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 | |
Home World
- See also: Bolarus IX
Bolarus IX is the homeworld of the Bolian people, and a primary world of the Federation. It has also become the hub of the so-called "Mineral Chute", a trade run connecting the Bolarus system to most of the other Federation core worlds. At present, Bolarus is home to 5.7 billion Bolians, 3 million Humans, and around 700,000 Centaurans.
Warm, and commonly experiencing turbulent weather (such as hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons), the landscape is somewhat comparable to planets such as Earth - however, it has an incresed amount of water, and water erosion has caused the formation of sheer cliffs, waterfalls and jagged rock formations.
History
- See also: A brief 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 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
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- See also: Bolian 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.
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. Most Bolians live within a few kilometers of the ocean, spend a lot of time in the water, and have what humans would consider a swimmers' build; there are communities (riverfolk) who live further inland and are less athletic as a result.
Physiology
- See also: Bolian 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.
They are distinguished by their light blue skin, a bifurcated ridge which runs down the center of their faces, and a cartilaginous lining on their tongues. While they do have hair, males shave it as a sign of physical prowess; some females do likewise. Bolians have blue-colored blood, and their blood chemistry is quite different from that of Vulcans; Vulcan blood is toxic to Bolians, and vice-versa. Andorian blood, on the other hand, is compatible with Bolian blood. Bolians' acidic blood digests food en route to the body's cells; as a result, they have no stomach. Food is broken down by chewing and their midly acidic saliva, and is absorbed by the upper intestine into the blood, where it's broken down further.
Bolian saliva is a mild irritant to humans and similar species; their sweat is harmless and gives off a citrus-like aroma most humans find pleasant; their blood and urine is moderately corrosive and can cause burns to the skin.
Bolians have shorter lifespans than humans — a Bolian is considered an adult at 15, and enters a period of decline colloquially known as "the receding tide" in their early 60s. Even with 24th-century medical science, it's rare for a Bolian to live past 75. Bolian women can have children at any time between adulthood and old age, but the odds of pregnancy are far lower than most humanoid species — about 6% a year, although multiple births are more common than in humans, with 10% of births resulting in twins and 1% resulting in triplets. As a result, a typical Bolian woman might bear three children over the course of her life. The Bolian practice of polyamorous marriage is believed to have originated as an evolutionary strategy to maximize the chances of producing offspring.
As a result of their low birth rates, Bolarus never had the population explosion endemic to many planets' industrial age, but nor did they have devastating wars or plagues.
Psychology
- See also: Additional information
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 honour to a Bolian, and it is of utmost importance that they uphold their workhorse reputation. Failure is not dishonourable - 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 Bolian to research into the subject as extensively as possible so as to have their suggestions accepted in the future.
In general, Bolians do not get stressed easily. Bolarus' four moons mean tides are unpreditable and powerful storms are common across the planet. Having built their society around this unpredictability, Bolians tend to calmly accept of "whatever the tides bring."
While sometimes regarded as cold and purely work oriented, Bolians are most famed for their drive, commitment, hard work and dedication to the team. The work-oriented Bolians are a talented species with an unparalleled ability to work with others. This synergistic talent has made them popular throughout both Starfleet and the Federation at large; their ability to facilitate complex group dynamics while solving difficult or seemingly insurmountable problems has drawn many into fields involving science, medicine, research and technology.
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.
Early Bolian religions almost universally focused on the ocean as the source of life and sustinence, as well as a gateway between lands. The ocean was thought to either be home to the gods, or a god itself. However, Bolians' eagerness to understand the natural world means most of their superstitions fell away once the planet's complicated tides could be explained as the action of the moons' gravitational forces and not the whims of a capricious deity.
Society
- See also: The Bolian society
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.
Culture
- See also: Bolian names and Bolian Food and Drink
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.
Given its importance on the home world and in the culture, Bolians are natural swimmers and are eager to take to the water for leisure or exercise whenever given the opportunity.
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.
Water Sculpture Collecting
To denote significant life events, Bolians may commission Water Sculptures to commemorate the event. Specially designated Bolian artisans construct these to order and they play a significant role in Bolian culture.
Birthdays and Celebrations
Bolians do not count life by stardates or by revolutions around a sun but by the number of tides since the first Ocean Day celebration for a Bolian baby.
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.
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.
References
- 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")
- 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)
