Byzatium

			Intelligent Lifeform Index

Byzatium
Four Letter Code	BYZT
Federation Status	Allies of Federation
Planet of Origin	Byzatium
Encountered	DS9: Defiant
T/E Rating	T0/E0
Current Tech Level	N
List of Named Byzatiums
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History:

Unlike many planets in the known galaxy, where one species has come to predominate – Byzatium is home to a myriad of different races, all of whom owe far more allegiance to their own nation or clan than to the planet as a whole.

File:Byzatium.gif

Byzatium is nothing more than a geographical term for a rocky planet surrounded by enchanting blue clouds. To call any one of the races Byzatian (or Byzellian as they all prefer) is not very helpful in determining who or what you are dealing with.

There are three main ‘Byzellian’ groupings, all mutually hostile and antagonistic:

1. The Dorfmen – these are humanoids, very similar to Terrans with no discernable physical differences. They are usually athletic looking and not unattractive, although their hard living takes a toll on their bodies. Numerically, they are the largest group on Byzatium.

2. The Omunics – these beings’ original form is shrouded in mystery. They are masters of bio-engineering, and have transformed themselves by reconstructing their DNA, and then grafting on mechanical body parts to the resulting cocktail. They have also expanded their experiments onto unwilling test subjects. Most Omunics wear long cloaks from head to toe, with only the occasional glimpse of a muscled arm, claw or metallic limb showing from beneath the cloth. The Omunics and the Dorfmen are mutually hostile, not helped by the former harvesting the latter as guinea-pigs for their warped science projects.

3. The Iauh, Toaij and Gnaij are three sister races of sentient, tri-pod ‘jelly fish’ beings who have strong psychic powers, and a grasp higher level technology. Although able to walk on land, they prefer wallowing in shallow warm pools under their domes of tranquility. Being of diploblastic cell structure, they are of little interest to the Omunics.

Beyond these three main groups, there are the Hotch, a servitor slave cast made up of any unfortunate who gets captured by the Dorfmen. A particular favourite race seem to be the hardy and friendly Bardeezan peoples. Nearly half of all Hotch slaves are from Bardeez. There are also many transient peoples and aliens drifting in and out of the ports of Byzatium, some staying longer than others. In times of war, an eclectic mix of species are drafted to fight. Orders can sometimes need to be given in over twenty languages.

Government:

There is no one government on Byzatium. The Provisional National Government holds a nominal position over the Dorfmen, and often acts as the ambassadorial representatives when dealing with outsiders, notably the Federation. However, the Dorfmen are divided into over 30 states and nations, often at loggerheads with one another. The Omunics are in theory a more powerful single force on the planet, but are also isolationist in terms of politics, but not in harvesting donors. The Iauh, Toaij and Gnaij are more peaceful, but have little interest in governing anyone beyond their own species.

Physiology:

An Omunic from Byzatium, on the prowl for fresh meat:

Svorna Destave, a typical ruthless Dorfmen piratess:

References:

NB: This race was mentioned on DS9 in passing. The Byzatium are a race whose six ships arrived at Deep Space Nine circa stardate 2467.3.

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