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Although a few small settlements and thin strips of arable farmland dot this coastline, most of the province consists of untamed desert wates like no other on Vulcan. Whether because of its proximity to Xir'tan or its own unsettled seismology, the deserts of Gol are greatly affected by the solar flare activity of 40 Eridani A, experienceing massive, lightning-suffused sandstorms that can last for weeks. Desert settlements are therefore limited to a few scattered caravanserai located in spots offering natural protection, such as nearby underground caves. | Although a few small settlements and thin strips of arable farmland dot this coastline, most of the province consists of untamed desert wates like no other on Vulcan. Whether because of its proximity to Xir'tan or its own unsettled seismology, the deserts of Gol are greatly affected by the solar flare activity of 40 Eridani A, experienceing massive, lightning-suffused sandstorms that can last for weeks. Desert settlements are therefore limited to a few scattered caravanserai located in spots offering natural protection, such as nearby underground caves. | ||
Though planetary satellites confirm that valuable mineral deposits (especially of trillium) hide well below the surface of Gol, Vulcan scientists have not yet determined a means of extracting these minerals without unsatisfactory risk of personnel and equipment. Thus, the area remains the most economically backward on the continent, and a Vulcan seeking to make his fortune would do well to move elsewhere to achieve it. However, Gol does draw its share of visitors who come in search of ancient knowledge - whether it be Vulcans who have come to study and perhaps commit themselves fully to the way of ''[[ma:Kolinahr|Kolinahr]],'' or the mixture of Vulcans and offworlders who travel to the village of Xen'tal to enroll in the Vulcan Institute of Defensive Arts. | Though planetary satellites confirm that valuable mineral deposits (especially of trillium) hide well below the surface of Gol, Vulcan scientists have not yet determined a means of extracting these minerals without unsatisfactory risk of personnel and equipment. Thus, the area remains the most economically backward on the continent, and a Vulcan seeking to make his fortune would do well to move elsewhere to achieve it. However, Gol does draw its share of visitors who come in search of ancient knowledge - whether it be Vulcans who have come to study and perhaps commit themselves fully to the way of ''[[ma:Kolinahr|Kolinahr]],'' or the mixture of Vulcans and offworlders who travel to the village of Xen'tal to enroll in the [[Vulcan (planet): The Provinces of Na'nam#Vulcan Institute of Defensive Arts|Vulcan Institute of Defensive Arts]]. | ||
==Places and Persons of Note in Gol== | ==Places and Persons of Note in Gol== | ||
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The ''Kolinahru'' Monastery rests in a high cleft on Mount Kolinahr, the highest peak in Gol. In ancient times, the ''Kolinahru'' ranked among the most powerful and cruel adepts on the face of the planet. Their mindlords were capable of killing an enemy by making his blood literally boil in his veins through pyrokenesis. Their wanton acts of individual or mass mind control spawned dark legends that still live today. | The ''Kolinahru'' Monastery rests in a high cleft on Mount Kolinahr, the highest peak in Gol. In ancient times, the ''Kolinahru'' ranked among the most powerful and cruel adepts on the face of the planet. Their mindlords were capable of killing an enemy by making his blood literally boil in his veins through pyrokenesis. Their wanton acts of individual or mass mind control spawned dark legends that still live today. | ||
During the Time of | During the [[ma:Time_of_Awakening|Time of Awakening]], however, the High Master of the ''Kolinahru'' became an adherent of [[ma:Surak|Surak]], and turned the studies of the order away from war to the practice of total mind control. Sanshiin, as he then called himself, carved the new ''Kolinahru'' retreat out of the bedrock of the desert to render it a safe haven from the sandstorms and intense heat. He then forbade the further use of any manner of advanced technology within its walls. | ||
Today, the acolytes and adepts of ''Kolinahru'' have adopted an ascetic and simple lifestyle, using oil lamps and quill pens instead of electricity and computers; raising simple hand-tended crops on a small, sandy plot of communal land; and bathing in the natural hot springs that lie beneath the lower level of the monastery. Guests - Vulcan and offworlder alike - are welcome here at any time to rest and meditate in privacy. However, they must leave their vehicles in a shelter about a kilometer and a half from the complex, and leave any hand-held items of personal technology (including computers, PADDs, and even sonic shavers) behind in the front reception area until they depart. | Today, the acolytes and adepts of ''Kolinahru'' have adopted an ascetic and simple lifestyle, using oil lamps and quill pens instead of electricity and computers; raising simple hand-tended crops on a small, sandy plot of communal land; and bathing in the natural hot springs that lie beneath the lower level of the monastery. Guests - Vulcan and offworlder alike - are welcome here at any time to rest and meditate in privacy. However, they must leave their vehicles in a shelter about a kilometer and a half from the complex, and leave any hand-held items of personal technology (including computers, PADDs, and even sonic shavers) behind in the front reception area until they depart. | ||
There is one portion of the monastery which is not open to the general public, however. '''The Hall of Ancient Thought''', a subterranean chamber eternally guarded by members of the order, contains the ''vre-katra'' of the former High Masters of the Order. If some of these ancient funereal vessels indeed contain the ''katra'' of ''Kolinahr's'' previous High Masters, as the legends claim, then those dating back to before the Time of Awakening would be none too pleased if they were somehow awakened and shown their current surroundings, or learned the philosophy their order now practices. | There is one portion of the monastery which is not open to the general public, however. '''The Hall of Ancient Thought''', a subterranean chamber eternally guarded by members of the order, contains the ''vre-katra'' of the former High Masters of the Order. If some of these ancient funereal vessels indeed contain the ''[[ma:Katra|katra]]'' of ''[[ma:Kolinahr|Kolinahr's]]'' previous High Masters, as the legends claim, then those dating back to before the [[ma:Time_of_Awakening|Time of Awakening]] would be none too pleased if they were somehow awakened and shown their current surroundings, or learned the philosophy their order now practices. | ||
===Plateau of Tai-la=== | ===Plateau of Tai-la=== | ||
The final ritual to purge a ''Kolinahri'' acolyte of all emotion takes place at this desolate plateau outside the ''Kolinahru'' monastery. The ceremony follows a ten-day period of leavetaking, in which the acolyte is allowed to leave the monastery and meet with as many of his lifetime friends as possible to bring closure to their memories. He then travels alone into the desert, carrying only the robe on his back and a waterskin, and enters a deep meditative trance, casting out all remaining emotion into the surrounding sands. | The final ritual to purge a ''Kolinahri'' acolyte of all emotion takes place at this desolate plateau outside the [[Vulcan (planet): The Provinces of Na'nam#Kolinahru Monastery|''Kolinahru'' monastery]]. The ceremony follows a ten-day period of leavetaking, in which the acolyte is allowed to leave the monastery and meet with as many of his lifetime friends as possible to bring closure to their memories. He then travels alone into the desert, carrying only the robe on his back and a waterskin, and enters a deep meditative trance, casting out all remaining emotion into the surrounding sands. | ||
The ritual can take days or even weeks to complete, and ends only when the High Master, who telepathically monitors the progress of the ceremony throughout, either determines that the cleansing of the new adept's mind has been completed, or that the acolyte's life is in danger. Some adherents have gone through the ceremony several separate times without ever successfully breaking free of the bonds of emotion. | The ritual can take days or even weeks to complete, and ends only when the High Master, who telepathically monitors the progress of the ceremony throughout, either determines that the cleansing of the new adept's mind has been completed, or that the acolyte's life is in danger. Some adherents have gone through the ceremony several separate times without ever successfully breaking free of the bonds of emotion. | ||
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Of course, since even the most expert practitioner of the lirpa can do little against a capacble foe with a ranged energy weapon like a phaser, much of this training has no practical application except for ceremonial exhibitions. However, the real value of the stringent VIDA regimen is the manner in which it disciplines the body in the same way that the practice of logic disciplines the mind. | Of course, since even the most expert practitioner of the lirpa can do little against a capacble foe with a ranged energy weapon like a phaser, much of this training has no practical application except for ceremonial exhibitions. However, the real value of the stringent VIDA regimen is the manner in which it disciplines the body in the same way that the practice of logic disciplines the mind. | ||
Although past students of the Institute include such prominent Federation personages as Captain [[ma:Hikaru_Sulu|Hikaru Sulu]], the VIDA may soon play a much different role in Vulcan affairs. VIDA's weapons masters have a natural affinity for the ancient tales of the exiled sons of Vulcan who became the wellspring of the Romulan race. They have thrown in their lot with Ambassador Spock's attempts to negotiate some sort of reunification with the Romulans. To that end, the Institute complex presently houses two young Romulan warriors, Rual and Khazan, who have been brought to Vulcan in secret to learn more of the ancient ways. It is Ambassador Spock's hope eventually to sponsor these young men for admission into the Vulcan Science Academy at ShirKahr, if they can successfully stay out of trouble. | Although past students of the Institute include such prominent Federation personages as Captain [[ma:Hikaru_Sulu|Hikaru Sulu]], the VIDA may soon play a much different role in Vulcan affairs. VIDA's weapons masters have a natural affinity for the ancient tales of the exiled sons of Vulcan who became the wellspring of the Romulan race. They have thrown in their lot with Ambassador [[ma:Spock|Spock's]] attempts to negotiate some sort of reunification with the [[ma:Romulan|Romulans]]. To that end, the Institute complex presently houses two young Romulan warriors, Rual and Khazan, who have been brought to Vulcan in secret to learn more of the ancient ways. It is Ambassador [[ma:Spock|Spock's]] hope eventually to sponsor these young men for admission into the [[ShirKahr#Vulcan Science Academy|Vulcan Science Academy]] at [[ShirKahr]], if they can successfully stay out of trouble. | ||
=Khomi= | =Khomi= |
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