Klingon

The Klingons are a species of bipedal, oxygen-nitrogen breathing humanoids originating from the planet of Qo'noS in the star system of the same name in the Beta Quadrant.

## Physiology

The tolerances and atmospheric requirements for Klingon individuals are remarkably similar to those of other humanoid lifeforms in the galaxy, lending further credibility to the panspermia theory put forward by some scientists. However compared to humans, Klingons have an increased tolerance to heat, preferring warm climates, and a corresponding sensitivity to colder conditions, although no Klingon Warrior would openly admit their discomfort. Much like Vulcans and Romulans, Klingons have a longer than average lifespan, averaging some 135 Terran Years. Due to Klingon society and their Warrior's Code‏‎, most individuals do not live to die of old age.

### Anatomy

Klingon anatomy is notable for their multiple organ redundancy, a principle known in Klingon society as brak’lul This allows Klingons to survive severe injuries in battle. They have twenty-three ribs, two livers, an eight-chambered heart, three lungs, two urinary tracts, and even redundant neural function as well as multiple stomachs. Some geneticists believe that the extra organs, notably the third lung, evolved to give Klingons greater stamina on the battlefield. Klingons have relatively little knowledge of their own biology and their medicine is very poorly developed. This is largely due to their Warrior traditions; a Klingon who is wounded is expects to be left to either survive through his own strength, die, or undergo the Hegh'bat, a form of ritual suicide. Klingons have maintained an evolutionary throwback in the form of being able to digest foods (as well as being able to consume levels of alcohol) that would be lethal to humans, although they share common weaknesses to arsenic and heavy metals.

### Reproduction

Klingons have two biological genders, male and female, as per most humanoid species. They reproducing sexually, in a binary coupling. The gestation period for a Klingon pregnancy is around thirty Terran weeks, and Klingon foetuses develop quicker than their human counterparts. Twins or multiples are rare but not unheard of, although births of multiples greater than triplets are extremely hazardous in Klingon society due to the rapid growth of Klingon foetuses and the relatively primitive state of Klingon medicine.

## Psychology

Klingons are known for violent tendencies, often short tempers and general aggressive and confrontational attitudes. Whilst some of these tendencies are ingrained into their very psychological make-up, from an aggressive and difficult evolutionary process, the majority of these behaviours are learned and instilled as societal norms. In short, there is nothing inherently violent in the Klingon psyche, beyond perhaps a severe and quick to inflame temper.

## Origins

Klingon evolution is poorly understood due to a general lack of focus on science (particularly science without a direct military application) in the Klingon Empire, and most of the knowledge of early Klingon evolutionary stages comes from Federation examinations of recovered Klingon corpses, planetary surveys acquired from Orion traders and extrapolated studies.

### Evolution

Klingons evolved on the 4th planet of the Qo'noS System, also known as Qo'noS. Although a Class M Planet, Qo'noS was (and remains) a rough and difficult world for the life on it's surface, with a higher than average number of predatory species. Early proto-Klingon species evolved with facial protrusions, claws and even venom sacs and spitting glands in their cheeks, used for defence and for the marking of territory. They were protected by a thick hide and an exoskeleton, with individuals weighing as much as 250kgs. These early Klingons were mostly knuckle-walking, gradually evolving into upright walking bipeds, in the process learning how to use tools and losing much of their more severe adaptations. When choosing a mate, a female Klingon would bite the male's face, allowing her to taste his blood and get his scent. Males were also known to bite the face of the female they were interested in. Although a primal instinct stemming from the existence of venom sacs (and needing to develop an immunity, as well as assessing the suitability of a mate through scent), this mating ritual can often resurge in times of duress.

### Early Societies

Early Klingon societies grew around Hunter groups, eventually becoming cults of Warrior-Shamans. These early religions, often animist in nature eventually led to polytheistic religions, following interpretations of Gods descending from a "Great Tree". Accounts vary, especially with Klingon mythology being unreliable at best, but the following of these religions seems to have ended abruptly when these "Gods" were slain at some point around 600BC. By 500AD, Klingon society had reached some level of sophistication, roughly equivalent to that of the High Medieval period of Earth. However, the normal development of the Klingon people was forever warped at this point by the invasion of the Hur’q. Their domination of Qo'noS and the surrounding systems lasted for over a century, until the Klingon people were united by Kahless the Unforgettable and the Hur’q repelled. The Klingons used advanced technology recovered from the invaders to advance their society almost overnight. The founding of the Klingon Empire also marked the beginning of what is considered modern Klingon history.

## See Also

Klingon Empire

Hur’q

Romulan