“Glory Eternal”
Altarians are a species of insectoids resembling humanoids. Their other appearance is a mimicry of the First and their Empress, two powerful figures in their history. Under the reign, if Helba the Munificent, the species underwent invasive genetic modifications to suit the needs of her Hivemind control. Under the reign of Helba the Benevolent, the species is at first discovering freedom and individuality and a shift in ethics and traditions. As a whole Altarians are a militaristic and authoritarian species, as they exist within a state of the collective mind. Though it is a far cry from the Helba Hivemind, the Vita Helba hivemind is more… loose. Mostly due to her juvenile age and latent psionic abilities. Altarians sense one another’s emotions, such sense has made them close-knit. Altarians in general shares the same blood type, often leading to one to refer to another as a sibling, uncle, or aunt. They also share the same distinct facial features, male and female both. The only difference is personality, how they dress, how they distinguish themselves from one another through hairstyles or tattoos. Altarians are also comprised of three subspecies: Nephilim, Cieran, and Selkian. Such examples are Vita Helba, Nocte Sarris, and Lazarus Sarris.
Nephilim, only born from a Royal Egg from another Nephilim, are an all-female subspecies with great psionic potential. They are the longest-lived member of the species with Helba the Munificent having lived for almost two hundred thousand years until her demise by the Borg. The Nephilim are the byproduct and genetic splicing of Herald and Altarian Cieran DNA by Iconians of the ‘Pantheon Four’. This was done to introduce a controlling presence among the primitive Altarians. Nephilim at a young age have little to no psionic discipline or understanding of their psionic capabilities, making them latent until their first molt at a hundred years of age when they manifest quickly and violently. Though there were at one point thirteen different Nephilim, they were killed by Empress Helba to strengthen her control and dominance over the species. Her successor, Vita Helba, is far more benevolent. Nephilim passively emits their hivemind over a certain distance, pacifying Altarians and offering them a calm in the storms of their minds.
Cieran are the labor behind the Altarian Empire. Stoic, decisive, and blunt. They are the original strain of Altarian since they were first discovered by the Pantheon Four. Though at the time they were more than just primitive, they were primordial insects known as Manti before they evolved. Through forced evolution to avoid extinction, the Cieran came about to mimic those that hunted their species for food and material, thus the humanoid appearance. Cieran are known for how simple they are. They never argue, they don’t get angry. They simply… are… simple. Emotionless is the correct way of thinking of them. Another is autistic. Cieran can’t perceive emotions like other species, making them similar to Vulcans while being as strong as Klingons. They speak their mind, act on impulse, and always aim for direct action. They are the brawn of their species and serve as the manual labor as well as military might. Cieran also are perfect merchants, if not refreshingly fair. They farm, they build, they fight and protect.
Selkian are the last subspecies, originally created by Empress Helba. If the Cieran are the brawn then Selkians are the brains. Highly intellectual, overly curious, and extremely timid and cowardly. Such is their way, Selkian seem hard-wired to flee from violence where Cieran would move towards it. They’re teachers, scholars, scientists, priests, explorers, and doctors. Selkian are also extremely weak compared to Cieran, they’ve a drive for learning and have hard time focusing on physical labor- another hard-wired trait.
Within the new Altarian Empire and the Altarian Republic (KDF and Federation aligned respectfully), the Altarians have undergone an immense change in short several centuries. Though the split in governments is mostly due to a want for democratic rule and monarchy control. The majority of Altarians live under the Imperial rule of Vita Helba the Benevolent, ward of House Graw of the Klingon Empire. The Republic is lead by a Triumvirate. For now let’s focus on the Imperial aspect.
Imperial hierarchy is simple: Monarch, Teryn/Teryna, Arl/Arlessa, Bann/Bannessa. From the bottom to the top, the Bannorn represent small communities created by several different clans. A settlement, town, or village is lead by a Bannorn, put into power through charisma. Through the Bann, the community has a voice and the Bann speaks for them within the Imperial Court. Arlings are formed by three or five bannorns uniting, with one of the Banns being elected as an Arl who controls a district or territory. It is the Arl’s role to lead, provide, and protect their bannorn. For without them they have no power or authority. Teryns are formed by three Arls. Teryns rule over planets and command the respect and authority of their Arls and Banns. A Teryn appoints a representative Arl to the Imperial Court, forms their own garrisons, and rule over planets. Though all nobles swear fealty to the princess regardless of their place in the hierarchy. Regardless the Neo Altarian Empire is still young and still a vassal of the Klingon Empire, thus serving as a servitor to them. The hierarchy is still new and many Altarians are struggling to understand and fit themselves within the Imperial Court. Their loyalty is regardless given freely simply because the Princess is a Nephilim. A curious note is the position of the surviving members of the Pantheon: Pyth, Hense, Micia. They haven’t rejoined the Circle of the Iconian Empire and apparently have no intention of doing so. Choosing instead to live on Dromund and serve as Imperial Advisors to the princess. They have made little to no attempt to stop worship of themselves or show they care that they are seen as Gods. This may be because they are used to such acts of devotion from Heralds and other servitors that once worshipped them
The Pantheon is the only religion of the Altarian people and their dominion. Iconians Pyth, Hense, Micia, and Roathus created the Pantheon and their tenets for their own servitors to follow. Each Iconian represents a different aspect. Pyth the Warthful is represented as the Goddess of War and the Forge, one who protects as well as creates innovation. Hense, the Veiled, is the Goddess of knowledge, law, and order. Her cold understanding is for the truth only. May she wash over lies with the ties that keep peace. Micia, the mother, is the creator where Pyth is the destroyer and Roathus is death. She represents family, marriage, and creation. Roathus the Void, the chief deity is… the Goddess of death. The Void is her domain, where all go at the end of their journey. Between them are their respective sects. The Legion never worships Pyth openly, instead choosing conquest as a means to appease her. Deacons within the Legion never preach but inspire through parables of her exploits The Sect of Hense are mostly just scientists and scholars. Librarians really, they record history, invent, and are architects. The Sect of Micua are doctors, healers, and geneticists. Often as kind and warm as their patroness. The Sect of Roathus are… rarely seen. Much like the Klingons, the Altarians view a corpse as an object- no longer the person they were. But they are still treated with respect. Altarians never bury their dead, instead preferring to bone mold the remains into objects that represent the individual they were. Kobol, a hero of the Iconian war, was molded into a spear. He was a Venator who charged into battle, thus being made a member of the vanguard on the planned assault on the Andromeda Dyson Sphere- thus leading to his demise. His spear is kept within the necrohol of the Imperial Capital of Dromund. Often are the remains kept by family or kept in a clan mausoleum.
Altarians themselves are a pretty trusting species all in all. They don’t believe in doors or windows, as they have little to hide and are openly honest with each other. It is common to see many Altarians entering another’s home for meals offered by whomever resides within the abodes. There is no concept of money either, barter is the main source of trade. Whether it be an offer of services or another item that a merchant covets. Internally merchants act as distributors of goods and foodstuff. Externally they trade for what the Empire requires on a needs basis. Service is also greatly encouraged, by means of joining the KDF or Imperial Legion.