Bolian
| Intelligent Lifeform Index |
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| Bolian | |
|---|---|
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| Four Letter Code | BOLN |
| Federation Status | Member |
| Planet of Origin | Bolarus IX |
| Encountered | TNG: Allegiance, as well as DS9: The Forsaken |
| T/E Rating | T0/E0 |
| Current Tech Level | N- |
| List of Named Bolians | |
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Full ILI Gallery • Permitted Species Gallery | |
Name
- Proper Name: Bolian
- Pronunciation: 'Boh'-lee-uhn
Home System
- Quadrant: Beta
- Location: Bolian Sector
- Proper Name: Bolarus
- Pronunciation: Boh-'la'-rus
- Star: Type-F
- Companions: 15 other planets
Home World
- Proper Name: Bolarus IX
- Pronunciation: Boh-'la'-rus 9
- Satellites: 4 moons
- Gravity: 1.1 times standard Earth gravity
- Orbital Period: 585 days
- Classification: M
- Surface Water: 86%
- Atmosphere: Nitrogen-Oxygen-Argon atmosphere
- Climate: Warm. Average temperature is 22°C. Temperature at the equator averages 36°C.• Bolarus IX often experiences turbulent weather, including hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons, which happen on an annual cycle. Due to the relative lack of land on the planet, storm fronts tend to be severe over the ocean, as there is little that would cause them to break. However, there are seasons of good weather in addition to the cycle of storms.
- Population: 5.7 billion
Tectonics
Bolarus IX is home to three main continents, Rabinu, Rasara and Bol’ki. These continents lie along the planet's equator, making Bolarus a much more temperate planet than Earth. Its land mass is mostly hydrosphere, although aside from the major continents there are other smaller landmasses; B’olos, Izos and Kastron, each named for the tectonic plate to which they are attached. While these are technically continents in themselves, they are comparatively very small. Due to the increased proportion of water to land on the planet, tectonic shift is somewhat slower than normal, and nearly all of the planet's fault lines line below the surface of the ocean. As such, mountain ranges are very rare, but ranges of island archipelagos are common.
Landscape
While much of the Bolian landscape is comparable to Earth, the increased amount of water on the planet has caused a striking difference in areas near sea level. Water erosion has caused the formation of sheer cliffs, waterfalls and jagged rock formations. Flood plains are wide and expansive, and home to plants that can survive both dry and extremely wet conditions.
The Senden Funnel
Hundreds of years ago an unusual storm front developed over a large area very close to the southern ice cap of Bolarus IX. It became stronger, but conditions at the time prevented it from breaking or moving. As such, a standing storm developed, which remains in situe even at present. Manifested as a violent electrical storm accompanied by torrential rain above an oceanic maelstrom, scientists have been unable to determine what caused this strange atmospheric event. Starfleet scientists have debated various ideas, but without the ability to watch its original formation they are unable to settle upon a final hypothesis.
History
Bolian world history follows three individual strands before the 22nd Century, as the three main continents formed nations that were largely self-sufficient and contained. However, during the 22nd Century, advances in technology led to increased contact between the three continental powers, which eventually led to serious cultural disputes, and eventually war. The war was not over territory, but over which cultural practices were correct and proper, and the three sides raged in an unbreakable equilibrium for many years.
It was during this cultural war that warp travel was developed. However, far from demonstrating to the Bolians that under a united planetary government they could make a stance as a galactic power, the development of warp travel did little to impact upon the cultural differences between the three civilisations. First contact with two alien races inflamed the disputes further. One race, the Iren, contacted the Bolians in an effort to seek aid in defending their homeworld against alien aggressors. That same people, the Uzor, contacted the Bolians to explain the motives behind their attacks, which they claimed to be in self-defence against a people that refused to help their civilisation, which was fast running out of natural resources. Two of the continental powers took opposite sides in this conflict, one providing the Iren with weapons and technology but not involving themselves directly in the conflict, the other providing resources to assist the Uzor that so badly needed them.
The third power looked upon its rivals with scorn, and developed a somewhat jingoist stance. They were not resentful of the other races, but they were thoroughly convinced that their societies were not, and would never be, as productive as those that resided on Bolarus IX. They refused to help either side and pressed for their traditions and cultures to be accepted planet wide at the expense of all else.
During this time, the Ferengi were known to have had dealings with the Bolians, who, while slightly less advanced in the field of technology, were able to hold their own during business negotiations. This earned them some respect in the eyes of the Ferengi. First Contact did not go so well with the Moropa, another neighbouring race, and hostilities erupted in the late 23rd Century.
By 2289, Bolarus had made first contact with the Federation. Initial talks with a number of factions went well, but moreover showed the Bolian people that it was possible for many different cultures to coexist under one unified banner. Later that year, the Bolian states had set aside their differences and formed a world government, and by 2320 they were accepted into the Federation as full members.
During the [[MA:Dominion|Dominion[[ War, the Bolian sector was a hotbed of military activity. By 2374 the 6th Fleet was deployed there as a solid front against a rapid Dominion incursion into Federation territory. After the Romulans joined the war, pressure was relieved from this sector during what came to be known as the "Bolian Operation".
Government
The Bolian world government is an elected quasi-meritocracy based around the Central Council, which is made up of representatives from each township. As Bolians do not divide their land by border in the same way that humans did (and to some extent still do), this literally means a representative from each family. Bolian families tend to live in a tightly knit community, and therefore even if some members of the family are removed by a relatively short physical distance, their wishes are still presented to the council as unified. Council representatives are chosen from each family through discussion and debate amongst all of its adult members, and the family representative can be changed at any time.
All issues that are presented to the council are decided by public forum, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential. A vote is taken by the entire council, and a simple majority in the voting is the deciding factor on most decisions, even if the margin of difference is very small. A Councilor is appointed by the government to act as spokesperson for foreign matters, but other than this duty he or she holds no augmented power in the council itself. The term for this office is not fixed - in the same way as families can change their representatives at will, the council can change its councilor at will.
Despite the seemingly drawn out process that this method of government would hint at, this has long proven to be a reliable and efficient method of government for the Bolians, who by their nature excel at group work. Compromises are reached quickly through succint discussion, and the council tend to be in large-scale agreement over major issues before they take a vote.
Description
The most characteristic features of the Bolian race are their blue skin, the distinctive ridge that bisects their face (and indeed their whole skull), and their bald heads. However, there are other features that can be noticed if the Bolian species are examined in further detail. Their ears are very slightly longer than those found on a human, and some individuals have additional ridges that run across the top and back of their head, from ear to ear.
Bolian skin tone can vary from blue with a yellowish green tinge through medium blue to dark blue. Their eyes are predominantly yellow, but in some rare cases orange-eyed Bolians have been known to exist.
Bolian males are slightly shorter and stockier than humans, while female Bolians are often rather tall and willowy.
Physiology
Bolian physiology is somewhat unique, and has been the focus of detailed research by Starfleet Medical. Bolian crewmen on a starship will often need special consideration and provision to ensure that their needs are catered for. An explanation of Bolian physiology is presented below.
Blood
The outward appearance of Bolians hint at some of the facets of their internal make-up. The most obvious of these traits, their blue skin, is due to pigmentation and blood colour, as their blood is cobalt-based. This blood is much different in chemistry to that of other races, and in the case of a requirement for transfusion, extensive genetic altering must be applied to any blood taken from an alien donor. Vulcan and Bolian blood are completely incomaptible, as has been unfortunately proven through medical records: no Bolian who has received blood from a Vulcan donor has ever survived. Andorian blood is the closest match to Bolian as it is also cobalt based, but it too must be extensively altered before introduction to a Bolian patient's circulatory system.
It is also worth noting that Bolian blood is unsuitable for transfusions into other races without the same modifications in reverse: it is corrosive to other species.
The Bolian heart is situated on the right-hand side of their abdominal cavity.
Neurology
The ridge that runs along the Bolian head, originating in the middle of the chest and running as far as the base of the neck, indicates a divided brain structure. Humanoid brain functions are often divided into right-hand and left-hand brain functions, but in Bolians this is much more of a polar affair. The ridge in the middle of the Bolian brain is deeper than average in humanoid physiology, and as a result Bolians tend to specialise in one strain of skills. For example, a Bolian artist would be unlikely to have an aptitude for science, and vice-versa. The structure of their brains also gives Bolians an element of resistance to hypnotic suggestion.
Skin and Eye Pigmentation
The blue colour of a Bolian's skin is caused by a specific pigment that is produced naturally by the body. In some very rare cases, albino Bolians can be born with a deficiency in this pigment, resulting in pink skin. A famous example of this is Captain Rixx, who was involved in uncovering the Bluegill infestation of Starfleet in 2363.
Bolian eyes are typically yellow in colour. Orange eyes are sometimes caused by a recessive gene, but other than this there is no variation in iris hue.
Digestive System
The Bolian diet is not wholly dissimilar to that of other humanoids, the only exception being that they are able to stomach food that has begun to decay with much more success. The Bolian tongue is lined with cartilage, which makes them able to palate relatively strong acids.
In fact, the entire Bolian digestive system is able to handle strong acid due to a somewhat corrosive body chemistry. Bolian saliva is an irritant to other humanoid species, and it is important that a starship's latrine system is correctly configured to dispose of their strongly acidic excrement.
Interspecies Relationships
Due to the irritant nature of their saliva and the corrosive aspects of their bodily fluids, intimate relations with a Bolian can result in non-Bolians experiencing fatigue, nausea and inflammation of the joints.
Baldness
It is worth noting from a medical perspective that Bolians are not naturally bald. Their baldness is due to a particular custom relating to physical prowess and dedication. Bolian hair can range from green to platinum in colour, but is most often greenish yellow.
Psychology
Bolian psychology revolves around two key aspects, the will to succeed and the need to function within a group. Both qualities make for ideal Starfleet officers: the former ensuring that duties are carried out to the full extent of a Bolian's ability, and the latter ensuring that they function well in a large department.
Bolians are meticulous hard-workers. They are efficient, have an eye for detail, and are able to create order out of the deepest chaos, enjoying the process as it develops. Duty is a matter of personal honor to a Bolian, and it is of utmost importance that they uphold their workhorse reputation. Failure is not dishonorable - the only shame brought to a Bolian in this regard is the failure to attempt a given task, as one can and will learn from mistakes. This tenet leads Bolians to accept even the most dangerous of assignments - if something is suggested by their Captain they will likely volunteer no matter the personal risk. With such a work-oriented mindset, some Bolians find themselves lost in the day to day grind, and do not manage to focus on leisure pursuits or building relationships with their crew. However, these instances are quite rare.
While personal success is rewarding, group success is the pinnacle of achievement for a Bolian. This leads many Bolians to careers in research, medicine and the sciences, where any ground covered by an individual can be applied to the work of a team, or even planet or Federation wide. This, in part, explains the selfless attitudes often displayed by Bolians during dangerous situations - if they need to sacrifice themselves for the good of the team then they will do so willingly. The group dynamic in which Bolians work has resulted in a trait that is almost unique to races throughout the galaxy. Xenophobia is non-existent among Bolians, who believe that an amalgamation of races with different skills and abilities is ideal for teamwork. Relying on their own race alone would be a limitation.
Bolians can sometimes be regarded as talkative by other races, as their will for the group to succeed can sometimes lead them to offer advice, even where it isn't warranted. In addition, they enjoy exchanging information to a further extent than most, and this can often go past the boundaries of comfort for some alien species, leading them to find Bolians a little intrusive. Should a suggestion be made on how to better achieve success within a group which is subsequently ignored, it would not be unusual for a Bolain to research into the subject as extensively as possible so as to have their suggestions accepted in the future.
While sometimes regarded as cold and purely work oriented, Bolians are most famed for their drive, commitment, hard work and dedication to the team.
Mythology
Bolians are a matter-of-fact people who generally tend to care little for folklore and hearsay, preferring to reach the source of information through scientific research that can be thoroughly proven. However, due to extreme conditions preventing Bolians from physically visiting the Senden Funnel and inconclusive sensor scans thanks to extreme weather conditions, there are a number of legends that have sprung up to explain the Funnel's true cause.
Society
Townships
Bolian society revolves around a group dynamic, the most notable result of which is a lack of territorial boundaries. However, townships exist due to the co-location of family homesteads that have developed and built up since the Bolian equivalent of the middle ages. The typical Bolian family is extended rather than nuclear, as aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, offspring, siblings and parents all live as close to each other as possible. It would be impractical, given the number of individuals this would entail, for everyone to live under the same roof, but where this is not possible, they live as neighbours, or as close as physically possible. Whenever Bolians are married, the family extends, resulting in an even larger township. As a result of this, Bolarus IX is home to megalopoli, which are in effect cities with millions of inhabitants. The largest such megalopolis is Hosppat, home to 22.67 million Bolians, while the capital city (by virute of being the biggest township when the Bolian Central Council chamber was erected) was Lommat, with a population of 17.65 million.
Due to the limited amount of land available, some townships have been built in aquatic domes beneath the surface of Bolarus IX's world ocean. These cities are protected by reinforced tritanium as well as forcefield technology, with multiple failsafes in case of power failure. Such domes must contend with oceanic "weather" patterns in the form of tides and deep-sea currents, and therefore weather-prediction systems are integrated into control centres throughout these domes. Giant tidal engines use the undersea currents to produce energy, and also help to regulate the impact of the tides upon the domes themselves.
The wet seasons on Bolarus often result in flash flooding, and therefore the location of the land-based townships relies on sturdy, rock-based locations that cannot be washed away due to floodwater.
Childcare and Healthcare
Caregivers are held in very high regard in Bolian society, as they are providing the ultimate service to the largest team on the planet - the entire Bolian people. The medical system is funded entirely by the Bolian Central Council due to its importance to the Bolian people, although this deals strictly with the business of ailments and physical and psychological medicine. Care for the elderly does not form a part of the medical system, as it is the very nature of Bolian families to care for those who are too infirm to look after themselves. Moreover, it is considered a great honour to be able to do so. Ailments are increasingly rare on Bolarus IX, as research has been conducted into genetically engineering food sources. This coupled with replicated foods and research into the Bolian diet has led to Bolians having an excellent immune system.
Child care is undertaken by families from birth. It is not left to the parents to raise the children as the entire family will voluntarily pitch in to cover the various duties required to raise an infant. Elementary and secondary schools do not exist on Bolarus IX, as families take responsibility for educating children to understand Bolian principles from an early age as well as for covering their basic educational needs up to university level. Lessons are taught by word of mouth, as well as by example where possible.
Culture
Bolians lend themselves well to large-scale artistic pursuits, such as grand dances and symphonic musical works. Grand sculptures are often fashioned from Bolian crystal steel, and displayed in prominent locations within townships.
To off-worlders, Bolian food can sometimes be unpalatable due to the tendency to use aged meat in their recipes. This is due to a lack of interesting spices that grow naturally on Bolarus IX, and so the Bolians rely on this practice for flavour. Their body chemistry is easily able to handle meat that would be considered to be off by other species. Vegetable dishes are appreciated more by non-Bolians, and Bolian tomato soup is a favourite Federation-wide. Bolian drinks are often served in Federation bars, including Bolian tonic water, and Bolian sunset martini.
Names
Most Bolians have two names, one family name and one given name. Bolians from the largest continent, Rasara, only take a single given name. In the case where two names are used, the family name often refers to the original head of the family's profession, which has then been passed down through the ages and has spread throughout the extended family to thousands of descendents. In either case, names often end in a double consonant that can be followed by a suffix to denote a special meaning. Examples are presented below.
Traditional Bolian names are often monosyllabic, and end in a double consonant.
| Example names | ||
|---|---|---|
| Domm | Finn | Warr |
| Mott | Ludd | Pell |
| Grexx | Trobb | Hegg |
| Hett | Garnn | Juff |
This practice is used for both male and female names.
In Bolian society, twins, triplets, quadruplets and larger groups of children born at the same time are regarded with a high level of respect. After all, these Bolians even undertook the process of being born as a group. Such children are granted suffixes for their names as shown below.
| Number of Children | Suffix | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Twins | -u | Warru |
| Triplets | -o | Pello |
| Quadruplets and above | -a | Hegga |
Towns are named similarly, following a name and suffix formation. In this case, the suffix denotes the size of the town as demonstrated below.
| Size of town | Suffix | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Large Megalopolis | -at | Hosppat |
| City | -ar | Rholdar |
| Medium Town | -ab | Tragonab |
| Small Village | -al | Viral |
| Rural | -or | Rabor |
In Federation standard, the suffixes for these locations are sometimes omitted.
Suffixes are an important part of Bolian grammar, and the different suffixes used to denote plurals, parts of speech, importance, tenses etc. account for approximately 5% of Bolian syntax. There are very few prefixes used, as grammatical rules allow for multiple suffixes to be added where required, in precise order.
Customs
There are a variety of customs that are undertaken by Bolians, some dependent on the region of their origination. However, some of the more common customs are included below.
Greetings
The traditional Bolian greeting involves extending the hand as if for a human handshake, but with the palm down and the fingers curved part way.
Courtship and Marriage
Courtship rituals are common for all Bolians, and consist of the male and female pressing their foreheads together and closing their eyes, while touching their partner's neck with both hands. While the courting and reproductive habits of Bolians involve only two people, marriages often extend to three or four members, or sometimes more. This custom is similar to that of Denobulans, although the guidelines on the number of males and females joined in matrimony are much more relaxed.
When a marriage occurs, should one of the members of the union have children already, they are welcomed into the family unit. Dysfunction within families is extremely rare, and when it does occur it can become a heavy psychological burden on all involved.
Baldness
While Bolians are not naturally bald, it is very rare that a Bolian with a full head of hair can be found. The process of shaving the head is undertaken daily, and has been developed to show dedication to routine and hard work. It is also designed to represent physical prowess. A Bolian who does not shave his head is regarded as slovenly by society, as their refusal to adhere to one of the foundation principles of Bolian society would be deemed highly offensive.
The Double-Effect Principle
Bolian society supports a strong medical philosophy to support euthenasia that has been in existence for hundreds of years. The "Double-Effect" principle, as it is known, refers to an "action that has the principal effect of relieving suffering and may be ethically justified even though the same action has the secondary effect of causing death." The principle refers to assisted suicide rather than the termination of a patient's life through the wishes of their family, and must be requested by the person involved. The origins of this principle lie in the Bolians' intolerance of seeing their family members suffer: if there is nothing they can do to absolve the suffering through curing the cause, the Double-Effect principle can be invoked.
Technology
Bolarus IX operates on much the same level of technology as other Federation member worlds. However, most notable is the technology that they have developed to support their agriculture. Agribusiness accounts for only 5% of the Bolian economy due to massive advances in food production technology, including genetic engineering and the introduction of replicators. This means that animals on Bolarus are now not bred or deliberately killed for food sources.
Bolarus IX is rich in heavy metals, which mostly occur on the ocean floor. These metals are mined in subterranean, and indeed sub-oceanic, reinforced mine shafts. The ore that is mined is then processed in sub-oceanic domes that have been built around subaquatic townships.
Economy
Bolarus is home to many valuable exports that fuel the Bolian economy. Despite the absence of money in the Federation, Bolarus is still home to a credit exchange, and is widely renowned even outside Federation borders as a centre for commerce. It is home to a wide range of gambling venues, which have been administered by the Ferengi Gambling Commission since 2373. They are among the many Federation races that used Deep Space Nine as a trading post for Bajor and the Gamma Quadrant, and their freighters were sometimes the subject of Maquis raids around 2371.
Bolian crystal steel is a highly valuable and collectable material that sells for a high price among some cultures. In addition, Bolians mine silicates and heavy metals, and ship alloys such as Rodinium and Polyduranium. Industrial plants export high-technology commodities, including anti-gravity transport units. The Bolian industrial culture is becoming more and more immersed in ship building.
The Bank of Bolarus is an important financial institution throughout both the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Variations in the Bolian Credit Exchange can have implications in trade for many races, and were cited during the mediation in trade between the Federation and the Karemma in 2371.
Fleets of vessels take advantage of good weather during the Bolian spring to harvest aquatic plant life and species of fish.
Military
Having never developed a strong military presence in their sector prior to Federation membership, the Bolians rely on Starfleet for protection.
Federation Intelligence Files
- Disturbingly, Bolian skin is highly prized by Cardassians, and is often worn by Cardassian women.
- Two of Bolarus's finest academic institutions, the Bolian Interstellar Research Institute and the Bolian Academy of Applied Sciences, are located in Bolsetuat, the old Bolian capital on the largest continent, Rasara. Federation citizens with an interest in the sciences often apply to study at these locations, which are considered to be centres of excellence.
- Starbase 307, which is noted for its sizeable repair and upgrade capacities, orbits Bolarus XIII.
- The Bolian system lies in relatively close proximity to the Romulan Neutral Zone.
Sources
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (""Conspiracy", "Allegiance", "Ménage à Troi", "Data's Day", "First Contact", "Qpid", "The Host", "Ensign Ro", "Time's Arrow, Part II", "Schisms", "Birthright, Part I")
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Various episodes)
- Star Trek: Voyager ("Caretaker", "Learning Curve", "Non Sequitur", "Hunters", "In the Flesh", "Someone to Watch Over Me", "Repression", "Workforce", "Workforce, Part II", "Q2", "Author, Author", "Endgame")
- Memory Alpha (various pages)
- http://memory-beta.wikia.com/wiki/Bluegill
- Bureau of Information: Bolians
- http://www.StarTrek.com
- Star Trek Roleplaying Game: Aliens (Decipher, 2003)
- Star Trek Roleplaying Game: Worlds (Decipher, 2005)