Klingon: Difference between revisions

In common with many races in this sector of the Galaxy, Klingon DNA is compatible with that of Earth [[human]]s, and crossbreeds, although are rare, are not unknown. This is due to their common origin four billion years ago when a humanoid progenitor race seeded Class-M planets with their own DNA. The Klingon forehead is a major distinguishing feature of this race, consisting of a ridged, bony pattern. This pattern is different for every Klingon, and is as distinguishing as fingerprints. A common curse heard among them is: "Hab Sosil' Quch", which means, "Your mother has a smooth forehead." Also, a bony backbone resembling that of a dinosaur runs up and down their spine. Klingons cannot cry, even if they wanted to - they have no tear ducts.  Klingons have enhanced senses. Three of them, acute taste, smell, and vision, are genetic, but the third, combat reflexes, is learned from childhood, and is therefore second nature to Klingons.  They are larger than Terrans with a greater percentage of their body weight being muscle.

Klingons are a warrior race who hold personal and family honor above all else. A Klingon ritual is the R'uustai, or bonding ceremony, in which two individuals join families, becoming brothers and sisters.  The Klingon Empire is composed of hundreds of family lines, commonly referred to as Houses. A family line may be considered as a Major or Minor House depending on its size, wealth and political influences within the Klingon Empire. A family line is not necessarily composed entirely of blood relations; if a line is open, it will occasionally adopt new members if they have skills, contacts or material goods that will bring honour, fame or fortune to the House. While the customs for ratification vary from line to line, generally any family member can sponsor another individual for adoption into his house line. If the newcomer is ambitious, the offering of handsome gifts and bribes when requesting adoption with a line could offer many benefits in return.

==Rituals==

===Combat===

Klingons have a genetic predisposition to combat. They are immensely strong, and are able to sustain serious injury yet remain functional, thanks to their unique biological structure, which incorporates duplication of all essential organs to allow for damage to vital bodily functions. This is known as brak'lul in the Klingon language, and is what makes Klingons superb warriors in close-quarters combat.  Klingons are proficient in the use of ritual hand-to-hand weapons and unarmed combat, and will actually prefer to fight using these methods over beam weapons. They frequently train in off-hand weapons training in order to surprise opponents. All Klingons will train in at least the bat'telh and the d'k tahg, and many frequently train in some of the other ceremonial Klingon weapons. Some also train in Mok'bara - the Klingon martial art form.

There is no equivelant to the devil in Klingon mythology, although a beast known as Fek'lhr is believed to guard the underworld of Gre'thor. According to myth, ancient Klingon warriors slew their gods a millenium ago. They were apparently more trouble than they were worth.  Klingon tradition holds that "A Klingon is a man the day he can first hold a blade".  Klingons believe that they have the instinctive ability to look an opponent in the eye and see the intent to kill. Klingon tradition holds that a Klingon who dies by their own hand will not travel across the River of Blood to enter Sto-Vo-Kor.  If a Klingon warrior strikes another with the back of his hand, it is interpreted as a challenge to the death. Klingon warriors speak proudly to each other - they do not whisper or keep their distance. Standing far away and whispering are considered insults in Klingon society.

==History & Politics==

The Klingon Empire is rich in intrigue and political history and is centered around the planet Qo'noS (pronounced 'Kronos'), which is almost invariable referred to as the Klingon Homeworld. The Klingon Empire was founded approximately 1,500 years ago by the revered warrior Kahless the Unforgettable. He finally unites the Klingon people after killing his evil tyrant brother Morath with the Klingon sword of honour, known as the Bat'tellh.  

==Places==

The Homeworld of the Klingon Empire is Qo'noS, and First City is its large and sprawling capital. It was once an enormous fortress, and its architecture reflects a military sensibility in its ease of defence and Spartan decoration. First City's skyline is dominated by the immense structure known as the Great Hall - the ceremonial building which functions as a parliament, a supreme court and a public square for the Klingon people, and from which the Klingon High Council rules its interplanetary empire. Because of its unique function of providing a common meeting place within a warlike society, First City is designated neutral ground among the many political factions within the Empire. The Klingon definition of neutral conduct, however, does not appear to preclude acts of assault, assassination, and kidnapping, providing they are carried out discreetly.