and pulsate faster (the pulsation will never be as fast as a stroboscop flash!). The reaction is taught to be suppressed from an early age on, but takes decades to master. The better an indivual is at mastering the reaction, the more respect other adults show towards him/her.
* Male Farendians have horn-like protrusions on the sides of their skulls in addition
* Hair color usually ranging from white to blueish, although blonde isn't unknown either. The latter seemed to appear mainly in the royal family, though. Black and brown hair are entirely unknown for their species – even in mixed marriages with a Toistoren who frequently display black hair.
* Their skin is slightly resilient against energy weapons, resulting in less severe wounds received on direct hits.
* Heightened resistance against X-Rays, Gamma- and Ultraviolet radiation. Other types of radiation aren't on records, but it is assumed that Farendians can withstand certain other types for a limited amount of time.
* Blood color: Dark red.

**Toistoren**

* Nowadays ruled by the Farendians, but before that also similiar to a monarchy on their own. Over the course of the civil-war the Toistoren saw an advantage by combining their knowledge with that of the Farendian, ultimately resulting in them integrating into Farendian culture and population thus strenghtening the defensive capabilities of both. Their capital on Arkadia was called „Toistor“.
* Their knowledge of weapon systems became their cultures angle point during the civil-war, as new and better equipment was needed to enable a better defense against the Velanturian forces. It originated in their very own history being forced to defend themself from large and resilient predators that stalked the region they lived in.
* Prior to the civil-war, the Toistoren society was rather passive and more isolating themself. They traded with the Farendians on occasion, but otherwise just tended to their own and remained a somewhat neutral party - until faced with extinction by constant Velanturian attacks. Their defensive network wasn't as advanced as what the Farendians had and they became allies with the Farendians in the conflict against the Velanturian.
* Minor telepathic abilities that seemed to develop randomly within the population. If found capable, those found able were sent to the Center of the Mind to be taught the ethics of when and how to use / accept their abilities. According to literature and tales from the survivors in Faroist, a small percentage went insane over the course of the training. This minority was exiled and had to fight for themself thereafter. The majority of those attending the teachings, became rather quiet and used speech only when the need to arose from that point on. After mixing in with the Farendians, this also goes for them now, too.

**Appearance**

* Skin with various shades of black and grey, facial markings present similiar to Farendians, but without the connection to an emotional state.
* Reflective eyes that enable them to see even in the brightest of lights. Staring directly into a laser for example wouldn't have any ill effect, but the individual would probably be able to tell the exact wavelength used. The downside, is their lacking ability to see in the dark, as their eyes take longer to adjust to low-light conditions and even then their visibility range is greatly reduced. The majority of Toistoren thus prefers to work only during daytime and stays inside during nights. Only when no other choice is given, they will go outside in the dark.
* Hair color usually black or grey with other colorations next to unknown in this species
* Heightened resistance against X-Rays, Gamma- and Ultraviolet radiation. Other types of radiation aren't on records, but it is assumed that Toistorens can withstand certain other types for a limited amount of time as well.
* Blood color: Dark Red

**Velanturian (believed to be extinct)**

* Capital Velantur on the largest of the continents of Arkadia
* Dark skin with reddish facial markings, (unknown if connected to emotional state) various spike-like protrusions on face and arms gave them a menacing look by itself
* Generally aggressive towards other species with a deep wish to establish a Star Empire of their own (according to reports from Farendian and Toistoren survivors they claimed that thousands of years ago, the Velanturians believe to have been the dominant force in the known Delta Quadrant – this is considered a lie by most of the other two species)
* According to Velanturian history, they were the first species on Arkadia and the others invaded them and conquered their lands. The truth is probably lost in time, but the Velanturians are the species that committed attempted genocide against Farendian and Toistoren alike by deploying the bio-chemical weapon that turned the planet into what it is now: A toxic ball of rock, devoid of life.
* Dwelled underground where they constructed huge cavernous cities with the help of huge machines built to excavate and reinforce tunnels and caverns alike
* Art was outruled by law, as was mixing with other species. Offenders were executed on the spot if found guilty of either
* Some level of resistance against the toxin used to bombard the planet with, though death still occured within hours after exposure in gruesome ways.
* **Important Note:** Everything known about this sub-species was recounted by the Vec'ta primarily. Only because the majority of survivors spoken to agreed to her recollection of this, it was included in this archive entry. However, it is to be taken with a grain of salt!

## Common Arkadian Terms / Slang

* **Bre'tal**

Selected from the best of the Honor Guard and destined to become the Vec'tas husband. Inherits command of the Farendian Military. Currently, Calas Maran is the last living Bre'tal. With the loss of their homeworld, Vec'ta Maran has abandoned this tradition after being pressured to do so by Calas himself, as well as other advisors. The title has since been without a bearer.

* **Bre'vat**

The advisor of the Bre'tal, basically his XO. The last bearer of the title was Derelor Aranthian, a Toistoren, by order of Vec'ta Maran. As of Stardate 97109.62 this tradition was abandoned by Vec'ta Maran. Ever since, control over the Arkadian Military Assets rests in her hands. Much to the dislike of a small amount of her people.

* **Lo'Sthar**

The markings present on the faces of Farendian and Toistoren. These are a remainder of the past, of a time when speech wasn't yet evolved and the only indicator what another person would feel. They usually glow dimly (max intensity that of a candle in a dark room) and pulsate softly (max 2 pulses/1 sec, at ease 1 pulse / 5 seconds). The intensity increases with the mood of the individual. Extreme stress, embarassment, love and the like will cause the markings to give a more severe reaction. The young are taught to suppress this reaction and skilled Arkadians with decades of pratice can usually suppress the reaction entirely with no ill effects. Generally, in their society, the better an individual is at suppressing it, the more respectful he/she will be treated. It is a sign of adulthood and experience.

* **RilKha**

A kind of bagle-like food. They are quite sweet, filled with a cream made of plant extracts and fruits, giving it a fruity and sour filling. Nowadays, RilKha are mostly sold to those sticking with tradition, or simply desiring something sweet.

* **Sa'halin**

A formal greeting, universally used

* **Sa'halun**

A formal greeting during evenings

* **Sa'halen**

A formal greeting during mornings

* **Sa'hal**

The non-formal greeting primarily used by adolescents, can be compared to the Earth 'Hi“, „Heya“ or „What's up?“

* **Sharekh**

Formerly the Honor Guards, a contingent of Elite personnel assigned to the protection of the Royal Family and their descendants

* **Tlo'Asth**

The bond. See description under Important notes

* **Ve'ran**

Female heir to the throne, comparable to a princess in the medieval stages of Earth. Currently, Seline Maran is the Ve'ran, although rumors persist of an ongoing struggle about that fact. The current Ve'ran broke traditions by marrying a human man of her own choice.

* **Vec'ta**

Female leader of the Arkadian people. She is married to the Bre'tal by tradition. Currently, Cassandra Maran is the Vec'ta and ruler of the Arkadian survivors in their new-found Colony, Faroist. She receives advice by the Council of Advisors, consisting of 2 members each from Economics, Society, Research and Military. With the reformation of the Arkadian government into a Republic, the titles role is now basically the Chief Advisor to the Chancellor. It remains to be handed down through generations.

## Important notes - please read carefully

* **Farendian** and **Toistoren** alike have a low birthrate, resulting in their species declining in numbers. Both species have one seperate set of kidneys (totalling in 4 kidneys overall) and can only receive a child twice in their lifetime. After the birth of the second child, one set fails and has to be removed. By natural evolution, the female becomes infertile at this point to prevent any further pregnancies which would likely end fatal otherwise.

* **Lifespan** for both sub-species ranges up to 500 years.

* **Bio-Chemical Weapon**

The **toxin** produced by the females (Farendian/Toistoren) during pregnancy is only known as 'DMXF'. The substances concentration in the bloodstream becomes higher, the further the pregnancy progresses and only because of the extra set of kidneys, the mothers-to-be survive. It is deadly to most living beings, including plantlife, within seconds of exposure and is absorbed into the body via direct contact, or inhalation. There is no known counter-agent (nor treatment for exposure) at the time of this writing. A sealed hazard-suit will protect the wearer from the effects however.
Because of the rate at which it can kill an individual, the toxin was used as a bio-chemical weapon during the Civil War on Arkadia. The results of this linger on even today. Important to note, is that a pregnant Farendian/Toistoren is of no risk to anyone around her. The substance would have to be extracted directly from the bloodstream, or the kidneys, to have a high enough concentration to cause effects like those aforementioned on exposure. **(Note: Starfleet has not yet had an opportunity to look in-depth into these claims, as the Vec'ta vehemently denies any research on the subject!)**

* **Tlo'Asth, the bond.**

Falling in love for Arkadians is a lifetime commitment. Exception being the Vec'ta and her Bre'tal, who usually don't have any feelings for each other at the time of their marriage. It was tradition for these couples to have no say in this and they usually formed at least respect for each other, if not love, over the years.
However, in general a single kiss from an Arkadian in love will induce the bond in the other person. Therefore, no Arkadian would ever show their feelings in such a way without the consent of the person they have fallen in love with. (**NOTE**: The principle of same sex relationships is entirely unknown in Arkadian society. Confronted with it, most display a certain amount of disgust. This is related to the already low birthrate the species suffer from and as such, those relationships are considered unnatural and forbidden.)

This bond is a two-sided sword – for one, it does give both partners the sense to literally feel when the significant other is in danger. On the downside, the further apart from each other they are, the more painful it becomes. Usually, over time, both partners learn to adjust to that pain and it becomes just a distant feeling that, while present at all times, isn't causing the debilitating effects it can have the first time the couple is apart from each other. However, this process takes years and it is unknown, how another species would be affected by this bond at the time of this writing. *(for further information contact Dr. Valerie Mason, SFM, San Francisco)*

According to the Vec'ta, there are ways to break it once in place, but attempting such puts the party trying to do so at great risk. (Note: Even in Arkadian culture, it is a next to unknown occurance. Only 1 of 100 couples forcefully tries to break the bond. They usually work out their differences – and do not go seperate ways.) By attempting to do so, the initiating partner risks death due to the extensive pain, while leaving the other partner in a state of re-occuring phases of agony for years to come. This bond is, just like the toxin mentioned before, a biochemical that at the time of this writing hasn't been fully researched yet. Starfleet therefore strongly advises against any from of romantic relationship with the Farendian / Toistoren due to the dangers involved!

**Addendum, Dr. Valerie Mason, SFM:**
The TASD (originally created by Dr. Garland Harsy, (CMO, USS Anvil) in collaboration with Dr. Valerie Mason (Starfleet Medical, Research Divison, San Francisco)) is a filigrane contraption worn on the head of the affected parties. It works by easing the pain of the effects caused by the organisms in the individuals bloodstream through putting them in a state of hybernation. By use of a faint radiation originally discovered from prepped Polsinium Crystals. This allows the individuals normal functionality (instead of the headaches and pain from being apart). It prevents the severe pain being seperated from each other and negates the headaches to make the bonded pair able to work without any negative effects from the Tlo'Asth at all. After a successful evaluation period the TASD was distributed across all medical facilities Starfleet-wide on Stardate 98855.89. After a required full medical exam of the parties intending to enter a relationship which each other, the device will be synched to the individuals in question and issued to them. The only reported side-effect thus far is a slight case of nausea after injesting food. Subsequently, the warnings about Arkadians have been adjusted accordingly.

* **Childhood / Adultry**

Arkadians are considered adults among their own at around 100 years of age. At 50 years, they are basically teenagers compared to humans. Any that reach 400 or beyond, are treated with the utmost respect as the elders of the species. Currently, there are ~500 people on the colony at or beyond that age. The most noteable, Calas Maran, has entered his last cycle. In comparison to other species, this 'aging' process isn't really interfering with the ability to move, or think, but rather causes the affected inividual to long for their home, their family.

# References

* Personnel File N. Ji'lapor
* Personnel File D. Aranthian
* Personnel File S. Maran
* Personnel File C. Maran

* Storyline 2420-2421
* Formal introduction of TASD to combat Tlo'Asth effects by Dr. Valerie Mason, SFM-RD-SF